"This matter isn't Shikaku's fault."
"Let the Uchiha think of another solution."
"This afternoon's negotiations with Kumogakure will still require your presence, Shikaku…"
After the advisor's reprimand came the Hokage's reassurance.
Hiruzen had struck with one hand and offered candy with the other.
The Ino–Shika–Chō trio had always leaned toward the Hokage's faction. A reminder was acceptable—but pushing too hard might drive them toward the Uchiha camp, which would be disastrous.
Shikaku did not respond.
Though close to the Hokage's faction, he had his own concerns.
Akihito's warning was not alarmist. If the Hyūga could be sacrificed today, who could guarantee it wouldn't be the Nara tomorrow?
Regarding Kumogakure, Shikaku personally leaned toward war.
But since the higher-ups sought peace, he could only plan according to the Third Hokage's wishes.
On the Streets of Konoha
Hyūga Hiashi quickened his steps and caught up to Uchiha Akihito. The two walked side by side.
"Akihito…"
Hiashi hesitated briefly.
"I'm a few years older than you. You don't mind if I address you directly?"
Though they had seen one another often, this was the first time they had truly spoken face to face.
Relations between the Hyūga and Uchiha had never been harmonious.
Both were premier clans of Konoha. Both possessed dōjutsu bloodline limits.
Competition was inevitable.
The Hyūga had long maintained cordial ties with Konoha's leadership. The Uchiha, quite the opposite.
Encouraged by subtle manipulation from above, the two clans had been kept in mutual check.
To avoid suspicion, Hiashi had never sought close contact with the Uchiha.
But today had changed something.
For the first time, he felt the need to reach out.
"Of course," Akihito replied with a gentle smile. "There's no need for such formality, Clan Head Hiashi."
The Hyūga had always been a clan Akihito wished to draw closer.
If he intended to challenge the authority of Konoha's higher-ups, the Hyūga would be an ideal ally.
"Haha, then I won't stand on ceremony."
Hiashi laughed, visibly more relaxed.
"Thank you for today. The Hyūga owe you a favor."
His gratitude was sincere.
Akihito had saved the life of his younger brother, Hyūga Hizashi.
Akihito waved a hand lightly.
"There's no need for thanks. I acted for my own sake as well."
"What happened to the Hyūga today could just as easily happen to the Uchiha tomorrow."
"For the Uchiha to abandon one of our own? That is absolutely impossible."
If he claimed pure altruism, no one would believe him.
His frankness, however, earned Hiashi's respect.
Hiashi sighed.
"Regardless, you are the Hyūga's benefactor."
"Without you, Hizashi would surely have perished."
His expression was solemn.
Akihito seized the opportunity.
"Let's not dwell on unpleasant matters."
"The Hyūga and Uchiha are both great clans of Konoha. You and I are both clan heads."
"We should foster better ties."
"I believe the Hyūga and Uchiha ought to coexist harmoniously."
"You understand the policies of the higher-ups."
"The Senju clan has vanished completely. The Uchiha stand on precarious ground as well."
"And after that…"
He did not finish the sentence.
He didn't need to.
He sought not supplication—but partnership.
An equal alliance against suppression from above.
The targeting of the Uchiha was plain to all.
If the Uchiha followed the Senju into extinction… who would be next?
Akihito did not say it outright.
Hiashi understood.
The Shadow of the Senju
The disappearance of the Senju clan had always felt… unnatural.
Once the clan of the First and Second Hokage.
And now?
Gone.
If the Uchiha were eliminated next, the Hyūga would stand alone as the last great dōjutsu clan.
Would the higher-ups tolerate that?
Lips and teeth rely upon one another.
If the lips fall, the teeth grow cold.
Hiashi cast a glance toward the Hokage Tower.
Once, the Senju and Uchiha had rivaled one another.
After the Senju faded, rivalry shifted to Hyūga versus Uchiha.
Who had subtly encouraged this balance?
He knew perfectly well.
Hiashi understood political equilibrium—but he disliked being used as a pawn.
Were the Hyūga and Uchiha truly destined for hostility?
Or was that merely the private interest of Konoha's current leadership?
In the eras of the First and Second Hokage, great clans had not constantly clashed.
Now?
Limited capability—but boundless desire for control.
If the Hyūga and Uchiha stood united, some people would surely lose sleep.
In the past, the Hyūga had leaned toward the leadership to avoid suspicion.
But today, Hiruzen's actions had chilled Hiashi's heart.
What happened in that conference room was effectively a warning shot.
Next time, the pressure would only intensify.
Akihito's gesture of goodwill had come at precisely the right moment.
If the leadership could not be relied upon—
Perhaps the Hyūga could stand with the Uchiha.
Hiashi let his guard fall.
"You are correct, Akihito."
"In the future, the Hyūga and Uchiha should support one another."
Akihito smiled faintly.
"I'm glad you understand."
"The Uchiha have never sought conflict. Many things were forced upon us."
"We do not band together for power—but to avoid being bullied."
Hiashi nodded deeply.
"Well said. Then it's settled."
Both men were intelligent.
One exchanged glance was enough.
An understanding had been reached.
Kumogakure was not known for restraint.
War seemed inevitable.
On the battlefield, both the Hyūga and Uchiha would form the backbone of Konoha's forces.
To set aside old rivalry at such a time—
For both clans, it was a blessing.
After their brief exchange, Hiashi found himself genuinely impressed.
At such a young age, Akihito had earned the name "Flame Oni" across the shinobi world.
He had claimed the position of Uchiha Clan Head.
And under suppression from Konoha's leadership, he remained composed—firm yet measured.
Hiashi exhaled in admiration.
"The Uchiha have produced an extraordinary clan head indeed."
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