In both his previous and current life, Soushu Hyuga had never been a saint indifferent to power. However, his nine years of compulsory education in his former life taught him clearly that power without a solid foundation is like a sandcastle—seemingly beautiful yet fragile.
Although the position of commander over the Northern Border Defense Forces sounded prestigious at first glance, upon deeper calculation, Soushu realized there wasn't much he could truly control.
Because this was a position built on reputation and influence.
A commander needed more than just raw strength—wisdom, strategy, and long-term planning mattered far more. Furthermore, to firmly hold onto such a hotseat, one needed capable subordinates—akin to personal retainers or guards. Otherwise, empty words alone wouldn't allow someone to lead an army of thousands.
But where was Soushu—who stood utterly alone—to find anyone willing to follow him?
Except for Mahiru Uchiha, who knew him best, the only person Soushu could somewhat trust was his student Might Duy. However, Might Duy's current abilities were nothing remarkable. Even if he passed this year's Chunin Exams, he'd only be promoted to an average chunin. And with Might Duy's personality flaws, neither his skills nor intellect made him a reliable assistant.
Plus, Konoha operated under absolute Hokage authority. All appointments flowed top-down, decided solely by the Hokage's word. For the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, removing Soushu—who lacked any real support—would be extremely simple.
Therefore, to stabilize his position, Soushu either had to fully side with the Hokage faction or seek backing from other forces within Konoha. Otherwise, even if he took the role, he'd just be a rubber stamp constantly restrained at every turn.
After weighing his options carefully, Soushu felt that this seemingly powerful post of commanding the Ninja Forces carried far less actual authority than it appeared. Relying solely on this title to test jonin candidates simply wouldn't work!
What jonin couldn't breeze through such a test?!
"The village won't keep bending forever," Homura Mitokado hesitated briefly before finally speaking slowly.
His tone, however, had softened noticeably, no longer carrying its earlier aggressive edge.
"Elder Mitokado, does the village truly have no room for fairness and integrity?"
Hyuga Soushu shook his head and countered with a question.
"That's not it," Homura sighed slightly, left speechless.
Supported by real experiences and holding tangible evidence, Soushu naturally stood on unshakable ground. Even if the village wanted to twist facts and distort truth, it wouldn't be easily accomplished overnight. Plus, currently, internal powerful clans eyed things warily while external enemies remained locked in fierce battle—it wasn't yet time for inward-facing knives.
"Soushu-kun, the village can no longer afford internal conflicts," Homura finally muttered after a long hesitation, finding it difficult to speak further.
Yet Soushu still shook his head, spinning the sealing scroll in his hand ever faster.
Down below the Tower, Uchiha ninjas and the special forces summoned by the Jonin Units started shooting curious glances over, trying to catch a glimpse of what was going on.
Even the most dull-witted ninja, despite how vague Homura Mitokado might be with his words, could still deduce some clues between the lines.
Strangely enough, this was exactly what troubled Homura Mitokado the most.
As a high-ranking leader, he had pride to maintain.
Although the village indeed harbored darkness impenetrable even by light, those were privileges reserved for Danzo. Homura, who stood in the sunlight, savoring the intoxicating flavor of power, had relatively more dignity to protect. Thus, he couldn't stand feeling as if he were being judged by a thousand eyes.
"Clan Leader Homura, there's no point in talking further. Please return."
Hyuga Soushu motioned for him to leave. Though his words and actions appeared polite, his gaze remained icy cold, giving Homura an eerie feeling.
"I..."
Homura Mitokado tried to defend himself briefly, but the prepared words died in his throat under the piercing stare from Hyuga Soushu.
With no choice left, Homura could only sigh, shake his head, and vanish in a flash of Body Flicker.
"Perfect, just as I expected—the talks broke down!"
Inside the Hyuga District, Hiashi Hyuga, who had been watching the entire negotiation process quietly through his Byakugan, finally withdrew his gaze satisfyingly and slightly bowed toward the Hyuga Clan Leader. "Elder Homura has already begun heading back to the village."
"Good."
At this moment, the Hyuga Clan Leader felt particularly pleased and even rarely praised: "Although that little brat doesn't know how to properly show respect, at least he understands right from wrong!"
Faced with the upcoming feast of interests, the Clan Leader completely forgot his previous stance of wanting to hunt down and execute Hyuga Soushu immediately.
"If so, I shall attend the Ninja Clan Summit organized by our respected Hokage first."
Though his wording was perfectly normal, the Clan Leader's tone dripped with mockery. "I wonder how anxious our remarkably talented Third is right now."
"But perhaps he will pretend to remain calm and composed in front of all the clan leaders."
Hiashi Hyuga wisely flattered his aging father appropriately. "Until the Hyuga arrive, any decisions made at the summit are meaningless!"
"Our clan has stayed out of the spotlight for too long. Even these petty insects have forgotten the legendary prowess of the Hyuga, once feared across the entire Ninja World!"
With a graceful flick of his sleeve, the Clan Leader slowly rose up, his voice booming like thunder. "It's time for Konoha—and the entire Ninja World—to rediscover the strength of the Hyuga Clan once again!"
"Head truly sees clearly!"
The first to step forward was Hyuga Ibo, a Branch House ninja who had previously stood silently in the corner.
"Father, although our family's power isn't what it used to be, we must also consider the Uchiha Clan's reaction."
Hiashi Hyuga slightly furrowed his eyebrows, shifting perspectives to play the role of a brave advisor offering honest suggestions.
"My honorable heir!"
The Clan Leader laughed loudly toward the sky, clearly delighted by Hiashi's suggestion. "No matter what, our Hyuga Clan has ruled over the Ninja World for thousands of years—what matters most is always maintaining stability!"
As for the humble ninja Hyuga Ibo's proactive flattery, the Hyuga Clan Leader dismissed it entirely.
After all, who would pay attention to a mere talking object?
Besides, a servant daring to speak up in front of the clan leader and heir—where would it stop if this kept going on like this?
But as the supreme ruler of the Hyuga Clan, the Clan Leader would neither personally punish nor deign to deal with a mere object himself, for such an act would be beneath his dignity.
So, the Hyuga Clan Leader turned his gaze toward his second son, Hizashi Hyuga, who had been kneeling silently the entire time.
"Hizashi Hyuga, as the future leader of the Branch House, you must understand the proper use of discipline!"
The Hyuga Clan Leader's tone was as cold as steel, a stark contrast from how he had spoken just moments ago to his eldest son: "Kindness alone will not inspire true fear—you must understand that!"
"It shall be done."
Hizashi remained kneeling with his head bowed, doing everything he could to make himself invisible—and now he lowered his head even further.
Punishment couldn't simply be called punishment—it had to be rephrased as 'management discipline'; likewise, execution couldn't be spoken plainly either—it had to be framed as 'a lack of balanced benevolence.'
This was the so-called elegance of hypocrisy—the noble art of cruelty disguised as discipline, perfected by the mighty Hyuga Clan.
Meanwhile, Ibo, standing in the corner, had already begun trembling uncontrollably after failing to receive the imagined praise, completely falling into a state of shock.
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