Chain Reaction

The news reached the major ninja clans before noon.

The crowd at the Konoha Military Police Force recruitment site had yet to disperse when word that the Hyuga Clan had publicly taken a side exploded across Konoha like a bomb.

At the Hyuga Clan Compound.

Hyuga Hiashi stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, gazing toward Hokage Rock.

A branch-family ninja hurried up behind him and dropped to one knee.

"Clan Head, two Jonin have reported in. The whole place is in an uproar."

Hyuga Hiashi did not turn around. He merely nodded.

"Understood. You may go."

"Yes."

The branch-family ninja rose, backed away a few steps, then turned and left.

Silence settled over the courtyard.

Hyuga Hiashi remained where he was, his gaze calm. He had expected this. The Uchiha Clan needed allies, and the Hyuga Clan had been the first to step forward when they needed help most. It was a deal that could hardly go wrong.

But the peace did not last.

Hurried footsteps sounded at the courtyard entrance. Seven or eight figures stormed in, all elders of the Hyuga Clan's Main Family.

The white-haired elder at their head looked furious.

"Clan Head!"

He strode up to Hyuga Hiashi, his voice strong and clear, but unable to conceal his anger.

"Why did you send branch-family Jonin to report to the Konoha Military Police Force without telling us?"

The other elders crowded around him, speaking over one another.

"How could you make such a major decision without consulting us?"

"Is an alliance between the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan something you can decide on a whim?"

Hyuga Hiashi did not rush to answer.

He walked back beneath the veranda, sat at the low table, picked up his teacup, and took an unhurried sip.

Only