Immediately, the Uchiha clan erupted into chaos,
while the Hyuga clan busily prepared Hinata's bridal trousseau.
Although she was still too young for a wedding,
they wanted to clearly show the Hyuga clan's position.
This plan had, of course, been discussed between Hizashi Hyuga and Sarutobi Hiruzen,
which was why Hizashi hurriedly sent Hinata over—
both to secure his family's standing and to smooth relations with the Hokage.
Soon, the news of Hinata being promised to Sarutobi Hakuto spread throughout the village.
As a major clan, the Hyuga naturally hoped their daughter would marry in style.
"Wow, looks like the Hyuga clan is really hitching their wagon to the right horse!"
"Right?"
"Now, who's the strongest dojutsu clan in Konoha… that's hard to say!"
"What do you think the Uchiha will do?"
All across Konoha, clans buzzed with discussion.
Although the advisor positions had gone to the two clans,
the Hyuga now clearly held the advantage.
The Uchiha clan, already unpopular within the village,
could have gained the positions,
but it hardly mattered.
Inside the Uchiha residence,
when Izumi Uchiha arrived,
Fugaku warmly received her along with Mikoto.
After a lavish reception, Fugaku spoke:
"Izumi, stay close to Sarutobi Hakuto.
Your mother, Hazuki, and the clan will keep an eye on you.
I'll also have Mikoto check in regularly.
So, stay vigilant—you carry the future of the Uchiha clan on your shoulders."
Izumi understood Fugaku's meaning perfectly,
but her heart already belonged entirely to Sarutobi Hakuto.
Still, she nodded respectfully.
After Izumi left,
Fugaku sat alone, drinking in silence,
his thoughts turning angrily toward Hizashi Hyuga's brazen maneuver.
At that moment, young Sasuke burst in, grinning:
"Father! Today my brother taught me the Phoenix Fire technique!
Once I master it, I'll crush Sarutobi Hakuto Sarutobi under my feet!!"
Fugaku instantly flew into a rage,
kicked Sasuke across the room, then stomped on him.
"You useless brat! If it weren't for you, would I be groveling to a ten-year-old?!
Why didn't I have you as a girl instead?! Then you could be used for a marriage alliance!
Hopeless little mud!"
Having vented, Fugaku felt much better,
ignoring the crying Sasuke as he went to sleep,
leaving a bewildered Sasuke wondering how he'd been punished without doing anything.
Sasuke made a mental note:
"Damn Sarutobi Hakuto Sarutobi!
Once I master the Phoenix Fire, you'll pay!"
Within the Sarutobi residence,
with Hinata's arrival,
a large section was allocated to her and Sarutobi Hakuto,
with new housing prepared for their future marriage.
Some Hyuga were stationed nearby to care for Hinata,
a clever move by Hizashi Hyuga.
Under the guise of "taking care of Hinata,"
he had subtly committed some of his people to a Sarutobi-Hyuga alliance.
The situation went exactly as planned—both clans were satisfied.
Little Hinata, however, had already fainted.
Sarutobi Hakuto looked at the white steam rising from her head, helpless.
All he had done was hold her hand,
and she immediately staged a full fainting performance—
"You dare touch me, I dare faint for you!"
Sighing, Sarutobi Hakuto carried Hinata inside and settled her comfortably.
"Wow… I'm actually playing a raising-sim in the Hokage world," he thought, thrilled.
Soon, five Uchiha jonin, led by Izumi, arrived before Sarutobi Hakuto.
He had already made plans for them.
"Take them to my grandfather.
Once they're with him, he'll handle everything."
Izumi led the five jonin to the Shimura clan.
Upon learning Sarutobi Hakuto had sent him five Uchiha jonin,
Danzo Shimura nearly laughed himself silly.
He immediately had the Root take them in.
"Hahaha, excellent!
Tell Sarutobi Hakuto I won't waste his trust.
In time, I'll give him five Uchiha who are completely obedient!"
Izumi nodded, ready to return with the report.
The five Uchiha jonin, however, began to realize:
"We were supposed to obey Sarutobi Hakuto… but who's this Danzo?"
"This doesn't feel right!"
"We need to go back! Notify the clan head!"
They tried to retreat immediately.
After all, the Uchiha were formidable—one-on-one, they were death on the battlefield.
One-on-two, they'd better run; one-on-three, maybe fight.
Their reputation alone proved their strength.
Danzo, however, had extensive experience dealing with Uchiha,
having trained under the Second Hokage.
"Don't worry," he said, "I won't harm you.
After all, you're the guards of my great-grandson!"
With that, Root moved in, capturing the five and restraining them with various sealing techniques.
Once inside Root,
these five would no longer be Uchiha jonin—they would become Sarutobi Hakuto's most loyal bodyguards.