The Four Great Ninja Villages remained fairly rational.
Though they were angry, they all watched from the shadows to see who would move first. After all, great nations had their dignity to maintain. How could they act so rashly?
Rasa thought it over and decided against it. "Baki, keep a close eye on the Hyuga Clan and see whether anyone makes the first move."
Raikage A said, "Hmph! We'll move once that old bastard Ōnoki does. I won't feel bad about robbing him."
They were sworn enemies, after all.
None of them wanted to go to all the trouble of seizing something, only for another ninja village to reap the benefits. That would make them suckers.
Though they had formed an alliance, everyone knew it was merely a way to pool their influence and pressure the Hyuga. No one took the alliance seriously.
Ōnoki was old and shrewd. "The spies should have spread word that I'm about to lash out in humiliation and anger. Now, will any fish take the bait...? Heh heh..."
It turned out he had been putting on an act earlier.
Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi secretly sighed in relief, then exchanged a look as father and daughter. Sneaky old man. We'd better watch ourselves.
I think you're right.
Ōnoki's face darkened. You little shits! If you're going to bad-mouth someone with your eyes, at least do it where he can't see! What insolence!
Damn it. Don't get angry. Don't get angry. Don't get angry.
They're family. They're family. They're family.
Fuck! I can't take it anymore.
"You brat! Kitsuchi, you're blocking my moonlight." Ōnoki rolled up his sleeves, marched over, and slapped him.
Kitsuchi was stunned. "What kind of excuse is that? Old man, if you just want to hit me, say so!"
Ōnoki was equally blunt. "Yes,