Chapter 230: Chapter 230: Negotiating with the Hyūga Clan
Chapter 230: Negotiating with the Hyūga Clan
Morning at the Hokage Office
Hinata's father, Hyūga Hiashi, knocked on the door of the Third Hokage's office, a mix of anxiety and determination on his face as he stepped inside.
"Hokage-sama," Hiashi greeted, bowing deeply as he entered.
"Ah, Hiashi," the Third Hokage acknowledged, exhaling a puff of smoke from his pipe. "You must have heard about the incident involving the Kumogakure delegation on your clan's grounds?"
Hiashi had indeed heard. He was directly involved. The Kumogakure shinobi had attempted to kidnap his daughter, Hinata. In the heat of the moment, as a father, he had killed them to protect her.
From a moral standpoint, his actions were justifiable. A father defending his child from kidnappers was beyond reproach. But the international ramifications were severe.
The Kumogakure delegation had been sent to Konoha to negotiate peace. The Third Hokage had placed great importance on their visit, and yet several of their members were now dead shortly after their arrival. Regardless of the circumstances, the Hyūga Clan was held responsible.
Hiashi braced himself and began explaining:
"The Kumo shinobi attempted to attack the Main Family, trying to steal the Byakugan. I sent people to stop them, but... my clansmen were too enraged, and they acted too harshly."
"Hokage-sama, you understand the importance of the Byakugan to both the Hyūga Clan and Konoha. Its safety is paramount."
The Third Hokage sighed, releasing a smoke ring before setting down his pipe.
"Kumogakure has already approached me with accusations, demanding an explanation. They've gathered evidence implicating you in their deaths, Hiashi."
He leaned forward, his voice heavy.
"You understand how hard-won this peace is for Konoha, don't you? The Third Shinobi War lasted three years, and even afterward, we had skirmishes with Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure for another three. The village craves peace."
The Hokage looked directly at Hiashi and spoke firmly:
"You are the leader of the Hyūga Clan. I cannot hand you over to Kumogakure to appease them. Nor can I allow any member of the Main Family to be sacrificed."
He paused, as if to let the weight of his words sink in, then added pointedly:
"But I've heard that your younger brother looks quite similar to you and is a member of the Branch Family. According to the Hyūga Clan's own traditions, the Branch Family must do whatever it takes to protect the Main Family, even at the cost of their lives."
The Hokage's words hung in the air, unspoken but clear. Hiashi's expression darkened. He knew this was coming.
After a moment, Hiashi replied, "Hokage-sama, I'll need to discuss this with the clan elders. After all, Hizashi is the leader of the Branch Family."
---
As he left the Hokage Office, Hiashi's expression grew grim. It was exactly as he had expected. For the sake of peace, the Hokage would choose to sacrifice the Hyūga Clan's interests.
But, in truth, the sacrifice wasn't as devastating as it seemed. Hizashi, his younger brother, was part of the Branch Family. His death wouldn't shake the foundation of the Hyūga Clan.
Hiashi had little doubt about what conclusion the clan elders would reach. As long as the Main Family's interests remained intact, the Branch Family was always expendable.
Standing before the Hyūga Clan's vast estate, Hiashi hesitated. Each member of the Branch Family who entered the gates greeted him respectfully before stepping inside, their heads bowed low.
Hiashi sighed deeply before walking in.
At the clan's ancestral hall, Hiashi instructed the Branch Family members present,
"Summon the elders to the hall... and bring Hizashi here as well."
Within five minutes, the elders and Hizashi had arrived. The atmosphere was heavy as Hiashi cast a complex glance at his brother before speaking gravely.
"Last night's incident involving Kumogakure... Hokage-sama has already spoken to me about it. He hopes someone will take my place to calm Kumogakure's anger."
The eldest clan elder scowled.
"Why must the Hyūga Clan bear this burden? Does the Hokage not understand the importance of the Byakugan?"
"Indeed," another elder chimed in. "We are one of Konoha's great clans. How could the Hokage make such a decision?"
Hiashi sighed, realizing they had misunderstood. They thought the Hokage intended to surrender a Main Family member or the Byakugan itself to Kumogakure. He clarified,
"Hokage-sama suggested that a Branch Family member who resembles me could make the sacrifice to restore peace between Konoha and Kumogakure."
The anger on the elders' faces dissipated instantly. All eyes turned to Hizashi.
As Hiashi's younger brother, Hizashi bore a strong resemblance to him. He was the perfect candidate for the role.
The eldest elder declared,
"Let Hizashi go. Protecting the Byakugan at all costs is the Branch Family's duty."
Another elder added,
"With Hizashi's status as the leader of the Branch Family, his sacrifice will satisfy Kumogakure. If they push further, Konoha may have no choice but to go to war again."
Hiashi hesitated. "Perhaps we can find someone else. Hizashi, he..."
Hizashi interrupted. "Brother, I'll go. There's no one else in the clan who looks like you."
"But what about Neji..." Hiashi began.
"Please take care of him for me," Hizashi said quietly.
The elders remained silent, their expressions cold. If Hizashi volunteered, it was easier for everyone. If he refused, they would ensure his compliance through other means.
Just then, a Branch Family member hurried into the hall and reported,
"Clan leader! Uchiha Haneda is here."
"Uchiha Haneda?"
Both Hiashi and Hizashi froze, their faces showing surprise and alarm.
They were unaware that Haneda intended to run for Hokage and assumed he had come to kill them. Three years ago, the Hyūga Clan had turned their backs on Uchiha Haneda. Given his reputation for killing Danzo and Ōnoki without hesitation, they feared for their lives.
The elders immediately stepped forward, shielding Hiashi and Hizashi. In unison, they said,
"Clan leader, someone of Uchiha Haneda's stature must be greeted personally by you."
---
At the Hyūga leader's residence
Haneda sat calmly, sipping tea as he watched Hinata and Neji train in the courtyard.
Hiashi entered hastily, relaxing slightly when he saw Haneda sitting peacefully.
"Haneda-sama, may I ask why you're here?" Hiashi inquired cautiously.
"I'm running for Hokage," Haneda stated bluntly. "Tomorrow morning's Jōnin Council meeting will determine the future of leadership. I need the Hyūga Clan to stand with the Uchiha and pressure the Third Hokage to step down."
Both Hiashi and Hizashi were stunned. After being branded a near-rogue ninja for three years, Uchiha Haneda was now declaring his candidacy for Hokage?
Before they could fully process his words, Haneda continued,
"In return for an alliance between the Hyūga and Uchiha Clans, I'll handle the Kumogakure situation for you."
"I already know about the Third Hokage's plan to sacrifice your clan for so-called peace."
Haneda's voice hardened, his anger evident.
"Konoha sacrificing its own to appease Kumogakure... for peace? What a joke!"
"Konoha, the village that crushed four great shinobi nations during the Third War, has grown this weak?"
Haneda's sharp gaze locked onto Hiashi.
"That's why I'm here. To join forces with the Hyūga and remove the Third Hokage. I will become Hokage!"
***
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