Konoha had been under a tense atmosphere for the past two days, a sense of foreboding hanging in the air. Though the shinobi could feel it like a storm on the horizon, the civilian population remained blissfully unaware, continuing their peaceful lives, untouched by the approaching danger.
At the Hyuga compound, in the courtyard of Hyuga Hiashi's residence, a young Neji trained diligently, his small fists whipping through the air with precision.
"Neji, make sure your strikes are steady! Focus your strength! Our Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist is not practiced like that!"
"Yes, Father!"
Sweat poured from the child's brow as he persisted with determined effort.
Watching silently, Hiashi felt conflicted. He didn't stop Neji, but a deep sorrow lingered in his heart.
Neji, as a branch member, your mission is to protect the main family. You must protect Hinata-sama. But right now, you're still not strong enough...
Hiashi's thoughts were bitter. Neji's talent far surpassed that of other children his age—he could have been the hope of the Hyuga Clan's future. Yet, because of the clan's archaic rules, his fate was shackled.
Hiashi's eyes fell on the cursed seal etched onto Neji's forehead. His hands clenched into fists.
If only I had been born earlier… perhaps I could have changed Neji's fate.
Twins born just minutes apart, and yet their lives diverged so cruelly. It was a bitter irony.
He didn't resent his brother, Hizashi. They had no hatred between them—only deep familial love. If anything, Hiashi resented the system, not the man.
It wasn't until Neji was born that Hiashi began to question the cruelty of tradition.
"Neji… your father was not weak. I am the one who failed you."
Hiashi let out a heavy sigh, the weight of responsibility hanging over him.
Neji, mistaking his father's grim expression for disappointment, straightened up and shouted, "Father, I understand! I'll work even harder!"
Hiashi managed a smile and gently nodded. "You're doing well, Neji. Continue."
"Yes, Father!"
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office—
"Lord Third! The delegation from the Land of Lightning has entered Konoha territory. They should arrive at the village gates within the next half hour!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen placed down his papers and stood up. "Understood. I'll go to receive them."
"You're meeting them personally, Lord Hokage?" the Anbu operative asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes. They're arriving as official envoys of the Land of Lightning. Protocol demands I greet them myself."
"Yes, Lord Third!"
Elsewhere, traveling toward the village gates, Mimura (Sancun) and Kuze rode in the middle of the Thunder Country's diplomatic envoy.
"Kuze, look at the grandeur of the Land of Fire," Mimura said quietly. "It's enviable."
Kuze nodded. "With the most fertile land in the world, it's no surprise the Land of Fire became what it is today. But if our Land of Lightning had such resources, we'd have surpassed them long ago."
Mimura agreed. "True. Their prosperity is due to geography, not strength. But under the leadership of the Fourth Raikage, Yunyin is becoming stronger by the day. Sooner or later, even the Land of Fire will bow before us."
"Well said."
Mimura's expression grew serious. "Let's go, Kuze. We've arrived at Konoha's gate. The real mission begins now. Are you ready?"
"Of course. I'll rely on you, Mimura."
"There's no need for formality," Mimura replied.
"No—it's necessary. You're a hero of the village, Mimura. I, Kuze, respect you."
Mimura gave a slight chuckle and said no more. The gates of Konoha came into view.
Standing to greet them was Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, with several Konoha shinobi at his back.
Among them, clad in his signature Anbu uniform with silver-white hair and a mask, stood Hatake Kakashi.
"They've arrived," Kakashi murmured to himself, observing the Lightning Country's delegation.
It was a small group—around twenty people. Most were on foot, with a single carriage in the center.
As the carriage approached the gate, a man stepped down—Mimura.
The Third Hokage stepped forward and greeted him warmly. "Envoy from the Land of Lightning, welcome to Konohagakure. It is an honor."
Mimura responded respectfully. "Lord Hokage, it is a pleasure. I come on behalf of both the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire daimyos, who hope this visit will strengthen the bonds between our nations."
With that statement, Mimura subtly invoked the daimyos' involvement, signaling that this diplomatic mission carried the weight of national will.
The implied message was clear: he was not just a shinobi envoy—he was a representative of a formal political alliance.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. He understood that Mimura's words were carefully chosen to reduce suspicion and ensure that any surveillance would be kept minimal. The strategy was to lower Konoha's guard—through decorum and diplomacy.
Sarutobi saw through the maneuver but maintained his composure.
"Yes. May the Fire and Lightning Countries continue to share a lasting peace."
"Indeed. I hope to witness Konoha's strength and sincerity during my stay."
Such talk was routine—show the village to the envoy, display Konoha's strength, and ensure they left with a sense of awe, if not intimidation.
After some formalities, the Hokage allowed the envoys into the guest residence.
As they departed, Sarutobi sighed.
"Kakashi."
The white-haired shinobi turned. "Yes, Lord Third?"
"This delegation from the Land of Lightning… their intentions are suspect. However, since this mission is endorsed by the daimyos, Konoha cannot act overtly hostile. Therefore, I will order the removal of official surveillance on their party. The responsibility of monitoring them now falls to you."
Sarutobi's eyes were sharp and full of trust.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi nodded with resolve.
This suited him well. With official surveillance lifted, he would have more freedom to execute his own plan—quietly.
Sarutobi had no idea what Kakashi was truly planning, but of all his shinobi, the one he trusted most now was Kakashi. And with the Sharingan in his possession, he was perfectly suited for covert operations.
Thus, the storm began to swirl beneath the surface of peace.
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