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[NTU] [ARC-13] Chapter : 182
🕑 Added 2024-10-03 15:59:18 +0000 UTCAlthough Kumogakure had suffered a significant blow, their arrogance only seemed to grow. Their demands in the peace talks remained unchanged, still insisting that Konoha hand over the so-called "murderer."
"Patriarch Hiashi, please stay calm. We’re still discussing our options," Homura quickly intervened, trying to defuse the situation after receiving a subtle signal from his fellow advisors.
"None of this is finalized yet, and remember, it’s all in the interest of Konoha’s peace and stability!"
Even Konoha's leadership was taken aback by Kumogakure’s audacity. To an outsider, it might have seemed like Konoha had been the one to lose the tailed beast.
"Hiashi, patience," someone urged, sensing the rising tension.
The Third Hokage was deeply troubled by the situation. As Hokage, his perspective differed from Hiashi’s, viewing the conflict from a broader vantage point of Kumo's internal problems.
While Konoha currently held the upper hand on the battlefield, the Third Hokage understood Kumogakure's tenacity. In situations like this, the cloud would refuse to back down. Only by securing a clear advantage at the negotiation table could the Fourth Raikage manage the unrest brewing within his own village.
However, this put immense pressure on Konoha.
"I believe there’s no point in negotiating with Kumogakure any further," Danzo finally said. "With the Eight-Tails already captured and our position secure at the camp, we might as well prepare for all-out war."
Although Danzo was often known for his scheming and selfish nature, even he couldn't contain his frustration after being provoked by Kumogakure.
"In my opinion, Minato made a mistake by letting A go the last time," Danzo stated sharply. "If we had captured him, Kumogakure would have had no choice but to bend to our will."
Previously, he had suggested starting a war without waiting for Hiashi’s approval. Now, with the situation favoring Konoha, Danzo felt emboldened to push his agenda again. This time, however, he was more subtle, testing the waters by gauging the reactions of the Konoha clans and Jonin before making his move.
"Indeed!" someone echoed. "Kumogakure is really overstepping this time!"
"In my opinion, it's time we teach those Cloud ninjas a proper lesson! If we don’t show them the strength of Konoha, they’ll never behave!"
As soon as Danzo finished speaking, the entire conference room erupted into discussion. The Konoha leadership, who were previously hesitant and cautious when dealing with the threat from Kumogakure, now felt emboldened.
The capture of the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails jinchūriki by Toshiro had shifted the balance of power, making Kumogakure seem far less intimidating than before.
Different voices began to emerge, with clan leaders expressing more assertive opinions.
'It’s working,' Danzo thought to himself.
Seeing how different the reaction was this time compared to the last when he proposed war with Kumogakure, Danzo silently scoffed at these clan leaders, whom he considered opportunists, swayed by the changing tides.
Just as he was about to push his agenda further, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, spoke up.
"I’m glad to see everyone’s resolve today," Hiruzen began, "but we must remember that the village has only recently emerged from a long period of large-scale war and also the Nine-tails attack. The clans are still in a phase of recovery, and many of our younger generation haven't even reached the age to attend the ninja academy yet. We must avoid rushing into war."
Pausing to take a long puff from his pipe, he continued, "Moreover, everyone here is well aware of Konoha’s geographical vulnerability in the event of a full-scale conflict with Kumogakure."
"Neither the Mist Shinobi nor the Iwa Shinobi will stand by idly," Hiruzen remarked, his voice heavy with the weight of his long-held belief in peace.
This was one of the reasons he had always prioritized diplomacy. The strategic location of the Land of Fire meant that once a war began, they could end up fighting major powers one after another.
"Hiruzen, are we really considering handing over Hizashi's body to the Cloud Shinobi?" Koharu Utatane questioned, her tone filled with concern. "Perhaps Danzo's suggestion deserves more thought."
In the Hokage’s office, the Konoha leadership, often referred to as Konoha F4, gathered once again to deliberate on the matter. Even Homura, who usually leaned toward diplomacy, found himself agreeing with Koharu.
"Kumogakure has pushed us too far this time," Koharu added, voicing a sentiment shared by many. "It might be dangerous for the village if we hand over the body of a Hyuga so easily."
"This could lead to the leakage of the Hyuga clan's secrets.." Danzo pressed, his voice tense with urgency.
"We can't afford to appear weak. Such weakness would only embolden our enemies, making them believe we are easy prey," he continued. "If that happens, it won’t just be the four great nations threatening us— even the smaller countries might see an opening to exploit."
Sensing Koharu's support for his stance on going to war, Danzo seized the moment, eager to sway the Third Hokage to his side.
Hiruzen, however, remained composed. "I didn’t outright reject Cloud Shinobi's request for a reason. On one hand, I aim to end this prolonged standoff as swiftly as possible. But on the other..." He paused, glancing at his companions, gathering his thoughts before continuing.
"In recent years, we've primarily focused on managing the Uchiha clan, but in doing so, we've overlooked an important fact," the Third Hokage began thoughtfully. "Despite our efforts, the Uchiha remain powerful and influential. However, what's even more concerning now is that the Hyuga clan has steadily risen in prominence."
He paused, his eyes narrowing. "I see this situation as an opportunity to rein in one of Konoha's great clans."
"The Hyuga are different from the Uchiha," he continued. "With the Uchiha, we've been able to sow division and animosity from the civilians, to some degree. But the Hyuga, bound by their cursed seal, operate entirely under the will of the main family. Their loyalty to our 'Will of Fire' is flimsy at best; it's like playing music to an indifferent audience."
"The control exerted by the main family's caged bird seal is far more effective than any idealistic teachings we promote," he concluded with a tinge of frustration.
"Furthermore, if we engage in war, we'll inevitably need to rely on Uchiha Toshiro's strength, which would make it even harder for us to keep the Uchiha clan in check."
With just a few words, the Third Hokage skillfully dissuaded his companions from pursuing the idea of conflict. Though his intentions were clear, the outcomes of such decisions were often unpredictable.
**Outside the meeting room**
"Fugaku-san, please wait a moment!"
Hyuuga Hiashi, who had just left the Hokage building, was preoccupied with thoughts of how to save his brother's life. As he glanced up, he spotted a familiar figure.
In an instant, a plan formed in his mind, and he quickly approached.
"I hope you have a moment," he said warmly. "I've heard that the special camellias have been put on display at the Ikeda Kaikan. Would you do me the honor of joining me for a visit?"
As soon as he saw Uchiha Fugaku, an audacious plan formed in Hiashi's mind. If the power of the Hyuga clan alone couldn’t prevent Hizashi's execution, perhaps he could enlist the Uchiha in his cause.
Though the Uchiha had a tarnished reputation in the village, their strength was undeniable. With their backing, the chances of saving Hizashi's life would be significantly improved. Unlike the Hyuga, the Uchiha had powerful players, such as Uchiha Toshiro, someone even the Third Hokage viewed with caution.
Hiashi had no intention of forming an alliance with the Uchiha, but the idea of using them to pressure the Third Hokage seemed strategic. He believed that just the sight of him and Uchiha Fugaku sharing tea would send a clear message to the Hokage—one that couldn’t be easily ignored.
