After the sparring match, the Kumo ninjas—both Genin and Chunin—were completely drained, their exhaustion evident both physically and mentally. Despite the tense atmosphere, the Raikage and the Hokage successfully signed a peace treaty, seemingly putting an end to any hostilities between their villages.
However, the peace was short-lived. One of the Raikage's bodyguards secretly took on a mission to kidnap the Hyuga heiress. This operation had been subtly greenlit by Danzo, who assured Kumo that they could proceed without resistance. He even promised compensation for any resulting damages, underlining the dangerous political games being played in Konoha.
At the Hyuga Estate, the attempted kidnapping was met with swift and deadly resistance. Hiashi Hyuga, the clan head, intercepted the kidnapper and killed him instantly, unaware of his connection to Kumo.
@ Hokage's Office
The Raikage stormed into the office, his anger palpable.
Raikage: "This is outrageous! Who dared to kill my man?"
Hiashi stepped forward, calm but resolute.
Hiashi: "We didn't know he was one of your men. He was weak—barely a threat. In the Hyuga clan, that's how we typically deal with intruders. I apologize if that offends you."
The Raikage's glare intensified.
Raikage: "Weak or not, that man was mine. I'm returning to Kumo, and if my demands aren't met, this will mean war."
To everyone's shock, Hiruzen bowed deeply before the Raikage, a sign of submission that left the room stunned. Whispers spread among the witnesses: "Why is the Hokage bowing to the Raikage? Is this really happening?"
The Hyuga clan elders were summoned to a private meeting with the Hokage. The Raikage's demand was clear: he wanted Hiashi Hyuga's life in exchange for peace. The elders were outraged, but Hiruzen spoke solemnly.
Hiruzen: "Hiashi, there's no other way to avoid war. The Raikage will not back down."
A knock on the door interrupted the tense conversation.
Hiruzen: "Mina! I told you not to disturb us!"
Mina: "Hokage-sama, the clan heads have gathered and are demanding to see you."
The room froze. Hiruzen, Danzo, and Hiashi exchanged bewildered glances before stepping outside to meet the unexpected assembly.
Outside the Hokage's Office,
The courtyard was filled with the leaders of Konoha's most influential clans. Fugaku Uchiha stood at the forefront, his voice steady and commanding.
Fugaku: "Hokage-sama, the Uchiha clan and all the clans represented here stand united. We provide 60% of Konoha's shinobi, and our police force ensures the safety of trade routes and tax collections across the Land of Fire. We are ready to defend Konoha—and the Hyuga clan."
Danzo interjected sharply.
Danzo: "What are you implying, Fugaku?"
Fugaku didn't flinch.
Fugaku: "I'm saying we are prepared for war, and we won't let our brother clan, the Hyuga, stand alone."
From the crowd, the Inuzuka clan head chimed in, full of resolve.
Inuzuka: "Our nin-kin and shinobi are ready to fight against Kumo, no matter the cost."
Hiruzen and Danzo were left speechless. The Hyuga elders, overcome with emotion, silently wept at the show of solidarity.
Hiashi turned to Fugaku, his gratitude clear.
Hiashi: "Thank you, Fugaku. Your support means more than I can say."
Fugaku nodded.
Fugaku: "There may be disputes among brothers, but we must always stand together when it matters most."
The other clan leaders voiced their agreement.
Hiashi: "Hokage-sama, with the Hyuga's 10% of ninjas joining the effort, that's 70% of Konoha's forces ready for battle."
Fugaku "You represent us, but bowing to the Raikage is unacceptable. We are the Hidden Leaf—the village founded by Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara, the foremost strongest Shinobi in the world, your teacher Tobirama Senju and your friend Kagami Uchiha wouldn't have tolerated disrespect of you bowing down some nobody Raikage!. This is not what our predecessors would have wanted."
The gathered clan heads raised their voices in agreement.
Clan Heads: "We stand with Lord Uchiha!" "We stand with Lord Uchiha!"
Danzo, frustrated, retorted.
Danzo: "Do you understand what you're suggesting? This is war, we are already under our economic problems to solve"
Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
Fugaku: "Then perhaps you should explain why Konoha, despite being the strongest shinobi village, is struggling financially. Where has all the village's wealth gone, We are the most active village in the world, with the most talented shinobi and economic power. What have you been doing with the resources we've earned?, what happened to the Gold that we earn selling all the 8 tailed beasts?"
Hiruzen and Danzo remained silent, their thoughts racing.
"We can't reveal the truth. How could we admit that the funds were diverted to line the pockets of a few clans and buy lands in other nations? They would never forgive us."
The room fell into uneasy silence as the clan heads awaited answers. The unity of the clans stood as a sharp contrast to the political scheming within the Hokage's inner circle. The future of Konoha now rested on fragile decisions, where one wrong move could ignite a war not just with Kumo, but within their own walls.