After completing the day's training, Chinya dropped Neji off at the entrance of the Hyuga Clan Grounds. On his way home with Sōnagi, he caught wind of some news being talked about in the streets.
It was about Cloud Village sending a group of ninjas as envoys to Konoha Village to form an alliance.
This news had already spread throughout Konoha Village and could be heard anywhere on the streets.
It was almost certainly Hiruzen Sarutobi who had let the information slip on purpose.
Considering all the troubles Konoha Village had recently gone through, entering into an alliance with Cloud Village was a rare piece of good news that would help restore confidence in the village. How could Hiruzen possibly pass up this opportunity?
Chinya let out a slight sigh, glancing at Sōnagi beside him.
Sōnagi asked curiously, "Dad, why did you suddenly sigh?"
Chinya shook his head. "Nothing. Let's go, time to head home."
Chinya held Sōnagi's hand as they walked back home.
...
The next day.
As usual, just before dawn, Neji was already waiting in the forest for Chinya's arrival.
When Chinya and Sōnagi arrived, Chinya said to Sōnagi, "Go train by yourself for now. I need to speak with your older brother Neji."
After Sōnagi went to train separately, Chinya sat down leaning against a tree with Neji.
Neji asked curiously, "Teacher, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"
Chinya asked, "I suppose you've tried convincing your father already. Did you notice any signs of him softening his stance?"
Looking somewhat dejected, Neji shook his head. "No. Every time I bring it up with Father, he always remains unmoved. I can't understand what exactly he insists on holding onto."
Chinya sighed. "To be honest, I've also been thinking about how to persuade your father, but he's a very stubborn man who won't easily change his views. There's only one person who can change his mind."
Neji guessed, "Are you talking about me?"
Chinya nodded. "Exactly. Your father changed his own principles for your sake. If anyone can change his mind again, it can only be you."
Neji hesitated, "But... I can't convince Father either."
Chinya spoke solemnly to Neji, "Neji, you must find a way to change your father's mind within a short amount of time."
Confused, Neji questioned, "Change my father's mind quickly? Could it be that Father is in danger? However, there hasn't been any conflict recently in Konoha Village, and since Father is the head of the Branch Family, he doesn't have to leave Konoha Village. He wouldn't even be in any real danger.
Could it be... someone from the Main Family? Teacher, have you received any intelligence suggesting members of the Main Family intend to take action against my father?"
Chinya gave a slight nod after shaking his head, which left Neji puzzled, unsure of what his teacher really meant.
In Chinya's view, no one else could change Hizashi Hyuga's mindset—only Neji himself could achieve that.
Moreover, only Neji himself could find a way to change his father's mind.
If Neji Hyūga couldn't change Hizashi Hyūga's mind, then Hizashi didn't have much time left.
If Hizashi really ends up dying like this, Chinya truly felt it would be a great pity.
So Chinya had to make Neji understand just how little time his father had left—and how urgent it was that he convince him quickly.
Chinya said to Neji Hyūga, "I suppose you've already heard. Kumo is entering Konoha, right?"
Neji Hyūga nodded and replied, "Yes. They're apparently coming to Konoha to form an Alliance Pact."
Chinya asked seriously, "Neji, what do you think? Is Kumo sincere about forming an alliance with Konoha?"
Neji hesitated slightly before guessing, "Teacher, are you suggesting Kumo's visit to Konoha isn't purely for signing the Alliance Pact?"
Chinya nodded. "Exactly. Think carefully—what benefits can Kumo gain by forming an alliance with Konoha?"
After thinking for a moment, Neji answered, "Probably just some supplies?"
Chinya asked again, "Then do you think Kumo really needs those kinds of supplies?"
Neji shook his head.
Though not as prosperous as Konoha, Kumo remained self-sufficient and certainly didn't lack resources.
Chinya explained, "The cause of the First Great Ninja War (Shinobi World War) was that during the alliance ceremony between the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and Raikage A, Kumo suddenly launched a coup, resulting in Tobirama Senju's death.
The trigger for the Third Great Ninja War was when Kumo and Iwagakure formed an alliance and launched an invasion war against Konoha, with Kumo being the most aggressive among all attacking villages.
Konoha and Kumo hold deep grudges against each other. Under normal circumstances, there's no special reason for Kumo to suddenly approach Konoha proposing an alliance. This itself is extremely suspicious.
Kumo ninjas never act without significant gains. Their active pursuit of an alliance with Konoha indicates there must be enormous benefits worth the risk for them to take such action."
Frowning slightly, Neji asked, "Huge benefits worth taking risks? What could they possibly be?"
Chinya continued explaining to Neji, "Even before the full outbreak of the Third Great Ninja War, Kumo had already infiltrated Konoha and kidnapped Kushina."
Neji exclaimed in disbelief, "Kidnap Kushina?!"
Sōnagi Uzumaki also stopped what he was doing and began listening attentively.
Chinya nodded and said, "Right. The reason they kidnapped Kushina back then was because she possessed unique chakra. Now think deeply about this."
Neji was extremely intelligent. Given how much Chinya had already explained, it would've been strange if Neji hadn't figured it out by now.
"Teacher! It's Kekkei Genkai (a genetic ability unique to certain shinobi lineages), isn't it? And you suspect Kumo's purpose this time is the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan?"
Chinya gravely said, "Precisely my thought. Of all Kekkei Genkai, none hold more tactical value than the Byakugan. So yes, I strongly suspect Kumo's real target this time is the Hyūga's Byakugan."
The division of the Hyuga Clan into Main Family and Branch Family is no secret within the Shinobi World. If Kumo's true objective really is the Byakugan, then they would definitely target members of the Main Family specifically.
When that happens, your Branch Family members will find yourselves in extreme danger. After all, as the Branch Family, you're obligated to give your lives for the Main Family. This is especially true since your father is the head of the Branch Family.
It's just a theory, but even if there's the slightest risk, we have to act immediately to eliminate it. You never know how things might unfold in the future. As long as your father refuses to change his stance even for a single day, he'll remain in danger every single day.
So you, who have the power to persuade Hizashi, must act fast and find a way to make him change his mind. This can't wait another moment. You get me?
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>