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At the Leaf Village frontline, the news that Ape Fly Shinno was about to take over the defense of the Land of Lightning had already spread, and many were showing signs of discontent.
After all, this was the merit they had earned by following Lord Orochimaru, and now someone was coming to take the credit. If one could come, two could come. After all, how could someone parachuted in not have their own confidants? This was not just about taking away Orochimaru's credit but also diluting their own. How could this be satisfying?
"Lord Hizashi."
In the front-line cabin, when Uchiha Yoru respectfully came to meet the Hyuga Clan's representative, the Branch Family head also showed his own respect, bowing and saying, "Lord Yoru, you are too polite."
Uchiha Yoru was only a Chunin, while the other was an Elite Jonin. He had to address the other as 'Lord,' a sign of the hierarchical difference, especially in a large clan.
And Uchiha Yoru was Orochimaru's disciple, a status that compelled Hyuga Hizashi to return the courtesy. This was the honor that came with his position, so both of them engaged in a bit of formal exchange.
"Lord Hizashi, Lord Orochimaru has sent me to inquire about the Hyuga Clan's allocation list for the upcoming reorganization of the front line."
What was once a single front line was now to have two commanders: one responsible for the Land of Lightning and the other for the Land of Water. This meant that the personnel, especially those from the major clans, needed to be reassigned.
This time, Uchiha Yoru's visit represented Orochimaru. In everyone's eyes, the village, even if for political reasons, would at most delay Orochimaru's ascension, but no one had even considered the possibility of such a powerful ninja defecting.
Therefore, in response to Uchiha Yoru's question, Hyuga Hizashi nodded respectfully and said, "Lord Yoru, you can call me Hizashi. No need for such formalities."
As the most rigid of the Hyuga Clan, they were very particular about etiquette. Uchiha Yoru, understanding this, did not take the formal words seriously and instead smiled and nodded, "Captain Hizashi, thank you for your trouble."
Adding 'Captain' showed the respect a Chunin had for a Jonin. 'Lord' seemed too distant, while 'Captain' could help bridge the gap. Hyuga Hizashi, hearing this, also showed a strained but kind smile.
The ninja world, while primarily about strength, was still a world where interpersonal relationships mattered greatly, especially before one reached the level of a super-shadow.
"The Hyuga Clan has already made the necessary arrangements. Here is the list, Lord Yoru, please take a look."
Having already received the news that a commander would be parachuted in to take credit for the Land of Lightning, the major clans had prepared in advance. Uchiha Yoru smiled as he received the scroll.
Opening it, Uchiha Yoru's smile grew wider. Indeed, everyone in Konoha now believed that Orochimaru becoming the Fifth Hokage was only a matter of time. This time, the Hyuga Clan was also placing their bets on Orochimaru.
Those assigned to the Land of Lightning were mostly Branch Family members, while those for the Land of Water were also mainly Branch Family members. However, the presence of the Branch Family head on the list spoke volumes. More importantly, a few Main Family members were also set to join from the rear.
The Hyuga Clan's sincerity was evident. Uchiha Yoru nodded with a smile, "Thank you, Captain Hizashi."
"Lord Yoru, you are too polite."
The formalities were ample. The purpose of inquiring in advance from the major clans was to secure these lists. One was to see who was aligning themselves, and the other was a privilege of the noble families.
If you were a common ninja, you would simply wait for orders and go where you were told. But for the noble families, they could be consulted in advance, and any unreasonable points could be discussed beforehand.
Privileges, from ancient times to the present, have never disappeared.
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru, squinting his eyes, understood why the Hyuga Clan would be betrayed in the future. It seemed to be due to political missteps, and did the Uchiha care? The Uchiha had no political standing in Konoha after its founding.
"Captain Hizashi, there is something I am hesitant to say."
Hesitating for a moment, Uchiha Yoru showed a look of difficulty. Hyuga Hizashi, though a Branch Family member, was still a half-head of the clan. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he guessed that this must be a test from Lord Orochimaru, not the Uchiha.
"Please speak your mind, Lord Yoru. The Hyuga Clan will do everything in its power to assist."
Hyuga Hizashi's words were flawless and smooth. As for the supposed conflict between the Uchiha and the Hyuga? Nonsense. The two clans had no real conflict of interest. The Hyuga were close-combat reconnaissance specialists, while the Uchiha, though known as all-round ninjas, were primarily focused on ninjutsu and shuriken. The two noble clans had no real conflict of interest.
The so-called conflict was that the Uchiha had always wanted to enter the heart of Konoha's power.
Seeing Hyuga Hizashi's flawless language, Uchiha Yoru did not show any dissatisfaction but instead smiled, "Captain Hizashi, you must be aware of the Anbu situation in the village."
Anbu? This one word instantly put Hyuga Hizashi on alert. He already guessed that this must be a test from Lord Orochimaru, not the Uchiha.
Uchiha Yoru continued with a smile, "Captain Hizashi, you must know the issues Lord Orochimaru will face upon becoming the Fifth Hokage, similar to what the Fourth Hokage faced."
Since the establishment of the ninja villages, there had never been a new Kage taking over while the previous one was still alive. The Third and Fourth Hokages were the first, leading to a clear conflict of power.
The Third Hokage was still a Hokage, even though he was stepping down. What was his position? While considered a high-ranking elder, he still had to be distinguished. Therefore, the village's decision was to retain the Third Hokage's Anbu authority. (In the anime, during the Nine-Tails' attack, someone loudly exclaimed that it was the Third's Anbu, clearly indicating that there were also the Fourth's Anbu.)
Thus, the Third Hokage's Anbu became an independent department similar to Root, while the newly appointed Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had to reorganize his own Anbu, with the original Anbu serving as support.
Thinking about this, Hyuga Hizashi's face showed a hint of agitation. Once Orochimaru inherited the position of Fifth Hokage, the first issue he would face would be the reorganization of the Fifth Hokage's Anbu.
"Lord Yoru, what do you mean?" At this point, Hyuga Hizashi had already guessed something, but he remained composed. Uchiha Yoru, hearing this, smiled and nodded lightly.
"Exactly, Lord Orochimaru's Fifth Hokage Anbu needs personnel."
An olive branch, an early move to win hearts and minds, offering tangible benefits. Anbu were like the Imperial Guard of ancient emperors, the Hokage's closest confidants.
"What is needed?" Hyuga Hizashi was cautious. While the temptation was great, it was clear that such an offer would not be made lightly.
Seeing the other's interest, Uchiha Yoru smiled and nodded, "Funds! Preferably gold. In the future, the Hyuga and Uchiha will each have two member slots."
Anbu were selected from the common populace to avoid family interests. But these two slots were no small matter. Members sent from the major clans would definitely be Elite Jonin.
This level of strength almost guaranteed a position as an Anbu Squad Leader, a position of real power.
Hearing this, Hyuga Hizashi's breathing quickened, and Uchiha Yoru also smiled. He was using his teacher's name to raise funds for his teacher's research.
Wasn't it the duty of a disciple to solve problems for their teacher?
Lord Orochimaru would not blame him once he knew. After all, no one thought having too much money would be a problem. If it were anyone else, he would not dare, but Orochimaru, who was focused on research and willing to delegate, was different.
More importantly, he knew he had to take advantage of the situation while he could, or there would be no opportunity once his teacher defected.
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(End of Chapter)