Chapter 258: Hitting Back?

The Fourth Hokage's return to the village did not stir much commotion in Konoha, but by early morning, the news of the Cloud envoy's death had spread like wildfire. The speed at which it traveled made it clear to everyone that this incident was anything but ordinary.

"Bang!"

"Hokage! I've already reported this matter to Lord Raikage! You are fully responsible for this!"

"Our team leader was killed within the Hyuga clan's estate, and the murderer is Hyuga Hiashi!"

"Hand over the culprit, or Konoha will face consequences it cannot afford!"

In the Hokage's office, a dark-skinned Cloud ninja slammed his hand onto Minato Namikaze's desk, shouting in anger without any regard for decorum. The remaining five members of the Cloud delegation stood behind him, demanding an explanation.

Despite their aggressive demeanor, Minato maintained his warm smile, unfazed by their hostility. His calm voice cut through the tension.

"Please, everyone, let's not jump to conclusions. Konoha is still investigating the matter, and the truth is yet to be fully uncovered."

"Our initial findings suggest that someone may have been conducting espionage activities within our village. Your team leader may not have been killed by our people, but by someone else."

Minato spoke with a composed confidence, his words fluid and without hesitation.

"Don't try to shirk your responsibility! Our team leader was killed inside your Konoha Village, right in front of the Hyuga estate!"

"If you don't hand over the murderer, this matter will not end here!"

Alongside Minato sat his advisor, Nara Shikaku. They had just received news that Hyuga Hiashi had eliminated the Cloud envoy earlier that morning. Before they could formulate a response, however, the Cloud delegation stormed in, leaving little time to strategize.

Minato had hoped to stall for time and discuss the situation with Sarutobi Hiruzen and other village elders before deciding on a course of action. Whether Konoha should adopt a hardline stance or a more diplomatic approach remained uncertain. However, it was clear that the Cloud ninjas were unwilling to let the matter slide.

"Our village is still investigating," Minato repeated, his tone still composed but slightly firmer. "Once we have all the facts, we will provide a proper explanation to the Cloud delegation."

"Please return to your quarters for now, and rest assured we will inform you of the results soon."

"There are too many inconsistencies in this incident. Why was your team leader lurking around the Hyuga estate in the middle of the night? Surely, that raises some questions, doesn't it?"

Though Minato's words remained polite, there was an unmistakable edge to them—an unspoken warning about the suspicious nature of their envoy's actions.

However, the Cloud envoys remained unfazed.

"What do you mean by that?! Are you implying our leader had ulterior motives?"

"He's dead! He died in your village!"

"If you don't hand over the culprit, Lord Raikage will declare war to seek justice!"

"We came here in good faith, but your village does not take us seriously! Instead, you kill our leader!"

One of the Cloud envoys, red-faced and panting with rage, seemed to struggle to catch his breath, his agitation visible. Minato secretly frowned. Their exaggerated outrage only confirmed his suspicions—they weren't seeking justice, they were creating a scene to justify their next move.

Minato glanced at Shikaku, signaling him to de-escalate the situation. Just as Shikaku was about to speak, the door to the office swung open.

Wearing a casual kimono, Hyuga Hiashi strode in confidently.

"So, that guy was the Cloud delegation leader, huh?"

Hiashi's tone was laced with mockery. He walked into the room, nodded at Minato in greeting, and then turned to the Cloud ninjas.

"Your leader trespassed into the Hyuga estate in the middle of the night, attempting to kidnap my daughter. I caught him in the act and eliminated him."

"We Konoha haven't even questioned your intentions yet, and here you are pointing fingers at us?"

Hiashi's eyes carried a cold glint as he continued, "In fact, I suspect all of you Cloud nin are involved in this scheme. I demand you accompany me to the Hyuga compound for questioning!"

A tense silence filled the room. The Cloud ninjas' faces contorted in shock and anger, their previous aggression faltering under Hiashi's unexpected counterattack.

"Hokage! Are the ninjas in your village so unruly?"

"Do you intend to detain us? Is there no law in Konoha?"

Minato, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the desk, stared at Hiashi. After a long pause, a smile crept onto his face.

"Hiashi, since you suspect their involvement, take them all for questioning."

"Use whatever means necessary to uncover the truth. If any issues arise, the village will back you."

Minato's firm decision stunned the Cloud envoys. The tapping of his fingers stopped, and he rose from his chair, walking over to Hiashi and patting his shoulder before leaving the office without looking back.

The Cloud ninjas immediately reached for their weapons, their expressions turning grim.

"Shadow Possession Jutsu!"

Nara Shikaku, who had been silent until now, suddenly sprang into action. Squatting down, he formed a seal, and his shadow extended rapidly, connecting with the Cloud ninjas' shadows. Within moments, their bodies froze, unable to move.

"Damn you, Konoha!"

"Lord Raikage will—"

Before the angry envoy could finish his threat, Hiashi struck him hard in the stomach, causing him to cough up bile and collapse to the floor.

"Raikage?" Hiashi whispered menacingly. "Our Hokage already said—Konoha doesn't need to bow to any other village."

With a swift chop to the envoy's neck, Hiashi knocked him out cold.

Several Hyuga clan members entered, sealing the remaining Cloud ninjas' chakra points before escorting them out.

As Hiashi prepared to follow, Shikaku called out from behind.

"Hiashi, I don't remember Minato saying that."

Then, in a quieter tone, he asked, "Did you meet him? Is he alright?"

Hiashi paused for a moment, then replied, "He's fine. His chakra is stronger than ever."

"He's back. No one can challenge Konoha with him here."

With that, Hiashi walked out and closed the office door behind him.

Shikaku sat silently for a while, staring at the closed door before finally sighing in relief.

"So he's really back? That's... truly great news."

(End of this chapter)