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The List of The "ANBU" Member:
-ar4ngel
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"Thanks." After hearing Kazuki's words, Hiashi felt more at ease and pushed a teacup toward Kazuki.
"No need to be formal."
Kazuki smiled and took a sip of the freshly brewed tea. Then…
'This tastes just like plain hot water, doesn't it?'
Watching Kazuki savor the tea for a moment and then shake his head repeatedly, Hiashi's mouth twitched slightly.
'If not for the need to discuss matters, inviting Kazuki for tea might have been a serious mistake.'
"So, the possibility of a collaboration between the Hyūga and Uchiha clans…"
"Is very slim," Kazuki interrupted bluntly.
"Collaboration requires mutual interests as a foundation. Frankly, the Uchiha are currently on a positive trajectory and don't need any outside assistance. On the other hand, the Hyūga clan has plenty of internal issues. Such a partnership would be one-sidedly beneficial to the Hyūga, making it difficult to establish a fair collaboration."
Without shared interests or a common enemy, it was hard for major clans like the Hyūga and Uchiha to collaborate.
"What if the two clans formed an alliance through marriage?"
"???"
Kazuki blinked in confusion, utterly baffled.
"Are you serious, Clan Leader?"
"This would have to be discussed directly between Clan Head Fugaku and yourself," Kazuki replied diplomatically. "This is an issue for the two clan heads to negotiate. I have no reason to get involved."
Whether it was offering a Hyūga main family daughter for marriage or arranging for an Uchiha member to marry into the Hyūga, such matters required serious discussion between the clan leaders. It wasn't something Kazuki needed to worry about.
"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave," Kazuki said with a polite smile, quickly withdrawing. He was more interested in finding something to eat than sitting around sipping tea.
As for Tsunade…
'I'll deal with that later.'
"Very well."
Hiashi didn't try to stop him.
After Kazuki left, Hiashi promptly returned to the Hyūga compound and convened a meeting with the clan elders, summoning both main and branch family representatives.
Although the Hyūga had their internal issues, they were united when it came to external affairs—unlike the Uchiha in the past, where internal factions constantly undermined progress.
When one faction opposed a decision this time, another would oppose it the next time, ensuring nothing ever got resolved.
Once everyone had gathered, Hiashi recounted his meeting with Kazuki in detail, leaving nothing out.
"Why does the Hokage always keep such a close eye on the Hyūga?"
No sooner had Hiashi finished speaking than someone began to complain.
Things had been somewhat manageable under Hashirama Senju, but Tobirama's scrutiny was relentless. He monitored both the Uchiha and the Hyūga with equal vigilance.
Under the Third Hokage, things only got worse. While the Uchiha were pushed to the brink, the Hyūga didn't fare much better.
The demand for the Hyūga to surrender their clan leader to placate the Hidden Cloud's anger was a humiliation the Hyūga would never forget.
Unable to resist, they ultimately offered up Hizashi as a sacrifice.
This event left a deep scar on both the main and branch families of the Hyūga.
Their inability to fight back didn't mean they wouldn't hold a grudge.
Both main and branch families harbored intense resentment toward the Third Hokage, wishing nothing more than for the old man to die sooner.
"So, the clan head intends to form a marriage alliance with the Uchiha?"
Someone finally addressed the key point. The Uchiha were no longer the precarious clan they had been. Misunderstandings were resolved, and the blame for past tensions had been shifted onto the Akatsuki.
Moreover, Tsunade wasn't like the Third Hokage—she didn't deliberately target the Uchiha. With Kazuki mediating, even the internal conflicts within the Uchiha had been resolved.
Although Fugaku bore criticism for his sacrifices, the Hyūga couldn't deny that the Uchiha were thriving.
Their position was now far better than that of the Hyūga.
Even though the Uchiha had lost some key clan members, their necessary sacrifices were worth it.
As this was discussed, all eyes turned to Hiashi.
It was no secret within the clan that the head of the family was disappointed in Lady Hinata.
Hiashi already had another daughter, Hanabi, who was showing great promise.
If the focus shifted to Hanabi, it might not be unreasonable to propose Hinata for a marriage alliance.
"I have considered the possibility," Hiashi admitted openly. "But not with the Uchiha clan as a whole—rather, with Uchiha Kazuki specifically."
"Uchiha Kazuki?"
Shouldn't discussions of collaboration involve two clans? How had this become about a single individual?
Seeing the elders' puzzled expressions, Hiashi took a moment to organize his thoughts before explaining.
"Have you noticed that the transformation within the Uchiha began only after Kazuki stepped forward? While Fugaku supported him from behind the scenes, I believe the changes we see today in the Uchiha are largely due to Kazuki."
"Moreover, Kazuki has a natural advantage that the Uchiha as a whole cannot match. the Hokage herself places great trust in him. He's already an advisor in the Hokage's office. If not for concerns about public acceptance, I believe his position would be that of Hokage's assistant, not a nominal advisor."
A partnership with the Uchiha? Forget it.
The Uchiha couldn't offer the Hyūga what they needed—but Kazuki could.
As long as Kazuki maintained his strong relationship with Tsunade and continued to solidify his position, Hiashi believed it was only a matter of time before Kazuki became Hokage's assistant.
He would then be second only to Tsunade in power and influence within the village.
Hiashi could see clearly what others might overlook. Tsunade was preparing to take action against the village elders.
Once the elders were dealt with, aside from Tsunade, who could compare to Kazuki's authority in Konoha?
"If we have someone we can trust by the Hokage's side, I believe the Hyūga's problems can be alleviated. The clan and the village could achieve lasting stability and peace."
"But would Kazuki agree to this? And what about Lady Hinata?"
The great elder hesitated. Hiashi's logic was sound, and Kazuki did seem like a worthy investment for the Hyūga.
However, even if Hinata wasn't suitable as the clan heir, her pure Byakugan was a valuable asset. Would giving her away be too great a loss?
'Seal her with the Caged Bird Seal?'
The thought crossed his mind but was immediately dismissed.
The great elder knew that Hiashi's principles wouldn't allow such a thing. Moreover, Kazuki's agreement was far from guaranteed.
"As a child of the main family, it is her duty to bear the responsibilities of the clan," Hiashi replied calmly. "I've already discussed this with Kazuki, and he said it should be negotiated with Fugaku."
"..."
'Clan Head, aren't you being a bit sneaky?'
Hiashi had clearly overinterpreted Kazuki's words.
Kazuki had assumed the Hyūga were seeking a collaboration with the Uchiha clan as a whole, not with him personally.
Yet Hiashi had bypassed Kazuki entirely, intending to negotiate with Fugaku. Once everything was settled…
It would be nearly impossible for Kazuki to back out, as it would then involve the honor of both clans.