Naka Shrine.
In the dimly lit chamber, at this moment, Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna's faces were flushed with excitement. They hadn't heard such good news since the chaos caused by the Nine-Tails.
"Haha, if it's true, then the Fifth Hokage's appointment is just around the corner."
"That's right. Although the Hyuga Clan may not be as prominent as our Uchiha Clan, they are still the second most powerful clan in Konoha. The strength of their branch families far surpasses that of the main family."
"Hmph, what main family? They're just a bunch of ninja relying on the branch families to protect them on the battlefield. All they do is subjugate the branch families. Don't be fooled by the main family's high status. The Hyuga Clan's true fighting force lies within the branch families. When the time comes, hmm!" At this point, Elder Setsuna wore a contemptuous expression. He had always looked down upon the Hyuga Clan's concept of main and branch families.
Uchiha Fugaku looked at the night sky, and a rare smile appeared on his stern face as he nodded. "Good, even though our Uchiha Clan's territory is vast, it's been quite lonely. If the Hyuga branch family could join us, it would be perfect."
Even Elder Setsuna couldn't help but show a satisfied smile as he nodded. "Indeed, the Hyuga branch family consists of elite members. We've never seen a Hyuga from the branch family who fears death on the battlefield. In the future, the Uchiha Clan will finally have genuine allies."
The Uchiha Clan had been isolated for far too long. They had tried to find allies before, but ever since the incident during the founding of the village, they found it difficult to gain allies naturally. Now that they finally had a potential ally, they welcomed it eagerly. After all, it was just a matter of sharing resources and benefits. Mutual support and unity were more important.
The Uchiha Clan had been lonely for far too long. If the Hyuga branch family could truly rise up, it would be almost like breaking away from their isolation. They could cooperate with them to establish a new Hyuga Clan, and then the two clans would become natural allies. In the future, when dealing with the higher-ups of Konoha, they would stand together.
Both the clan head and the elder were not fools. They could naturally see the benefits of this alliance in the future. Even though they would have to give up a portion of their resources for now, considering the Uchiha Clan's vast assets, it was worth it. Previously, even if they wanted to gain allies by giving up resources, no one would come forward. Now, this opportunity was presented to them, and they were determined to seize it.
"Fugaku, this time we must treat the Hyuga branch family seriously. They will become trustworthy allies in the future, and I can imagine Uchiha and Hyuga fighting side by side in the police force or on the battlefield."
Elder Setsuna, with a heart full of gratification, even revealed an excited expression. The Uchiha Clan finally had genuine allies. Uchiha Fugaku also nodded firmly after hearing this. "Rest assured, Elder. The Hyuga's close combat and reconnaissance abilities will complement our Uchiha's Sharingan perfectly."
Seeing the clan head and elder decisively agreeing to allocate resources to help the branch family establish a new Hyuga Clan, Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly with a tinge of guilt. He hadn't lied, but he had hidden information. After Orochimaru-sensei's incident, the Hyuga branch family became the most valuable inheritance he received from his sensei.
"Clan head, Elder, this is the 'Caged Bird Seal' that I developed together with Orochimaru-sensei. Although the Caged Bird Seal is a means to control the branch family, it does have its merits. Moreover, this seal could be a gift from fate to our Uchiha clan's dojutsu lineage."
Uchiha Yoru solemnly presented the perfected version of the Caged Bird Seal seal scroll. Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna received it with seriousness and began examining it.
"Wonderful, wonderful! This is truly tailor-made for our dojutsu lineage. This 'Caged Bird Seal,' or rather, the perfected version of it, removes the control aspect and becomes a prison. It's a perfect sealing technique that safeguards our dojutsu bloodline."
"Elder, if all those with awakened eyes in the clan apply this seal, we won't have to worry about losing the Sharingan outside."
The Hyuga branch family's Caged Bird Seal had a keyhole, and the key was kept by the main family. This perfected version of the Caged Bird Seal was directly sealed without any seams, perfectly connecting the brain and the optic nerve.
It could be said that even without human control, it acted as a seal protecting the Sharingan and the brain.
Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna were truly surprised by this additional benefit. It might have some limitations, but at the very least, it provided protection.
For many years, the reason Uchiha's Sharingan hadn't fallen into the wrong hands (except for Danzo) was mainly due to its dominance and extreme rejection. Kakashi was just an exception. Nobody could guarantee that no one was secretly researching something in the ninja world.
While observing the clan head and elder's pleased expressions, Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly. This seal might be a boon to the Uchiha for now, but when the Mangekyou abilities of the Uchiha clan spread throughout the ninja world, the seal would become a timely advantage.
