High-Level Factions Take Sides! - Naruto: The Primal Hyuga Pierces the Shinobi World

The public opinion in Konoha was being steered, though no one knew by whom. Following the Cloud Ninja Village's (Kumogakure) aggressive public statement, calls actually emerged within Konoha to hand over the individual responsible for killing the Kumogakure envoy from the Hyūga clan.

The values of this village, this collective, seemed to have been twisted in just a few days. The Hyūga, who were clearly the passive victims, had become the scapegoats in the eyes of some, the very cause that would bring disaster to Konoha.

This narrative was gradually influencing ordinary villagers whose stance was originally supportive of the Hyūga.

Although Hyūga Shinichi had always been reclusive with very limited interaction with the outside world, the village gossip still affected the Hyūga clan. Even he had heard some of the rumors.

Some might believe that Konoha villagers, who constantly spoke of the Will of Fire, would fight to the death to protect their comrades and uphold justice. However, Konoha Village had never truly advocated for the so-called "protection of comrades."

The concept that the upper echelon had always instilled in the populace was the "protection of the village." As long as the most fundamental goal was to protect the village, any price could be paid.

In the eyes of most shinobi, anyone or anything that brought harm to the village was considered unjust.

This was exemplified by the early case of Sakumo Hatake (Konoha's White Fang), who abandoned a mission to save his comrades, causing significant loss to the village. Regardless of his status or strength, by causing loss to the village—no matter his intentions—he became a target for public condemnation.

The Hyūga clan now found themselves in a situation similar to the White Fang back then. It was never easy to stand firm against foreign powers; in comparison, yielding and applying internal pressure was much simpler.

Namikaze Minato's original intention was to refuse Kumogakure's harsh demands, but many were advising him against it.

On this day, not only did the former Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, come to Minato's office, but the three village councilors and the leader of the Jonin corps, Shikaku Nara, also gathered there. Their purpose was to discuss countermeasures.

Since the incident occurred at the Hyūga compound, Hyūga Satoru, the current head of the clan, was naturally invited. Shinichi, as the clan heir, also attended the meeting as an observer, participating in this high-level Konoha summit.

As the meeting began, before Minato could speak, Hiruzen Sarutobi set the tone:

"Konoha no longer has the potential for war. Under no circumstances can we fight Kumogakure again."

"Based on this, we must find a way to appease Kumogakure. We absolutely cannot let Konoha fall into the quagmire of war again!"

At his opening remarks, the elderly Shin and young Shinichi, sitting on one side of the sofa, furrowed their brows, exchanged glances, and felt a sense of dread. By his tone, Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to swallow this insult.

From another perspective, Hiruzen's thinking was understandable—this was the classic trolley problem.

Should they sacrifice a few Hyūga clan members to maintain the current peace, or risk open warfare, sacrifice a large number of Konoha shinobi, all for the sake of pride?

For a non-involved party like Hiruzen, the choice was naturally the former. After all, it wasn't his clan members dying, so he had no attachment.

Furthermore, as the former Hokage, if he made such a decision for the greater good, would anyone dare to say he was wrong? Anyone who disagreed could go to the battlefield to defend the Hyūga's interests!

"Hiruzen is right. Hyūga Shin, for the sake of Konoha, I'm afraid your Hyūga clan must endure this sacrifice!"

"It's all for the village. I trust you can understand, right?"

While Danzō Shimura remained silently seated, Koharu Utatane timely interjected. The councilors shared the same view as Hiruzen Sarutobi; they hoped the Hyūga would sacrifice their "small self" for the "greater self" of the village.

With this pressure placed upon him, Hyūga Shin remained silent but slightly turned his head to look at Minato Namikaze. The opinions of the Third Hokage and the Council were important, but the final decision rested with the current Fourth Hokage.

"Let's not make a decision so quickly, Lord Danzō."

"This matter has a great influence. It's not just about our village anymore."

"Many other countries and hidden villages are watching how we handle this."

"I do not agree to simply compromise with Kumogakure."

"Our retreat will only encourage them to demand more!"

"My suggestion is to reinforce our defenses towards the Land of Lightning and prepare for a potential conflict."

Minato noticed Shin's gaze. A brief exchange of looks between them confirmed they agreed.

Minato was not a puppet of the Third or Danzō. Although his youth might have been a factor in his selection over Orochimaru as the new Hokage, Minato was never one to be easily manipulated. Having served as Hokage for so many years, he had long understood that authority must be earned.

The Kumogakure incident was an opportunity for his younger faction. Coincidentally, the older generation, Sarutobi and the councilors, held opposing views. If he could enforce his will on this matter and still ensure Konoha's continued prosperity, his future influence within Konoha would be drastically different.

More importantly, Minato had few political allies, and the Hyūga were the major clan closest to him. Kumogakure's demand was not just an insult to the Hyūga, but also a slap to his face as the Fourth Hokage.

If he simply swallowed this insult, it was hard to imagine what outsiders would think of their young leader. If villages that previously had conflicts with Konoha, like Iwagakure and Kirigakure, saw Konoha showing weakness to Kumogakure, might they develop other ambitions?

Minato's vision was not limited to immediate peace; he saw one layer deeper than the others.

But did Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura not know these things? Not necessarily. They were Konoha's upper echelon, but also representatives of the smaller clans.

If they could sacrifice a few Hyūga to exchange for peace, they would naturally be happy to do so. As for the other repercussions... since they weren't the ones in charge anymore, it wouldn't be their headache.

Minato's verbal support brought relief to Hyūga Satoru. With the Fourth Hokage's backing, Shin straightened up, and his voice gained strength:

"This entire incident was a conspiracy by Kumogakure! Our Hyūga clan is the victim."

"He was killed for trespassing into the Hyūga compound; it was a just outcome! We did nothing wrong!"

"The Fourth Raikage wants the Byakugan? Then let him come and take it himself!"

"We, the Hyūga, will absolutely not compromise!"

As he spoke, a palpable aura of intensity emanated from Hyūga Shin. Although he never earned the title of Kage, no one present dared to underestimate the former head of the Hyūga clan.

Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane's expressions changed. Danzō focused his gaze on Shin, remaining silent. Hiruzen Sarutobi's face darkened; instead of looking at Satoru, he looked towards Minato, seemingly intending to pressure the Fourth Hokage.

However, Minato smiled and nodded, seemingly approving of Shin's statement, and deliberately avoided looking at Hiruzen.

Hyūga Shinichi lowered his head, appearing detached from the meeting, but the all-encompassing sight of his Byakugan captured the expressions of everyone present.

Chapter 84 - High-Level Factions Take Sides!