Chapter 71 - Hizashi Hyuga’s Resolve

Chapter 71 - Hizashi Hyuga's Resolve

Iwagakure – Tsuchikage's Office

The heavy silence that had settled over the stone-walled room was only broken by the soft sound of rustling parchment. Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, stared at the war reports before him, his expression dark and unreadable. His back ached—a constant reminder of the decades of battle and the burdens of leadership.

"That's why we must negotiate a truce with Kumogakure," Onoki finally spoke, his gravelly voice carrying the weight of the decision. "And join forces against Konoha. We cannot allow another ninja of Uchiha Madara's level to emerge from that village."

Akatsuchi, his most trusted aide and bodyguard, shifted uneasily where he stood. "But will the Raikage even consider it?" he asked, frowning. "He's the one who started this war. That man is nothing short of a battle maniac."

"Hmph! Don't let his bravado fool you," Onoki scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "There isn't a single Kage who is truly brainless. The Raikage might look like a reckless brute, but he understands power. He will see the threat that Hatake Kazane poses, and he will listen."

Onoki's tone left no room for doubt. Despite his personal disdain for Kumogakure's leadership, he recognized their pragmatism.

"Akatsuchi," he continued, turning to the burly ninja, "I want you to personally deliver this message. Make sure the Raikage understands what is at stake."

Akatsuchi straightened, his features hardening with determination. "Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"

Onoki exhaled sharply. His gaze then shifted toward another presence in the room—a tall, battle-hardened figure standing silently in the corner.

"Rōshi," he called, addressing the Four-Tails Jinchūriki. "I need you to reinforce our front lines. Orochimaru is not like Hiruzen Sarutobi. That man won't just defend—he will strike back. And if we're not prepared, we'll be the ones left scrambling."

The older shinobi narrowed his eyes but gave a small nod. "Understood," Rōshi said simply.

Though he often clashed with Onoki's policies, he knew when to set aside personal differences for the sake of the village.

As Rōshi departed to carry out his orders, Onoki let out a long sigh, walking over to the window. His gaze lingered on the towering mountains surrounding Iwagakure, his mind churning with calculations and concerns.

"Sigh… Let's just hope A uses his head for once," he muttered, almost to himself. "We really can't afford to let Konoha grow any stronger."

Yet even as he spoke those words, a gnawing worry settled deep in his gut.

For the first time in decades, Onoki felt an unfamiliar sensation creeping in—a sense of powerlessness.

---

Konoha's Returning Forces

The journey back to Konoha was quieter than expected.

Kazane sat at the head of his division's convoy, his mind deep in thought as the dense forests of the Land of Fire stretched before him. The battle at Kohaku Village was over. The Mist had been driven back. Victory was theirs.

And yet…

Returning to Konoha meant relinquishing command over the 2,000 ninja he had led to victory.

Hiruzen Sarutobi would never allow him to retain direct control over such a force. The moment they set foot back in the village, these warriors would be reassigned—scattered across different units, folded back into the regular ranks.

It was an obvious move. A necessary one for maintaining Konoha's military hierarchy.

But Kazane saw something that perhaps even Hiruzen had overlooked.

As he walked through the camp, past the rows of resting and recovering shinobi, he noticed how they looked at him now.

There was no doubt in their eyes.

Only admiration. Reverence.

He had already won their loyalty.

Eventually, they would be his regardless.

In fact, having them reassigned across different squads wasn't necessarily a bad thing—it would serve as a means to spread his reputation throughout Konoha's entire ninja forces.

Even if they were dispersed upon returning to Konoha, they would carry his name with them. His legend. His command.

And when the time came, they would follow him again.

With that thought, he made his decision.

Tomorrow, they would return to Konoha. But first, there was unfinished business to attend to.

"Sasaki," Kazane called, turning to his trusted officer. "Bring me Hizashi Hyuga."

The older Jonin blinked in surprise but quickly bowed. "Yes, Lord Kazane."

Minutes later, Hizashi arrived, his movements composed yet carrying a sense of unease.

"You summoned me, Lord Kazane?" Hizashi greeted, bowing slightly.

Kazane gestured for Sasaki to leave. "Step outside. Make sure no one interrupts."

Sasaki hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Understood."

As the tent flap fell shut behind him, Kazane finally turned his full attention to the Hyuga clan's Branch Family prodigy.

"Hizashi," he said smoothly, folding his arms, "have you given any thought to our last conversation?"

There was no need to elaborate. They both knew what he was referring to.

Hizashi's fingers curled slightly, his jaw tightening. "I understand your proposition," he said after a long pause. "However… I am only a Jōnin. There are matters beyond my authority."

Kazane's lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Hizashi," he said, his tone almost playful, "with me and my master backing you… authority is not something you need to worry about."

Hizashi inhaled deeply, steadying himself. "And how exactly do you plan to help us?"

Kazane leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.

"The Main Branch of the Hyuga Clan is small. The Branch Family outnumbers them significantly. If you unite them under one cause, the Main Branch will be powerless to stop you."

Hizashi's breath hitched.

"And if they try to use the Caged Bird Seal?" he asked cautiously.

"I will personally make sure they regret it."

There was no hesitation in Kazane's voice—only cold certainty.

"They branded the Branch Family as slaves. If they refuse to change… then we will brand them in return."

Hizashi's eyes widened slightly.

This was more than just rebellion.

This was retribution.

"This… Konoha will never allow it," he warned, trying to suppress the rising thrill of possibility.

Kazane chuckled darkly. "Konoha will be handled by my master, Orochimaru. Leave that part to us."

Hizashi was silent. His mind raced through every possibility, every risk, every outcome.

"…And in return?" he finally asked.

Kazane's smirk widened.

"It's simple," he said. "When the time comes for the next Hokage election… the Hyuga Clan will support Orochimaru."

Hizashi clenched his fists. He had expected as much.

This was a power play. And Kazane wasn't just looking at the Hyuga Clan.

He was looking at the future of Konoha itself.

For a long moment, Hizashi said nothing.

Then—

"I understand," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "Lord Kazane will not fail. Lord Kazane will succeed."

Kazane let out a pleased laugh, clapping Hizashi on the shoulder.

"Good man," he said lightly. "Now go make your preparations."

Hizashi nodded, stepping toward the exit.

Just before he left, he heard Kazane murmur, almost to himself—

"To be honest, I'm starting to miss home."

There was something unreadable in his tone.

Something almost… nostalgic.

And yet, beneath it all, there was the unmistakable edge of someone who had no intention of returning as the same man he once was.