Since the alliance was proposed by Sunagakure Village, it seemed reasonable for Kazekage Rasa to choose the location for the alliance negotiation.
But this desert was exactly the one where the ruins of Loulan were located.
There was no doubt that Kazekage Rasa intended to cause trouble with Danzo.
Natsume could understand his intention other than being a mere gold - miner.
However, since he was plotting a conspiracy, then don't blame him for going too far.
"Pass this news along," Natsume ordered. "At the same time, draw up a list for the alliance mission delegation. Try to get all ninja clans to send representatives to participate."
He planned to show off his power during this opportunity.
So there couldn't be too few spectators, and they had to be representative.
They could help with the publicity.
"Yes," Kurenai Yuhi nodded. "Our secretary group will discuss it right away."
She turned around and went back to the Hokage's Secretary Office.
Soon, the news spread throughout Konoha Village.
Everyone was quite happy about the active alliance proposed by Sunagakure Village.
The only hope was to secure favorable terms.
In the previous several wars, Konoha Village had participated, but whether they won or lost, the results were not satisfactory.
The Hyuga clan.
After Hiashi Hyuga finished listening to the report, a thoughtful look appeared on his face.
The requirements for the alliance mission delegation were quite strange.
Normally, for this kind of thing, the Hokage's bodyguard team or the Anbu would usually accompany.
Why would all the major ninja clans be requested to send representatives to participate?
Hiashi Hyuga knew Natsume quite well, so he smelled something unusual.
"Is there any problem?" Rinka Hyuga noticed his expression and poured him a cup of tea.
"Nothing," Hiashi Hyuga's expression softened a little. He asked, "What do you think about sending Hizashi on this mission to Sunagakure Village?"
"Hizashi?" Rinka Hyuga was a bit stunned. "He's a Hokage advisor now. For such a small matter, it's better to choose someone else."
In terms of position, a Hokage advisor was one level higher than the leader of the Hyuga clan.
The alliance was not a trivial matter, but all the glory would go to the Hokage.
The accompanying ninjas were just there to add grandeur.
"Actually, this is also the elders' idea," Hiashi Hyuga sighed. "The branch - family ninjas are quite imposing these days because of Hizashi being a Hokage advisor. They're almost outshining the main family members in public."
"In that case, let Hizashi go," Rinka Hyuga stood behind him and massaged his shoulders. "The elders are really being over - cautious."
"Watch your words," Hiashi Hyuga patted her hand and said seriously. "They have their reasons."
"Forget it, I don't want to care about these things," Rinka Hyuga changed the topic. "Not long ago, Hinata completed a Class S mission, which is quite rare among Genin."
"After all, the Jonin who led her team was Natsume," Hiashi Hyuga wasn't surprised at all.
"Is Natsume really that amazing?" Rinka Hyuga caught the implication in his words.
She thought that Hinata Hyuga and the others could complete the Class S mission because of Natsume.
Although she thought the same way, Hiashi Hyuga's attitude seemed a bit unusual.
Actually, she had had this feeling before.
Generally speaking, the strength of the Hyuga clan is well - known.
So what if one is the Hokage?
They still have to rely on them.
This was the case for The Third, The Forth, and The Fifth Hokages.
There's no reason for Hiashi Hyuga to change his attitude towards The Sixth Hokage.
"He... it's not about how powerful he is."
Hiashi Hyuga naturally wouldn't tell Rinka Hyuga the real reason. He coughed lightly and said, "Natsume is relatively young and will be the Hokage for a long time. Moreover, he'll be our future son - in - law. Naturally, we have to build a good relationship with him."
Rinka Hyuga thought for a moment and smiled, "I didn't expect you, who are usually so strict with Hinata, to actually care about her so much."
"What you're saying makes it seem like I don't like my own daughters."
Hiashi Hyuga said discontentedly, "I treat Hanabi the same way."
"What about Hanabi's Caged Bird Seal[b]Caged Bird Seal[/b]?"
Rinka Hyuga suddenly showed a bitter smile and asked.
"..."
Hiashi Hyuga frowned and said, "I'll try to postpone it as much as possible."
Actually, according to the schedule, Hanabi Hyuga should have had the Caged Bird Seal[b]Caged Bird Seal[/b] engraved on her a long time ago. It was him who withstood the pressure.
He used the excuse that the heir hadn't been officially determined yet to postpone it.
"I don't want to see the two sisters turn against each other."
Rinka Hyuga knew that Hinata Hyuga and Hanabi Hyuga had a deep - seated relationship.
Moreover, she had witnessed how Hiashi Hyuga and Hizashi Hyuga had gradually reached their current state.
Even brothers couldn't preserve their bond under the influence of the Caged Bird Seal[b]Caged Bird Seal[/b].
"Maybe we can ask Natsume for help."
Hiashi Hyuga composed himself and said.
His idea was actually quite simple.
Since Natsume was so powerful, there was no need to fear the pressure from the elders.
Hearing this, Rinka Hyuga's eyes lit up.
Inside the Hyuga clan, it was almost inevitable for Hanabi Hyuga to have the Caged Bird Seal[b]Caged Bird Seal[/b] engraved on her.
After all, this was a tradition.
Even the clan leader couldn't break it.
But Natsume was different. He was the Hokage.
They were just worried that he didn't have the courage.
Rinka Hyuga said regretfully, "If Hanabi were a few years older, she could have become Natsume's disciple like Hinata."
"That's really out of our control."
Hiashi Hyuga took a sip of tea, thinking about how to get Hanabi Hyuga connected with Natsume to silence the others.
Compared with the careful consideration of the Hyuga clan, other ninja clans agreed more quickly.
This mini - chapter isn't finished yet. There's more exciting content coming up!
