Originally…
Seeing the Cloud Village ninja's arrogant attitude, it wasn't just Hiashi who was shocked.
The several Hyūga clan members who had captured the Cloud ninja also wore furious expressions.
But then, something unexpected happened.
A torii gate suddenly fell from the sky and enveloped the Cloud ninja.
The Cloud ninja's expression changed instantly as his body was pressed to the ground under an immense weight. His chakra solidified, and his strength dissipated. All he could do was breathe and move his eyes. In this state, suicide was impossible.
The Hyūga clan members stared at Naruto in shock.
Naruto lowered his hands from the hand seal and said calmly, "It's just to prevent suicide."
Hiashi stood up, astonished. "This… this is Wood Style???"
After all, the technique was incredibly similar to Wood Style.
But then Hiashi shook his head. "No… this isn't a chakra nature transformation. It's just very similar to Wood Style's sealing technique."
Even so, Hiashi was still amazed by Naruto's power.
Naruto hadn't even grown up yet, and with just a single hand seal, he could use such a terrifying sealing technique.
At that moment, Hiashi felt that the rules within the clan seemed less important. If nothing went wrong, Naruto's future would be brilliant.
Hiashi's eyes softened as he looked at Naruto, increasingly pleased with the boy.
Naruto had detected Hinata's kidnapping and rescued her from the Cloud ninja. He could also analyze problems calmly and think carefully. Such a person could no longer simply be called a genius.
In Hiashi's mind, only Namikaze Minato could compare to Naruto—but even Minato was far inferior to Naruto at this age.
Hiashi nodded in approval and stood, addressing everyone at the door. "Calm down, everyone. This is a plot by the Cloud Village. Let's call someone from the Yamanaka clan first to read this ninja's memories."
Perhaps in better spirits, Hiashi's tone toward his subordinates had softened. He usually gave direct orders, but now his words carried a consultative tone. No one would dare refuse him.
One Hyūga clan member stepped forward to summon the Yamanaka clan, who possessed the secret technique to read memories, allowing them to see all of the Cloud ninja's experiences.
Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived, he could not deny the irrefutable evidence. Unless he intervened directly, the Hyūga clan could make the matter public, potentially reducing Hiruzen's prestige and prompting ambitious ninjas to challenge his leadership.
At that moment, a group entered from outside.
The leader was a slightly elderly man in Hokage robes.
Sarutobi Hiruzen said firmly, "No need."
The Hyūga clan members froze, unsure of how to proceed.
Hiashi knew his people would not disobey Hiruzen, so he waved them off, helping his subordinates avoid trouble.
Hiashi glanced at Hiruzen and asked, "Should the Hyūga clan handle this matter ourselves?"
He used the word carefully, subtly reminding Hiruzen of what had happened years ago.
Hiruzen sighed. "Hiashi, you know the village does not have the resources to start a war now."
Hiashi felt a chill. Several Cloud ninja had already died. If the Hyūga clan bore the responsibility alone… his head would be on the line. And now he had no brother. No one would take responsibility for him.
"Sarutobi… you were never so timid when you were young!" he thought.
Hiruzen continued, "This is all for the peace of Konoha. We can discuss it carefully."
Hiashi said nothing, stepping aside to allow Hiruzen in.
Inside, Naruto was already there. It was no surprise—Anbu had moved quickly and discovered the aftermath of Naruto's fight with the Cloud ninja, as well as Hinata being brought back safely.
Hiashi told Hinata, "Go rest for now."
Naruto nodded to her slightly. Only Hiashi, Hiruzen, and Naruto remained in the room. Outside, Anbu and Hyūga clan members guarded the Cloud ninja.
Hiruzen did not understand why Hiashi did not allow Naruto to leave, but the matter was delicate. Naruto's beliefs could influence the outcome.
Hiruzen said pleasantly, "Little Naruto, you should rest. Let the adults handle this."
Naruto smiled but thought: Do you want me to help my father-in-law?
Hiashi's attitude toward him had shifted significantly just moments ago. If Hiashi were involved, the matter with Hinata would almost be settled.
Naruto shook his head and said, "Third Hokage-sama, this concerns the people around me, and I want to hear your opinion."
Hiruzen had never seen Naruto so calm—like a little adult. Coupled with traces of battle on him, he wondered if Naruto had received secret guidance. From Minato? Or perhaps the Nine-Tails?
Never mind. The situation was already complicated enough.
Hiruzen composed himself. "The Hyūga clan can use some resources to compensate; this is simpler. Of course, the village will bear the cost."
It was a disguised concession.
Hiashi's expression stiffened. He was clearly dissatisfied with Hiruzen's decision.
Then Naruto said to Hiruzen, "Third Hokage-sama, you don't want people to know that because you care about an old friend, you just let him smear the son of the Fourth Hokage, right?"
Hiashi's eyelids twitched. What?!
Are today's young people really this audacious—skipping discussion and immediately confronting the Third Hokage?
Hiruzen shook his head slightly. "Naruto, my personal reputation is unimportant. What matters is how to get Konoha through this crisis."
Konoha lacked the resources for war. The Fourth Hokage was gone. The Nine-Tails had consumed many elite ninjas. The Sannin were absent. Hatake Sakumo had committed suicide. The Uchiha had been wiped out. Danzo was still lurking.
The village's overall strength was at its lowest since its founding.
Hiruzen was the only one left—an old man, relying on a few secret ninja clans. Even in his youth, he would not have dared to start a war under such circumstances.
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