Only a Half-Dead Senju Makes a Good Big Brother!

Konoha's second Uzumaki clansman raced after the first Uzumaki envoy and finally caught up with him. He delivered Uzumaki Takumi's latest instructions and plea for aid to Sarutobi Hiruzen, only for Hiruzen to delay the matter on the grounds that it was too significant.

They had intended to follow their clan head's orders and ask Uzumaki Mito to put in a good word, but unexpectedly, Mito showed no regard whatsoever for their shared clan ties. She said that she was now a person of Konoha, and that everything should be left to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

With no other choice, the two could only take turns lobbying Konoha's major clans, hoping to persuade one or two of them to speak up for the Uzumaki Clan.

Most shinobi clans, such as the Ino-Shika-Cho, chose to stand by and watch. However, a small number of clans had other ideas.

Within a quiet chamber of the Hyuga Clan, the main family line had gathered in full, including the clan head and five elders.

"According to reliable intelligence, Uzushio Village is currently facing the Lightning-Earth Allied Forces. Unless the village dispatches a massive force to rescue them, Uzushio Village definitely won't survive this calamity." Hyuga Tofu, the current head of the Hyuga Clan, gave a brief overview of the situation.

"Based on my understanding of our Hokage, he may not be willing to risk triggering the Second Shinobi World War by directly facing the Lightning-Earth Allied Forces. Our Hokage is good in every respect, except that he is too cautious. Unless the situation deteriorates to a certain point, he always hesitates and tries to settle disputes through conciliatory means."

Hyuga Tofu saw Sarutobi Hiruzen clearly. At a glance, he had identified the root of Hiruzen's hesitation. If the village truly faced a crisis, then this "Shinobi Hero" would certainly step forward without hesitation and confront it forcefully. But if things had not yet reached that point, he would keep wavering, trying to resolve the conflict through softer methods.

Moreover, dispatching troops for a rescue might not win the approval of the major clans. Uzushio Village was an ally of the Senju and Konoha, not an ally of ours. Asking us to send people to a foreign land to defend someone else's homeland? Sorry, we're not that noble.

As for what would happen if Uzushio Village was destroyed and Iwagakure and Kumogakure obtained the Tailed Beast Jinchuriki sealing techniques—that was a problem for the Hokage to consider, not them.

They drew a very clear line between clan affairs and village affairs.

This was different from the First Shinobi World War. If Konoha were invaded, they would certainly fight with all their strength—they had long since been bound to Konoha. But a rescue operation with no benefits to them was another matter entirely.

They would obey the order if Sarutobi Hiruzen demanded it, but whether it was worth doing depended on Hiruzen's own judgment.

"Then we must consider the possibility of the Uzumaki Clan entering Konoha," the Hyuga Clan's First Elder concluded.

If Konoha did not send troops, then the solution was simple. Given the alliance between the Uzumaki Clan and Konoha, Konoha would certainly have to do something. Without directly confronting the enemy, bringing the Uzumaki Clan into Konoha would actually be the best solution.

If the Lightning-Earth Allied Forces continued to press the matter after Konoha had already taken a step back, then even Sarutobi Hiruzen would not tolerate those two countries shitting and pissing on Konoha's head—after all, his title of "Shinobi Hero" had not truly been earned by "enduring."

But...

"The Uzumaki Clan absolutely cannot merge into Konoha!"

As though by prior agreement, everyone present spoke those words at once.

The reasoning was simple. Konoha was no longer the Konoha it had been thirty years ago, when it had first been founded. The interests of every side had already been divided up. If another major clan emerged out of nowhere, one whose strength was no less than the Hyuga or Uchiha, where would there be any room left for them?

In the end, wouldn't they be carving meat from their own bodies?

Industries and money could be set aside for the moment, but how would the positions in those core departments be divided?

Every position was already occupied. Who would be made to move?

And besides...

"I'm afraid this could give the Senju a chance to rise again!" Hyuga Tofu could not help thinking of that possibility.

To be honest, Senju Tobirama had been an extremely qualified Hokage, but he had not been a good clan head. Back when the village was first established, in order to dispel the prejudices among the various shinobi clans, he had ordered all Senju branch families, aside from the direct line, to change their names and identities, thoroughly integrating Senju blood into Konoha Village.

