Kumogakure Comes to Conclude Peace
Naka Shrine.
In the dimly lit secret room, Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna had flushed faces. They hadn't heard such good news since the Nine-Tails' Rampage.
"Haha, if that's true, then the Fifth Hokage is just around the corner!"
"That's right. Although the Hyuga Clan is not as powerful as our Uchiha, they are still the Konoha's Second Noble Clan, and the Branch Family's strength far surpasses that of the main Main Family."
"Hmph, what Main Family? A bunch of ninjas who rely on the Branch Family to protect them on the battlefield. They only know how to enslave the Main Family Branch Family. Don't be fooled by the main Hyuga Clan's fighting strength is in the Branch Family. When the time comes, hmph!" At this Elder Setsuna revealed a disdainful expression. He Uchiha, had always looked down on the Hyuga Clan's Main Family and Branch Family philosophy.
Looking at the night, Uchiha Fugaku, a rare smile appearing on his usually stern and expressionless face, nodded and said, "Alright, although our Uchiha Clan Hyuga Branch Family, that would be perfect."
Even Elder Setsuna couldn't help but nod with a satisfied smile, "Indeed, the Hyuga Branch Family is an elite force. We've never seen a Hyuga Branch Family who's afraid of death on the battlefield. From now on, the Uchiha has an ally."
The Uchiha has always been isolated. It's not that they haven't tried to find allies, but ever since the incident that led to the founding of the village, the Uchiha Clan has been naturally unable to win over allies. When they finally manage to win over an ally, they'd be more than happy to do so. What's a little bit of resources and benefits compared to sticking together for mutual support?
The Uchiha has been lonely for too long. If the Hyuga Branch Family can really rise to prominence, it will be almost the same as betraying the Uchiha clan. At that time, the Uchiha can give up some resources to rebuild the Hyuga Clan. Then the two clans will be natural allies, and they will stand together when they fight against the Hokage's higher-ups.
Neither the clan leader nor the elders were fools; they could naturally see the future benefits. Although they had to give up some of their profits now, not to mention the Uchiha Clan's immense size and influence, even in the past, no one would come to them if they wanted to exchange profits for allies. This was practically offered to them, and they really had to seize the opportunity.
"Fugaku, you must take the Hyuga Branch Family very seriously this time. They will be an ally you can trust to protect in the future. I can already imagine the Uchiha and Hyuga fighting side by side in the Konoha Military Police Force or on the battlefield."
The Elder Setsuna relieved, revealed an excited expression; the Uchiha had finally found a true ally. Uchiha Fugaku nodded firmly, saying, "Rest assured, Elder, the Hyuga's reconnaissance and close-combat abilities, combined with our Uchiha's Sharingan, will absolutely not be inferior to the Ino -Ino-Shika-Cho Clans."
Seeing that the clan head and elders decided almost without hesitation to allocate a portion of their profits to help the Branch Family rebuild the new Hyuga Clan, Uchiha Yoru sighed with shame. "I didn't lie, I just concealed the truth. After Teacher Orochimaru's accident, this Hyuga Branch Family was the most lucrative part of his teacher's legacy that he received."
"Clan leader, elders, this is the 'Seal Caged Bird' that Teacher Orochimaru and I developed together. Although the Caged Bird is a means of controlling the Branch Family, it has its merits. Moreover, this Cursed Seal may be a gift from heaven to our clan of Dōjutsu."
Uchiha Yoru solemnly took out the scroll of the perfect version of the Seal Caged Bird Sealing Jutsu, and Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna also solemnly took it and began to read it.
"Wonderful, wonderful! This is simply made for the Dōjutsu clan. This 'Seal Caged Bird' is more like a perfect version of the Caged Bird. Once the control methods are removed, it becomes a prison, a Sealing Jutsu that perfectly protects the Dōjutsu Kekkei Genkai."
"Elder, if all the Sharingan users in the clan were to use this Sealing Jutsu, we would never have to worry about losing our Sharingan in the future."
The Caged Bird from the Hyuga Branch Family has a keyhole, and the key is kept by the Main Family. This perfect version of the Caged Bird is simply fitted in and welded shut, without any gaps, perfectly connecting the brain and pupil nerves together.
It can be said that it has lost human control, but it is also a seal that protects his Sharingan and brain.
Uchiha Fugaku and Elder Setsuna were truly surprised by this benefit, and they immediately smiled. Although it was somewhat of a dud, it was at least a form of protection.
