Hidden Cloud Village.
Hidden Cloud Village is perched on the peaks of the mountain range, its massive structures of steel and rock resembling cold weapons piercing the sky.
Thunder and lightning rage here year-round, and the harsh natural environment has forged the villagers' resilient yet aggressive nature.
It operates under a militarized management system centered around the successive Raikage. The title of every leader inherits the name "A," and they specialize in Taijutsu and Lightning Release Ninjutsu.
Most of Kumogakure's ninja are heavily muscled, arrogant in demeanor, and look at people as if sizing up prey, carrying unconcealed judgment and aggression.
"Good news, Lord Raikage."
A middle-aged man wearing a tall hat and missing one eye excitedly pushed open the door to the Raikage's Office.
Inside the office was the Fourth Raikage, who inherited the name "A."
The Raikage stood up: "What good news?"
The one-eyed middle-aged man was the Retainer of the successive Raikage, or perhaps the brain of Kumogakure.
The fact that he, who was usually known for his calm and resourcefulness, was so excited indicated that this was truly monumental news.
"An intelligence report has come from the Root Agent in Konoha."
The Raikage took the document from Tsuchidai's hand and examined it carefully.
In fact, there weren't many words in the document; it simply stated that the Hyuga were dissatisfied with Konoha negotiating peace with Kumogakure.
"What about this intelligence? It's perfectly normal for the Hyuga Clan to be dissatisfied when they suffered such heavy losses, isn't it?"
Kumogakure and Konoha had been fighting for a long time, so it was naturally impossible to send a Delegation for peace talks immediately; they were just exchanging messages beforehand.
The final decision would only be made when they felt they could sit down at the table.
At this point, Kumogakure had only just sent out their peace negotiation conditions.
Konoha had not yet replied.
Tsuchidai knew that the Raikage was sometimes insensitive to complicated matters, so he proactively explained:
"Although the Hyuga Clan is certainly dissatisfied with us, this news couldn't possibly be known to everyone at this time."
"Look at this mark." Tsuchidai pointed to a black triangular mark at the very end.
"This Root Agent, who has been passing us information for a long time, is estimated to be someone in Konoha's leadership."
"Perhaps even an enemy of Hiruzen Sarutobi."
The people of Kumogakure naturally knew that the Third Hokage was eager for peace talks to recuperate as soon as possible.
Anyone opposing him must be a political rival, right?
The Raikage suddenly realized, a flash of thought crossing his eyes: "Then who is this person?"
Tsuchidai shook his head, not delving into the person's identity:
"Who this person is isn't important. What's important is how much information they can give us regarding this matter."
"This will be of great help to our peace negotiations."
The Raikage waved his hand decisively: "Then contact him again and buy more intelligence!"
Tsuchidai agreed: "It seems Konoha is more eager for peace talks than we are, so we don't need to lower our conditions."
Upon hearing this, the Raikage also let out a confident sound: "How can a disorganized Konoha compare to our Kumogakure?"
"Strength is the only currency. Weaklings like Konoha have no right to negotiate conditions; they can only accept domination."
...More than a month quickly passed,
Because of the Mole leaking information to Kumogakure, Kumogakure's stance became extremely rigid.
Either Konoha accepted their terms, or the fighting would continue.
Coupled with the Hyuga Clan showing no support, and some other village Elders also withholding support.
The progress of the peace talks between Konoha and Kumogakure was extremely slow.
To this end, the Third Hokage invited a Delegation from Kumogakure to Konoha for face-to-face negotiations.
The date was set for the following month.
The Third Hokage had originally planned to wait for the Hyuga Clan to approach him, but the Hyuga Clan showed absolutely no movement.
Seeing that so much time had passed, the Third Hokage couldn't sit still. He had the Anbu take an Official Letter to the Hyuga Clan and summon Hyuga Hiashi.
An Official Letter was equivalent to an official document, used only for village political affairs.
As an Honorary Elder of the village, Hiashi had no choice but to come... In the evening, the setting sun filtered through the window, bathing the room in a dim yellow glow.
The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, his Pipe emitting wisps of blue smoke.
Hyuga Hiashi stood expressionlessly in front of the desk, the air between the two men seemingly frozen.
Seeing that the other party had no intention of speaking first, the Third Hokage slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, his voice calm but carrying undeniable pressure:
"Hiashi, recently... things haven't been peaceful inside or outside the village. There are certain boundaries we need to maintain together."
Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly, but his mind began to race:
[Is this old man warning the Hyuga Clan not to investigate the Anbu kidnapping Aoran? Or is he trying to make amends for forcing Orochimaru away?]
