[Hyuga Clan]
[Main House Courtyard]
"What reaction did that brat Sota have?", Sarumito asked.
Hiashi thought for a moment, then shook his head, "Sota had no reaction to this."
Sarumito slowly nodded, "The impact of this matter will only show itself more than ten years from now."
"Right now, naturally, they won't notice any difference."
Hiashi, however, had a different opinion, "If Hinata or even Hanabi marries outside, then there won't be such a problem."
Sarumito pondered slightly, "You mean Hinata's two teammates?"
Hiashi nodded, "Sasuke is of the Uchiha clan. Right now the Uchiha are at their peak, and in the future, the position of Hokage has a very high chance of falling into Rengoku's hands."
"The other, Uzumaki Naruto, is the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki. No matter which of them Hinata gets close with—"
"For us Hyuga, it wouldn't be a bad thing."
Sarumito agreed with these words as well.
The fact was, the Hyuga were indeed declining.
For families this ancient, using marriage alliances to maintain the clan was nothing out of the ordinary.
Although Hinata was still young, since Uchiha Rengoku had placed her in that team, there was a high chance he had such considerations in mind.
"These past years, Hinata's growth hasn't been bad. You should also show her a bit more care."
As the most calculating of the elders, Sarumito naturally wasn't being kind.
Rather, Hinata now already had investment value, so having Hiashi strengthen their bond was only natural.
"Mm…", In truth, these two years Hiashi hadn't really bothered about Hinata, let alone personally guided her.
Before, he hadn't cared much.
But yesterday, seeing how Hinata was completely different from before, he also had new thoughts.
"Then in the near future, I'll arrange some special training for her."
———
[Hokage's Office]
"Hokage-sama, the people from Sunagakure replied back. The Akatsuki accepted the mission."
"They have a way to separate a Jinchuriki from its Tailed Beast, so they don't fear offending the Uchiha."
In front of the Third Hokage's desk, an Anbu delivered the intel from Sunagakure.
"It's just that they need Gaara to be outside, and for us to provide intel before they can act."
The Third waved his hand, "I understand. You may go."
"Yes!"
Once the Anbu disappeared, Ishishu in the shadows finally spoke, "It seems the bond between Akatsuki and the Uchiha isn't that deep."
The Third Hokage wasn't surprised, "It's nothing more than an exchange of interests. But for us, it's a good thing."
"At the very least, there's the Akatsuki to serve as a knife in our hands."
Ishishu considered, "But Gaara has always been personally under Rengoku's watch. The Akatsuki likely won't find it easy to make a move."
The Third Hokage took a drag of his pipe, "We spent so much money. Naturally, they should shoulder a bit more responsibility."
After thinking for a while, he slowly exhaled smoke, "You go keep an eye on this matter too. Best to also probe into Monk Senku's background."
Because right now, in the entire shinobi world, aside from the Uchiha, the only one openly claiming to be able to deal with a Jinchuriki was this one.
If this mission succeeded, the Third Hokage might yet be able to turn the tables.
Ishishu had no objections. He thought the same.
"When the time comes, make sure you coordinate well with Akatsuki. If they don't even lure away Rengoku's people, this task won't succeed."
"I understand."
———
[Uchiha Compound]
The one who let Akatsuki take the mission was naturally Rengoku.
Since Sunagakure liked the One-Tail so much, Rengoku of course had no need to insist on holding onto it.
He could make money, and also pave the way for his future plans.
Now the issue was how to reasonably send Gaara out on a mission.
"Senpai, people from the Hyuga clan sent word that Hinata will be undergoing special training with Hiashi for a while, so she can't take missions temporarily."
As Team 1's instructor, Itachi naturally had to report if Hinata asked for leave.
"Hinata, special training?", Rengoku was puzzled. In the original timeline, let alone giving Hinata special training, Hiashi completely ignored this daughter.
After her defeat against Hanabi, he basically treated Hinata as if she didn't exist.
It seemed Hinata's changes these past two years had made Hiashi notice that his daughter actually had decent talent.
"Well, that's just fine. During this period, Gaara can be put into Team 1 to take Hinata's place."
"But as for this mission…"
"Bring me the mission log," Rengoku ordered Itachi.
As the adviser elder, he held the privilege to prioritize mission assignments.
These were compiled into a record for him daily.
But Rengoku always sent the missions back down.
After all, he didn't need them for himself.
He flipped through the mission log, but there wasn't one suitable for the three of them at all.
But that wasn't a problem. He could just make one up. As long as he got them out of the village, that was enough.
"You go use a Transformation Technique to post an escort mission. Set it as B-rank. Escort destination, Daimyo's mansion…"
Rengoku gave Itachi detailed instructions.
"Understood, Senpai. I'll handle it right away."
Itachi acted swiftly and went to work on it immediately.
Rengoku clenched his hand. Monk Senku was about to appear again.
———
The next day.
Outside the Uchiha compound.
Sasuke and Naruto had gathered there.
"Naruto, this time is our Team 1's first independent mission. Don't you dare drag us down."
Sasuke's face was full of eagerness.
For him, from the previous missions he had already learned the skills he needed, absorbed the experience he could.
As a reckless, fearless youngster, Sasuke naturally wanted to grow quickly and hold his own.
Naruto rubbed his nose, "Hmph! Cocky Sasuke, I won't drag anyone down. You're the one who shouldn't overdo it."
He looked around, "Why isn't Hinata here yet? She's always the earliest to arrive."
Sasuke folded his arms and leaned on the wall, "Wait. After all, it's not time yet."
But soon, instead of Hinata, Rengoku came out with Gaara.
"Sensei, why are you here?", Sasuke asked curiously.
"Principal!", Naruto, knowing how much Rengoku had done for him, was full of gratitude toward him.
Rengoku waved his hand, showing he saw him.
"Gaara!", Seeing Gaara at the side, Naruto enthusiastically waved his arms, afraid Gaara wouldn't see him.
Gaara, seeing Naruto, also smiled.
"Naruto, Sasuke."
"Hey! How come you're here?", Naruto immediately abandoned Sasuke and ran to Gaara.
Seeing Naruto's over-the-top enthusiasm, Sasuke quietly rolled his eyes.
Gaara greeted him, and Sasuke just gave a flat "Mm."
At this time Rengoku came before them, "Itachi had another mission and forgot to tell you."
"Hinata will be staying at home for special training for a while, so she won't be joining missions temporarily."
"Just right, since Gaara can be reassigned from the class roster, I'm letting him join you for this mission."
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