The main reason why the Sharingan of the Uchiha has not been lost to outsiders for so many years (except for Danzo) is the Sharingan's domineering nature and extremely strong repulsiveness. Kakashi can only be said to be an exception, but no one can guarantee that there are people in the Shinobi World secretly researching something.
Looking at the smiles on their faces, Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly. This seal might be a bonus for the Uchiha Clan's Mangekyo Release ability spreads throughout the Shinobi World, this seal will be a lifesaver.
The three then began discussing how to distribute the benefits after the Hyuga Branch Family arrived.
Under the moonlight, the people of Konoha were lost in dreams of a peaceful future, but that night, a dark figure flashed out from the envoy's residence from the Land of Lightning.
Uchiha Yoru, exhausted, entered a research base with a serpentine entrance under the cover of night.
The dimly lit study, once filled with various documents and scrolls, now appeared somewhat disorganized, as if many documents were missing.
It's clear that Orochimaru has prepared for the worst and has already begun transferring some important research data, leaving behind only useless materials.
"Hehe, Lord Yoru has certainly caused quite a stir today."
Although Orochimaru stayed hidden inside the research base, he kept a close eye on all of Konoha's movements.
Uchiha Yoru never intended to lie; at most, he would conceal some information. After all, he never believed that a lie could deceive a person for a lifetime; on the contrary, the truth was the highest form of lie.
"Teacher Orochimaru, isn't this a perfect opportunity to raise some research funds? After all, you've made great contributions to Konoha."
Seeing Uchiha Yoru's calm and unashamed demeanor, Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh. His disciple was skilled in politics and even more skilled at making money. It seemed that since they became master and disciple, he had never really worried about research funding.
His apprentice's arrival and subsequent efforts to secure funding for him were the most gratifying aspects of his research, allowing him to pursue his studies without restraint.
"Lord Yoru, are you already preparing to inherit your teacher's legacy in the village?"
A hoarse laugh echoed in the dimly lit study. Uchiha Yoru, however, felt no threat whatsoever. Instead, he shrugged and chuckled, "If Master were in Konoha, this would naturally be all for Master's benefit. But if Master is gone, as his disciple, I should accept it. After all, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki serves as a cautionary tale."
Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?
Upon hearing this comparison, Orochimaru immediately revealed an amused smile. Indeed, it seems that the only legacy the Nine-Tails- Nine-Tails left behind is that nine-tailed beast.
Indeed, if Konoha had no place for him to stay, then his influence in Konoha would all vanish like smoke.
"Heh, so this is your reason for so desperately wanting to scheme against the Hyuga Branch Family, with the Hyuga Branch Family as your core. Lord Yoru, if you were born in the Warring States Period, you would surely have a place among the Five Great Nations of the Shinobi World."
Orochimaru rarely showed such high praise, and couldn't help but compliment, saying that almost every step was calculated, yet it was so flawless, and he could advance and retreat with ease.
If he becomes the Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Yoru's status will naturally rise accordingly. If he leaves Konoha, he can rely on the Hyuga Branch Family as his backbone and possess his own power—a power outside of his clan.
If the Hyuga Branch Family were to break away, they would be considered traitors, and the only person they could rely on would be Orochimaru. However, if Orochimaru were to leave, the Branch Family would be in a very awkward position.
The Branch Family is a double-edged sword. By joining Orochimaru, one is branded with Orochimaru mark, becoming a hot potato. In contrast, Uchiha Yoru, Orochimaru's disciple, is the best successor.
"Heh, you'd better be prepared if you don't stay overnight. While intelligence is important, strength still reigns supreme in the Shinobi World. What good is a brilliant mind if you don't have strength?"
As Orochimaru said this, a mocking smile slowly crept onto his lips. Shikaku Nara was smart enough, but what was the result? He could only ever depend on others. Intelligence might bring temporary benefits, but strength is what allows one to stand on their own two feet.
Strength?
Upon hearing those two words, Uchiha Yoru's lips slowly curled into a proud smile. "Teacher Orochimaru, I'll show you then."
Now he just needs a stage to prove his strength, and hasn't that stage already been set up? Heh, it'll be his time to step onto it.
He never liked scheming because it was too exhausting, but before he had the power to look down on everyone and sweep through Konoha, he could only integrate rather than change it.
When you are strong enough, you can change all the injustices you see. But if your strength is only enough to compete with a group of strong people, then you need to integrate and learn to use their strength against them.
"Hehe, I'm really looking forward to seeing just how strong you are, Lord Yoru."
Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh beneath a wicked smile. His disciple was becoming more and more interesting; it seemed his strength had grown considerably during this time.
How strong?