Afterward, the three began discussing how to distribute benefits once the Hyuga branch family joined.
...
Under the moonlight, the people of Konoha fell into the fragrant dreams of envisioning a peaceful future. Yet, on this night, a shadow emerged from the embassy of the Land of Lightning.
Uchiha Yoru, supporting his weary body, entered a snake-shaped entrance to a research base under the cover of darkness.
In the dimly lit study, the various scrolls and documents that used to fill the room seemed a bit disarrayed this time, as if many important materials were missing.
Clearly, Orochimaru had prepared for the worst and started moving some crucial research data. What remained were seemingly useless materials.
"Hehe, Yoru-kun, you've caused quite a stir today."
Although Orochimaru had always stayed inside the research base, he hadn't missed a single move made by Konoha.
Uchiha Yoru never intended to lie; at most, he concealed some information. He believed lies couldn't deceive a person for a lifetime. The truth was the ultimate form of deception.
"Sensei, this could also be a way to gather research funds. After all, you've made significant contributions to Konoha."
Seeing Uchiha Yoru's unashamed demeanor, Orochimaru let out a raspy laugh. His disciple was skilled in politics, and even more adept at accumulating funds. It seemed that ever since they became master and disciple, he hadn't worried about research funds.
With his disciple coming forward to secure funding for him, this was the most gratifying aspect for Orochimaru. It allowed him to delve deeper into his research without constraints.
"Yoru-kun, are you so impatient that you're already preparing to claim the teacher's legacy in the village?" A hoarse laughter reverberated in the dimly lit study. However, Yoru felt no threat at all. Instead, he shrugged and chuckled lightly, saying, "If the teacher were in Konoha, it would naturally be for the teacher's benefit. But if the teacher is no longer here, as the disciple, it's only fitting for me to take over. After all, I've learned from the mistakes of the past Jinchuriki."
Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails?
Upon hearing this comparison, Orochimaru's face broke into an intriguing smile. Yes, it seems that the only inheritance left by the Nine-Tails is the Nine-Tails itself.
Indeed, if he has no place in Konoha, then his influence within the village will dissipate like smoke.
"Hehe, so this is your urgent reason for wanting to manipulate the Hyuga branch, Yoru-kun. If you were born during the Warring States period, undoubtedly, you would have a significant role among the Five Great Shinobi Nations."
Orochimaru, unusually, gave high praise and even admiration. He's constantly scheming, yet his actions are seamless and natural. He can maneuver forward or retreat with ease.
If he were to become the Fifth Hokage, naturally, Yoru's status would rise. If he left Konoha, he could rely on the Hyuga branch as his mainstay. He'd possess his power, something beyond the family.
Once the Hyuga branch separates, they're seen as traitors, and they can only align themselves with Orochimaru. If Orochimaru departs, the branch would be in an awkward position.
The branch is like a double-edged sword; affiliating with Orochimaru would mark them with his symbol. It becomes a tricky situation, while Yoru, as Orochimaru's disciple, becomes the best heir.
"Hehe, but Yoru-kun, you better be prepared. Though intelligence is important, strength is paramount in the shinobi world. No matter how sharp your mind is, what's the use without the strength to back it up?"
As Orochimaru spoke, his lips curved into a sneering smile. Look at Nara Shikaku; he's intelligent, right? Yet, ultimately, he's forever dependent on others. Intelligence might yield temporary benefits, but strength allows you to stand on your own.
Strength?
At the mention of this, a proud smile tugged at Yoru's lips. "Orochimaru-sensei, I'll show you my strength in due time."
He currently needed a battlefield to prove his strength, and it seemed that someone had already set the stage. Heh heh, the time for him to take the spotlight was approaching.
Calculations! He never liked them because they were too exhausting. But until he's formidable enough to overlook everything and reshape Konoha's strength, he must blend in, not change.
When your strength reaches a certain level, you can alter the injustices you see. But if your strength is only on par with other strong individuals, then you need to assimilate, learn to use others' strength.
"Hehe, I'm eager to see how strong you've become, Yoru-kun."
With an evil grin, Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh. His disciple was becoming more and more interesting. It seemed that he had grown considerably stronger during this period.
How strong?
Seeing Orochimaru's enigmatic smile, Yoru-kun also grinned. Orochimaru-sensei, I'll give you a surprise when the time comes.
…
Under the nightfall, there suddenly arose a commotion in the Hyuga Clan's territory.