Except for the Shimura clan.
At this time, in the dim Secret Room.
The current clan leader, Tadomichi Shimura, was pacing back and forth, looking nervous and anxious.
Not long ago, he had received a secret letter from Danzo Shimura, saying that he would come here for a private meeting tonight.
Well, how can I put it?
Although he hoped that Danzo Shimura would return to Konoha, he also knew that the possibility was slim.
So he led the Shimura clan to fully support Asuma Sarutobi in an attempt to make a comeback.
Unfortunately, he was one step behind, and that little thief Natsume still became the Hokage.
But fortunately, the Shimura clan had always been quite law - abiding and wouldn't be caught in the wrong.
Just when he planned to tide over this period first, Danzo Shimura reappeared.
This made him extremely uneasy.
There was anticipation, but more fear.
He knew Danzo Shimura inside out.
This time, he didn't come back to see him, but to create chaos.
If it succeeds, there's naturally no problem.
But if it fails, it might drag the Shimura Clan into the abyss.
Time ticked by.
Suddenly, the sound of a walking stick tapping echoed outside the house.
Tadomichi Shimura immediately perked up, quickly opened the door, and greeted, "Uncle, long time no see."
That's right, he had a distant blood relationship with Danzo Shimura.
It was quite distant.
Mainly because Danzo Shimura had spent his whole life pursuing the position of Hokage and never thought about women, so he naturally had no descendants.
To be honest, Tadomichi Shimura couldn't quite understand his behavior.
In his opinion, if the father couldn't do it, then cultivating the son was undoubtedly the right thing to do.
"Yeah."
Danzo Shimura nodded indifferently and then sat in the main seat.
"Uncle, what brings you back tonight?"
Although Tadomichi Shimura was a bit dissatisfied, he didn't say anything. Instead, he poured a cup of tea for him.
"I heard that you supported Asuma Sarutobi to be the Hokage at the Jonin meeting?"
Danzo Shimura didn't even glance at the teacup. Holding his walking stick, he calmly asked.
"Yes."
Tadomichi Shimura's heart skipped a beat and he explained, "After you left, we lost our backbone. We had no choice but to support Asuma Sarutobi."
"This fellow is not fit to discuss plans with."
Danzo Shimura showed disdain and said, "He can't even compare to a little toe of Hiruzen. How can he defeat Natsume?"
Although he also looked down on Natsume, the Sage Mode[b]Sage Mode[/b] combined with Water Release[b]Water Release[/b] that Natsume used that night had left a deep impression on him.
At least in terms of strength, he far exceeded an ordinary Jonin.
His cooperation with Rasa to unlock the Dragon Vein[b]Dragon Vein[/b] was out of respect for Natsume's strength.
Of course, more importantly, it was for safety.
If he missed this chance, it would be hard to find another one.
"You're right."
Tadomichi Shimura immediately flattered him.
"Hiruzen is old. Asuma is not up to the task. If you want to bring down Natsume, you can only listen to me."
Danzo Shimura raised his head, straightened his back, and said, "At that time, he will definitely meet his doom."
Tadomichi Shimura was infected by his strong confidence and couldn't help asking, "Do you have any wise counsel?"
"I've been in Sunagakure Village these days."
Danzo Shimura sneered coldly. "Do you understand?"
"Do you mean that the alliance was planned by you?"
Tadomichi Shimura showed a shocked expression.
He really didn't expect that Danzo Shimura would have such a scheme.
He could collaborate in vying for the Hokage position with the Kazekage Rasa.
But after the shock, there was ecstasy.
He immediately knelt on one knee and said, "The whole Shimura Clan is willing to follow your arrangements, Uncle."
"Good."
Danzo Shimura was very satisfied with his good sense of the situation and said, "I want you to send some clan members who are proficient in Sealing Technique[b]Sealing Technique[/b] and Barrier[b]Barrier[/b]. By then, seal Natsume off, and we'll cooperate from inside and outside to get rid of him."
"Yes!"
Tadomichi Shimura immediately got excited.
He had been looking forward to this day for a long time.
Most importantly, Danzo Shimura's plan was very feasible.
With the Kazekage Rasa on their side, they could naturally use the One-Tailed Jinchuriki.
How could they lose in such a situation of overwhelming advantage?
The next day.
Natsume saw the list of the mission delegation.
Surprisingly, the Shimura clan sent four people, all of them Jonin.
Although it couldn't compare with the heavy - weight Hizashi Hyuga sent by the Hyuga clan, it was still quite remarkable.
If Natsume didn't know that Danzo Shimura was up to something, he would really think that the Shimura clan was showing goodwill and ready to offer their loyalty.
But instead of being angry, he was quite happy.
The Hokage, truly his best friend.
I'm so touched that I could cry!
Since the Hokage had gone to such lengths, Natsume even wanted to erect a monument for him.
"'Natsume, wanna make any changes?'"
Kurenai Yuhi asked him quickly when she saw him deep in thought.
"No need."
Natsume shook his head and said, "Just follow this list and go inform them to get ready."
Right after Kurenai Yuhi left, he went to see Tsunade.
Since it involved the Dragon Vein, he might disappear for some time.
It would cause quite a stir at that time.
Especially for Tsunade.
If her emotional state caused something to go wrong with her, that would be terrible.
Natsume planned to tell her the whole story to put her at ease and asked her to temporarily manage Konoha during his absence.
As for how he knew about the Dragon Vein, he attributed it to Minato Namikaze.
Anyway, Tsunade wouldn't suspect him.
Moreover, this matter did exist.
Although it took him a long time to persuade Tsunade, with his persistent efforts, she finally agreed.
This was mainly because she had personally experienced Natsume's strength.
Three thousand words.
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