That measure benefited Konoha, but it deeply harmed the Senju.

After the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the new Hokage's advisor, Shimura Danzō, rose to power, they had both suppressed the Senju, whether out of consideration for their own clans or a desire to expand their prestige. They did not directly strip Senju clansmen of their positions. Instead, they endlessly promoted the Senju Clan's lofty virtue, then gradually removed them from key posts.

In short, the remaining Senju only needed to serve as good luck charms. They did not need to concern themselves with actual administration.

When a whale falls, all things thrive. When the Senju fell, every other clan ate their fill.

As the Senju's influence gradually vanished, the benefits they had once controlled naturally passed into the hands of the other shinobi clans. The largest shares went to the Sarutobi Clan, the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans, and the Hyuga Clan. As for the Uchiha Clan... they could keep playing in the mud with the police force. How could they possibly have room to participate in something so beneficial?

If the Uzumaki Clan truly merged into Konoha, then whether for appearances' sake or to genuinely placate them, the village would inevitably grant them a share of its interests. The Sarutobi Clan, as relatives of the Hokage, and the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans, as the Hokage's staunch supporters, would not have to give up much even if flesh had to be cut. The other shinobi clans had little fat left to squeeze out. That meant the blade could only fall on the consistently neutral Hyuga Clan.

Coupled with the balancing tactics favored by those in power, making the newly arrived Uzumaki Clan offend Konoha's local powerhouse, the Hyuga Clan, would only drive the Uzumaki Clan into tighter unity with the Hokage faction centered around Sarutobi Hiruzen. Hyuga Tofu could almost state with certainty that if the Uzumaki Clan joined Konoha, the Hyuga Clan would inevitably suffer.

Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen did not do it, plenty of people would want to—quite a few of those Senju elders who had survived from the Warring States era were still alive.

Not everyone had agreed with Senju Tobirama's methods! Having witnessed the Senju Clan at its peak, when it could command the winds and clouds during the Warring States era and basked in boundless glory during Konoha's founding, how could they not feel heartache over the Senju's current decline?

And with the Uzumaki Clan, the Senju's in-laws, having a chance to enter Konoha, make a comeback, and use Impure World Reincarnation—could there be a better opportunity?

"Only a half-dead Senju makes a good big brother!"

They never wanted to return to the era at Konoha's founding, when the Senju had covered the sky with one hand. Hyuga Tofu had personally lived through the eras of Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama. That unresistable behemoth known as the Senju could not be allowed to appear again!

"No matter what, the Uzumaki Clan must not come to Konoha! To prevent any future trouble, it would be best to stand by and watch Uzushio Village be destroyed by the Lightning-Earth Allied Forces!"

As Hyuga Tofu thought this, he glanced at the Hyuga First Elder beside him. Seeing the grave expression on the other man's face, it was obvious that he had thought of the same thing.

"Since that is the case, our Hyuga Clan will take the lead this time!" After Hyuga Tofu explained the situation to the other main family elders, they quickly reached a consensus and made their decision.

For the perpetually neutral Hyuga Clan to voluntarily enter the fray, it could only be said that the Uzumaki Clan truly lived up to its reputation.

"Second Elder, visit the Hatake, Aburame, Inuzuka, and other shinobi clans. They may not have eaten much meat back then, but they did eat some in the end. Tell them outright that the Hokage plans to bring the Uzumaki into the village, then explain what things will look like after the Uzumaki enter Konoha. It would be best if they also agree to abandon the rescue of Uzushio Village. Emphasize that they do not need to take the lead this time. They only need to wave flags and shout behind our Hyuga Clan!"

"Third Elder, visit Advisor Danzo. Tell him that our Hyuga Clan will send branch family members into Root, then ask him to stop the Hokage from rescuing or bringing back the Uzumaki Clan!"

"Fourth Elder, have someone spread the news that Konoha is about to send troops to bring the Uzumaki Clan home! Remember to highlight the relationship between the Uzumaki Clan and Lady Mito! Emphasize that, to soothe the heart of Lady Mito, the widow of Lord Hashirama, Konoha will certainly dispatch troops to Uzushio Village!"

