Hiruzen Sarutobi, usually known for his kindly smile, now looked as if he were sitting on pins and needles. Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane appeared visibly anxious, while Sakumo Hatake maintained his usual stoic expression. The high-ranking figures from Konoha attending the Ninja Clan Hearing displayed strikingly different expressions.
Yet behind his calm exterior, Hiruzen's thoughts raced with worry.
The most immediate source of concern was Tsunade herself—the first to arrive at the hearing and already seated in the very first seat inside the hall.
After the Senju Clan had entirely withdrawn from participation, it had become a matter of debate whether Tsunade could still be regarded as a clan representative.
However, at such a critical moment under everyone's gaze, Hiruzen was unwilling to break the silent understanding that had long existed between himself and Tsunade. Therefore, he chose to look the other way for now.
After all, considering both blood ties and political alliances, Tsunade's attendance was perfectly reasonable—particularly due to her status as a direct blood descendant of the Senju and her close ties with the Uzumaki Clan.
Still, with only ten minutes remaining before the hearing began, aside from Tsunade and the firm supporters of the Hokage faction—the representatives of the Ino–Shika–Cho triad—not a single member from any other ninja clan had arrived yet.
Suppressing the urge to openly use his crystal ball for surveillance, Hiruzen subtly signaled to one of the Anbu ninjas beside him. The masked operative immediately vanished in a blur, off to investigate why the other clan representatives were late.
Three minutes later, another Anbu silently reappeared behind Hiruzen and handed him a scroll.
As he unrolled the scroll, Hiruzen's headache only worsened.
The Hyuga, Uchiha, and various smaller clans loyal to these two formidable families were not heading directly to the hearing hall. Instead, some had gathered within the Hyuga District, while others waited along the main road leading straight to the Hokage Tower.
It was clear—they were waiting.
Waiting for Soushu Hyuga—the one who had stirred up this whole storm—to finally show up.
Inside the Hyuga District, Soushu Hyuga wasn't in a rush to leave. Instead, he sat down for a sincere and calm conversation with Hiashi Hyuga.
During this recent mission where the Ninja Force returned to the village, Hiashi had led independently for the first time and performed quite well. Normally, Soushu should have rewarded him accordingly.
But because Hiashi had once been the legitimate eldest son of the Main House, many senior Branch House ninja felt deep unease. Immediately after returning from the battlefield, several jonin approached Soushu with urgent advice—to place Hiashi under house arrest within the village.
These adult Branch members bore the irreversible Caged Bird (Tenketsu) Curse Seal; although Soushu had officially abolished the Main House/Branch House system, the seal still remained visible on their foreheads. If Hiashi, as a Main House member, happened to be captured during an external assignment, it would undoubtedly spell unimaginable disaster for all former Branch House ninjas.
"Hiashi, what are your plans moving forward?"
Soushu Hyuga wanted to avoid both direct conflict with Hiashi Hyuga and completely dismissing the concerns raised by the senior Branch House ninjas. Therefore, he passed the decision back to Hiashi himself.
"I wish to contribute something meaningful for our family."
Hiashi Hyuga hesitated for a long time before finally yielding to circumstances with reluctance.
As for why those Hyuga jonin were at the Commander's Mansion, Hiashi didn't even need to think to figure it out. Although he wished to leave and serve as a carefree commander somewhere distant, faced with Hyuga Soushu's current ambiguous stance, he had no choice but to bow down.
"Clan Leader Hiashi performed admirably during the Uzumaki rescue operation and therefore deserved an appropriate reward,"
Hyuga Soushu deliberately stressed the word "appropriate" before adding, "How about the position of deputy chief within the Policing Department?"
"The Policing Department?"
Hiashi inhaled sharply through his teeth.
"The Policing Department has agreed to transfer control of the Western District Security Squad to our clan, and that squad's jurisdiction directly borders our clan territory."
Hyuga Soushu continued, "Moreover, I plan to settle the Uzumaki Clan on the outer perimeter of our district too. I'll place both responsibilities under your command. How does that sound?"
What else could he possibly say?
He certainly couldn't afford to decline Soushu's generous offer!
Therefore, all Hiashi could do was bow respectfully: "I accept gratefully! I shall surely fulfill this duty and not betray your trust!"
Hyuga Soushu felt very pleased with Hiashi's understanding attitude, then stood up and said, "In that case, please accompany me to the Ninja Clan Summit hearing. After all, Clan Leader Hiashi, as a Ninja Force commander, your words will carry more persuasive weight if spoken directly by you."
"At once!"
Having already bent once, Hiashi had no trouble bending again.
Thus, he obediently followed Soushu's arrangement, though inwardly he silently vowed that one day he would rise again and break free from this shackling chain.
