At dawn, the horizon began to show faint shades of pale white, as if nature itself had delicately brushed the sky with its softest touch. A thin mist surrounded Konoha Village, wrapping it in a light veil that added mystery and poetic charm to this ninja village at a crossroads of history.
However, Sakumo Hatake was far too preoccupied to appreciate the scenery. His mind was fully focused on the upcoming Jonin Unit meeting.
While discussing strategies with core supporters such as Shirakawa Namiko and Yechame Hamako, opinions were clearly divided over whether they should propose a motion to reject the Ninja Clan Summit's resolution regarding the classification of Jonins.
One thing was clear—everyone agreed on opposing the classification proposal; their only point of contention was how best to voice their resistance.
The hardline supporters argued that dividing Jonins into classes would be an affront to the spirit of equality embedded in the Will of Fire. It was absolutely unacceptable, and required firm opposition to crush the sinister intentions of those trying to establish a "more equal than others" hierarchy.
On the other hand, those who advocated for a more moderate approach believed that while the proposed classification did have many flaws, their top priority right now should be achieving the direct election of Hokage by Jonins. Everything else should support that main goal. They should focus on what matters most and let go of the small stuff—don't lose sight of the big picture. After all, once direct elections are implemented, the civilian-ninja majority would naturally become key bargaining chips for anyone seeking the Hokage position. That way, the value of Civilian Jonins would naturally shoot up.
From Sakumo Hatake's perspective, both views had merit—but also shortcomings.
Although the hardliners' opinion was certainly politically correct from the standpoint of the Will of Fire, it might result in irreparable division between the Ninja Clans and civilians. However, the hardliners believed that the mere existence of the classification bill already showed that some greedy clan members no longer valued the commoners. This was therefore a matter of life-or-death struggle—there was no need to hold back anymore.
The moderates' argument, while advancing the implementation of the Jonin direct election of Hokage bill, could also allow the Ninja Clans to seize control of reform achievements. Taking a closer look, for the civilian-ninjas, who made up more than eighty percent of Konoha's total ninja population, nothing would really change—they'd just trade oppression under Konoha's F4 for a new kind of control by the clans.
As everyone continued debating fiercely, a sudden message shocked all the assembled Jonin.
"The Hyuga clan has experienced upheaval?!"
Upon hearing this news, Sakumo Hatake was deeply surprised. "How is Soushu doing? Did the Main House go after him?"
"The information leaked through Elder En suggests that Supreme Commander Soushu emerged victorious," the reporting ninja whispered cautiously. "Moreover, after being under lockdown for some time, the Hyuga District lifted security ten minutes ago. Supreme Commander Soushu even appeared on the streets and had a bowl of ramen at Teuchi's place (a well-known ramen stall)."
"Teuchi's ramen?"
Sakumo Hatake was stunned again.
What does this have to do with the Hyūga Clan's internal conflict?
Since he had been continuously discussing topics for the upcoming Jonin Unit meeting with his key supporters, he remained completely unaware of everything happening outside. Therefore, upon hearing this news, Sakumo Hatake's mind simply couldn't keep up.
"The ramen at Teuchi's place really is quite good. Soushu has some taste."
Yechame Hamako blurted out absentmindedly and instinctively agreed.
But immediately afterward, he came back to his senses and added, "Perhaps General Soushu is trying to signal that he already has full control over the situation."
"You make a fair point."
Sakumo Hatake nodded, then stood up and began putting on his shoes to go out.
They'd been bullshitting around all night without reaching any conclusion. With the Jonin Unit meeting about to start, Sakumo was beginning to feel annoyed.
"Sakumo, where are you going?"
Shirakawa Namiko blinked in confusion and quickly stood up to say, "I know you have concerns about the agenda for the meeting, but everyone is just trying to find common ground while accepting differences. Besides, whatever order you give will be followed!"
"Aren't any of you hungry?"
Sakumo asked curiously, "We've been talking since yesterday morning. Doesn't anyone feel even slightly hungry?"
"We're not—"
Before Shirakawa could finish his sentence, a thunderous growl erupted from his stomach.
They were indeed hungry.
His face flushed bright red in an instant.
"Come on then, let's grab something to eat. When we get back, I'll announce my decision regarding the meeting."
Sakumo finished tying his shoes, slid open the shoji door, and said, "Let's all go have a bowl of Teuchi's ramen!"
"Count us in! Count us in!"
Yechame Hamako and others nodded repeatedly, as if they'd just been pardoned from execution.
Of course, everyone had their own opinions — that was only natural.
However, rather than engaging in debate to persuade each other and reach consensus through differing viewpoints, they were far more used to simply obeying orders handed down through the command hierarchy. That very habit was exactly why the group of jonin had talked in circles without sorting anything out.
Initially, Sakumo had intended to treat everyone equally and unify the jonin opinions before taking action. But now, it seemed far easier to lead these headless chickens forward according to his own will and Ninja Way.
When Sakumo and his entourage finally arrived at Teuchi's ramen shop, Soushu Hyuga had just finished eating three bowls of different-flavored ramen and was preparing to pay and leave.
"Soushu!"
From a distance, Sakumo waved energetically toward Soushu Hyuga, who was just receiving his change.
