"What if they have something else in their mind? And that would be too risky for us!" said Elder Fukiage, a little opposed to meeting the Otsutsuki Clan.
And his concern is not unreasonable. Although it can be said that the two clans have the same origin, the thing is, there hasn't been any form of contact between the two clans for the past few centuries.
Moreover, their side has a very poor understanding of these distant relatives living on the moon, so it's very difficult for them to judge the Otsutsuki Clan's intention of wanting to meet Hiashi.
As Elders put their opinions on the matter, both pros and cons of getting in touch with the Otsutsuki Clan were brought to the table. As the Patriarch of the Hyuga Clan, the final decision is obviously up to Hiashi.
After a long silence, Hiashi reached the conclusion, and said, "I have decided to meet this person." He has considered a lot of possibilities, and meeting them seems to be the right decision in his mind.
In the Council meeting, he as well as the patriarch of other Shinobi Clans finally realized what it is like to face an Uchiha with Mangekyou Sharingan. Hiashi knows that the way he is, he doesn't stand a chance, and they can't continue this way. The support of these distant relatives on the moon can bring a lot of benefits to the Hyuga Clan.
Since an opportunity has come to their door, Hiashi doesn't want to let it go.
So after weighing up the pros and cons, Hiashi decided that he will meet the Patriarch of the Otsutsuki Clan to understand their intention. As long as it's nothing too much, he would cooperate with them.
Elder Aoyama objected, "Although I support your decision, however, you can not go!"
Hiashi was confused, "What are you saying Aoyama-sama?"
Elder Aoyama explained, "You are not unaware of the current situation of the clan. If something were to happen to you, the entire clan would fall apart, and it would become extremely difficult to control the branch. Therefore, you can not go. You must send someone else in your place to make contact with them."
Hiashi was more puzzled, "But the Otsutsuki's have expressed their intention of meeting the Patriarch. If I don't go in person, we would leave a bad impression. They might label me as a coward and we might lose our chance."
Elder Aoyama nodded, "You are right." And suggested, "In that case, send Hizashi."
"What? Send Hizashi!" Hiashi was stunned, then shook his head, "How can I do that? He is not the Patriarch!"
Elder Fukiage interjected, "Actually you can. You and Hizashi are twin brothers and it is extremely difficult to differentiate between the two of you. He can portray you to meet the Otsutsuki and figure out their intention. This way, even if they have planned something bad, you would still be safe."
Hiashi shook his head, "This is very dangerous, I won't feel relieved by sending Hizashi."
"You brothers share the same level of strength. If you can handle it, he would be able to handle it as well, but if he can't handle it, you won't be able to handle it either." Said Elder Sada, and continued in a deeper tone, "Moreover, this is Hizashi's duty as a member of the branch."
Elder Fukiage nodded, "Yes, this is Hizashi's duty."
Hiashi hesitated, "But… this… he…"
"Hiashi… you can't hesitate. Protecting us is the responsibility of the branch." Said Elder Aoyama.
In the face of everyone's opinion, Hiashi had no choice but to nod, "All right."
Soon a messenger was sent to Hyuga Hizashi's house.
…
Hyuga Hiashi's Study, Hyuga District
As Hizashi arrived at the Patriarch's study, he noted Hiashi and Elder Aoyama seated.
Elder Aoyama spoke, "Hizashi… you are here… have a seat."
After respectfully bowing to the two, Hizashi took his seat and waited for them to speak.
After a while of silence, Elder Aoyama put a scroll on the table and said to Hizashi, "Read this."
As confused Hizashi read the letter, he was taken aback, "This is?!"
Being a member of the branch, Hizashi is unaware of these distant relatives on the moon. So, firstly, Elder Aoyama explained the origins of the Hyuga Clan and told him that the two clans are distant relatives and share similar features.
"Although we are distant relatives, we haven't been in contact for the past few centuries. Now that they have suddenly expressed their intention of wanting to meet us, we must determine their intent before anything. So, we hope that you can represent the Hyuga Clan and meet them to figure out their purpose."
Hearing Elder Aoyama's words, Hiashi subconsciously looked at Hiashi.
However, Hiashi looked down, avoiding Hizashi's gaze, and stayed silent.
From Hiashi's behavior, Hizashi understood that his brother didn't oppose Elder Aoyama's decision. So he had no choice, but to nod, "If that's what the clan wants from me, then this is what I must do."
Elder Aoyama nodded with a smile, "Very good."
After re-reading the contents of the letter, Hizashi couldn't figure out anything, so after thinking a little, he suggested, "Should I inform Kuroto-kun? He was in the Anbu and has a lot of experience with similar situations. He may be able to help us."
Bang!
As soon as Kuroto's name was mentioned, Elder Aoyama banged the table in rage, and shouted, "Don't mention his name! Why do you want to inform him of this? Are we nothing without that disrespectful brat!? Do we have to rely on him for everything?!"
In Elder Aoyama's heart, this is not only the opportunity to restore the reputation of the Hyuga Clan but also a chance to suppress the branch. And Hyuga Kuroto is obviously one of the targets.
So, even if he doesn't take his personal grievances into account, he wouldn't agree to Hyuga Kuroto's participation in this matter.
Hizashi didn't expect that Elder Aoyama would react so violently at the mention of Kuroto's name, and quickly explained, "Aoyama-sama, I don't mean that. I just thought that Kuroto-kun was in the Anbu and he is an Elite Jonin with the highest combat power in the clan. His participation can provide us with a lot of help. But if the family doesn't want that… then…"
Elder Aoyama realized that he lost his composure, and said, "Listen clearly Hizashi… this matter is a top secret within the clan, and it is related to the future of the clan, no one should learn of this without our permission. And Hyuga Kuroto is no exception, do you understand?"
Seeing that Elder Aoyama rejected the idea of involving Kuroto in the matter, and Hiashi also didn't give it much thought, Hizashi didn't mention it again, and nodded, "I understand."
Elder Aoyama nodded, and said, "Very well, now go and start the preparation."
Hizashi nodded, "All right." He then looked at Hiashi and said with a smile, "Don't worry brother, I will take care of things." And left the study.
.
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