Hiashi's Rejection
After Chi Yu's persuasion, Hyūga Hizashi lowered his head in silence.
A long pause stretched before he finally looked up at Chi Yu and asked,
"Konoha's barrier shouldn't allow foreign shinobi to infiltrate so easily, should it?"
Chi Yu replied sharply, "What if they don't infiltrate directly?"
Hizashi frowned. "Not directly?"
Chi Yu explained, "For example—what if they entered Konoha under the guise of diplomacy or a formal visit?"
He admitted that Konoha's barrier was not without merit. If not for Uchiha Obito's Kamui and his inside knowledge of the barrier system, the Nine-Tails attack would have been far more difficult to execute. Similarly, Kumogakure's attempt to kidnap Hinata years later would only succeed because their envoy entered Konoha under the pretense of alliance.
But this incident was still three years in the future. Even if Chi Yu warned Hizashi now, the man would not believe him.
At last, Hizashi took a deep breath and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Chi Yu. I cannot join your organization."
Chi Yu's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Hizashi, this matter is very likely to happen. Surely you've already seen through the Hyūga Main House's selfishness? They aren't worth your loyalty. So why reject my hand?"
Hizashi gave a weary smile. "I don't deny what you say may come to pass. Perhaps I am foolishly loyal. I dislike the cursed seal system as much as anyone, but I love the Hyūga Clan itself. I take pride in being a Hyūga. My only wish is that Neji will one day have the freedom to choose his own path. For me, what I do now is already rebellion enough. To leave my clan outright… I cannot.
Whatever Neji decides in the future—whether to remain within the clan or walk away—I will respect his choice. But as for me… my path ends here."
Chi Yu let out a heavy sigh. "I see. I respect your choice, Hizashi."
Hizashi rose to his feet. "Then, Chi Yu, I'll take my leave. After this, I'll likely be confined within the compound and barred from leaving. We may not meet again for a long time."
"I'll be waiting," Chi Yu said. "If you change your mind, my door is always open. Sometimes a little flexibility makes life easier. Shackles don't have to last a lifetime."
Hizashi chuckled lightly. "If that day comes, I won't hesitate. After all, you are Neji's master—his second father."
With that, Hizashi departed.
From the bedroom, Uzumaki Kushina emerged with baby Cangna in her arms. She sighed softly. "Hizashi truly does love his clan."
Chi Yu nodded. "It's clan pride. Still, the fact that he would go this far for Neji is remarkable."
Kushina tilted her head, searching his face. "Chi Yu… something will happen to him, won't it?"
Her question startled him.
She explained, "The way you spoke just now—it sounded as though you know what awaits him."
Chi Yu pursed his lips, unable to deny it. "Even if I did… he refused. And his final words made it clear—helping him against his will would be disrespecting his choice. This is his path."
He sighed once more. "Forget it. The future will come when it comes. What I can do is ensure Neji is prepared. After all, his father has sacrificed enough for him."
---
Days slipped by.
Kakashi, newly inducted into the ANBU, occasionally summoned a snake to secretly update Chi Yu on his situation. Orochimaru buried himself in his laboratory, continuing forbidden research.
Chi Yu, having told Hiruzen Sarutobi he wished to rest, lived quietly with Kushina and their child. Yahiko, Raiga Kurosuki, and Pakura had last contacted him from the Land of Bears, taking on mercenary work to earn coin.
Minato Namikaze remained in a coma.
Miyuki Uzumaki and young Naruto rarely left the house except when absolutely necessary. Despite Hiruzen's efforts, rumors about Naruto—the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki—spread like wildfire through the village. Suppression only fueled whispered conversations.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha Clan began to suffer under Danzo Shimura's schemes. With Hiruzen's reluctant approval, Danzo spread dangerous rumors: that the Uchiha had not fought during the Nine-Tails' attack. The truth—that Hiruzen had ordered them to guard the village perimeter—was silenced, leaving the clan slandered and unable to defend themselves.
Soon after, under Danzo's urging, and with Koharu and Homura's support, the village elders approved the "relocation plan." The Uchiha would be moved to the outskirts of Konoha, effectively isolating them while ensuring other clans could monitor them. Construction for this was already underway.
Resentment simmered. Many Uchiha urged Fugaku to demand justice. Fugaku confronted Hiruzen himself, but the Hokage's evasions left him cornered. For the sake of stability, Fugaku reluctantly accepted the relocation.
Uchiha Shisui, once hopeful that Minato's leadership would improve relations, now felt adrift. As a member of the Hokage Guard, he could only watch as tensions escalated. Worse, Fugaku no longer seemed to trust him, despite Shisui's constant efforts to bridge the clan and the village.
Confusion weighed heavily on him.
Three months later, Miyuki Uzumaki arrived at Chi Yu's home with Naruto in tow. She sat down with uncharacteristic gravity and looked directly at Chi Yu and Kushina.
"Chi Yu, Kushina—I need your help."
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