Not only the Main Clan Elders, but also the Branch Family Elders were whispering in surprise at Hiashi's decision.
"The flaw I refer to is not as a ninja talent, but as a character flaw. Hinata, who can't even suppress her own sister, if she inherits the Main Family in the future, might disrupt the entire Hyuga Clan's ruling structure. This is something I do not want to see."
Hiashi sighed.
"What do you mean?"
"Just before Elder Danzo's visit, on a whim, I had Hinata spar with Hanabi, who has not started school and just recently began Gentle Fist training, and the result was that Hinata didn't last ten rounds before being decisively defeated by her younger sister Hanabi. It's not just about strength and talent; the personality Hanabi currently exhibits is also more suited to the status of the Main Family than Hinata."
Hearing this from Hiashi, the Main Clan Elders also started reflecting. They didn't care whether Hanabi's strength was greater than Hinata's, because Hanabi being stronger now doesn't mean she will be stronger than Hinata in the future.
Because the core techniques of Gentle Fist, which will be distributed to the Branch Family's Hanabi, she is not eligible to learn.
And Hinata, who has mastered the core of Gentle Fist, can quickly surpass Hanabi; that is an indisputable fact.
However, Hiashi mentioned the character flaw, and the Main Clan Elders recalled Hinata's usual behavior. Indeed, Hinata's personality was a bit too soft.
To become a clan leader, strength is not the only determining factor. If the character is too weak, it might lead to a rebellious blood event.
Examples like this have been reflected in the development history of many Ninja Clans.
"Although it is not unprecedented for a second son or daughter to inherit the Main Family, that only occurs when the first son and daughter are completely incapable."
If the clan leader is too incompetent, it will disrupt the entire clan.
Therefore, in the history of the Hyuga Clan's development, there have been examples where the capabilities of the first son and daughter were weak, and the second son and daughter inherited the Main Family.
"The issue is, both Miss Hinata and Miss Hanabi are still too young, and it's still a bit early to make a judgment now. However, the clan leader's words do hold some truth; if the first daughter is incompetent, having the second daughter inherit the Main Family is also an option. Let's leave this decision for future observation."
The elderly Main Clan Elder spoke, his opinion tended to be impartial.
Though he outwardly agreed with Hiashi's view, he also allowed considerable room for maneuver.
The Main Family's inheritance system for the first son and daughter should not be easily discarded unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, it would bring significant drawbacks and foster unnecessary rebellious sentiments among some capable Branch Family members.
Despite the Main Family producing geniuses in every generation, the number of geniuses is always concentrated in the more populous Branch Family.
The reason the Branch Family is weaker than the Main Family is because most Branch Family members cannot learn the essence of Gentle Fist.
Even if they learn the core techniques of Gentle Fist, it's due to the flawed Byakugan that they cannot exert their full potential. In an equal battle, Main Family Ninjas can easily defeat Branch Family Ninjas, ensuring the Main Family's dominance.
"Do you all share this view?"
Hiashi looked towards the Main Clan Elders.
"Indeed, although Miss Hinata currently has character flaws, subsequent corrections can solve them. Unless necessary, we hope the clan leader will consider carefully."
"Is that so? Then, alright, we'll have to delay the planting of the Caged Bird Seal accordingly. Compared to Hinata, I prefer Hanabi's talent and temperament, which might be the best choice for the family."
The traditional Main Clan Elders tended to favor the first daughter Hinata, but as the Clan Leader, Hiashi leaned towards the second daughter Hanabi.
The Branch Family Elders did not partake in such disputes, because no matter who inherits the Main Family, it remains largely irrelevant to them. As long as the Caged Bird Cursed Seal remains unresolved, the Branch Family cannot gain decision-making power at family meetings, only offer advice.
Yet Hiashi's firm stance attracted the attention of several Main Clan Elders.
They all knew Hiashi's character and acknowledged the contributions he had made over the years towards the stability of the Hyuga Clan.
For Hiashi to speak so boldly about abandoning the first daughter in favor of the second daughter, she must have exceptional qualities. Otherwise, Hiashi would not argue logically here.
If the second daughter Hanabi truly excels and leaves the first daughter's talents far behind, bringing confidence to strengthen the clan, considering her as the Main Family's successor is indeed an option.
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Land of Demons Security Team Headquarters Building.
Located outside the south section of the Shion City's outer ring road, the road in front of the building is wide, with accessible transportation lines in all directions. In case of an emergency, one can quickly reach every corner of Shion City.
Ayane stood in the topmost office of the Security Team Headquarters building, looking through the glass at the road section in front, which was under construction.
Apart from the necessary sidewalks, from Shion City, additional transportation routes had already begun to set up.
Tracks known as railway lines were being laid.
The plan was to extend the tracks throughout all important areas of Shion City, and even with Shion City as the core, envelop the entirety of the Land of Demons with overwhelming momentum.
Nearby, the Land of Snow and the Land of Shadow would also prioritize completing route arrangements, while the Land of Bear would be postponed until next year when the Land of Demons would move towards further centralized rule. Its influence over neighboring countries would also become more significant.
Now, whether it's the military, the government, or the finance department of the Land of Demons, they are all operating at high speed, turning the large national machine of 'Land of Demons'.