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"You don't need to make such a big fuss. Everything started because of Lord Danzo. Continuing this way won't benefit either clan."
Finally, the eyesore was gone. Kazuki sat back down, sipping his tea, and shook his head. "Clan Leader, you're wrong. This approach only benefits the Uchiha, not harms us. Long-standing targeting and surveillance have built up a lot of resentment among our clan members, and the Shimura clan is the perfect outlet. Besides, they deserve it."
"The Shimura clan is not innocent in creating this situation."
Hiashi slightly shook his head. He didn't want to get too involved in these matters. If he couldn't persuade either side, he would let them be. He was just a mediator, after all.
"By the way, this is my daughter, Hinata."
Sensing that Kazuki still held some respect for him, Hiashi didn't leave immediately. Instead, he introduced his daughter to Kazuki. "Hinata, this is your senior, Uchiha Kazuki."
"Senior..." Hinata, seemingly frightened by Kazuki's earlier outburst and Clan Leader Shimura's hostility, timidly tried to greet him but got stuck.
"Hinata!!!" Seeing his daughter flustered and unable to say a simple greeting, Hiashi's face darkened.
"Uhh..." The five-year-old Hinata, scolded by her father, immediately looked teary-eyed, her big eyes brimming with tears.
"Um, Clan Leader, please don't be angry. Hinata is just a bit nervous. What happened earlier scared her. Being overly strict could have a negative effect," Kazuki advised, adding a compliment, "Besides, Hinata is very cute."
Kazuki wasn't being insincere. Young Hinata with her short hair was genuinely cute and had a bit of a tomboyish look. If dressed in boys' clothes, people would believe she was a boy.
"Well."
Hiashi had heard such compliments many times, but he appreciated Kazuki's effort to ease the tension. After all, it wasn't appropriate to discipline his daughter in public. If they were at home, Hinata would have received quite a scolding.
"Alright, thank senior and then sit down."
"Yes, Father." Hinata meekly bowed and thanked, "Thank you, senior."
Young Hinata's overly soft nature explained why Hiashi eventually considered focusing on training Hanabi instead. Thankfully, Hiashi valued family, so he hadn't yet acted on this. If the clan elders had their way, Hinata might have been marked with the caged bird seal and subjected to an arranged marriage.
Like Fugaku, Hiashi enjoyed the tea ceremony, often indulging in it when idle. Enthusiasts loved it, but others found it boring. Fortunately, there were no tea sets here, or getting a cup of hot tea would be difficult. Pouring himself a cup of hot tea, Hiashi took a sip, then set it down, clearly unsatisfied.
"The Uchiha are in a dangerous position. If you continue to act high-profile, you may attract even more trouble," he warned kindly.
But Kazuki couldn't accept this advice. "The Uchiha are indeed in danger, but sometimes being high-profile isn't bad. For example, the Hyuga clan is also on the edge of danger. Can't Clan Leader feel it?"
"What do you mean?" Hiashi's gaze turned cold, wondering if Kazuki intended to involve the Hyuga in Uchiha affairs.
"Just what I said." Kazuki wasn't afraid of angering Hiashi. "I won't mention past events, but the village's treatment of the Hyuga is clear to you. Even the open rivalry between Uchiha and Hyuga is something the Hokage wants to see. He likes this situation."
"But if the Uchiha truly fall, who do you think his attention will turn to?"
The Uchiha weren't doing well, and neither was the Hyuga, often feeling more stifled. The Hyuga's main and branch family system was designed to ensure the clan's continuation, but the Third Hokage disapproved because it kept the branch members under the main family's control, prioritizing clan over village interests. Such a system was a thorn in the Third Hokage's side, making the Hyuga a target, though not as excessively as the Uchiha.
Hiashi opened his mouth but stayed silent, aware of these issues. He understood without Kazuki needing to elaborate. Hiashi was more perceptive than Fugaku in this regard.
Since Hiashi remained silent, Kazuki continued, "Princess Tsunade has returned to the village and will likely accept Uchiha's support, helping us from a neutral stance. This might not completely remove our danger, but it will give us a breather."
Kazuki smiled confidently. "The Uchiha need just that breathing space to gradually get back on track. But what about the Hyuga? You don't have time to catch your breath. The main and branch family system is always a thorn in the higher-ups' minds."
"In a way, the Hyuga might be in even more danger than the Uchiha."
The Uchiha needed time to recover, and with that, they could slowly get back on track. The Hyuga, however, might not manage the same. The way the higher-ups treated them was a clear indicator.
For instance, when an assassin kidnapped the clan leader's daughter, the Hyuga were forced to make the clan leader pay the price, ending with the leader's brother sacrificing himself. It was ironic that the Third Hokage could persuade the Hyuga clan to accept this. Yet, it was incredible that the Hyuga agreed.
"Haha..." Hiashi, suppressing his anger, chuckled dryly. "What, do the Uchiha want to ally with the Hyuga now?"
"It's not impossible," Kazuki replied. He hadn't considered it, but since Hiashi mentioned it, he was open to discussing it. If an alliance were formed, their collective voice would carry more weight.
Are you serious? Hiashi only meant to be sarcastic, but Kazuki took it seriously. Uchiha and Hyuga alliance? The two clans, known for their rivalry over their Kekkei Genkai, joining forces? It was absurd, yet not entirely impossible, just something no one had thought to pursue or push for.