Unconcerned about Hiashi's inner turmoil, Soushu ordered his subordinates to summon Mahiru Uchiha before departing the clan grounds together with Hiashi. They joined Kenji Uzumaki and other clan representatives who had been waiting for quite some time.
After Soushu led his large entourage out of the Hyuga District, other clan leaders who had been cautiously watching developments also eagerly emerged from their homes. Hurrying quickly, they positioned themselves along the Commercial District streets leading toward the Hokage Tower, joining Soushu's procession and walking side by side toward the hearing room inside the Hokage Tower.
To Konoha's F4—and particularly Danzo, who hadn't attended the hearing—it looked like yet another massive show of force orchestrated by the ninja clans.
That was exactly what he couldn't stand.
Danzo originally intended to assassinate Hyuga Soushu, yet as soon as this idea surfaced in his mind, he immediately suppressed it himself.
After all, the thousand ninja withdrawn from the border hadn't been fully disbanded yet, and three hundred Hyuga-loyal special forces remained gathered just outside the Hyuga District. At the slightest sign of disturbance, the Hokage faction—who lacked sizable, organized ninja forces—would be utterly defenseless before the slaughter.
Meanwhile, deep inside the conference hall, Hiruzen Sarutobi breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving secret intelligence reported by Anbu ninja.
As long as this meeting could be convened smoothly, everything else could be discussed.
Furthermore, the Hokage faction, recently sidelined by the combined forces of the Ninja Clan Alliance and Kakashi Sakumo's reformist group, urgently needed an opportunity to regain control over public opinion.
"Mr. Sakumo, Soushu will arrive shortly. Please be patient."
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up: "Although he's five minutes late, fortunately Soushu still values the bigger picture. The village's future remains stable and peaceful."
While his words sounded reassuring, they were actually full of subtle provocation.
A slight twitch tugged at the corner of Kakashi Sakumo's mouth as he forced a grim smile, then he lowered his head without another word.
Hyuga Soushu's recent actions had left him utterly puzzled.
However, because of his consistent belief in unity within Konoha and the continuous support from Hyuga Soushu, Kakashi Sakumo found it difficult to express any criticism or opposition toward Soushu's behavior.
Yet, seeds of discord quietly took root.
This was exactly the subtle effect the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi aimed for.
Just as an oppressive silence returned to the conference hall for about three minutes, Hyuga Soushu and a group of clan leaders finally appeared at the entrance.
Everyone's eyes were on Kenji Uzumaki, not Soushu himself or the other clan leaders flanking him. Kenji wore a white forehead band marked with the kanji character for "revenge," dressed formally in elegant black robes—traditional attire worn during wartime mourning in ancient China, reminiscent of the Warring States period.
In the end, it was clear from Kenji Uzumaki's dramatic entrance—and Hiashi Soushu's quiet endorsement along with the clan leaders' late arrival—that their position was already set.
Kakashi Sakumo sighed inwardly but merely nodded slightly toward Soushu in greeting, making no move to rise and properly welcome him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and his two old friends exchanged glances briefly without speaking.
So, Soushu led the clan leaders into the meeting hall with confidence, taking their seats together and silently directing their united gaze toward the senior Konoha officials on the stage.
Tsunade, seated near the entrance, hesitated to speak; from the moment she entered until taking her seat, Kenji Uzumaki hadn't shared even a single glance with her—the sole distant blood relative of the Uzumaki Clan living in Konoha.
This invisible yet intense estrangement made Tsunade feel extremely uneasy and tormented.
Only at this moment did she truly realize how lonely and helpless she felt within this village built by her grandfather.
"Let's begin the meeting."
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi simply declared. Following this, Homura Mitokado stood to warmly welcome the surviving members of the Uzumaki Clan who had escaped suffering and arrived safely in Konoha. He also expressed deep respect toward Hyuga Soushu for leading the campaign against the Grass Ninja Village and rescuing Konoha's allied bloodline heirs, while emphasizing that Konoha—a noble and honorable Hidden Leaf Village—was fully committed to creating the best possible living conditions for the Uzumaki Clan.
However, these formalities weren't what Kenji Uzumaki—or the mastermind behind this entire affair, Hiashi Soushu—wished to hear.
Of course, Homura Mitokado and several top Konoha officials fully understood this point, yet they couldn't avoid speaking these necessary formalities; otherwise, if public opinion grew chaotic again, they would once again be overwhelmed with troubles.
"The Uzumaki Clan may freely select unoccupied land within Konoha to establish their residence. The village will fully fund the establishment of their home and provide annual financial support to help our honored allies recover quickly."
"After going on with a string of empty words," Homura Mitokado finally concluded with a rather insincere verbal promise.
"Thank you, Hokage, and all esteemed elder advisors for your meticulous care and concern."
