Chapter 257: Hokage's Power!

In the living room of the Hyuga family, Uzumaki Raiden and Hyuga Hiashi sat across from each other at a coffee table, waiting for the water in the pot beside them to boil. Hinata had been taken away by her mother to rest, and the intruder's body had already been collected by Hyuga clan ninjas, set to be reported to Namikaze Minato in the morning.

"Was that person really a Cloud ninja emissary? If so, isn't he afraid of us confronting him for pulling something like this in Konoha Village?"

While waiting for the tea, Hiashi had learned about the intruder's identity from Raiden and was visibly concerned. This wasn't just some rogue ninja wandering into their territory; it was an official envoy from the Cloud Village.

On a larger scale, this incident could escalate into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. Mishandling it could lead to war, and even on a smaller scale, it could bring unnecessary trouble to the Hyuga clan. Having led the clan for years, Hiashi had developed a keen sensitivity to such political dangers.

"Yes, he's a Cloud envoy. I've sensed this kind of chakra before," Raiden replied calmly.

"As for Konoha's response... you're overthinking it. This person was most likely a 'dead man.' His mission was probably to die here in Konoha."

Raiden stroked his chin thoughtfully. Hiashi, still adjusting to the hoarseness in Raiden's voice, listened carefully and frowned.

"A dead man? What do you mean?"

Hiashi's confusion was evident.

"Yes, a dead man," Raiden confirmed.

"I had a long chat with Jiraiya today and got a better understanding of Konoha's current situation."

"The attack four years ago caused Konoha heavy losses. Although I ordered the regular forces to retreat back then, delays in execution cost us dearly."

"Konoha, which was already weakened by the Third Great Ninja War, hasn't fully recovered. On top of that, we acquired the Six-Tails and the Seven-Tails."

"Brother Jiraiya told me that the Cloud Village has had its eyes on us ever since, and today's incident is just the beginning."

"I was wondering why they'd target the Hyuga clan, the hardest to infiltrate. Besides the temptation of the Byakugan, their plan was also easy to detect."

"If they succeeded, they'd gain the Byakugan. If they failed, they could exploit the situation politically."

Raiden spoke confidently. At that moment, steam began to rise from the kettle, and the gentle sound of boiling water filled the room. Hiashi removed the kettle to prepare the tea, contemplating Raiden's words. Despite being absent for years, Raiden had quickly grasped the village's state of affairs.

"If that's the case, it seems I don't have many options," Hiashi mused.

"In the power struggles between villages, our clan's influence is ultimately limited."

"Enough of this talk," he continued with a forced smile. "You just returned today, right? You've spent all this time chatting with Jiraiya-sama. Have you seen Kushina and the others?"

"No, I've only spoken with Shisui, Jiraiya, and you," Raiden said, taking a sip of tea.

"I'm still figuring out how I want to face them."

Hiashi's expression turned puzzled again, struggling to keep up with Raiden's train of thought.

"Konoha already has two Hokage... and now with me, that makes three Hokage."

"This is a serious problem."

Raiden's concern was clear. A power struggle between two leaders could be tolerated, but a third figure entering the mix would complicate things greatly. If Raiden returned publicly as the Fourth Hokage, it would immediately spark questions—who was truly in charge, him or Minato?

Both Raiden and Minato were still in their prime, unlike the Third Hokage. The political landscape had changed during Raiden's absence, and Jiraiya had already filled him in on Minato's commendable leadership.

Hiashi, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded. "You're right—there can be only one sun in the sky."

"So what do you intend to do? Do you still want to reclaim the title of Hokage? If you do, I will fully support you!" Hiashi said firmly, his unwavering attitude catching Raiden off guard.

Raiden shook his head slightly. "That's exactly what I'm afraid of."

"If I return, many people will support me. And to be honest, certain things are easier to accomplish as Hokage. But the authority of the Hokage shouldn't be something to fight over."

"If I try to reclaim my position, Minato's supporters—whether he wants it or not—will see me as a threat, and I don't want that."

"For now, I'll meet with Brother Jiraiya and gather my thoughts."

Hiashi, intrigued, asked, "What does Jiraiya-sama think?"

Raiden glanced at him silently, realizing the Hyuga patriarch's deep interest in this matter. Although Hiashi had stepped down from key village positions, his focus remained on his clan's status.

The return of Uzumaki Raiden represented a golden opportunity for the Hyuga to regain influence. While their relationship was strong, political gain was likely a motivating factor for Hiashi's eagerness.

"Jiraiya hopes for the village to remain stable. That's what most people want," Raiden finally answered.

Hiashi sighed with a hint of disappointment. He understood that if the majority of the village still backed Minato, any attempt by Raiden to reclaim power would only lead to internal strife—something nobody wanted.

"Well, I've finished my tea, and we've had our chat. It's getting late; I should leave now."

"I'll visit again when I have time," Raiden said, finishing his cup in one gulp and rising to his feet.

Regarding the Hokage issue, he needed time to think it over carefully. Until then, it was best to keep his return low-profile.

"Stay a little longer?" Hiashi offered, but Raiden was already heading to the door.

"Don't be silly, there's plenty of time ahead."

As Raiden stepped out, he paused and turned back slightly.

"Oh, by the way... there's something I forgot to tell you."

"We, Konoha, don't need to bow to any other village!"

With those words, Raiden pushed open the door and stepped out. This time, Hiashi didn't stop him and instead watched his figure disappear into the night.

Lowering his gaze, Hiashi sighed softly, deep in thought.

(End of this chapter)