In the darkness, Hyuga Hiashi held his daughter, Hinata, with a solemn expression on his face. At this moment, guards who had been informed of the situation had also arrived.
In front of them, a masked ninja dressed in black lay on the ground, lifeless. The mask was being slowly removed, revealing the face beneath it.
In the instant the face was revealed, the composed expression on Hyuga Hiashi's face turned to one of shock.
It was unexpectedly the leader of the emissaries from the Land of Lightning, who had just recently signed a treaty with the village. His forehead protector was slanted and his pupils were dilated, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His facial features, including the stubble on his chin, were all familiar to Hyuga Hiashi.
"Clan Head, this is..."
Even among the guards who had rushed over, some recognized the identity of the deceased person. Their expressions were filled with astonishment. It was well known that when facing emissaries from the Land of Lightning, the Leaf Village would greet them respectfully along the way. Many shinobi had seen them, so they were fully aware of the emissaries' identities.
At this moment, Hyuga Hiashi instantly understood that the situation had taken a serious turn. Beneath his shocked expression, a hint of panic was revealed. The Land of Lightning was truly scheming.
That night, the lights in the Hokage's office were still on. High-ranking officials who had just signed a peace treaty hurriedly made their way to the office in the middle of the night.
In the well-lit Hokage conference room, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Konoha Elders Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, the Leaf Village's top F4, gathered together. Each of them had a terrifyingly grim expression, indicating that the Leaf Village was about to face significant upheaval.
"We just signed a treaty with the Land of Lightning, yet tonight, the leader of their emissaries secretly went to the Hyuga Clan's main branch and abducted Hyuga Hiashi's daughter. It's evident that this was premeditated. The other side didn't even plan for their mission to succeed."
The shrewd Third Hokage directly pointed out the key issue. The Land of Lightning's methods were clear; they were deliberately trying to provoke them. Not to mention an emissary, even if their Raikage came, let's see if he could walk out of the Leaf Village unscathed. The emissary seemed to think of themselves as a ninja deity.
"To create a diplomatic conflict with such methods, Kumogakure's tactics are as despicable as ever."
It was clear that Danzo was filled with anger. He had initially thought of having someone impersonate an Iwagakure ninja on the way back to stir up trouble and frame them. However, he ended up being hoodwinked right at their doorstep.
As one of the higher-ups, Shimura Danzo, who had been quiet, furrowed his brows and shook his head. "Now isn't the time to dwell on this matter. The question is, how do we respond to Kumo's provocation? Should we engage in war or continue negotiating?"
It had to be said that while Kumo's maneuvers might not be particularly ingenious, they were certainly nauseating. After all, this constituted a diplomatic incident. They were determined to play the victim, and Konoha had no choice but to suffer this setback.
'You claim that Kumo's emissaries came to your home, the Hyuga Clan's territory, and managed to infiltrate the main branch, abducting the Hyuga clan head's daughter, and were eventually killed by your own people?'
Putting aside whether this explanation would be believed, just the fact that they managed to infiltrate the Hyuga Clan's main branch under their noses made it a joke.
Complacency! They had been too complacent.
Homura Mitokado's brows furrowed. At the moment, the Konoha wasn't afraid of Kumogakure. But it wasn't a matter of simply going to war. The last war wasn't fought for the sake of interests; there were no interests at stake now.
"Sarutobi, tomorrow, Kumo's people will definitely come causing trouble. This autumn is full of turmoil. Kumo has also seized the opportunity while our village is in chaos. At a time of tension, if the border turns into a stalemate, I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to call on Orochimaru."
Homura Mitokado pointed to the crux of the matter. In an instant, the expressions of the three changed. However, when Koharu Utatane heard this, she shook her head. "Sarutobi, at a time like this, it's better to prioritize stability. The village has already experienced too much turmoil. As Mitokado said, if Orochimaru makes further contributions, by then, no one will be able to stop Orochimaru from becoming the Hokage."
"After enduring the wars, if the Konoha were to face Orochimaru again, sigh, Orochimaru is indeed a qualified candidate. But in times like these, Konoha can't afford turmoil."
Perhaps there were some personal interests at play, but mostly it was because they were getting older. They were afraid that the prosperous era they had built with their own hands would crumble in their grasp.
Their minds had become so narrow that they believed only their ideas were correct. Once Orochimaru came to power, the various factions in Konoha would be reshuffled. The Konoha that had just gone through a series of wars would have to endure political turmoil. Could enemies seize the opportunity? Just like during Great Shinobi War II, after the deaths of the First and Second Hokages, the entire shinobi world fell into chaos.
~~~
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