Kenji Uzumaki glanced at Soushu Hyuga. Only after receiving silent permission from him did he stand up and say, "With the Uzumaki Clan currently in its weakest state throughout the past millennium, establishing an independent clan district is clearly impractical. Considering further that Elder Soushu has kindly offered his protection, our clan members now plan to build and purchase homes on the outskirts of the Hyuga District."
This was a clear declaration indeed.
Hearing this, even Tsunade, who'd tried hard to stay detached, let out a sharp breath, feeling just how incredible it truly was!
If things keep going like this, what's the difference between the Uzumaki Clan and becoming a branch family under the Hyuga?
Even more importantly, during the Warring States period (the era of constant clan warfare), the Uzumaki had been one of the Four Great Noble Ninja Clans. Now, by fully relying upon the Hyuga, how much more prestige would the already flourishing Hyuga Clan gain?
"As it's the Uzumaki Clan's own wish, we have no objections from a personal standpoint."
Homura shot a glance at his two old friends before making a response.
"Thank you all for your understanding."
Kenji Uzumaki slightly raised his nose, bowing slightly as a token of gratitude.
"Moreover, according to the blood oath treaty established by Hashirama-sama, the village will continue providing the Uzumaki Clan with annual financial subsidies for support."
Koharu Utatane spoke slowly.
"We're extremely grateful!"
Naturally, Kenji Uzumaki didn't mind accepting some extra money.
"The Grass Ninja Village's actions are absolutely intolerable. Therefore, the village has decided to retaliate. What do the rest of you think?"
An impatient Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi directly skipped past the scheduled segment of listening to the Uzumaki's tragic tales and jumped straight into the next agenda.
Besides, although his tone was questioning, he clearly wasn't seeking approval.
"The Grass Ninja Village deserves total destruction!"
Representing his clan, Fugaku declared proudly, "The ninja clans form Konoha's foundation; they are rightful heirs of the Shinobi Sect. Since the Uzumaki have suffered such disgraceful bullying from the lowly Grass ninjas, we must answer with blood!"
"Ninja Clans..."
Sakumo Hatake had barely said 'Ninja Clans' before falling silent again. In that moment, he knew anything he could add would be pointless anyway.
"Punishing the Grass ninjas is entirely justified. Besides, justice upheld by the ninja clans must always prevail."
Soushu Hyuga then added.
"What about everyone else?"
Nodding, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi then took out his pipe, asking while lowering his head to refill it with tobacco.
"We must let the entire Ninja World witness the consequences of bullying a ninja clan!"
All attendees at this hearing were clan leaders. Naturally, they wholeheartedly agreed with this proposal.
Furthermore, the Grass Ninja Village was famously known as a soft target. With justification now secured for military action, launching a campaign against them—even leading to their complete annihilation—was seen as a just cause. This kind of mission promised minimal risks but significant rewards, exactly the type of endeavor ninja clans loved most. After all, even if the Herb Country was poor, with proper management, every clan leader could find ways to squeeze substantial profits from it!
After all, Hyuga Soushu's successful administration of the fifteen prefectures in the Land of Lightning's occupied territories had already set a brilliant example. Naturally, each self-assured clan leader secretly believed, "I could pull that off just as well."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was quite satisfied with the clan leaders' reactions. He casually lit his pipe with a flame created from a single seal, took a pleased puff, and then declared enthusiastically, "In that case, let us mobilize ninjas from each clan to form a coalition force! We shall use military might to punish the Herb Country ninja for their unjust atrocities!"
"Hokage-sama, how will the profits be divided after this is accomplished?"
Of course, it was none other than Uchiha Fugaku who first spoiled the mood with this blunt question.
After all, as another prestigious bloodline clan possessing Dojutsu techniques, the Uchiha had always believed their strength surpassed that of the Hyuga. Yet they'd been overshadowed in reputation by the Hyuga Clan, which possessed an extraordinary figure like Hyuga Soushu. Secretly, many Uchiha members had been harboring deep frustration over this.
"The division will be seven to three between the village and participating clans!"
Third Hokage announced.
"What? Only three parts?!"
The clan leaders started showing dissatisfaction.
"Seven parts belong to the village!"
Koharu Utatane immediately snapped back angrily. "This village doesn't belong to any single family or lineage! Gentlemen, remember—the interests of Konoha must come first!"
"Then aren't we just kneeling beggars?!"
The clan leaders instantly jumped up in outrage.
Yet Third Hokage remained unmoved, completely unperturbed.
Negotiation is about give and take!
You can't just sit around waiting for the rewards to drop into your lap!
Besides, given his deep understanding of the insatiable greed inherent in Konoha's various ninja clans—if he didn't initially propose terms that seemed outrageously unfair, these ninja clan heads would probably grow bolder and end up having the village *pay them* to let them carve up the Herb Country!
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