"Hyuga Kiyo, are you trying to disrupt the clan meeting?"
Elder Hyuga Souun's face twisted with anger. He actually felt uneasy under the gaze of a junior, even having the urge to avert his eyes. If this got out, what authority would he have left as an elder?
"A clan meeting discussing war, yet just a few of you intend to decide the fate of hundreds of clan members? Especially you, Hyuga Souun."
The veins around Hyuga Kiyo's temples bulged slightly as her pure white pupils narrowed. Under her gaze, Souun once again felt that faint yet undeniable pressure, the urge to turn away or lower his head creeping up on him.
"As a member of the main family, you fail to set a proper example for the branch families. Instead, you flaunt your so-called authority with the Caged Bird Seal. Without propriety or true dignity, Hyuga Souun, what qualifies you to be an elder of the main family? Luck? Strength? Or do you intend to fight me?"
Her words were sharp, but what truly made Souun unable to meet her gaze were those pure white, commanding eyes.
The rift between Hyuga Kiyo's and Hyuga Souun's factions had existed even before Hyuga Mirai's defection. Back then, Kiyo hadn't held power, and her grandfather rarely displayed the same sharpness as her, so while tensions simmered, the two factions maintained a facade of harmony.
However, after the death of Souun's successor, Hyuga Hayashi, the conflict between the two factions escalated irreparably. Kiyo's nature would never allow her to back down, and whenever Souun provoked her, he was always the one left humiliated.
Moreover, Kiyo's Byakugan had repeatedly exuded genuine killing intent toward Souun. Were it not for the mediation of the other two factions and Hyuga Hiashi, the two would have undoubtedly clashed—with Souun meeting his end. Many in the Hyuga clan were aware of Kiyo's strength.
Though a high-ranking member of the main family, she never shied away from war, leading branch family shinobi into battle head-on. In terms of training, Kiyo was arguably the most diligent in the entire clan.
Not only did the branch families under her faction respect her, but even those under other factions held deep admiration for the young Fourth Elder.
"Call the branch family members," the First Elder interjected, seeing the tension between Kiyo and Souun nearly erupting into violence. He turned to Hyuga Hiashi. "Clan Head, if war truly comes, we should hear the branch family's opinions."
"Understood."
Hiashi nodded with a sigh. Seeing Kiyo's vigor and youthful energy only made him feel more like an outdated relic. Had he possessed her courage back then, perhaps Hizashi's fate might have been different.
"Kiyo, as you wish. Let's gather branch family representatives for discussion."
With both the Clan Head and First Elder yielding to Kiyo, Souun could no longer push the argument. Though he despised her, that hatred was tinged with fear.
Hiashi continued, "Also, Kiyo, you will represent the Hyuga clan at the upcoming shinobi clan conference."
"Clan Head?!"
The other three elders were stunned—this decision had never been mentioned before. Traditionally, only the Clan Head represented the Hyuga. Now, Hiashi was relinquishing that authority.
Hiashi's tone was firm. "Enough. I trust the Fourth Elder's capability will not disadvantage the Hyuga."
Seeing his resolve, the others dropped the matter, though they privately resolved to question Hiashi later about his intentions.
"I understand. Protecting the clan and guiding the Hyuga forward is the main family's true duty—not flaunting hollow authority, which only invites ridicule."
Kiyo accepted without hesitation, taking the authority to represent the clan. She couldn't resist another jab at Souun, whose chest heaved like bellows in fury—yet against Kiyo, he was powerless.
Soon, the Hyuga summoned branch family representatives. Their arrival was met with surprise—such consultations had never happened before. Learning it was Kiyo's suggestion, their gazes filled with gratitude and respect.
They didn't necessarily need to voice opinions or assert rights. What moved them was Kiyo's recognition of their place in the clan.
This respect wasn't for her status as a main family member—it was gratitude for a leader who stood with them.
After brief discussions on the clan's bottom line and deployment numbers, the meeting concluded. The Hyuga were indispensable in every war, though the exact numbers could be negotiated.
This time, Kiyo intended to limit deployments. The Hyuga's influence in the village had grown significantly after the Third Shinobi World War. Despite losing some prestige during the Nine-Tails' attack, their power remained undeniable.