Although Uzumaki Mito had declared that she was a person of Konoha and would obey all of Sarutobi Hiruzen's arrangements, the more she said so, the more Hiruzen had to consider her wishes—she had given him so much face, and he still would not accept it?

But once this claim spread, if Uzumaki Mito did not want to bear the accusation of sacrificing Konoha's people to save her maternal clan, she would have no choice but to step forward and clearly oppose it.

"Clan Head, when it comes to suppressing the Senju, Shimura Danzō and Sarutobi Hiruzen went even further than we did. Could they really fail to think of this?" The Third Elder had some objections to Hyuga Tofu's arrangements.

"We cannot gamble, understand?" Hyuga Tofu gave the Third Elder a glance and explained, "We cannot place our hopes on the thoughts of those two. Their two clans have far greater ability to withstand risk than ours. Even if the Uzumaki Clan truly enters Konoha, and even if it rises under the instigation of the Senju old guard, it will only cause them a little trouble. But it will definitely have a major impact on us."

"I already said it. The price we pay is only some branch family members. Isn't the purpose of the branch family's existence to protect the Hyuga?"

At those words, all the other main family elders nodded approvingly.

"Therefore, no matter what, the Uzumaki Clan must not enter Konoha! To prevent any unforeseen developments, we must also ensure that the village does not rescue Uzushio Village!" Hyuga Tofu emphasized the point once again before declaring the meeting adjourned.

After the meeting, the Fifth Elder found the Fourth Elder to discuss Hozuki Shingetsu's matter.

"We haven't even done anything yet, but the clan has already decided to stop the rescue of Uzushio Village. Should we return what we took from that kid?"

The Fourth Elder rolled his eyes at the Fifth Elder, thinking that serving as a main family elder alongside this idiot was truly degrading.

"Are you stupid? Can things you've already accepted be returned? Besides, we didn't speak out against it. Isn't that our greatest contribution? If we can't make things happen, can't we at least keep them from being ruined?"

"Brilliant, truly brilliant!"

The Fourth Elder stroked his beard and smiled smugly.

In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu were also discussing whether Konoha should rescue Uzushio Village.

Although Shimura Danzō was still confined at the time, no one cared about such minor details.

Yet Danzo had unusually fallen silent today. He could not forget that he had sent people to attack Hozuki Shingetsu, only to receive no news even now. To prevent friction with Konoha, Uzumaki Takumi had ordered the envoy not to mention the matter at all. As a result, Danzo still did not know that Aburame Tatsuma and the others had been completely wiped out.

"Danzo? Danzo? What are you thinking about?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned at Danzo, unable to understand why the man who was usually so eager to speak had become so silent today.

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"

Danzo suddenly snapped awake from his thoughts. Upon hearing Hiruzen's question, he blurted out those words instinctively. And upon hearing them, Hiruzen reflexively responded.

"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"

"..."

Only after the fact did the two realize what had happened. They exchanged an awkward glance, and the office immediately sank into an indescribable silence.

"Ahem. Hiruzen was asking whether we should dispatch troops to rescue Uzushio Village."

Seeing this, Mitokado Homura had no choice but to offer the two men a way out.

Hiruzen had just been wavering over whether to send troops. The two advisors' opinions had been that sending troops carried risks while not sending them violated their faith—nothing but empty words, with participation as the main point. That had left Hiruzen with no choice but to turn toward his old rival. Yet he had not expected even his old comrade-in-arms to be distracted, resulting in that scene.

"I do not recommend a rescue." After thinking for a moment, Danzo gave his answer.

That answer surprised everyone present. They had thought that the warlike Danzo would clamor for troops to strike the Lightning-Earth Allied Forces, but this was his reaction instead.

"It's simple. Lady Mito is getting old. It is time to consider the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. He instantly understood what his old comrade meant—with Uzumaki Mito growing older by the day, Konoha indeed needed to consider its next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The Uzumaki Clan's immense Chakra reserves and mastery of sealing techniques made them the best vessels for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Unlike Uzumaki Mito, who had married Senju Hashirama while still young and personally participated in Konoha's founding, even if they brought back a child from Uzushio Village, it was impossible to know how much identification with Konoha she would have. And if the Uzumaki Clan remained safe, with such a powerful maternal clan supporting her from outside, would she ultimately be Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki or Uzushio Village's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?

