thefictionvixens Chapter 209 Trust is a luxury
Chapter 209 Trust is a luxury
Chapter 209 Trust is a luxury
Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a tough time!
If possible, he would certainly like to preserve both the main family and the branch family, and take the opportunity to bring the power of the Hyuga clan under the control of the Hokage.
This is the perfect result.
The reality is that while the main families are willing to relinquish power to him, they resolutely refuse to grant him the freedom to split up his family.
I'd rather be with the Hokage than with a servant!
Does the Hokage want to control the Hyuga clan?
no problem!
Anyway, the main family used to be the Hokage's dogs, so it's not a big deal to tighten the leash a bit more now.
But this power cannot be given to you, Hokage-sama, for free. You, Hokage-sama, must safeguard the core interests of our main family!
What are the core interests of the Hyuga main family?
Without a doubt, it is the Hyuga main family's lofty and supreme status!
You can't let a bunch of lackeys climb to a position on equal footing with us masters!
This put Hiruzen Sarutobi in a very difficult position.
No one understands the current situation in Konoha better than him.
To put it bluntly, that would be an understatement.
If Konoha were to withdraw the reinforcements sent by the Daimyo and the monks from the Fire Temple, its current strength would probably not be much stronger than that of an average small ninja village.
The Hidden Leaf Village is now truly in a precarious situation and cannot afford any further losses.
For a fleeting moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi even considered simply abandoning these main families!
A bunch of stupid pigs who never go to the battlefield and only drag their feet from the rear. They are good for nothing except loyalty!
Although selling out his subordinates would cause unease among many ninja clans, given the village's current weakness, a proper explanation might be enough to gain their understanding.
It's all about politics!
Hiruzen Sarutobi is best at that!
But the thought only flashed through his mind for a moment before disappearing.
Because—he didn't trust those rebellious branch families.
If this coup was merely an internal affair of the Hyuga clan, a culmination of the conflict between the main family and the branch families, then he could accept it without any suspicion towards the branch families.
Just as he could accept Kakashi Hatake, who had assassinated him, he could also accept the Hyuga branch family, who had rebelled.
He does have that much magnanimity.
However, the problem is that this involves a formidable enemy.
That's Uchiha An!
Originally, they were not supposed to make it in time for the Hyuga turmoil, but Uchiha An sent White Zetsu to inform them, which allowed them to return in time via psychic summoning.
Would that guy really be that kind?
Moreover, Hyuga Neji has already admitted that Uchiha An was involved in this incident.
That changes the nature of the matter!
Who can guarantee that Uchiha An hasn't planted any hidden dangers within the Hyuga branch family?
If he agrees to let the Hyuga branch family wipe out the main family, and then those branch families turn around and collude with Uchiha An to stab him in the back, wouldn't he have gained nothing in the end?
If the main family is gone, the branch families rebel, and the ninja clans are dissatisfied, how will he unite the village's forces to suppress the rogue ninjas?
How can Konoha Village be revived?
Once suspicion takes hold, it can never be eliminated.
This possibility kept echoing in Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind, growing louder and more prominent until it could no longer be eliminated.
However, if they support the main family, although the losses will be enormous, at least the purity of the group will be ensured, and they won't have to worry about anyone stabbing them in the back.
In a short time, these pros and cons went through Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind, prompting him to make a decision.
"Neji, can you guarantee the branch family's loyalty to Konoha after they eliminate the main family?"
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's deep expression, Neji understood everything and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.
"Haha—Lord Hokage, do you think you'd believe me if I told you?"
"Or perhaps you're planning to take over the 'Caged Bird' cursed seal?"
"We fought and bled for freedom. If the 'caged bird' curse remains, what has been the point of all our efforts?"
"What's the difference between being controlled by a cursed seal by the village and being controlled by a cursed seal by the clan?"
"Does the removal of the cursed seal mean you have absolutely no trust in the branch family anymore?"
"Sigh, how can I trust you when you're all in cahoots with that Uchiha An?" Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.
"I understand." Neji nodded, then sneered, "It seems the Hokage has already made his choice!"
"It's just a pity that you didn't choose the side that splits up the family."
"As expected, the village will always stand on the same side as the main family!"
"What are we waiting for? Let's see who's the best!"
After saying this, Neji raised his arm and led the rebellious branch family members to attack.
At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer hesitated. He raised his Adamantine Staff and shouted, "All ninjas of the village, listen to my command! Hyuga Neji and his accomplices, along with the rogue ninja Uchiha An and his group, have colluded to launch a rebellion and murdered their comrades in the village. Their crimes are heinous."
"In the name of the Hokage, I hereby order the complete annihilation of these rogue ninja. There must be no mistake!"
"Yes!" Whether willingly or not, the numerous ninjas could only shout and accept the order, once again engaging in battle with the Hyuga branch family and others.
This battle is different from the previous coordinated fighting style; it's a true life-or-death struggle.
The battlefield situation escalated instantly.
The rebel factions knew that there was no room for reconciliation with the village and that they would most likely fail in the face of the village's powerful forces. So they risked their lives, determined to take someone down with them even in death.
Itachi watched in astonishment, his aura fluctuating violently, clearly indicating that his emotions were very unstable, yet he did not join the fight.
He couldn't understand at all why the Hokage insisted on separating the family from the village, when it was clearly the best outcome for the village.
Seemingly sensing Itachi's confusion, Hiruzen Sarutobi withdrew from the battlefield and came over to explain to the bewildered Itachi: "Itachi, it's not that the village doesn't accept the branch family, it's just that betrayal is either zero times or countless times."
"I'm worried that after they wipe out the main family, they'll turn around and betray the village."
"As you can see, their collusion with Uchiha An is too deep, making it difficult for the village to continue to trust them."
"Now, we have no choice but to stand on the side of the main family."
"Uchiha An!" Itachi clenched his fists, his teeth grinding together, his heart filled with hatred for that name.
"It's that guy again!"
"Why is he everywhere?"
"Itachi, the current priority is to wipe out this group of branch family members as soon as possible, so as not to give Uchiha An any chance to continue causing trouble in the village."
"You should come and help me too!" Hiruzen Sarutobi urged.
In truth, Itachi was still filled with doubts. The village's actions clashed sharply with his stubborn values. However, after pinning all the blame on Uchiha An, Itachi finally found a balance in the conflict.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
After reaffirming his stance, Itachi suppressed all his doubts and began to hunt down the Hyuga branch family.