Pride breeds stupidity, stupidity feeds arrogance, and arrogance leads to ruin.
This is the fundamental reason why those who feel overly confident in their advantages eventually come crashing down.
Just like how Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura originally considered dealing with Hyūga Sōshu's plan as nothing more than an ordinary matter—eliminating a minor branch. But unexpectedly, they were overthrown by a miraculous strike from the resolute Hyūga Sōshu, ending up capsizing in their own backyard.
Right now, caught in the eye of the hurricane, bearing tremendous pressure, barely avoiding complete destruction, yet utterly helpless.
Homura Mitokado had once tried to convince Hyūga Sōshu to accept reality. "Konoha can't handle another crisis anymore," he'd said.
But in truth, flies don't buzz around unbroken eggs. Konoha's decline also stemmed from its own sense of superiority, with actions like the F4 constantly "refining" things bit by bit—trimming away what seemed unnecessary.
Although seated high in the ninja clan summit hall, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi refused to acknowledge the facts. Yet facts remain facts because they do not change according to personal imagination.
Take the current situation in the summit hall—as staunch supporters of the Hokage faction, the Ino–Shika–Cho clan leaders tried their best to liven the atmosphere and spark conversations. Yet all the small and mid-sized clan heads in attendance merely kept their heads lowered as if sleeping, clearly signaling that until a certain someone arrives, they wouldn't say or listen to anything.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, advisor elder Koharu Utatane, and the ostracized Danzo Shimura all understood whom these clan heads, expressing their stance through silence, were waiting for:
The Hyūga and Uchiha—the two great noble clans!
Except for the heads of these two powerful clans, nearly every other major ninja clan leader had already arrived.
Yet no matter how hard the Nara clan head tried to steer discussions toward criticizing the elites for disregarding rules and wasting everyone's time, nobody responded. They just sat there, eyes closed, pretending not to hear a word.
Eventually, after exhausting himself speaking to deaf ears, the Nara clan head gave up and finally shut up too. The entire summit hall was swallowed by an unsettling silence.
This was what puzzled Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi the most.
"How could these clans, usually filled with internal conflicts, stand united against a common enemy?"
It was even more absurd than imagining the Uchiha Clan wiping themselves out tomorrow!
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt as if he couldn't breathe.
Such a worst-case scenario hadn't occurred since he took the position of Hokage!
But suddenly his left eye twitched—immediately he straightened his posture, eyes locking onto the entrance of the summit hall.
The other clan leaders turned their heads as well, then one by one rose to their feet.
Under a wave of burning gazes, the Head of the Hyūga Clan and the Uchiha Clan Leader slowly approached, like saviors beloved by the masses coming forth to rescue the lost.
At least that's how the Hyūga Clan Leader felt inside—even though he showed nothing but calm on the outside.
Of course, things would've been perfect—if only the Uchiha Clan Leader beside him wasn't wearing that poker-faced expression the whole time!
As the two influential clan leaders finally arrived and stepped elegantly into the hall, the conference room doors slowly shut behind them.
The moment the doors closed, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt as if the indoor lights had dimmed for no reason at all.
It was almost like a reflection of his own mood.
But faced with the sudden alliance between these two powerful clans, he dared not relax even slightly, nor did he dare—as he might have before—take this opportunity to criticize or stir up issues regarding meeting discipline. Instead, he spoke warmly and formally announced the official start of the Ninja Clan Summit. Although Koharu Utatane had already declared the meeting open earlier, none of the ninja clan representatives had acknowledged it, so repeating the opening announcement now was perfectly appropriate.
After all, in moments like this, one should not be too rigid about dignity.
"This won't be easy," the Third Hokage sighed inwardly, then quickly gathered himself, ready to engage in sharp verbal sparring and stubborn argumentation once more.
This was the third day of the Chūnin Exams' Survival Trial in the Forest of Death.
It was also the third day since the Ninja Clan Summit began.
As time passed, the lower-ranked genin candidates within the Forest of Death were gradually separating into victors and losers. Some relatively outstanding candidates had already collected both Heaven and Earth Scrolls and reached the central tower of the Forest of Death.
To prevent unnecessary influence, the Policing Department's Special Operations Unit led by Uchiha Takahiro and the Red-armbanded Special Ninja Force organized by Jonin Koryo no longer gathered near the central tower, instead choosing separate areas where they could remain hidden.
And at noon that same day, an important guest from the Uchiha Clan arrived at the central tower.
"You are quite the distinguished young man, Soushu. Truly befitting the reputation of being a rising talent in the Hyuga Clan."
Although they had never met before, this middle-aged jōnin from the Uchiha Clan offered praise the moment he arrived.
"What about Mahiru-chan? Bring her here—there's no need to keep things under wraps."
"Oh right, I'm Captain Tatsuma of the Fifth Division in the Policing Department. Of course, you probably don't know me since we've never met."
