After listening to Chinya's persuasion, Hizashi Hyuga lowered his head and remained silent for a moment.
After a while, Hizashi looked up at Chinya and said, "Konoha's barrier should prevent those ninja from easily invading, right?"
Chinya countered, "What if they don't invade directly?"
Hizashi asked in confusion, "Not invading directly?"
Chinya gave an example, "Like entering Konoha under the pretense of a diplomatic visit?"
Chinya admitted that Konoha's barrier had some real merit to it.
Without Obito Uchiha's [Kamui Intangibility] technique and his knowledge of bypassing Konoha's barrier, his plan would have been extremely difficult to succeed.
Likewise, when the Kumo ninjas abducted Hinata Hyuga, it was because they had come to Konoha under the guise of a diplomatic mission from the Cloud Village.
But this wouldn't happen until three years later. Even if he told Hizashi outright now, the man still wouldn't believe it.
Hizashi took a deep breath before declining, "Sorry, Chinya, but I can't join your organization."
Chinya looked at Hizashi in confusion, "Hizashi, this situation really could happen. And you've already seen right through the selfish facade of the Hyuga Main Family. They're not worth it. If that's the case, then why refuse my invitation?"
Hizashi smiled and replied, "I believe what you say might really happen. I suppose you could call me a fool for loyalty. Although I hate the system between the Main and Branch Families, I deeply love the Hyuga Clan itself. I'm proud to be a member of the Hyuga."
"All I want is for Neji to have the chance to choose his own path — not for myself. As for me, what I'm doing now is rebellious enough. Do you really expect me to leave the Hyuga Clan? I'm sorry, but I truly can't do that.
"But no matter what choice Neji makes in the future — whether he stays with the Hyuga or chooses to leave — I'll respect it. But as for me... forget it."
Upon hearing Hizashi's answer, Chinya let out a deep sigh: "I understand. I respect your choice."
Hizashi stood up and said, "Chinya, I'll take my leave first. I expect I'll probably be put under house arrest and not allowed to leave the Hyuga Compound soon. We might not see each other again until at least a year and a half from now."
Chinya nodded, "I'll wait. Hizashi, if you change your mind, feel free to tell me anytime. I'll always welcome you. Sometimes, slightly adjusting your approach can make life easier. Life is short — you don't need to carry such heavy burdens."
Hizashi nodded with a smile, "If I ever change my mind, I won't hesitate to reach out. After all, you're Neji's teacher — something like a second father to him."
After Hizashi left, Kushina Uzumaki walked out of the bedroom holding Sōnagi Uzumaki in her arms.
Kushina sighed, "Lord Hizashi truly loves his clan."
Chinya also sighed, "Perhaps that's just loyalty to family honor. But has to be said, Hizashi going this far for Neji is already quite admirable."
Kushina asked, "Chinya, will Lord Hizashi get into trouble?"
Chinya looked at Kushina Uzumaki with surprise.
Kushina explained, "The way you spoke just now made me feel like you somehow knew something bad would happen to Hizashi, so you were trying to persuade him."
Chinya pressed his lips together and sighed helplessly. "But... he refused. And what he said in the end left me unable to help. If I did, it would mean disregarding his own will. That was his choice."
He couldn't help but sigh again. "Well, we'll deal with it when the time comes. Let's wait and see how things unfold. As for Neji, I'll be sure to raise him well. After all, his father has already gone this far for him."
...
Time passed day by day.
After joining Anbu, Kakashi occasionally summoned snakes to inform Chinya about his situation.
Orochimaru continued his research inside his secret chamber at the base.
Since Chinya had previously told Hiruzen Sarutobi that he needed some time off, no missions were assigned to him. Now he spent his days at home caring for the child together with Kushina Uzumaki.
Chinya had contacted Yahiko, Raiga Kurosuki, and Pakura once. They were currently working missions in the Country of Bears to earn money.
Minato Namikaze remained unconscious.
As for Uzumaki Miyuki and Naruto, they rarely stepped out of their house unless absolutely necessary.
Regarding those rumors spreading about Naruto, Hiruzen Sarutobi took immediate action upon learning about them.
However, the effect of his control was minimal. People whispered behind his back and spread the rumors secretly, leaving him helpless.
The situation was even worse for the Uchiha Clan. With Hiruzen Sarutobi's approval, Danzo began targeting the clan harshly.
Danzo first started releasing messages everywhere, claiming that none of the Uchiha ninja had participated in the Nine-Tails incident.
This caused misunderstandings and dissatisfaction among the villagers of Konoha.
The Uchiha ninja themselves wouldn't explain that the reason they hadn't taken part in the rescue efforts was because of Hiruzen Sarutobi's orders.
Now, they were like mute people swallowing bitter melon—unable to voice their bitterness.
At Danzo's suggestion, after discussions involving Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, they decided to reorganize the layout of the various clans within the village. The Uchiha Clan was relocated to the outskirts, placed under a state of surveillance and balance from other major clans.
The process was already underway and expected to be completed within a year.
These incidents stirred strong discontent among the Uchiha Clan. Members continuously complained to Fugaku Uchiha, hoping he could seek justice for them.
Fugaku personally visited the Hokage Tower to negotiate with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Yet, Hiruzen kept giving vague responses, leaving Fugaku helpless. For the greater good, Fugaku eventually accepted the arrangement.
Shisui Uchiha also didn't know what to do now.
As one of Minato Namikaze's Hokage Bodyguards, he had now joined Hiruzen Sarutobi's Hokage Bodyguards.
Originally believing Minato's presence would improve the clan's position, he never expected their pillar to vanish directly.
Shisui Uchiha observed the current situation within the Uchiha Clan. He could only say it was fortunate that Fugaku Uchiha was keeping things under control; otherwise, things might have gone completely out of control.
Moreover, Shisui could unmistakably feel that Fugaku no longer trusted him.
He couldn't understand—why would Fugaku suddenly stop trusting him, after all he'd done to improve relations between the Uchiha Clan and the village?
Shisui felt somewhat lost.
Then, one day three months later, Uzumaki Miyuki came to Chinya's home carrying Naruto and found Chinya and Kushina Uzumaki already there.
Miyuki took a seat, her expression grave, as she addressed Chinya and Kushina with a serious request.
"Chinya, Kushina, I need your help!"
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