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"No matter what, with the current situation in Konoha, both inside and out, it's time to end this war. Therefore, all obstacles that hinder this goal must be eliminated."
"Although Kumogakure's attempt to steal the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan's main family is an extremely serious matter, compared to the overall situation of the war, we can't hold Kumogakure accountable at this time." The Third Hokage said, his voice tinged with a hint of helplessness.
For Konoha, this was indeed a correct and rational judgment. But for the Hyuga clan, they obviously wouldn't think so. After all, the Hyuga clan were the "victims" in this matter.
Because they reacted in time, the Hyuga clan didn't lose the Byakugan a second time. But if you consider the current situation, suppose the Kumogakure ninja had really kidnapped Hinata Hyuga last night, then Konoha would probably have taken a similar approach of tacit acceptance… That would be terrifying. Wouldn't the Hyuga clan guess that? They're not stupid.
If that happened, the Hyuga clan might end up on the same path as the Uchiha now.
"As the Hokage, from the current situation, this approach might be the most appropriate judgment…" Haori didn't think the Hokage's way of handling things was wrong, but that didn't stop him from thinking there was something wrong with it.
"But, the relationship between the superior and the subordinate, strictly speaking, can't be considered complete domination and subordination. They are simply taking on different responsibilities and obligations. No matter what, the Hyuga clan has done everything they should have done as 'Konoha ninjas.' They are excellent. But the things the village should have done for them, they haven't done."
As the highest leader of a village and a country, you must have the demeanor to bear the burdens you should bear for your subordinates. Even the yakuza knows that when a little brother is bullied, the big brother is responsible for getting revenge.
In an unavoidable situation, fighting to the death might seem stupid and irrational. But "putting up with it" might lose even more.
The Hokage couldn't possibly control people's hearts. And losing their hearts could lead to overall disintegration.
Fortunately, the Hyuga clan was still quite loyal. And this time, they were only scared. They didn't suffer any real losses. Putting up with a little grievance was fine. But if the situation were different, Konoha might have faced a joint rebellion by the Uchiha and the Hyuga clan.
The Third Hokage was truly full of worries… Konoha had a lot of problems right now. The departure of high-level combat strength, the instability of the Uchiha, and so on, all led to a significant decrease in overall combat strength.
But on the other hand, Kumogakure's situation wasn't much better. According to Haori, if they didn't want to negotiate peace, then they didn't want to negotiate peace. With the current situation, they could just keep things frozen. See which side couldn't hold on first.
The Third Hokage naturally understood what Haori was saying. As the Kage, Sarutobi had already considered this problem. And he had considered it more comprehensively, deeply, and complexly than Haori, who was speaking from a third-party perspective.
Haori was, after all, just a lone wolf. He was too sentimental when considering certain issues. If it came to managing a village, the Third Hokage would beat him eight blocks.
"The Hyuga clan did suffer a great loss this time. The village elders have made a decision. We will compensate them in the future."
They would compensate for the sensory loss with material benefits. In the coming period, Konoha's various resources would definitely be tilted towards the Hyuga clan. This should help soothe their collective grievance—these resources were readily available, besides the ones they needed. After all, they couldn't possibly give the Uchiha anything at this time. They could just take from Peter to pay Paul, take from them and give it to the Hyuga clan.
Standing in this cherry blossom forest, although the Hokage's expression didn't change, he was actually anxious. So, he unconsciously lit his pipe again and put it in his mouth.
The Hokage decided to get back to the main topic.
"The reason I summoned you back to Konoha is that the Uchiha matter has become urgent. According to the combined information from Anbu and Root, they are indeed preparing for a rebellion…"
The Uchiha's rebellion could be considered a foregone conclusion. That's why they needed to get Haori back.
What was the reason for the Uchiha's betrayal of Konoha? Was it the forced merger with their arch-enemy, the Senju, when Konoha was established? The second Hokage's dark policy towards the Uchiha? The actions of the true second Hokage's disciple, Danzo Shimura? Or was it the ambition of the "cursed clan" that never disappeared?
At this time, the reason for the rebellion didn't need to be investigated in detail. The key now was to consider how to respond.
But… Konoha really had a powerful ability to digest things. Before the ninja village system was established, the two strongest clans, the Senju and the Uchiha, were swallowed up, and not even their bones were left.
"Have you made any progress in your training in the Shikkotsu Forest?"
Haori hadn't directly fought for a long time. But even judging by his strength five years ago, he still had enough suppressing power.
His strength couldn't possibly not have improved during this period. Although he had experienced war, don't forget that he was only twenty years old. So, he would only be stronger.
"I've made the progress I should have. I haven't wasted time." Haori replied.
Five years was enough for him to use "his" Sage Art, a Sage Art slightly different from others.
"That's good… The Uchiha must have received news of your return immediately. The new deterrent will make them reconsider their actions. And with the time we've gained, hopefully, we can find the right way to solve the problem." The Third Hokage said.
He still hadn't given up on solving the Uchiha problem in a "bloodless" way.
Actually, there was a very simple way—just allow the Uchiha to leave Konoha and establish their own village. But Konoha couldn't possibly adopt this method.
At this time, Danzo's thoughts were the most correct and righteous: The Sharingan either stays in Konoha or is completely destroyed… The principle behind it is the same as Haori's bombing in Loulan.
"Having one more person here won't make much difference, will it? With the Uchiha's pride… Shisui can easily handle me." Haori said.
The Uchiha now had two Mangekyō Sharingan: Shisui, who could use the Body Flicker Technique, and the clan head, Fugaku Uchiha.
This was also a major reason why Haori had rushed to seal the Nine-Tails as soon as he returned to Konoha. If the Uchiha really did rebel, they would have no reason not to attack the Nine-Tails.
So, in this matter, Haori had a natural opposition to this clan… This was the second time.
The Hokage didn't agree with Haori's statement. He seemed to underestimate his own deterrent power.
In the eyes of those who truly understood the Kumogakure invasion several years ago, Haori wasn't just powerful. He was considered a true madman. With Haori's state at that time, injured and with a severed arm, no one thought he could come back alive. But not only did he come back alive, he actually completely liberated the Eight-Tails.
Madness combined with clear-headed execution, and enough strength to support the first two. This kind of person is truly terrifying.
"Shisui… you don't need to worry for now."
Shisui, of course, didn't need to worry. He was on the village's side.
Haori guessed this, so he didn't dwell on it. He continued, "What about Jiraiya? He should be back by now."
Gathering all their combat strength would undoubtedly be the wisest move. If Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, also returned to the village at this time, the Uchiha might back down.
But unfortunately, the Third Hokage couldn't contact Jiraiya for now.
He was tracking Orochimaru, and Orochimaru's ability to hide was simply off the charts. This led to Jiraiya's whereabouts being equally mysterious.
If you can't rely on someone, you can't rely on them. The Hokage could only give up on Jiraiya. "Anyway, your mission now is to keep an eye on the Uchiha…"
"But before I give you further instructions, you must restrain yourself." The Third Hokage suddenly added this sentence, because he suddenly realized something.
It seemed like Haori was also hostile towards the Uchiha.
"Don't worry. I'm not interested in destroying the Uchiha. I'll just do what the Third Hokage tells me to do. But I need a little autonomy." Haori said with a smile.
…He was lying. Actually, he wasn't entirely uninterested in destroying this clan.
He did have some intentions.
And he would only restrain himself when he should. When he shouldn't, he wouldn't care at all.
If necessary, the Third Hokage should actually be keeping an eye on Haori.
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P@TREON
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