The guest who introduced himself as Tatsuma Uchiha smiled while closely scrutinizing Hyuga Soushu. "But there's something else I am—I'm Mahiru-chan's father!"
"Ah… uh…"
Hyuga Soushu could only stare in surprise, clearly unsure how to respond.
"I'm here."
Before the flustered Soushu could go get her, Uchiha Mahiru had already appeared inside the tower with [Body Flicker]. After hesitating briefly, she chose to sit down on the right side of Soushu.
"A daughter grows up so quickly," Tatsuma murmured to himself, a wave of sentimentality washing over him.
Yet he quickly regained composure. "The results of the Ninja Clan Summit are out."
"I'm listening respectfully," Soushu bowed slightly, showing attentive readiness.
"The summit has reached a unanimous decision—you will serve as Commander of the Northern Border Defense Force!"
Tatsuma Uchiha said slowly.
Soushu's expression changed slightly, though he showed no immediate reaction.
"And furthermore, your marriage with Mahiru-chan will receive the blessing of both clans!"
Uchiha Tatsuma nodded meaningfully, obviously pleased, then raised his hand pointing toward the direction of the Hyuga District in Konoha.
His meaning was clear without further words.
Even Mahiru Uchiha, who had been utterly devoted, disregarded the presence of her elderly father and firmly grabbed Soushu's right hand!
Soushu naturally understood her feelings, so he ignored his future father-in-law's disapproving gaze and kissed Mahiru-chan's forehead affectionately, offering reassurance.
Although Tatsuma Uchiha twitched his mouth a few times, he ultimately refrained from expressing his displeasure.
After all, this dear daughter had already completely molded herself into Soushu's image.
"Anything else?"
Soushu asked, turning his head.
"Uchiha Toshimichi, who commands the Policing Department's Special Operations Unit, is my direct subordinate," Tatsuma Uchiha said slowly. "He and his entire squad will leave the Policing Department as a unit and join your directly commanded forces!"
"What a sacrifice!" Soushu sighed slightly, inwardly quite shocked.
The Uchiha Clan's involvement was not simply about gaining his wife's family as support; more importantly, Uchiha ninjas previously tightly confined within the Policing Department were beginning to break free from their restraints and compete for positions and power in broader arenas.
"In addition, the Hyuga Clan will also dispatch three reconnaissance squads to your directly commanded forces, under your complete control."
Tatsuma paused briefly before adding, "You hold their lives and deaths in your hands!"
Entrusting the Main House's resources to a Branch member was unprecedented in Hyuga Clan history.
Soushu's expression shifted slightly, but he merely nodded without making any explicit response.
"All appointments and promotions at the chunin level within the Northern Border Defense Force will be decided by you; furthermore, your term will last five years, after which you may recommend your successor."
Tatsuma continued, "You can even nominate yourself if necessary!"
"Our Hokage really is bleeding heavily today!" Soushu's expression finally softened slightly.
"General trends leave him no choice!" Tatsuma also revealed a satisfied smile. "Konoha belongs to all Konoha ninja, not a place for any single family, surname, faction, or individual to dominate arbitrarily!"
"But words alone aren't enough!" Soushu immediately added.
"All attending clan leaders will serve as witnesses, and Hiruzen has sworn upon the Kage Rock," Tatsuma quickly added. "Additionally, the Hokage Tower will officially issue formal documentation once you accept the position."
"What about that troublemaker in the Daimyo's court?" Soushu wanted more.
Moreover, in his opinion, swearing upon the Kage Rock was mere nonsense—just like when Sima Yi swore upon the Luo River (breaking his vow later)—it would amount to nothing! He couldn't believe the old monkey would really back down over a mere oath if given another chance!
"Courtiers don't face punishment—that's been the rule in the ninja world for thousands of years," Tatsuma calmly responded. "Besides, the reason Hiruzen agreed to concede so much was precisely to protect that puppeteer. Furthermore, the current Guardian Ninjas will all be abolished, those implicated will be hunted down jointly by Anbu and the Policing Department, and the village will select personnel from active-duty ninja to form a newly established trustworthy Guardian Force."
Soushu stared ahead slightly moved, but only nodded silently.
But then he glanced at Mahiru Uchiha, who was holding his hand tightly, took a deep breath, and spoke firmly, "I accept the position of Border Forces Commander!"
He had no interest in knowing how the Ninja Clan Summit played out or how much advantage the alliance led by the Hyuga and Uchiha had wrested from the Hokage's side. After all, those were games he wasn't ready to play yet. Compared to that, it was far more important to firmly grasp the current benefits within his reach.
Although the Hokage's camp, having suffered defeat, certainly wouldn't let things rest easily, with the support of two major clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha, they could at least weather the treacherous attacks headed their way. As for the one at the Daimyo's court, there would be plenty of opportunities to even the score later!
After all, being officially together with Mahiru Uchiha was the most important thing.
"Excellent!"
Tatsuma Uchiha laughed heartily.
The big picture is set!
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