Sending too many could lead to excessive battlefield achievements, drawing suspicion from the village's higher-ups. Frontline commanders might even suppress Hyuga members in the field.
This was clear to Kiyo, Hiashi, and the elders—which was why Hiashi had Kiyo attend the shinobi clan conference. His "timid" nature might buckle under pressure, leading to excessive deployments. Better to let Kiyo represent him early.
The war between Konoha and Iwa stemmed from the threat posed by the Sand Federation.
The powerful appeal of the Keiko Trade Association, after merging with Sunagakure, had created a formidable force. As neighboring nations, Iwa and Konoha couldn't ignore the Federation's unchecked growth.
Though only six years had passed since the last war, neither could afford to give the Federation more time. If they didn't drag it into war now and crush its momentum, the gap would only widen.
Daimyo funding versus self-sustained development—Hiruzen Sarutobi and Ōnoki weren't senile enough to misunderstand which benefited the village more. With the Keiko Association's vast resources, its annual investments in Sunagakure likely matched the Fire Daimyo's contributions.
Thus, war was inevitable.
"Konan-san, your Rain shinobi's efficiency is too slow. If this task were given to Suna, it'd take half the time."
Keiko Sanmoku clicked his tongue disapprovingly. Though Konan's face was half-hidden by her black cloak with red clouds, the chilling aura around her was palpable.
"They're working as fast as they can. The Land of Rain's environment is different from Suna's." She then questioned, "Why do you need such detailed data on every village? How does that relate to reconstruction?"
"Of course it does. If we're rebuilding the Land of Rain, we might as well do it thoroughly."
Sanmoku recorded data as he spoke. "Population, village distribution, labor force, elderly, women, livelihood sources—compile all this, and we can draft the most effective plan."
He paused, glancing at Konan. "Some areas suit farming, others livestock, and others factories. Practicality is key. If you want to rebuild the Land of Rain and ensure its people's happiness, these are necessities."
Konan fell silent. Just reviewing the data gave her a headache—planning and managing it all was beyond her.
She couldn't do it.
She knew her limits. Leading a village was manageable, but an entire nation? Impossible.
Sanmoku's attitude irked her, but he was helping the Land of Rain, working tirelessly. She could distinguish goodwill from malice.
"...Thank you."
"Louder would sound more sincere."
Sanmoku didn't look up, though he'd heard her quiet thanks. "This is a transaction—no need for gratitude. When will your Akatsuki complete the task I mentioned?"
Konan's expression cooled. "Don't worry. Missions entrusted to Akatsuki never fail."
The mission was to assassinate the daimyo of the Land of Wind and a few stubborn nobles—or rather, to kill them openly.
By claiming the bounty hadn't been paid, they would imply that the daimyo was behind the assassination of the Fourth Kazekage.
Once the rumor spread, Pakura would have a legitimate reason to attack the remaining territory of the Land of Wind.
Without such justification, if the Sand Federation attacked the Land of Wind, other daimyo would definitely be alarmed and pressure their villages to take action against the Federation.
But once this matter became public, the first to break the "one nation, one village" agreement would be the Land of Wind's daimyo office. Even the Fourth Kazekage had died within his own sphere of influence. What about the other Kage? If they acted against the daimyo's decisions, would they also be assassinated near their own strongholds?
Rule-breakers are always condemned. The exposure of this plot would surely sow mistrust between the daimyo offices and the shinobi villages. And under the overwhelming power of the shinobi, even if the daimyo managed to kill a Kage, they would suffer brutal retaliation from the village.
Once a beast breaks its leash, it's not easy to restrain it again. The Sand Federation would be setting an example for all other villages.
After leaving Sanmoku's residence, Konan went to find Nagato.
Seeing how much effort Sanmoku was putting into the Land of Rain, it was time for them to act in return.
However, deploying Akatsuki required the command of Pain, their leader. Though many Akatsuki members didn't understand or even resented Konan's recent actions, Nagato's health was improving, and Pain's strength continued to grow.
Even if they had complaints, the members could only follow Pain's orders.
(End of Chapter)
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