Konoha, Hyuga Compound.
"It seems we all underestimated the Fourth Hokage from the very beginning..."
Hyuga Hiashi spoke as he looked at the clan crest on the wall. During the Warring States Period, that crest had once stood almost on equal footing with those of the Senju and Uchiha.
But now...
The Senju had fallen into decline, and the Uchiha had been shunned by the entire village ever since the Second Hokage's time. Only the Hyuga had remained standing.
That was their pride... and their responsibility.
"He's drawn the Uchiha, who have always been excluded, to his side. That fellow known as Body Flicker Shisui has built up a great deal of prestige over the past few years in his mission squads."
"And then there's the son of the White Fang of Konoha. Because of certain circumstances, only the Fourth could make use of him. Graduating at five, becoming a Chunin at six, and a Jonin at twelve—among the Jonin Squad of his generation, that title alone is an honor."
"Then there's Kinoe. We've received intelligence that he can use the First Hokage's Wood Release."
"And after what happened with Danzo the day before yesterday, the Fourth's personal Anbu will be firmly under his control, while the Third's personal Anbu will grow estranged from the Third."
"The Uchiha's opportunity... has arrived."
After Hiashi finished speaking, Hizashi, seated across from him, took a long moment before finally lifting his head.
He fixed his eyes on his elder brother, a trace of struggle in his pale eyes.
"Why are you telling me all this, Clan Head? The Main Branch has elders who can discuss these matters. I'm only a member of the Branch Family. My opinion won't matter."
Hiashi sighed. "The Main Branch's elders... don't have brothers they can trust, either..."
Hizashi