Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the letter from Raikage A in his hands, his expression completely stunned.
He couldn't believe Raikage A had the audacity—actually accusing Konoha instead and demanding an explanation.
Even more shocking to Hiruzen was intelligence just received from a ninja reporting that Kumo had already begun mobilizing its forces, and that part of their Cloud Ninja had entered the Moon Country before sending their reply back to Konoha.
Hiruzen had no choice but to take seriously Raikage's claim that unless Konoha gave Kumo a proper "explanation," they would launch an attack on Konoha.
Immediately, he summoned Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado for consultation.
As for Danzo, he didn't summon him.
Hiruzen could already predict exactly what advice Danzo would give.
Besides, this entire mess was ultimately Hiruzen's own mistake. He already felt troubled enough and didn't want Danzo adding to his worries.
Koharu and Homura arrived at his office and listened in shock as Hiruzen recounted everything. Both were equally stunned by Raikage A's level of audacity.
Homura said seriously, "Everyone in the village knows we're about to form an alliance with Kumo. With this kind of incident happening, if Kumo really does attack us, it might trigger widespread unrest and mass confusion within the village."
Koharu added worriedly, "That's right. And this situation could be considered your grave mistake, Hiruzen. If things escalate, you may face serious political consequences."
Hiruzen understood how serious the matter was.
Only just managed to secure peace two years ago, they thought Kumo was coming to establish an alliance—but actually they came to steal Kekkei Genkai.
Moreover, Kumo clearly had no intention of ever admitting guilt. If war truly broke out, and Kumo claimed publicly that Hiruzen sent someone to assassinate their diplomatic mission, then he'd have to carry this blame permanently, with absolutely no way to shift it.
Frowning heavily, Hiruzen said, "Konoha hasn't yet fully recovered from the previous war. Fighting against Kumo will be extremely difficult. Besides, Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Kiri will probably start stirring too. This could directly lead into The Fourth Great Ninja War.
We absolutely cannot allow Kumo to formally declare war on Konoha... therefore, I intend to accept Raikage A's terms."
Homura frowned even harder, "But if we agree to Raikage A's request, we'll need to hand over Hiashi. Everyone knows his real goal is Byakugan. That would mean another Byakugan leaves the village once again. Also, the Hyuga Clan may not necessarily agree since Hiashi is head of both the Main Family and the entire Hyuga Clan."
Koharu thought for a moment before saying, "What about Hizashi? Isn't he very similar in appearance to Hiashi? Hizashi belongs to the Branch Family and carries the Caged Bird Cursed Seal. Perhaps we can hand over Hizashi's body instead. Then Kumo wouldn't be able to tell whether it was actually Hiashi or Hizashi. After transporting Hizashi far enough away from Konoha, the Main Family could activate the Caged Bird Seal to destroy the Byakugan.
That way, Kumo would have nothing further to say—they'd get a body from us, and afterward it would no longer relate to us anyway."
Hiruzen lowered his head slightly and remained silent.
With their understanding of Hiruzen Sarutobi, they naturally knew that he had already agreed. However, as the Hokage, Hiruzen didn't want to personally approach the Hyuga Clan about it—after all, Hiruzen was a man concerned with dignity and reputation.
Homura Mitokado spoke up voluntarily. "I'll handle this matter with the Hyuga clan."
Hiruzen nodded. "Then I'll leave it to you, Homura."
Homura rose from his chair. "I'll go to the Hyuga clan grounds right now."
...
At the Hyuga clan grounds,
Homura met with the Hyuga elders and informed them of Kumogakure's demands. He proposed that Hizashi Hyuga be sacrificed in place of Hiashi Hyuga to prevent war.
The Hyuga elders barely hesitated before agreeing to Homura's request.
After all, Hizashi had become increasingly difficult to manage. Were it not for Chinya's support behind him, they would have punished Hizashi long ago.
Once the Hyuga elders accepted, they told Homura to return and inform Hiruzen Sarutobi. They promised to notify him once they had convinced Hizashi.
After Homura left the Hyuga clan grounds, one elder approached Hiashi Hyuga while others went to persuade Hizashi.
One elder approached Hiashi directly and stated bluntly, "Hiashi, Advisor Homura just visited us."
Hiashi's eyes flickered slightly. "What is the higher-ups' decision?"
The elder replied, "Kumo has already gathered its ninja forces, some entering the Moon Country. To avoid war, leadership has decided to sacrifice one of our own. Their plan matches ours exactly—to let Hizashi take your place.
The other elders are persuading the head of the Branch Family now. Whether he wants to agree or not, he must comply. That is the duty of the Branch Family—to make sacrifices when necessary.
Later, the Third will come here. You should act surprised. After all, Hizashi is the head of the Branch Family. To pacify the rest of the Branch Family and demonstrate loyalty to the Third, you need to put on a show."
Hiashi nodded. "I understand."
...
Meanwhile, the other Hyuga elders had already found Hizashi.
They explained everything that had happened.
"Hizashi," they said, "the Byakugan absolutely cannot fall into outsiders' hands. Furthermore, Hiashi, as the leader of our clan, cannot be handed over either. Doing so would cause chaos throughout the entire Hyuga Clan.
The Branch Family exists precisely for such emergencies. Therefore, for the sake of the Hyuga Clan, we ask that you step in and take his place."
Hizashi remained silent, eyes closed.
At this moment, aside from a touch of sadness, he felt nothing else. Inwardly, though, he acknowledged that Chinya's words had proven completely accurate—everything had happened just as predicted.
Outside the room, Neji Hyuga had heard everything.
His eyes widened, pupils dilating sharply as his breathing quickened, coming in sharp gasps.
Neji suddenly slammed the door open, storming inside and roaring at the elders, "Get out! Why should my father have to sacrifice himself!"
"You spineless cowards! You just hide in the shadows while we Branch Family members risk our lives doing all the dirty work! Now you even want my father to die for Hiashi Hyuga? What gives you the right!"
Before the Hyuga elders could speak, Hizashi Hyuga snapped, "Neji! This is no place for you to speak!"
Then Hizashi Hyuga turned to face the Hyuga elders and said, "I agree to this arrangement."
Neji Hyuga looked at Hizashi Hyuga in disbelief. "Father, why do you have to die for these monsters? Why..."
[Body Flicker Technique!] Hizashi Hyuga appeared behind Neji Hyuga and struck him with a chop to the neck, knocking him unconscious.
Hizashi Hyuga gazed at the grim-faced Hyuga elders and calmly said, "Please leave now."
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