Hyūga Clan

Clan Name: Hyūga

Clan History: The Hyūga are an old, rich, and esteemed clan. A lot of funding for historical research and the arts in Sun Country is funded by Hyūga patrons, and as such they are seen as a positive influence among scholars, artisans, and nobles alike. Their estate is located near the ruins of Valla as an attempt to re-establish the old kingdom. The ruins had been lost to time when the estate was built, however, thus preventing the Hyūga from locating their ancestral home at the precise site. A few decades later they located the ruins, but the dangers within have yet to be conquered.

The Hyūga remained 'neutral' for the majority of the Silent War, exploiting the conflict's surreptitious nature to avoid any obligations for direct involvement. Once open battle erupted, their obligations to the Daimyo brought them half-heartedly into the fight. It was only once Shukaku emerged that the Hyūga mobilized in force. Clan members often wear dark glasses, veils, or goggles to protect their eyes from the sun and sand. Most of the Hyūga are marked with a variety of subtly different seals across their foreheads, demarcating the different branch families under the greater Hyūga name.

The Kaguya to the north and the Hyūga are bitter enemies, but it is obvious the clans are cousins. They share similarities in culture, dress, and politics.

The caged bird seal is applied to main branch members outside of the direct line of succession who marry (thus starting a new 'branch family'). Traditionally, it is also applied to the spouse of the clan member if they take on the Hyūga name, even if they do not bear a Byakugan. It is also applied to any children born to branch family members. It has also, in the past, been applied to younger twins in order to pre-emptively resolve succession issues caused by such.

The Caged Bird seal was originally used to destroy the byakugan upon a Hyūga's death to prevent the spread of clan secrets, but a more advanced version is often applied on Hyūga criminals and flight risks as a way to enforce the main family's control. Most Hyūga, however, only bear the first version.

Clan Traits:
-Gentle Fist: Grants the Chakra Ejection skill for free, and allows the user to learn Gentle Fist techniques.

-Open Palm: Allows the user to learn taijutsu techniques one rank higher than their specialty would normally allow. (SS ranks for secondary, S ranks for tertiary, B ranks if it is not taken as a specialty.)

-Life of Privilege: Grants a 20% ryo boost to completed missions for characters with this trait that is added to rank ryo boost rewards.

Clan Bloodline: Byakugan
Joining Requirements: Be born, or married into the clan.