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"....."
It was hard to imagine such frustrated words coming from the Tsuchikage himself.
But that was Iwagakure's situation.
You couldn't avoid feeling frustrated, even if you wanted to!
Unless Iwagakure abandoned the Land of Waterfalls battlefield and fought Konoha to the death.
If Ōnoki actually made such a stupid decision, the Raikage would probably laugh himself to death.
Ōnoki knew that everyone felt bad, himself included.
Being pursued and suppressed like this wasn't pleasant. But Iwagakure lacked the strength to counterattack.
It was only fortunate that Konoha didn't want a death match with Iwagakure; otherwise, Ōnoki's situation would be even more embarrassing.
Returning to camp, Kazuki arrived at the command post and helplessly spread his hands.
"Plan failed. Itachi's strength exceeded Ōnoki's expectations. The ambush force was wiped out before Iwagakure's reinforcements could arrive."
"So, the Iwagakure ninja fighting us on the battlefield are all makeshift forces?"
Relieved his son was safe, Fugaku also seized on the key point.
Did this mean Konoha could make a move?
Unfortunately, the thought was extinguished as soon as it appeared.
Konoha's objective was to stab Iwagakure in the back and plunder the Land of Earth's resources.
Now that both the revenge stabbing and resource plundering missions were complete, only a fool would continue fighting Iwagakure to the end.
Let Kumogakure slowly fight them – wasn't that better?
Fighting Iwagakure head-on now would be completely unprofitable, and Konoha would only lose.
It was enough to suppress them on the battlefield. Whether Iwagakure suffered further losses depended on Orochimaru's skill.
Looks like I can't entertain such thoughts.
Hiashi shook his head decisively.
"Even if the Iwagakure forces stationed here are all makeshift, we shouldn't engage them in a full-on fight. Doing so brings no benefit and would only harm the village."
I was just saying. I have no intention of fighting them head-on.
Fugaku quickly indicated he had no such idea.
He didn't want Kazuki thinking his thoughts were too extreme. If Kazuki took his words to heart, he, Uchiha Fugaku, might find himself back in the village watching his wife.
"Small-scale battles don't hurt, large-scale battles are pointless."
Kazuki didn't take it to heart. Anyone learning such intelligence would consider a decisive strike. It was normal for Fugaku to have such thoughts. No need to make a big deal of it.
"In any case, let Orochimaru handle the battlefield. I trust him. Iwagakure won't gain an advantage over him. The two of you just focus on managing the camp. The Hyūga can send more people for reconnaissance. As for the clan elders, have them return to the village with me."
Though the camp seemed calm on the surface, it was actually in turmoil.
Both the Uchiha and Hyūga – especially the Hyūga Main House elders, who had stayed in the village for years and experienced little combat – many were worried they might be sent to the battlefield.
Kazuki had mobilized most of them to send a message: when necessary, I can send you all to the battlefield. Don't talk about clan heritage. If other clans can make sacrifices, so can you.
Now that the objective was achieved, keeping these people at the camp was just a hindrance. It was better to take them back, so they wouldn't hamper Fugaku and Hiashi.
Fugaku was fine. He was ruthless enough not to hesitate even with his own people.
Hiashi had a harder time.
Fugaku could raise his sword against his clan, but Hiashi couldn't do the same to those Main House elders.
Beyond that, Kazuki also wanted to gauge how determined Hiashi was to change the clan.
Now it seemed he couldn't be counted on.
The Hyūga clan had long fallen into a strange cycle. Without breaking it down and rebuilding, any reform was meaningless.
Only when Hiashi could be ruthless enough to raise his sword could the situation change. Otherwise, it would be a waste of time and effort.
"Patriach Hiashi, please consult with the Main House and Branch House elders. The village has decided to reform certain Hyūga clan rules."
"Please speak, Lord Advisor."
Is he about to swing the sword?
Hiashi's eyelid twitched. Steadying his emotions, he calmly waited for Kazuki's instructions.
Fugaku looked away. When it comes to Hyūga clan affairs, as Uchiha clan leader, it's best not to get involved.
Kazuki wasn't speaking as an Uchiha, but as the Hokage Advisor. This put the matter at the level of the village and the Hyūga clan. It wasn't a joke or something minor.
Kazuki spoke frankly.
"Honestly, both the Second and Third Hokage wanted to reform the Hyūga clan. The Fifth Hokage is no exception. Though I am not the Hokage, as the Hokage's Advisor, it's my duty to execute certain matters. I hope you won't take offense, Elder Hiashi. This is all for the village's development."
These public statements seemed intended to persuade Hiashi, but were really meant for the Hyūga Main House elders.
This was the village's will and command. I'm just notifying you, not discussing it with you. So put away your petty thoughts.
"The village is willing to acknowledge the Hyūga clan's heritage. We do not deny your clan rules. However, there is one thing the Hyūga clan must change: when the village mobilizes Hyūga ninja, the Main House needs to stay calm and not cause trouble. The situation where the village has to request permission from the Main House to mobilize Hyūga ninja must end. Also, if a Hyūga clan member commits a minor offense, the clan can handle it internally. But if it involves major matters, it must be handed over to the village. This is not specifically targeted at the Hyūga clan alone, but at all clans in Konoha."
Some ninja clans had too much power. Many matters didn't even need to be reported to the village; the clans could handle them themselves, such as punishing individuals.
In the future, this will change.
If the village doesn't give permission, you have no right to do so. Otherwise, you'll be considered opposing the village.
With Tsunade not in Konoha, Kazuki, as Hokage Advisor, would naturally implement this to prevent Tsunade from being put in an awkward position upon her return.
"Lord Advisor, rest assured. I will faithfully convey this to everyone."
This day was bound to come. Hiashi had long prepared himself mentally. Personally, he stood with the village, as many of the Hyūga clan's outdated rules needed changing.
But he couldn't push it through alone. He needed the village's help to enforce it.