Tensions escalated once more as Cloud Shinobi Village made it clear that they were prepared to go to war. They dispatched a substantial army to the border between the two countries, numbering in the thousands, although the actual number of Jōnin was far fewer. For context, the entire Ninja Coalition consisted of around 80,000 individuals, which was a consolidation of the world's ninja power, with a significant portion coming from samurai.
Cloud Shinobi Village was also tasked with guarding against threats from other places.
A Cloud Shinobi Village messenger swiftly arrived in Konoha Village, bearing a message from the Fourth Raikage. The message was straightforward: "Hand over the murderer, Hiashi, intact, and we'll spare you a war. Fail to comply, and be prepared for hostilities with Cloud Shinobi Village once again."
The mention of war again wasn't mere rhetoric. During the Third Ninja War, Cloud Shinobi Village had attacked Konoha Village. Minato, at the time not yet the Fourth Hokage, had led the charge and encountered both the current Fourth Raikage 'Ai' and the Eight Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee.
A skirmish had ensued, and Minato, despite facing both formidable opponents, had managed to hold his ground. He had defeated both Ai and Killer Bee singlehandedly.
Now, however, times had changed, and the absence of Minato left Konoha Village at a disadvantage. Had he been alive, the audacity of Cloud Shinobi Village may not have been as pronounced.
Minato had been renowned for his incredible speed, precision, and ruthlessness on the battlefield. His swift and devastating attacks earned him the moniker "Konoha's Yellow Flash."
The Hokage visited the clan's residence, where he found Hiashi, the clan's elders, and other important family members, including Hizashi.
Hiashi broke the silence. "I cannot let the village descend into war over me. Such a conflict would cost many lives and families. If my sacrifice can save the entire village, then so be it."
He knew the gravity of the situation and the consequences of his actions. Hiashi did not want to die, but he was prepared to bear the burden for the sake of his village. He recognized that the crisis had emerged due to his own actions, and if he hadn't taken a life, they wouldn't be in this dire situation.
During that time, Konoha Village had the opportunity to assert its sovereignty. Hokage's face reflected a sense of helplessness. He wished to protect everyone in the village, as well as the village itself. However, the village's strength was insufficient to withstand the imminent war.
As long as Shimura Danzō refrained from stirring up trouble, the Hokage's mission was relatively straightforward.
In fact, it wasn't so easy even for him. Hokage merely acknowledged Hiashi's sacrifice with a simple "um" and refrained from further comments.
At this moment, an elder spoke up, advising, "Hiashi, do not act recklessly. The clan's bloodline is a crucial asset for our village, and the clan's mission is to protect our lineage for all time."
The Hokage project had to concede that Byakugan was indeed one of Konoha Village's most essential assets, capable of countering the power of the Uchiha clan's Sharingan when the need arose. After all, not all Uchiha possessed Mangekyō Sharingan, and the regular Sharingan was not invincible. Additionally, in the early Hokage era, it was believed that Uchiha's Sharingan had originated from 's Byakugan.
At this juncture, the elder pushed Hizashi forward, stating bluntly, "Let Hizashi make the sacrifice. You are twin brothers, and no one can distinguish between you. The branch house exists for this purpose. After Hizashi's death, the Curse Mark: Caged Bird will seal his Byakugan, preserving the secret of Byakugan."
The elder's words were brutally pragmatic, but coming from a clan member, this straightforward approach was hardly surprising. Yet, Hiashi instinctively turned to look at his brother, despite their strained relationship due to the clan and branch house. At such a crucial moment, he found it difficult to accept this solution.
"The enemy seeks Byakugan, and if they discover that Hizashi is being offered, it may escalate into war," Hiashi argued.
Suddenly, Hizashi chuckled and inquired, "What's wrong? Hiashi-sama, who was once so powerful and steadfast, is now indecisive?"
"Hizashi, this is a grave matter, and I cannot make a hasty decision..."
Hiashi's words were cut off as he was unexpectedly attacked by Hizashi, using the Gentle Fist technique. Hiashi's gaze took on a gentler quality as he regarded his elder brother. In that moment, he realized that, despite their differences, they were each other's most cherished brothers. Otherwise Hiashi would not have been so eager to intervene.
Hiashi had indeed been willing to sacrifice himself, not his brother. So, with a comforting smile, Hizashi spoke, "Tell Neji for me that I did not die to protect the clan but to safeguard my brother, my son, the village, and everyone."
.....
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