The Second Pot Kage Is Born

Hiashi frowned at his younger brother, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

Was Hizashi a little too quick to declare his loyalty?

Had Xuanye given the Branch Family some benefit Hiashi didn't know about?

The Hyuga Clan's general outlook had improved lately, but Hiashi couldn't shake the feeling that his brother's attitude toward him had changed.

Hizashi was no longer meek and submissive. Nor was it the borrowed confidence he'd gained from having Lord Hokage at his back.

Now he seemed more confident, more... fearless?

And even more loyal to Lord Hokage.

Hiashi made a mental note of it, then stepped forward to state the Hyuga Clan's position.

"We would go through fire and water for Lord Hokage."

The Uchiha Family needed even less convincing. Fugaku had received a harsh dressing-down not long ago and had been far more cautious ever since.

That caution had kept him from interfering with Uchiha Hikari's authority as clan head, letting her enjoy herself for once.

It was probably for the best. Uchiha Hikari was no longer a little girl anyone could push around. With her seal removed, she had grown a lot fiercer.

Neither of the Uchiha Family's leaders objected. Once the Hyuga Clan and Uchiha Family had made their positions clear, the others stepped forward one after another and invited Lord Hokage to give them his orders.

A few people still had questions, though.

Yamanaka Inoichi stepped forward and suggested,

"Lord Hokage, do we need someone to take the blame this time?"

Xuanye glared at him.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Wasn't all this Sarutobi Hiruzen's doing?"

I already hinted that we should find a real "bandit" to do this.

You weren't listening to a word I said, were you?

*Is there anyone in the world right now better suited