As the head of the Main House, Hyuga Hiashi was going against the other Elders of the Main House when it came to dealing with potential threats to their position.
Although this was beyond Aokawa's expectations, it was also within the realm of reason.
After all, in the original story, Hyuga Hiashi did not appear to be the kind of extreme, high-and-mighty Main House member.
From his conversation with Hyuga Hizashi during the Fourth Shinobi World War, as well as the plot in Boruto where he thanked Naruto for helping the Hyuga Clan reform...
He should be someone who intends to change the flaws of the Hyuga Main and Branch Houses.
Therefore, when facing such an unstable factor, his reaction was not as intense as that of the conservative Elder faction.
Moreover, as the new Clan Chief, he likely didn't have many reliable people under him, which could explain why he was so eager to win Aokawa over.
Regardless, since Aokawa had chosen to expose his abilities to quickly gain resources for increasing his strength...
Then, before the Caged Bird Seal was resolved, he could not enter the range where any member of the Main House could activate it.
Thus, even without Hyuga Hiashi's secret warning, Aokawa would not have followed the Main House Elders' orders to return to Konoha Village.
He looked up and saw Minato Namikaze still waiting for his answer, so he spoke: "Lord Minato, what if I want to stay on the Battlefield and continue serving the Village?"
Minato Namikaze smiled upon hearing this. "Even in a state of war, the great clans still hold a certain amount of influence."
"Furthermore, the Hyuga Clan sent three Jonin as reinforcements to replace you, so their approach is beyond reproach."
"However!" Minato Namikaze's Aura surged. "As the Battlefield commander, I have the right to deploy anyone who is helpful to the war effort."
"Aokawa, your previous battle where you fought the Eight-Tails to a standstill is enough to prove your strength. You are an indispensable force on this Battlefield."
Minato Namikaze looked at him with burning eyes and shouted formally:
"Then, Aokawa!"
"Yes!" Aokawa stood up straight.
"I appoint you to the Kumogakure Battlefield Special Mobile Unit. You will be under my direct command; no one other than myself has the authority to deploy you."
"Yes, Aokawa accepts the order!" Aokawa responded.
He then asked, "In that case, the three Jonin sent by the clan..."
Before Aokawa could finish, Minato Namikaze interrupted: "Since they have come, they are an indispensable part of the Battlefield, and naturally, they must also serve the Village."
Aokawa nodded. He understood what Minato Namikaze meant.
The person—himself—would not be released, but the three Jonin who were sent would also have to stay.
He hadn't expected Minato Namikaze to have such a domineering side beneath his gentle exterior.
No wonder when he became Hokage, the presence of several Hokage Assistants diminished significantly, and even Danzo rarely showed himself.
But this was the quality a leader should have: being domineering when necessary and gentle when appropriate.
A hesitant and indecisive personality like Hiruzen Sarutobi's was better suited to being the principal of the Ninja Academy than the leader of a nation.
"Then it's settled. I will reject the Hyuga Clan's recall order later," Minato Namikaze decided.
"Then thank you, Lord Minato." Aokawa's face was full of gratitude.
Minato Namikaze waved his hand. "Setting aside the fact that you saved Kakashi and the others, even if it's just to preserve a talent like you for the Village, I should do this."
"It seems even Lord Minato knows."
"I can probably guess. I've dealt with Hyuga Ieyasu before; his sense of hierarchy and desire for control are extremely strong. Given your special long-range ability, it's not hard to guess his purpose in recalling you now."
"However, I can only keep you here temporarily. There's nothing else I can do, as it involves internal clan affairs. After the war, when we return to the Village, you'll have to navigate it yourself."
"Yes, I understand. This is already enough."
Minato Namikaze added, "If there's anything you need help with, just ask."
Aokawa paused upon hearing this, weighing his words carefully before finally asking: "Lord Minato, could you... teach me some Sealing Techniques?"
"Aokawa, do you want to...?" Minato Namikaze was stunned.
"Yes, I have to try."
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