...
Originally, seeing the Cloud shinobi's arrogant attitude, it wasn't just Hiashi who was furious, the several Hyuga clansmen who had captured him wore equally enraged expressions.
But then, in an instant, everything changed.
A torii gate descended from above, slamming down onto the Cloud shinobi. His face twisted in shock as an immense pressure crushed him to the ground. His chakra froze, his strength evaporated, and all he could do was gasp for air and flicker his eyes. In this state, even suicide was impossible.
The Hyuga clansmen stared at Naruto in stunned silence.
Calmly lowering his hand from the seal, Naruto said, "Just a precaution. Didn't want him killing himself."
Hiashi shot up from his seat, eyes wide. "This… this is Wood Style?!"
The resemblance was uncanny. But after a moment, he shook his head. "No… this isn't chakra nature transformation. It's more like a sealing technique similar to Wood Style."
Even so, Hiashi couldn't hide his astonishment. Naruto was still young, yet he had executed a one-handed seal and unleashed such a formidable technique. At that moment, Hiashi felt the rigid traditions of his clan suddenly seem insignificant.
If nothing else, Naruto's future was destined to be extraordinary, no more than extraordinary.
As the thought settled, Hiashi's gaze softened when it fell on Naruto. His approval only grew stronger. The boy had not only detected Hinata's kidnapping and rescued her but had also analyzed the situation with cold precision. This wasn't just genius, it was brilliance.
In Hiashi's memory, only one person could compare: Namikaze Minato.
No… even Minato hadn't been this capable at Naruto's age.
With a respectful nod toward Naruto, Hiashi stepped forward and addressed his clansmen. "Stay calm. This is a plot by Kumogakure. We'll have someone from the Yamanaka clan extract his memories."
Perhaps because his mood had improved, his tone was uncharacteristically diplomatic. Normally, he would have simply barked orders. But no one objected. One of the Hyuga immediately moved to summon a Yamanaka clansman.
Their mind-reading techniques would lay bare the truth in the Cloud shinobi's memories. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen himself intervened, he couldn't deny irrefutable evidence. Unless he forced the Hyuga to silence the matter, the clan would expose everything—shattering the Hokage's reputation and inviting pressure from those hungry for his position.
But just then, footsteps echoed from outside.
A group entered, led by a small, aged man in a Hokage robe.
Hiruzen's voice was firm. "That won't be necessary."
The Hyuga clansman froze, glancing uncertainly between Hiashi and the Hokage.
Knowing his subordinate wouldn't dare defy Hiruzen, Hiashi dismissed him with a wave, sparing him the dilemma. Then, his eyes locked onto the Hokage. "Shouldn't this matter be left to the Hyuga clan to handle?"
His choice of words was deliberate, a subtle reminder of past grievances.
Hiruzen sighed. "Hiashi, you know the village isn't ready for another war."
Hiashi's heart turned cold. If the Hyuga were forced to take the blame again, his head would be on the line. And this time, he had no brother left to sacrifice in his place.
'Sarutobi… you were never this cowardly in your youth.'
"This is for Konoha's peace," Hiruzen continued. "We can discuss alternatives."
Hiashi said nothing. He stepped aside, allowing Hiruzen to enter.
When the Hokage saw Naruto inside, he showed no surprise Anbu had already reported the boy's involvement in the fight and his escort of Hinata home.
Once inside, Hiashi turned to Hinata. "Hinata, go rest."
Naruto gave her a reassuring nod.
With that, only three remained: Hiashi, Hiruzen, and Naruto.
Outside, Anbu and Hyuga guards stood watch over the immobilized Cloud shinobi. Inside, the door shut behind them.
Hiruzen frowned. He didn't understand why Hiashi hadn't dismissed Naruto. This was a dark, political matter hardly suitable for a child's ears.
With forced warmth, he smiled at Naruto. "Naruto, you should rest. Let us adults handle this."
Naruto returned the smile politely, but his mind was already made up.
'Should I help my future father-in-law?'
It made sense. Hiashi was Hinata's father, and his attitude toward Naruto had shifted noticeably. If he played his cards right, this could solidify his standing with the Hyuga.
His expression turned serious. "Hokage-sama, this involves someone close to me. I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Hiruzen studied him. Naruto's composure was unsettling more like a seasoned shinobi than a boy. Had someone been guiding him in secret? Minato's legacy? The Nine-Tails?
No matter. The situation was already messy enough.
Sighing, Hiruzen turned back to Hiashi. "The Hyuga can be compensated with resources. The village will cover the cost."
A concession, but Hiashi's face remained stony.
Then Naruto spoke again, his voice calm but edged with steel.
"Hokage-sama… you don't want people knowing you let your old friend's personal grudges smear the Fourth Hokage's son, do you?"
Hiashi's eye twitched violently. 'What kind of child threatens the Hokage outright?!'
Hiruzen merely shook his head. "Naruto, my reputation means nothing. What matters is Konoha's survival."
Because the village couldn't afford war.
The Fourth was gone. The Nine-Tails' attack had decimated their elite. The Sannin were scattered. Hatake Sakumo had taken his own life. The Uchiha were slaughtered. And Danzo lurked in the shadows.
Konoha's strength had never been weaker.
All that remained was Hiruzen an old man, past his prime.
Even in his youth, he wouldn't have dared wage war in Konoha's current state.
...