Chapter 14: "Kaien's Proposal''
When questioned by the Sandaime (Third Hokage), Hyuga Hizashi insisted that the attacker must have been Ao of Kirigakure.
However, the explanation for why the Byakugan's perception had failed was vague and evasive.
The Third Hokage didn't dig deeper—after all, this wasn't the first time Kirigakure had initiated a secret invasion.
He simply told Hizashi to strengthen security and ensure it wouldn't happen again.
Lately, the Third Hokage had been preoccupied with peace negotiations with Kumogakure.
Amid all the back-and-forth, he was too mentally drained to focus on this particular incident.
After returning to the Hyuga clan compound and discussing with Hiashi, Hiashi decided to visit the Uchiha clan territory at night to meet Fugaku.
"Captain Fugaku, the security team is short on manpower," Hizashi said.
"I'm requesting that some of your suspended Uchiha be called back to assist."
Fugaku waved his hand indifferently.
"My people aren't exactly the obedient type. It won't be easy to get them to return."
"Besides, transferring members from our clan isn't something that can be done lightly."
It was clear—Fugaku didn't want to get involved.
Hizashi gave a bitter smile.
"Captain Fugaku, I finally understand the grievances your guard team used to suffer. Every day, I'm being criticized by the clan. I'm just doing my job, yet constantly questioned."
"You have to help us with this matter. Otherwise, we Hyuga won't be able to continue managing the guard duties."
Fugaku calmly sipped his tea and replied,
"Hizashi, you still don't understand. The reason you're being questioned… is because of comparison."
"Comparison?" Hizashi asked, confused.
"That's right. The villagers are dissatisfied because you're not doing as well as we Uchiha did."
Hizashi fell into deep thought.
Fugaku's words made sense. As the top ninja clan in the world, the Uchiha naturally held authority—and they got results.
No matter who you were, if you broke the law, you'd be arrested and imprisoned.
The Hyuga had power, too, but the branch family's status was awkward, always having to act according to the main family's will.
Everyone knew the nature of the clan structure.
So when it came to handling clan affairs, hesitation was inevitable.
Now, another outer patrol unit of the security team had been ambushed and wiped out outside Konoha.
The main family was furious and wanted to resolve the issue at all costs—even if it meant breaking family traditions.
Though Hiashi considered merging resources from the main and branch families, there just weren't enough members.
Reinforcing patrols would mean reducing the security team.
That's why Hizashi had come to Fugaku for help.
"I don't have any good ideas," Fugaku replied bluntly.
Hizashi was slightly disappointed, but then Fugaku changed the subject.
"But you can ask Kaien. He's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve."
"Oh?" Hizashi glanced at Fugaku, who wore his usual poker face.
Hizashi suspected Fugaku did have a solution, but couldn't speak directly due to his position, so he passed the message through Kaien.
"Alright. Where is Deputy Clan Leader Kaien? I'll go visit him."
Fugaku stood up. "We've worked together on the battlefield. No need for formality. I'll call him over—just wait here."
Moments after Fugaku left the meeting room, Kaien entered.
As expected, Hizashi became more convinced that this was arranged.
Kaien entered with enthusiasm.
"Master Hizashi, right? I'm Uchiha Kaien. I've heard a lot about your reputation—hope we can get to know each other better."
Kaien held a favorable view of Hizashi. Though blindly loyal, Hizashi's willingness to die in his brother's place was something only a rare few could do.
Plus, he was Neji's father—a prodigy even among ordinary clans.
With the Third Great Ninja War just ended and the Kumogakure kidnapping incident yet to happen, Kaien felt it would be a shame if Hizashi died meaninglessly.
Hizashi was a little surprised by Kaien's friendly tone, but he didn't want to offend someone smiling at him.
He was also happy Kaien was easy to talk to.
"Deputy Clan Leader Kaien, you're too kind. I'm not worthy of such praise."
"Haha, let's not be formal then. Call me Kaien, and I'll call you Hizashi."
Hizashi laughed—this Kaien was quite the character.
He took a liking to him and agreed.
Then, Hizashi repeated everything he had said to Fugaku.
As expected, Kaien had a plan ready.
"Hizashi, this is simple. If the villagers are comparing, then just give them someone worse to compare with."
"Find someone who'll do a worse job—use them as cannon fodder."
"Someone who performs worse than the Hyuga?" Hizashi thought for a moment but couldn't think of a fitting clan.
"I haven't figured out which ninja clan would suit this," Hizashi said, shaking his head.
Kaien smirked.
"Then borrow people from Danzo. He's always wanted to place his men in the guard force."
Hizashi's expression changed. "Danzo's people? You mean Root?"
"How could we possibly… they're ruthless killers!"
"Exactly!" Kaien grinned. "If they're in charge of public security, it won't be long before the villagers are begging for the Hyuga to return."
Hizashi fell silent.
Even if Root had killed countless enemies, they couldn't be trusted with civilians.
Danzo would surely take any chance to grab more power.
And Root managing public order? That was doomed from the start.
Still, the Hyuga didn't get along with Danzo.
But Hizashi saw the opportunity.
He left the Uchiha territory and returned to discuss the plan with Hiashi.
Hiashi applauded the idea.
He patted Hizashi's shoulder.
"This Uchiha Kaien is interesting. Maybe Fugaku is grooming him through negotiations."
"He and Fugaku were the ones who suggested we join the security team in the first place. Try to stay close to him—we might collaborate more in the future."
Hizashi nodded.
Soon after, he delivered a visiting card to Danzo Shimura.
Everyone knew Danzo's Root division, but outsiders weren't allowed entry.
So, guests were received at the Shimura compound.
Danzo was surprised. The Hyuga had always been reclusive and rarely interacted with outsiders.
There was no personal relationship between him and Hizashi either.
But Hizashi was the branch family head. Danzo couldn't refuse him outright.
So, he quickly agreed to a meeting.
After exchanging pleasantries, Hizashi got straight to the point.
"Elder Danzo, as you know, the Hyuga clan has taken over many duties from the Uchiha Guard lately."
"However, yesterday, one of our patrols was attacked outside the village. We're short on manpower."
"I've heard Root has sufficient personnel. I'd like to borrow some for the guard team."
Danzo was delighted. He had always wanted his men in the guard, but the Third Hokage had blocked him.
Now that the Hyuga were coming to him, it was the perfect opening.
Hmph. Useless Hyuga—they can't even manage patrols properly.
"No problem, Hizashi. I have plenty of people in Root. How many do you need?"
Hizashi thought for a moment.
"Thirty, perhaps? But let's be clear—once they join the guard, they'll obey my orders. Fugaku won't accept it otherwise."
Danzo didn't hesitate.
"Of course. If I'm lending them to you, they'll follow your command."
The two quickly reached an agreement, and Hizashi left.
Danzo watched his back and sneered.
"Once my Root operatives are in, it won't be your decision anymore."
Hizashi, with his Byakugan, naturally noticed Danzo's gaze and sneered internally as well.
"You'll be the one to take the fall for this mess."
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Translated By – Ancient Lores
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