Chapter 6: Pledge of Allegiance

September 25, Year 53 of the Hidden Leaf Calendar.

Hyuga Gakuya and the others had just returned from their mission when an Anbu operative arrived.

"Gakuya, the Hokage has summoned you."

Gakuya nodded. "Understood."

"Are you alright?" Kakashi asked, patting Gakuya on the shoulder. Normally, when they were summoned, they were called together. This time, it was only Gakuya, which clearly meant there was something more going on.

"I'm fine. Just some family matters."

"Alright, as long as it's nothing serious."

This was the moment that would determine whether all his planning would succeed.

Having already made arrangements in advance, Gakuya walked through the building without obstruction. When he reached the Hokage's office, he knocked on the door.

"Enter!"

Gakuya stepped inside, immediately meeting the gaze of Hiruzen Sarutobi, who sat at his desk.

"Lord Third." Gakuya knelt on one knee in formal greeting.

"How did the mission go?"

"It was completed successfully."

"Good. As expected of the rising star, Gakuya."

Gakuya responded respectfully, "It was all thanks to your guidance and the support of my comrades in the Anbu."

"Hmm... very good."

"You've been handling matters with Kumogakure recently. What do you think about the war with them?"

Gakuya considered his words. This old man was testing whether he was worth the risk of a confrontation with the Hyuga clan and whether they shared the same vision.

And this was a question he was well-prepared to answer. He knew what was coming: Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to propose peace with Kumogakure. He would even tolerate their attempted abduction of the Hyuga heiress and ultimately offer up Hizashi's uncle as compensation.

The thought made Gakuya grit his teeth in frustration. It was humiliating.

But to Hiruzen, this reaction signified loyalty to the village and hatred for its enemies.

"Lord Third, I believe we should initiate peace talks with Kumogakure. We currently hold a slight advantage on the battlefield. If we negotiate now, we can secure favorable terms."

"Rather than a costly victory through prolonged conflict, what we need is peace. Konoha is in a weakened state—we need time to recover, not a pyrrhic triumph."

These words aligned perfectly with Hiruzen's long-term strategy, which he would uphold until the next generation—the era of Konoha's Twelve Young Leaves—was ready to take over.

It was exactly what Hiruzen wanted to hear. Finally, someone who understood him, rather than labeling him a coward. His impression of Gakuya improved significantly.

Talented, powerful, patient, and possessing strategic foresight—what an exceptional ninja.

"Well said. That is precisely my perspective. However, many oppose me..."

Gakuya replied with unwavering determination, "They lack the foresight to grasp Lord Third's vision. But time will prove you right."

"Sigh..." Hiruzen let out a long breath, as if Gakuya had voiced the burden weighing on his mind.

A long silence followed as both seemed lost in thought.

Then, Hiruzen broke the quiet. "The rumors circulating about the Hyuga clan—was that your doing?"

"Yes."

Gakuya neither denied nor justified it. He knew his actions might have fooled the Hyuga clan, but they would never escape Hiruzen's scrutiny.

Hiruzen was pleased with this response. "And your reason?"

"My younger brother, Hyuga Neji, is three years old. He's almost at the age where the Caged Bird Seal will be branded upon him. I want him to grow up free and strong."

"A devoted elder brother..." Hiruzen's approval deepened. Loyalty to the village, strong family ties—such people were the easiest to control.

Having found his answer, Hiruzen shifted back to his grandfatherly demeanor and dismissed Gakuya with reassurance.

"It was thoughtless of me to summon you right after your mission. Go get some rest."

"Rest assured, I will handle the Hyuga situation. They won't come after you about the Caged Bird Seal again. Furthermore, from now on, branch members will not be marked until they reach the age of nine."

Gakuya feigned intense gratitude, as if he was ready to die for Hiruzen on the spot.

Watching Gakuya leave, Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe. If things continued this way, protecting Gakuya would become a necessity. Besides, the Hyuga clan needed to be reminded of their place.

He picked up a report from his desk. Three Hyuga Anbu had used their positions for personal gain, conducting illegal trades with foreign nations and violently eliminating rival businesses within the Land of Fire.

The extent of their actions was shocking. In just six months, they had accomplished so much—impressive efficiency.

As the investigation deepened, Hiruzen was further alarmed. No wonder the Hyuga clan had been able to steadily improve the treatment of their ninja.

"Shinnosuke!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke, clad in Anbu gear, appeared in the office.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Arrange for those Hyuga Anbu to be... dealt with."

"Understood."

Just as Shinnosuke was about to leave, Hiruzen called him back.

"Wait. Assign this mission to Gakuya's team. Also, summon Hyuga Hiashi."

"Understood."

...

Stepping out of the Hokage's building, Gakuya let out a deep breath. Playing along with Hiruzen had been exhausting, but the results were worth it. He had accomplished his goal while also driving a wedge between Konoha and the Hyuga clan.

If everything went according to plan, he might not even need to make a move himself—Hiruzen would handle the Hyuga for him.

That was unlikely, though. The Hyuga weren't the Uchiha. After this, they would probably lie low.

At the very least, for now, he had gained Hiruzen's trust. Until the moment he defected from Konoha, he would be considered a valued asset.

Reuniting with his Anbu teammates, they were just about to head to the barbecue restaurant—finally, a real meal after days of nothing but ration bars.

But before they could leave, another Anbu appeared in the rest area.

"Squad, here's your next mission."

"Hey, we just completed an A-rank mission! We're supposed to have leave."

Ignoring him, the Anbu handed Kakashi a mission scroll and vanished.

Kakashi read the scroll carefully, his expression turning unreadable.

"Gakuya, take a look. If you don't want to take part, you can request leave. The three of us can handle it."

Without hesitation, Gakuya took the scroll and examined it. It detailed the crimes of three Hyuga branch members in the Anbu—abuse of power, corruption, illegal dealings. Their mission was to eliminate them while they were out on an assignment.

Gakuya remained expressionless as he passed the scroll to Yamato.

"I have no objections. I may bear the Hyuga name, but I am not one of them. In fact, I have a blood feud with them."

"I insist on handling them personally."

This was Hiruzen's way of securing Gakuya's loyalty. But Gakuya didn't mind at all. The Hyuga were unaware, and even if they knew, what could they do? It was time to collect some interest. The real reckoning would come later, when he was strong enough.

His teammates exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sympathy. A conflict this deep with one's own family... it had to be painful.