Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 69: He Gave Too Much

Facing Mei Terumi's question, Yagura's expression grew complex as he slowly said, "If Konoha's strength is tied to him, then yes, it's true."

How did things come to this?

Because Konoha is too powerful!

So powerful that he had no choice but to agree to an enormous compensation—the most generous reparations since the successive Shinobi World Wars.

It was precisely Konoha's overwhelming strength that forced Kirigakure to hasten peace talks, sowing the seeds of future troubles.

The pro-war faction, led by the Kaguya Clan and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, as well as those who opposed his appointment as Mizukage, were certain to watch him closely, waiting for him to make a mistake.

And yet, the reparations paid to Konoha, coupled with the inevitable budget cuts to the Land of Water due to Kirigakure's defeat, made it clear that these people would absolutely get their chance.

When Kirigakure struggles even more after the peace talks, whose fault will it be?

Of course, it will be the Kage's fault!

This burden should have fallen on the Third Mizukage, but to minimize Kirigakure's losses and push for peace, the one acting as Mizukage in his place was Yagura, so naturally, he would have to bear this responsibility.

"The head of the Kaguya Clan fell on the battlefield, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were wiped out as well."

Yagura stared solemnly into the distance. "The hatred hasn't left Kirigakure; it's just not ready to erupt yet."

"Konoha is so strong that it's hard to even entertain the thought of revenge."

"But Konoha's aggression is relatively weak. In the countless Shinobi World Wars, Konoha has never been the one to declare war first. This has provided us with the best possible environment for internal conflict."

The pro-war faction versus the peace faction.

The Daimyo versus Kirigakure.

Those content with the status quo versus those wanting to strengthen Kirigakure.

The growing dissatisfaction will eventually explode. But because the outside nations are so powerful and the Land of Water is naturally isolated, the conflicts will only unfold within the country itself.

"I cannot back down. If I retreat, Kirigakure will never rise again. But I also can't weaken myself further by wiping out the Kaguya Clan or other discontented shinobi—that would only cause Kirigakure to grow weaker, even weaker than Sunagakure."

Yagura looked seriously at Mei Terumi, his tone grave. "Hyuga Fuji gave me a single-choice question: either let Kirigakure sink into endless infighting, or break free from the cocoon and be reborn. It all depends on the outcome of my reforms!"

"But reform is bound to bring bloodshed. Changing the one nation, one village system will face enormous resistance. I might fail, and if that happens, Kirigakure will be yours, Mei!"

Hearing his almost blatant words, Mei Terumi opened her mouth, her mind going blank.

Yagura continued, "With your dual Kekkei Genkai, you're the most promising of your generation. Kisame is talented too, but he's better suited to being a pure shinobi. You have the potential to be a Kage."

Mei snapped out of her daze, took a deep breath, and knelt on one knee. "I won't let you down!"

Seeing this, Yagura smiled with satisfaction. "Stand up."

Once Mei rose, Yagura noticed her worried expression and offered a comforting smile. "There's no need to be so concerned. The reason he chose Kirigakure for this plan is because it's the most suitable."

The Land of Water's unique geographical advantages meant that, with proper handling, the outside world would have difficulty learning of any changes within its upper echelons.

As long as the internal affairs remained stable and undisclosed, Kirigakure wouldn't immediately draw hostility from the other Daimyo.

Mei felt somewhat reassured and asked, "Wouldn't it be easier for him to carry out this plan in the Land of Fire, given his position? What exactly is his goal?"

"The Land of Fire is not suitable. As the first nation to advocate the one nation, one village system under the First Hokage's leadership, it's the hardest to reform—there's too much resistance."

At this, Yagura's eyes gleamed. "But if our reforms succeed, it will be Kirigakure pressuring other nations to change."

"Hyuga Fuji… He wants to completely dismantle the one nation, one village system!"

…

On the road back to Konoha, Tsunade extended a hand to block Hyuga Fuji's path, smiling mischievously.

"Kid, I've finally caught you. It wasn't easy to see you during this time."

"Tsunade-senpai, is there something you'd like to discuss with me?"

"Don't play games with me. Tell me, did you cheat the last time we gambled?"

"I didn't."

Hyuga Fuji's expressionless face betrayed nothing, leaving Tsunade somewhat speechless. "That's not what you said before."

"Tsunade-senpai losing is the norm, isn't it? Why is it a problem only when I win?"

Hyuga Fuji countered calmly.

"You wouldn't believe me even if I explained." Tsunade pouted, turning to leave. "Forget it. Making a fuss over this seems pointless."

Hyuga Fuji followed her. "Since it's no longer an issue, I'd like to discuss something else with you."

"Go ahead."

As they walked through the forest, Hyuga Fuji asked softly, "Have you considered taking on an advisory role?"

Tsunade furrowed her brow slightly, glancing thoughtfully at Minato in the distance. "In this war, Uchiha Fugaku and you contributed significantly. Shouldn't the advisory positions go to the Uchiha and Hyuga clans?"

Advisory roles provided a voice for the clans, ensuring their interests were protected to some extent. Ideally, a clan's high-ranking member would assume such a position.

As for the current advisors… she doubted Minato would lose to Danzo, so their fates were already sealed.

"One of the positions has indeed been given to Fugaku, but the other would be best suited for you."

Tsunade, familiar with the intricate dynamics, quickly grasped his reasoning. "You want me to appease the clans, don't you?"

The clans wouldn't disappear; Konoha needed their strength. While they would suffer heavy losses this time, they couldn't be pushed too far.

An advisory position had to remain available.

Having the Uchiha lead as advisors… wasn't ideal. In fact, it was highly unsuitable.

How many clans were on good terms with the Uchiha? Would those clans even consider consulting Fugaku?

Perhaps, over time, this could change, but initially, the responsibilities of the advisory role would inevitably fall to the other advisor.

And who was most suitable for this role?

Someone strong, whose clan was already integrated into the village, and who could communicate with most of the other clans—Tsunade was the perfect candidate.

Additionally, given her history with the clans, she could easily control them.

From every angle, she was the best choice for the role.

But…

After contemplating for a moment, Tsunade spoke honestly, "I refuse! Personally, it brings me no benefit, and I have no interest in dealing with those old men. My dream is—"

Hyuga Fuji interrupted with a blank expression, "Konoha will repay all your outstanding debts in full."

Tsunade faltered for a moment, but she remained firm. "My dream is to travel the ninja world. I shouldn't be tied down to one place—"

"The village will cover your gambling expenses as well, with a monthly limit. As long as you stay within the cap, you can withdraw funds. Additionally, as an advisor, your role can be nominal. If you truly don't want to interact with the clans, Fugaku and I can handle it."

Tsunade's tone shifted as she became serious. "But Konoha is my home. After years away from the village, I do want to stay for a while. As for the advisory position… I'll reluctantly take it."

Shizune, he's offering too much. Let's stay in Konoha for now.

(End of Chapter)