Although I had a strong foreboding that the visitor harbored ill intentions, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, could not refuse the meeting.
It wasn't that the Third Hokage didn't want to refuse — he simply couldn't.
This time, the delegation did not arrive as representatives of Yunyin Village, but under the official banner of the Land of Lightning.
Though the delegation members were undeniably from Yunyin, the political implications were vastly different.
Had they come as shinobi of Yunyin, it would be classified as an invasion. But as dignitaries of the Land of Lightning, it was presented as a formal state visit.
Even if hostility simmered beneath the surface, one nation cannot reject another's diplomatic overtures without risking war. That is the burden of international diplomacy.
Thus, Hiruzen had to receive them.
"I only hope... this doesn't spiral out of control. Konoha now is... oh."
Gazing at the bright moon through his office window, the old Hokage wore an expression both weary and pensive.
At a small border outpost between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, the so-called "Yunyin delegation" was quietly preparing.
"Sancun," said the Fourth Raikage with a deep growl, "Your mission is to appear diplomatic. But your true objective is to acquire the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Raikage. Will you be joining us personally?"
"I cannot. I'll remain here and await your report. If you manage to bring back a live Hyuga, perfect. If not—retrieve their corpse. At any cost."
Sancun trembled slightly but steeled himself, bowing deeply.
"Understood, Lord Raikage!"
"This mission is critical, Sancun. I know it won't be easy."
"For the sake of Yunyin, I will gladly lay down my life."
"I'm sorry it's come to this," the Fourth Raikage muttered, placing a heavy hand on Sancun's shoulder.
Yunyin, despite being one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, was sorely lacking in Kekkei Genkai.
The Fourth Raikage often envied Konoha—holders of two of the Three Great Dojutsu: the Sharingan and the Byakugan.
Thus, his target was clear: not the Uchiha, whose Sharingan was too well-protected, but the Hyuga, whose Byakugan he believed was more accessible.
There were two reasons for this decision:
First, the activation rate of the Byakugan was significantly higher than that of the Sharingan—making it more viable for research and replication.
Second, the Uchiha clan was secluded and tightly guarded. Infiltrating their district and obtaining a Sharingan was nearly impossible.
Hence, the Hyuga clan became the focus.
Even so, the Fourth Raikage knew it was improbable to capture a Main Branch member and harvest their Byakugan.
Even in decline, Konoha would not stand idly by and allow a Hyuga—a symbol of their power—to be taken so easily.
Thus, a sinister plan was formed:
Sancun would attempt to abduct Hyuga Hinata. If successful, they would flee. If not, Sancun would sacrifice himself, making it seem as though he was killed by Hyuga Hiashi during the confrontation.
Then, using Sancun's death as justification, the Raikage would demand reparations—specifically, the corpse of a Hyuga.
They had already chosen their scapegoat: Hyuga Hiashi.
The Fourth Raikage believed the weakened Konoha could not afford war.
He expected both the Hokage and the Hyuga clan to bend.
Thus began the so-called "visit"—a conspiracy cloaked in diplomacy.
At dawn the next day, the Fourth Raikage watched as the mission departed.
"Lord Raikage," a striking kunoichi with dark skin and silver-white hair spoke beside him, "this plan will surely succeed."
"We'll see," the Raikage said coldly. "Otherwise, Sancun's death will be meaningless."
Back in Konoha, in the Hokage's office—
The Third Hokage sat behind his desk. In front of him stood a dozen of Konoha's elite shinobi—veterans and leaders. Among them was Hatake Kakashi.
Lighting his pipe, the old Hokage exhaled a thin trail of smoke. Then, pulling out a scroll, he said:
"This came from the Land of Lightning last night. An official declaration."
Everyone tensed. A diplomatic scroll from another country? This wasn't a routine mission.
Kakashi narrowed his eye. As expected, something ominous was unfolding.
"The scroll states that a delegation from the Land of Lightning will arrive in Konoha for a diplomatic exchange. Thoughts?"
Nara Shikaku, thoughtful as ever, stroked his goatee and said:
"Hokage-sama... this smells like a trap."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "I agree. But as this is an official state visit, we cannot deny them entry. I want all of you to be extra vigilant during their stay. Monitor them closely."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
"You may leave."
As the shinobi dispersed, the Hokage called out: "Kakashi, wait."
Kakashi turned. "Yes, Hokage-sama?"
"How is the cursed seal on your body?"
Kakashi was slightly surprised but answered, "My body's adapted. As long as I maintain my chakra, the seal remains dormant."
He wasn't sure why the Hokage was bringing it up now, but he spoke honestly.
"That's good. Jiraiya has resolved his situation and is returning. That will help stabilize our power."
Kakashi nodded, slightly relieved. "That's excellent news."
"But listen, Kakashi," Hiruzen continued with gravity, "I suspect Yunyin's delegation has an ulterior motive. I need you ready—at your best."
Kakashi frowned. "You think they'll cause trouble?"
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Your skills have grown tremendously. You've almost completely inherited Sakumo's swordsmanship, haven't you?"
"If Yunyin acts out… I may need you to act."
Kakashi nodded firmly. "Konoha is my home. I'll protect it with my life."
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "Just like Sakumo. Very well. You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir."
As Kakashi exited, the Hokage looked out at the fading sky and sighed.
"The next generation has begun to bloom, but they're not yet ready. Konoha needs time… Peace is fragile. Let's hope Yunyin doesn't shatter it."
But in his heart, Hiruzen knew that was wishful thinking.
There was no other reason Yunyin would come—except to make trouble.
"I'll handle things… one step at a time."
Outside, Kakashi walked through the corridors, a deep sense of unease settling in.
Others might not fully grasp Yunyin's true intentions—but he did.
At this point in time, Hyuuga Hizashi was still alive.
And Yunyin… had returned.
There could be only one reason: they were after the Byakugan.
Yunyin had sensed Konoha's recent vulnerability and now came wielding diplomatic authority, hoping to bully their way to success.
But Kakashi narrowed his eye, determination sharpening.
"Let's see how far you Yunyin dogs think you can go... in my Konoha."
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Prince209