There was no turning back now.
But even if he truly wanted to take that step, he still couldn't make up his mind.
Even as the village's Hokage Advisor, Kawaki Aoba found it difficult to break free from long-held beliefs in such a short time.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had been the same. So had the Third Raikage, A, before him.
But Kawaki Aoba believed none of that mattered anymore. He said he could give people time to adapt to the new era—but if they were left behind by the times, they would have no one else to blame.
"This decision might be difficult for you, but that's fine. You can return to Kumogakure and discuss it. I'll give you that time."
Then, Susanoo turned to the Kichishou Sanbō—a mysterious intelligence unit—and said:
"And you, go back to Kirigakure and find out: does the Hyuga Clan truly want the Byakugan kekkei genkai monopolized?"
Kirigakure was believed to be under the shadowy influence of Uchiha Madara—but that had nothing to do with Kawaki Aoba. He was just an ordinary businessman... selling kekkei genkai.
"It's a shame we don't have a connection to Sunagakure or Iwagakure. Otherwise, we could open talks with those two great villages."
He paused, his tone turning ominous.
"...Hmm. Since we can't reach out to them, why not let them come to us? I wonder how much a Hyuga clansman would sell for on the black market?"
… … … … … …
The next morning in Konohagakure, the streets were more crowded than usual—especially with children carrying shoulder bags, shouting and selling what they called "newspapers."
"Extra, extra! Details of the Third Shinobi World War revealed! Read the Konoha News to uncover the hidden truths of the shinobi world!"
"Big brother! Want to know what crucial battles shaped the Third Great Ninja War?"
"Big sister! Do you know the legendary achievements of our Fourth Hokage, the Yellow Flash?"
Though the Third Shinobi World War had ended years ago, for many in the village, it felt like only yesterday.
The people of Konoha knew they had emerged victorious—but few knew exactly how.
Now, they had a channel for truth. And for many civilians, that was enough to feel connected, to feel proud.
Of course, not everyone was pleased.
Inside the Hokage's office, Shimura Danzo was furious. He slammed the Konoha News on the table, pointing a shaking finger at Kawaki Aoba during a council meeting.
"Kawaki Aoba! You owe us an explanation! How dare you leak classified village information? Are you planning to defect?!"
Danzo's single visible eye burned with suspicion.
But Kawaki Aoba stood firm. He slammed the table in response and stood tall. "Shimura Danzo, watch your words. Everything I do is for the sake of Konoha."
"Classified information? Where is the classified information? The Konoha News only strengthens the villagers' confidence. By showing the strength of our village, we discourage the rats hiding in the gutters from surfacing."
His barbed words made Danzo grit his teeth, but before the elder could respond, Kawaki Aoba raised his voice to address the entire room.
"You all know what happened yesterday in the Fire Capital. If that scandal gets out, it will damage Konoha's reputation beyond repair."
"But that matter is too serious to contain. We can't silence the world forever. The best I can do is redirect the public's attention."
"I repeat: everything I do is for Konoha."
He narrowed his eyes. "Danzo, next time, use that brain of yours before opening your mouth and accusing loyal shinobi."
Kawaki Aoba wasn't finished.
"With both the Third and Fourth Hokage occupied in the Fire Capital and unable to return immediately, we—those left behind—must hold the village together. As Hokage Advisors, that's our duty. Together with the support of the clan heads, we'll carry Konoha forward."
He turned toward the Hyuga Clan representative.
"But before we continue, I have one pressing question for the Hyuga Clan Head."
Kawaki Aoba's voice grew sharp. He waved his hand, and a nearby ANBU distributed sealed files to everyone present.
Inside was damning information: evidence of a black-market listing for Hyuga branch family members.
"Hyuga Jou. Elite Chūnin. Byakugan wielder. Starting bid: 1 billion ryō. Auction ends March 31st. Highest bidder wins."
(Note: The seller guarantees the Caged Bird Seal will not be triggered by the Hyuga Clan, allowing safe usage.)
Gasps echoed through the room. Faces were shocked—well-trained to be, perhaps—but only Hyuga Hizashi, the newly appointed clan head, looked truly devastated.
His face was pale. His expression unreadable.
"Hyuga Clan Head," Kawaki Aoba said sternly, "we need a clear explanation. The village cannot ignore this. I won't ignore this."
Kawaki Aoba still relentlessly pressed Hyuga Hiashi.
The others in the Hokage conference room remained silent, their eyes downcast, pretending not to see anything.
Under normal circumstances, some of them might have stepped forward to defend Hiashi or at least speak on his behalf. But the matter at hand was too grave. No one wanted to get entangled with the Hyuga clan during such turbulent times.