[Or, does he want the Hyuga Clan to support the peace talks with Kumogakure?]
Hiashi's thoughts churned, but he merely nodded slightly, speaking in a respectful yet distant official tone:
"Lord Hokage is absolutely correct. The wounds of war have yet to heal, and every one of us should strictly adhere to our duties, refrain from doing anything unnecessary, so that we may better protect the tranquility of Konoha."
Strictly adhere to my duties, refrain from doing anything unnecessary!?
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly.
[The Hyuga Clan really did find out about my Base.]
[Is he telling me not to do anything unnecessary?]
Recently, all the Third Hokage could think about was the exposure of his Base, so he immediately linked Hiashi's words to that incident.
His gaze gradually sharpened:
"Strictly adhere to your duties... well said. But if curiosity is too great regarding matters outside your Jurisdiction, you might see things you shouldn't, bringing unnecessary trouble."
"The Hyuga Clan's Byakugan can see everything in minute detail, but you should also understand... the wisdom of turning a blind eye."
Hiashi nearly lost his composure.
[To deal with Orochimaru, he kidnapped Aoran, planning to drag the Hyuga and Uchihas into the mess.]
[Now that he failed, he wants to seal off the news and make the Hyuga Clan shut up.]
His voice chilled slightly: "Lord Hokage, some things cannot be unseen just because one wishes it."
"If it happened and left a trace, people will know about it."
The Third Hokage frowned deeply:
[They saw traces? Confirmed. The Hyuga Clan really did discover the Base! Is he also implying that my accumulation of clan power is 'shady'?]
His tone carried a warning:
"Hiashi, you must understand your position. Everything I do is for the overall benefit of Konoha."
"Some power must be held by those who can use it correctly, not become a bargaining chip for infighting between clans. Excessive investigation will not benefit the Hyuga."
Hyuga Hiashi was consumed by rage. Since the Third Great Ninja War, the Hyuga Clan had been on the front lines fighting Kumogakure.
Hundreds of clansmen died; an entire generation was sacrificed.
Kumogakure proposed peace talks, and Konoha immediately groveled to negotiate, completely disregarding the Hyuga's losses.
[Talking about Konoha's benefit, yet plotting against Orochimaru while trying to drag the Hyuga and Uchihas into it—isn't that just Eliminating Dissidents?]
He raised his head, the veins around his Byakugan slightly bulging, showing his emotional turmoil:
"Lord Hokage, the blood the Hyuga Clan shed in the war is enough to prove our loyalty to Konoha."
"But our blood was not shed to be repaid with a stab in the back and the wanton scheming against our clansmen!"
"If 'using power correctly' means ignoring the rules, then the Hyuga Clan cannot agree with this kind of 'benefit'!"
The Third Hokage slammed his Pipe down on the desk!
['A stab in the back?' 'Wanton scheming'? Hiashi actually dares to openly accuse me of hiding clan power to deal with them? Is this a provocation against my Authority as the Hokage!]
"Hyuga Hiashi!"
His voice suddenly became severe: "Watch your words! Konoha's decisions are not for a single clan to question!"
"What you perceive as 'scheming' might just be the 'price' necessary to maintain the village's stability!"
Hyuga Hiashi felt completely chilled.
[The Third Hokage has admitted it, and shows no remorse.]
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed his anger, and resumed the Hyuga Clan Head's cold demeanor:
"...I understand. The 'price' of the Lord Hokage is always paid by others."
"Since the Lord Hokage believes everything is under control, the Hyuga Clan will naturally stick to its 'duty'."
The Third Hokage watched him coldly: "Very well. Remember what you said today. Do what is within your scope; do not inquire about anything else."
Hyuga Hiashi bowed slightly, his movements proper but devoid of respect:
"Yes. Furthermore, next month is my daughter Hinata's third birthday. The clan will be holding a celebration, and affairs will be busy."
"Therefore, please excuse my absence from the peace talks with Kumogakure. I will have my Younger Brother Hizashi attend in my stead."
A cold glint flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes.
[Is he openly expressing dissatisfaction, even going so far as to skip such an important Diplomatic Occasion just to spite me?]
"...Do as you wish."
Hyuga Hiashi said no more, turned, and left the Hokage Office.
He walked out of the Hokage Building expressionlessly, his heart filled with ice.
[As the Great Elder said, the Third Hokage is indeed Deeply Manipulative.]
[To eliminate dissidents, he stops at nothing.]
[He used an Infant to frame Orochimaru, and used Aoran to drag the Hyuga and Uchihas into the mess.]
[Now that he failed, he's threatening me to shut up.]
[Hmph, go handle the peace talks yourself. The Hyuga Clan will not participate.]
...