The Hyuga clan did not belong to Hiashi alone; he couldn't simply do as he pleased.
In terms of population, the branch families far outnumbered the main family. By long-standing custom, thirty percent of each branch family's income was handed over unconditionally to the main household.
Although the expenditure and investment of these funds fell under certain authorities, they still required the approval of other clan elders, while branch family managers also retained the right to vote for or against proposals.
Ordinarily, that income was enough to cover the clan's expenses—provided Hinata didn't eat so much, so well, or so extravagantly.
When Hiashi realized he could no longer afford to raise his daughter properly with that amount alone, he brought forth a proposal during a clan meeting: to increase the branch family's contribution rate from thirty percent to fifty—and, if possible, to sixty or even higher.
Predictably, the entire clan was in an uproar.
"Are we not supposed to live anymore?" the branch members shouted. "The village already takes one-fifth from every mission! If the main family takes half of what's left, how are we supposed to survive?"
Though the Hyuga clan numbered in the thousands, not all of them lived within the clan compound. Many had moved out and rented homes elsewhere.
Only a few families in true hardship were exempted from taxes, supported by subsidies from both the village and the clan. All other able members were required to contribute without exception.
The branch families fiercely opposed the increased levy. Even the elders of the main family disagreed, accusing Hiashi of gambling everything on Hinata. If she were to die or falter, they said, all the resources invested in her would be wasted.
In the face of such opposition, Hiashi staked his position as clan head as collateral. He promised that if anything happened to Hinata—if she were to suffer an accident or fail—the branch family members would be exempt from paying taxes for an equal period.
In other words, if the branch families had paid taxes for three years and Hinata met with misfortune, they would owe nothing for the next three years, and the main family would relinquish its claim.
Using his position as leverage silenced the main family's elders, while the promise of tax exemption placated the branch families. Whatever they paid now, they could recover later—if things went wrong.
Eventually, through Hiashi's persistence and negotiation, the elders relented, and the resistance from the branch families diminished significantly. The new rate—an astonishing sixty-five percent—came to symbolize the entire clan's faith in Hinata.
"That's how it happened," Neji finished, his throat dry from speaking. He lifted the cup of tea Hinata had poured for him, taking a small sip. The gentle sweetness soothed his voice.
Hinata sat quietly, eyes downcast. "I didn't know… no one ever told me."
Neji gave a small, knowing laugh. "That's probably because Lord Hiashi didn't want to burden you. You've always been sensitive, haven't you? When you were little, too much pressure made you want to run away. A bit of pressure helps one grow—but too much can crush you."
Hinata's cheeks flushed pink. She blinked her pale eyes shyly, then reached for the teapot to refill Neji's cup.
"Anything else you want to ask?" he asked.
Hinata thought for a moment, then shook her head.
Neji nodded, drained his tea, and placed the cup back down. He pressed his hands to his knees as he stood. "Alright then, I'll get going. Guy-sensei, Lee, and Tenten are waiting for me to train. Seeing how hard everyone's working, I can't just sit on my 'genius' title and slack off. I have to keep improving."
"Good luck, Neji-nii. Take care of yourself," Hinata said softly.
"You too, Hinata-sama," he replied with a faint smile.
After watching Neji leave, Hinata closed her eyes, deep in thought. When she opened them again, determination flickered within. She left home and headed straight for the Hokage Building.
After yesterday's grueling, self-destructive training, the murmurs of discontent among the branch family had all but vanished. Now, whenever Hinata passed by—whether within the compound or outside—the branch members stopped to greet her respectfully.
Their admiration was genuine.
The resentment that once brewed stemmed from the belief that Hinata was idle and wasteful—living lavishly while they struggled under heavy taxes. But now that her dedication had been proven beyond doubt, she had earned their respect.
When she gave her all, Hinata was undeniably the strongest Hyuga—her strength comparable, even, to Orochimaru's.
Blushing faintly, she returned the greetings of those she met, exchanging a few warm words with those she knew well before continuing on her way.
At the Hokage Building, Hinata knocked lightly on the office door and entered when granted permission. Tsunade was at her desk, reviewing documents, with Shizune assisting at her side.
"Oh, it's you," Tsunade said, glancing up. "Is there something you need?"
Her gaze sharpened slightly. She had already received an Anbu report on Hinata's actions within the Hyuga clan the previous day. Frankly speaking, that had been Anko's doing more than anyone else's.
"Hokage-sama," Hinata said firmly, standing straight, "I would like to apply for promotion to Jonin."
Tsunade blinked. "What did you say? Jonin? Now?" She set down her pen. "You only just became a Chunin. Isn't that… a bit too fast?"
"Yes, now," Hinata answered without hesitation.
Realizing she wasn't joking, Tsunade leaned back and sighed. "Becoming a Jonin isn't something done on impulse. Strength is only part of it—you also need a solid record: missions completed, performance evaluations, leadership ability. It's a comprehensive assessment. You have the strength, but you lack experience."
At Tsunade's signal, Shizune left and quickly returned with a document, which Tsunade examined.
"Let's see… you've completed three B-rank missions, sixteen C-rank missions, and eighty-five D-rank missions. That's not nearly enough. And most of those D-rank missions were completed by your teammates—your individual evaluation score is zero."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't realized mission evaluations directly affected promotion. If she had known earlier, she wouldn't have—
"What should I do, then?" she asked straightforwardly.
"Hmm…" Tsunade tapped the paper with her finger. "You've passed the C-rank quota, but you're short on B-ranks. Complete two more to reach five. After that, you'll need at least two A-rank missions and one S-rank mission. Keep in mind, it's not just about completing them—your performance will be evaluated as well."
Hinata nodded silently, her expression resolute.
Tsunade continued, "As for D-rank missions, I'll give you a discount—forty more should be enough. Once you've done that and receive a Jonin recommendation, you can be officially promoted."
…
Given Hinata's qualifications, she would have already become a Jonin had this been wartime. However, in times of peace, the standards for promotion were undeniably stricter.
…
After leaving the Hokage Building, Hinata began planning her future, setting a clear goal — to attain the rank of Jonin before the end of the year.
She reflected carefully and realized that there was nothing she could truly do to repay her father except to become stronger and more exceptional.
Doesn't Father love to boast and show off? she thought. Then I'll give him something to boast about. Becoming a Jonin at twelve years old — that should be reason enough, right?
She headed to the mission office and browsed through the available assignments. Among the many D-rank missions, the ones involving lost-and-found cases were undoubtedly the best choice.
Hinata accepted six missions at once — the daily maximum allowed for an individual or team. Just because one was capable didn't mean they could monopolize them; after all, many genin in the village relied on D-rank missions for their livelihood.
After leaving the mission site, Hinata activated her Byakugan and leapt lightly onto a rooftop, moving swiftly toward the nearest target.