Hyuga Clan Grounds.
In the council chamber, Hiashi, Hizashi, several Hyuga elders, the Third Hokage, and the two advisors were all present.
"Having Hizashi from the branch family die in Hiashi's place, using the Caged Bird Seal to destroy the Byakugan without leaving a trace, this, I believe, is the best course of action."
said a Hyuga elder emotionlessly.
The moment these words left his mouth, Hiruzen and his two advisors exchanged glances and saw mutual agreement in each other's eyes.
Letting the Hyuga clan leader live, while still giving Kumogakure a scapegoat, this was a perfect resolution in their eyes.
Only one life in exchange for averting war. No matter how one looked at it, it was a bargain.
But this was still a matter between the Hyuga main and branch families. A glance at Hiashi's expression made it clear he didn't approve of the method.
"Hiashi…"
Hiruzen turned to the clan leader.
"Konoha can no longer afford another war. The Third Great Ninja War has already cost us dearly. Danzo turned against me for that, leading to my resignation as Hokage."
"I bear responsibility for what happened, but it also shows the brutal nature of war."
"Since Konoha's founding, we've had three Great Wars. The Second Hokage died in one of them. I trust you understand this and can make the right decision."
Hiruzen spoke in vague moral overtones, never directly saying that Hizashi should die.
But the two advisors, Homura and Koharu, had no such reservations; they weren't the Hokage, so playing the "bad cop" came easily.
"It's always been said that the branch family exists to protect the main house. So what is there to hesitate about?"
"One life to preserve Konoha's peace. Isn't that an honor for the branch family?"
"No more delays. Let the branch family member activate the Caged Bird Seal and commit suicide. At dawn, send his corpse along with the Cloud envoy's body to the border. That will settle everything."
"Clan Head Hiashi... that someone of the branch family could resemble you so perfectly, what a privilege. To die for the main family and Konoha is his honor."
As their chatter dragged on, both advisors stared at Hizashi.
With cold, dead eyes, they seemed to scream silently:
"Die already. Only your death can bring peace!"
"Die… Your death will bring glory to the main family and the village!"
"If you don't die, you're the villain!"
"If you don't die, the outbreak of war will all be your fault!"
The mental pressure built like a curse. Cold sweat poured from Hizashi's brow. His fists clenched tightly.
The veins near his eyes bulged.
A faint killing intent began to rise.
"What do you intend to do?" said the elder calmly as he raised one hand, the Caged Bird Seal activated.
"Aaaahhh!!!"
Hizashi screamed as he collapsed to the floor, clutching his head in agony and writhing.
The pain from deep within his brain was unbearable. His features twisted grotesquely.
"Stop it!!" Hiashi shouted.
Out of respect for the clan head, the elder halted the seal.
"Hizashi, you should understand that this meeting is not here to negotiate with you."
said the elder.
"As a branch family member, your job is to obey. If not for the clan head's intervention, you'd already be a corpse. And frankly, that would've spared us the trouble of discussing this at all."
Lying on the floor, Hizashi trembled and gasped for breath. The pain still hadn't subsided.
"Hizashi…"
Hiashi stepped forward, trying to help him up.
Slap!
Hizashi pushed away his brother's hand.
Slowly rising, holding his head with one hand, he said in a low voice:
"I'm willing... to sacrifice myself for the main family."
Everyone in the room looked at him.
"Phew…"
Hiruzen let out a relieved sigh.
"Hizashi, I'll make sure that Neji is cared for."
Hizashi nodded slightly, then looked at his brother:
"Before I die, I'll write a letter explaining that I chose this myself, for Konoha and for the Hyuga clan. You'll hold onto it. If Neji grows up with hatred..."
Of course he would.
But as a father, all he wanted was for his son to grow up healthy. Let that hatred die with him.
"...If Neji does harbor resentment, give him the letter. He'll recognize my handwriting. He'll believe it. After that... I leave Neji in your care."
Knock knock knock!
Suddenly, rapid footsteps echoed outside. The chamber doors burst open.
"Clan Head! Uchiha, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Inuzuka, Aburame, Kurama… over ten clan leaders are here to see you!"
Behind the messenger, Uchiha Yun gently pushed his way inside.
One by one, the heads of multiple noble clans followed.
Uchiha Yun looked at Hiruzen and his advisors, chuckling softly:
"It seems Lord Third can't wait to sacrifice a Konoha clan in exchange for peace?"
"But if Cloud gets the Byakugan this time, what will they ask for next?"
"The Sharingan from the Uchiha? Secret jutsu from the Ino-Shika-Cho? The insect techniques of the Aburame? The bloodline of the Kurama?"
At the front of the group, Uchiha Shisui stepped forward:
"Cloud offered an alliance, but their true goal was to steal the Hyuga's Byakugan."
"When the theft failed, the envoy 'conveniently' died from preexisting internal injuries. Before Cloud even responds, the Third Hokage already seeks a sacrifice from the Hyuga? We cannot accept such a resolution."
Hiruzen slowly looked up. Standing against him were the leaders of many prominent families, including the Ino-Shika-Cho, long considered allies of the Sarutobi.
'The village's interests should come before clan interests. War must be avoided. Everything I've done… has been for Konoha. Why… why can't they understand that?'
"We've already decided. The main family need not die. Hizashi will die in Hiashi's place. He's agreed to it. This will prevent war."
Shikaku Nara furrowed his brow. He looked at the slumped Hizashi, then at Hiashi, who appeared torn.
After a moment, Shikaku asked:
"Clan Head Hiashi, do you agree to this resolution?"
Hiashi hesitated, then noticed the message hidden in Shikaku's gaze: this is about the stance of Konoha's great clans.
If he said yes, the Hyuga would be isolating themselves from the rest.
"I… do not agree!!"
...
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