Hiashi, head of the Hyuga clan, could no longer remain seated. He stood up abruptly and declared:
"No. This has absolutely nothing to do with the Hyuga clan. This is a conspiracy orchestrated by that Meizu organization. We of the Hyuga are victims as well."
"Elder Aoba, I know you—"
"Silence," Kawaki Aoba interrupted coldly. "Hyuga Clan Head, this is the Hokage's conference chamber. As Hokage Assistant, I speak only on behalf of the village. Personal feelings have no place here."
Hiashi paused, lips tightening.
Was I trying to build rapport with you? he thought bitterly.
"Hyuga Clan Head, you're putting me in a difficult position. As one of Konoha's noble clans, the Hyuga should set an example for the others."
"The Byakugan is a kekkei genkai of utmost importance. If it falls into enemy hands, it would place Konoha at a grave disadvantage."
"So I ask you, for the sake of the village's security, activate the Caged Bird Seal to eliminate the risk of Hyuga secrets being leaked."
Kawaki Aoba's tone was righteous and forceful, his gaze unwavering as he bore down on Hiashi.
Hiashi's face flushed red with anger. In the past, the Hyuga might have quietly activated the Caged Bird Seal without prompting. But the situation was different now.
The secret of the Caged Bird Seal had been compromised. Worse still, several branch members had been captured. If they dared to activate the seals now to eliminate those outside the village, the Akatsuki—or whoever the enemy was—might retaliate by executing the captured branch members.
Hiashi had no doubt they would. An organization that could wreak havoc even in the Fire Capital clearly had no scruples.
Likewise, he didn't believe Aoba was unaware of this reality.
Aoba understood. He knew the risk. And yet he still applied pressure on the Hyuga. It could only be for revenge.
Hiashi knew well the history of grievances between Aoba and his family. But what did that matter now? Aoba held power. The Hyuga had lost most of their influence—and now they were being made to bear the full weight of responsibility.
Taking a deep breath, Hiashi gritted his teeth. "Elder Aoba, regarding the matter of the captured Hyuga branch members, the Hyuga clan will handle it. We will provide a resolution that satisfies the village."
"A resolution?" Aoba scoffed. "Words are easy, Hyuga Clan Head. What the village needs now is not hollow promises—it's action. We need a method to ensure the Byakugan does not fall into the wrong hands."
He rapped the table for emphasis.
"Then what is your solution, Elder Aoba?" Hiashi asked, eyes narrowing.
"That is the Hyuga clan's responsibility," Aoba replied. "And as I've said—the Caged Bird Seal should be activated on all those compromised."
"You're being absurd," Hiashi shot back. "The enemy holds Hyuga captives. If we activate the seals, we risk killing our own kin and provoking mass retaliation. Are you really telling us to slaughter our own people?"
Aoba's gaze remained cold. "I act in Konoha's interest. If you have a better plan, speak. Otherwise, don't accuse me of cruelty for doing what's necessary."
Hiashi clenched his fists. A perfect solution didn't exist. The enemy's hand was on the trigger.
Aoba continued, voice smooth but edged: "Perhaps there is another way. If the Hyuga are willing to pay to retrieve their people through the black market, that could be acceptable. It might cost the village some face, but for the Hyuga's sake, it's a price we can endure."
He was cornering them, step by step.
Just as Hiashi was about to erupt, a calm, aged voice interrupted.
"Ahem," came the cough. "Aoba, your loyalty to the village is appreciated—but haste often breeds mistakes."
Mitokado Koharu rose from her seat. "Though we both serve as Hokage Advisors, I have decades more experience. And in my judgment, this issue is too sensitive for a rushed decision."
She turned slightly, addressing the room. "Hiruzen and Minato are not present. This is no time to make irreversible choices that could sow discord. We must not create more enemies within the village."
Everyone in the room fell silent. Her words were not just for Aoba—but for everyone watching.
Even though the Hyuga were weakened, Koharu had chosen to defend them. Did they still have enough value to warrant that?
Among the silent observers was Nara Shikaku. He, too, had remained quiet—but his mind raced.
Something was wrong.
Kawaki Aoba, though confident and ambitious, wasn't the sort to abuse power for ego. Nor was he naïve enough to challenge Koharu so openly—unless this was part of a larger game.
Even Danzo had recently clashed with Aoba—and backed down. That wasn't like him at all.
What are they playing at? Shikaku wondered. With so much uncertainty, he chose not to act.
The standoff between Koharu and Aoba continued, neither side yielding an inch.
Finally, Homura Mitokado, seated beside Koharu, stood as well.
"Aoba," he said, "Elder Koharu is right. Some decisions require patience. Rushing them benefits no one."
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