Seeing Orochimaru's meaningful smile, Uchiha Yoru also smiled. "Teacher Orochimaru, I'll give you a surprise later."
Suddenly, a commotion arose in the Hyuga Compound under the cover of night.
In the darkness, Hyuga Hiashi held his daughter Hinata in his arms, his face filled with solemnity, while guards rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion.
A black-clad, masked ninja directly in front of them had been killed and was lying on the ground when his mask was slowly removed, revealing his face.
The instant his face was revealed, Hyuga Hiashi calm expression suddenly turned to shock.
It was none other than the Leader of the Land of Lightning's Envoys, who had just concluded a treaty with the village. His Forehead Protector was askew, his pupils were dilated, blood was flowing from the corner of his mouth, and his face, with its tuft of beard, was one he had seen with his own eyes.
"Chieftain, this is!"
Among the arriving guards, several recognized the identity of the man who had been killed, and they couldn't help but show their shock. They knew that Konoha had lined the streets to welcome the envoy from the Land of Lightning, and many of the ninjas had seen him before, so they clearly knew his identity.
At that moment, Hyuga Hiashi instantly realized that things were in grave danger. His shocked expression was tinged with panic. The Land of Lightning was really scheming.
That night, the Hokage Building was brightly lit, and the high-ranking officials who had just signed the peace treaty all got up in the middle of the night and hurriedly came to the office building.
Hokage Meeting Room, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura — the Konoha High Council F4— gathered together, their faces grim and menacing, indicating that Konoha was about to experience a major upheaval.
"We just signed a treaty with the Land of Lightning, and tonight the head of the envoys from the Land of Lightning secretly went to the Hyuga Clan to abduct Hiashi, the daughter of the Main Family. It's obvious that this was premeditated, and the other side never planned to succeed from the beginning."
The shrewd and calculating Third Hokage pointed out the key issue directly and astutely: the Land of Lightning were clearly intended to annoy them. Let alone an envoy like you, even if you, the Raikage, came, do you think you could leave Konoha unscathed? An envoy really thinks he's a god of the Shinobi World.
"Using such tactics to create diplomatic conflict, the Kumogakure remains as despicable as ever."
It was clear that Shimura Danzō was filled with rage. He had originally planned to have someone impersonate Iwagakure on their way back to frame them, but instead, he was humiliated right at his own doorstep.
Utatane Koharu, one of the high-ranking officials, frowned and shook her head, saying, "Now is not the time to dwell on this issue, but rather how to deal with the provocation from Kumogakure —to fight! Or to continue negotiating?"
It has to be said that Kumogakure's actions weren't exactly brilliant, they were certainly disgusting. After all, this was a diplomatic incident; they insisted on making the false accusation first, leaving Konoha with no choice but to suffer the consequences.
You spread rumors that an envoy from Kumogakure) came to your Konoha stronghold, yet managed to sneak into the Hyuga residence in the middle of the night? And even kidnapped the Hyuga Family head's daughter? And then they were killed by your own people?
Putting aside whether anyone would believe this claim if you told them, the fact that someone could infiltrate the Hyuga Clan's residence right under your nose is laughable.
They were careless! They were all careless.
Mitokado Homura frowned. Konoha wasn't afraid of Kumogakure, but wars weren't fought lightly. Every war was fought for profit, and there was no profit to be gained from fighting now.
"Sarutobi, the people from Kumogakure will definitely cause trouble tomorrow. These are turbulent times, and Kumogakure has seized the opportunity presented by our Konoha's instability. If we clash with Kumogakure now, and the border becomes deadlocked, Konoha will probably only have Orochimaru left to deal with."
Mitokado Homura's words hit the nail on the head, and the three men's expressions changed instantly. Utatane Koharu shook her head and said, "Sarutobi, it's best to be cautious right now. The village has experienced too much turmoil. As Homura said, if Orochimaru achieves further military success, then probably no one will be able to stop him from Hokage Position Orochimaru."
"Konoha, already reeling from war, is in dire need of Orochimaru. While Orochimaru is indeed a qualified candidate, Konoha cannot afford further turmoil at this time."
Perhaps there are interests involved, but more than that, they are getting old, and they are afraid that the Konoha that they created with their own hands will eventually be ruined in their hands.
Their minds have become so narrow that they believe only their own ideas are correct. Once Orochimaru comes to power, the power structure of Konoha will be reshuffled. Konoha, which has just experienced a series of wars, will also experience political turmoil. Will the enemy take advantage of the situation? Just like in Second Shinobi War II, the entire Shinobi World began to fall into chaos after the deaths of the First and Second Hokage.
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