If Uzushio Village ever fell out with Konoha, might that Nine-Tails Jinchuriki defect?

The possibility was small, but a strategic nuclear weapon like the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could not tolerate even the slightest carelessness.

Having personally witnessed Uzumaki Mito as the perfect Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, they deeply understood what it meant to shake heaven and earth. Though she was still slightly inferior to Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, her power was already on a completely different level from other shinobi. That power had conquered them, while also making them firmly believe that no matter how badly the situation deteriorated, as long as Konoha held a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, it could turn danger into safety.

As for allies?

As long as they possessed an Uzumaki line completely under their control, what did it matter if Uzushio Village was destroyed? What did it matter if Konoha's reputation was ruined and it had no allies left in the Shinobi World?

As for Iwagakure and Kumogakure obtaining Tailed Beast Jinchuriki sealing techniques because of this... as they had said before, there were differences even among Tailed Beasts.

As long as Konoha possessed the Nine-Tails, it feared no other Tailed Beast!

"Then we can find a reason to refuse them, then have the Uzumaki Clan move into Konoha Village... no, that won't work either." Utatane Koharu picked up the thread, but quickly realized that it was impossible.

The Senju Clan.

Those four words instantly appeared in everyone's minds.

As the people who had personally nailed shut the Senju's coffin, they would never permit it to rise from the dead.

Therefore, the best course was to stand by and watch Uzushio Village be destroyed, allowing the Uzumaki Clan to disappear from the Shinobi World forever. Konoha could send someone to take away a highly gifted Uzumaki child and make her the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. With no family or support, she could only regard Konoha as her home. If she later married and had children, growing her family line, Konoha could even gain an Uzumaki Clan that wholly belonged to itself.

"Then if we stand by and do nothing, what about Lady Mito..." Mitokado Homura spoke, once again plunging the office into silence.

That was right. Although Uzumaki Mito had said that she was a person of Konoha and would follow the arrangements of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage, everyone knew that was merely diplomatic talk. They could not truly disregard her opinion—she might be old, but as a perfect Jinchuriki, even Sarutobi Hiruzen was no match for her in a one-on-one fight. And even setting strength aside, her status alone was enough that no one could ignore her.

At the mention of Uzumaki Mito, even Danzo could not help falling silent. He might act wildly and refuse to give Sarutobi Hiruzen any face, but if he truly provoked Uzumaki Mito, she could slap him across the face in front of everyone, and he would have to applaud and say she had slapped him well.

Just then, the Daimyo's envoy finally arrived in Konoha, bringing Sarutobi Hiruzen the Daimyo's instructions regarding the Uzushio Village incident.

"Why has the Daimyo suddenly decided to interfere in Konoha's affairs...?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Daimyo had been old friends for many years. He could not understand why the Daimyo had suddenly taken an interest in Uzushio Village. He could rack his brains all he wanted and still never imagine that Hozuki Shingetsu had played a part in it—although shinobi would stop at nothing, no one had ever seen shinobi from one country directly take the upper-level route in another!

Using internal conflicts within an enemy shinobi village to create discord had already broadened Hiruzen's horizons. But using the Daimyo to directly pressure Konoha—what kind of move was that?

This was shinobi business. Why were they calling in outside help?

"But this is good. With the Daimyo backing us, we won't need to worry about the pressure from Lady Mito." Mitokado Homura's eyes lit up as he immediately took over.

"Not only that!"

Shimura Danzō, who had just received a secret report from one of his subordinates, showed the others the information he had received—someone was spreading word that, due to pressure from Lady Mito, Konoha would soon dispatch troops to the Land of Whirlpools to participate in the Second Shinobi World War.

"Such perfect timing... it should be the Hyuga Clan!"

No one present was foolish. Using the simple principle that whoever benefited most was the most suspicious, they easily deduced the mastermind. They could even guess most of the reason why the Hyuga Clan had done it.

They were all ancient foxes—why play ghost stories with each other?

"Now we no longer need to worry about Lady Mito!" Sarutobi Hiruzen waved a hand and directly issued the order.

"Immediately send a squad to Uzushio Village and bring back a highly talented child! Tell Uzumaki Takumi to hold on. Reinforcements will arrive soon!"

As for when they would arrive?

Don't ask. They were on the way.