At this moment, Soushu Hyuga was still wearing the standard jonin vest, and aside from being unusually handsome, looked quite ordinary. Yet Sakumo immediately sensed something unusual — Soushu Hyuga wasn't wearing his forehead protector like he usually did, and there wasn't the faintest trace of the Caged Bird (Tenketsu) Curse Seal on his forehead!
That said a lot right there!
Whether it was Soushu Hyuga himself who had broken the Caged Bird Curse Seal or someone who had erased it through some special means, this scene clearly indicated that from this point onward, no one in the Hyūga clan would ever again be able to bind him!
And one thing was certain — the Hyuga Clan had definitely fallen into his hands as well!
"Sakumo-kun?"
Soushu Hyuga showed some surprise when he saw Sakumo Hatake walking toward him, accompanied by a group of jonin.
"You like Teuchi's ramen too, huh?"
Sakumo Hatake entered the shop, greeting Soushu Hyuga while placing his order: "I'll have a bowl of tonkotsu ramen with an extra pork cutlet and a fried egg."
"I wouldn't say 'like' exactly. It's just that Teuchi's ramen shop opens earliest."
Soushu Hyuga replied truthfully.
"Well, aren't you straightforward?"
The worker who was cleaning the tables chimed in with a smile.
"Bring me another beef ramen bowl, plus a cup of hot milk."
Seeing how Sakumo Hatake seemed to have something important to discuss, Soushu ordered additional food so they could chat while eating.
"How did last night go?"
Pouring barley tea for Soushu Hyuga, Sakumo Hatake casually yet meaningfully asked: "Everything must've gone smoothly, right?"
"The clan's reform has been settled. The millennia-old traditions were overturned at the cost of only one life."
Soushu Hyuga's response was equally poetic.
"That's good then."
He paused, somewhat taken aback.
Due to limited intelligence sources, he didn't actually know what really happened in the Hyuga Clan upheaval.
But judging from Soushu's calm demeanor at this moment, things must truly have proceeded very smoothly.
Meanwhile, the other jonin who had come along also pricked up their ears, their gossip-hungry spirits burning fiercely!
The illustrious Hyuga Clan — one of only two dojutsu noble houses in Konoha and even the entire ninja world — had quietly completed its generational transition overnight?
Moreover, the Hyuga Clan had strongly supported the Classification Proposal of Jonins during the Ninja Clan Summit!
Now it seemed that after this clan change, with the newly appointed leader Soushu Hyuga being such close friends with Sakumo Hatake, did this mean the situation would resolve itself effortlessly?
Thinking thus, Namiko Shirakawa and others looked intently at the composed and self-possessed Soushu Hyuga, eyes filled with fervent expectation.
"There are still three hours before the Jonin Unit meeting starts."
At this moment, the two bowls of ramen arrived before Soushu Hyuga and Sakumo Hatake. The two picked up their chopsticks and began slurping loudly. While eating, Soushu said: "Congratulations, Sakumo-kun. The Direct Election of Hokage by Jonin is practically assured of passing."
This was indeed true; regardless of circumstances, the direct election of Hokage by jonin was destined to be Konoha's prevailing trend. However, who would end up steering the course of that trend — now *that* was worth talking about.
"I know. That's why I want to hear your opinion."
After glancing at his supporters who had come here together, Sakumo Hatake focused back on Soushu Hyuga: "Since now you're already the head of the Hyuga Clan, you surely have thoughts regarding village affairs?"
"Since ancient times, every reform has come at the cost of blood and sacrifice. If powerful interest groups refuse to step down peacefully, then test if their necks can withstand the edge of our ninjato."
"Being overly obsessed with procedural justice is pointless. You might as well join the old establishment and take things slowly instead of trying to change anything," Hyuga Soushu said coldly, his words cutting like a wolf's howl.
"Even radical changes in the Hyuga Clan require a noble Main House member to be sacrificed to drive reform forward."
"Therefore, if you try to please everyone, you're destined to accomplish nothing at all!"
"What do you think, Captain Sakumo Hatake?"
After speaking, Hyuga Soushu downed the hot milk on the table in one go.
"I'll consider it," Sakumo Hatake gave a wry smile. "But regardless, congratulations to you, Soushu-san, for succeeding as the new Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan."
"No no no, you got it wrong."
Hyuga Soushu shook his head repeatedly. "The Hyuga Clan no longer has a Clan Head position, and from now on there will be no distinction between Main House and Branch House anymore!"
"Ahh!"
This time, Sakumo Hatake was genuinely surprised.
"Starting yesterday afternoon, the Hyuga Clan has permanently abolished the position of Clan Head and eliminated the superior status of the Main House. In their place, we've established the Hyuga Jonin Unit. Any matter concerning the clan's interests must receive approval from the Jonin Unit before implementation."
Hyuga Soushu explained slowly.
Sakumo Hatake was speechless.
"Regarding opponents, either make them change their minds psychologically, or eliminate them physically. Being cautious about killing doesn't mean never killing, and being merciful doesn't mean being soft-hearted."
Hyuga Soushu stood up and continued speaking. "But what if they're our own people? Then let the bloodshed begin with the dissenters!"
"First completely remove the opposition, then handle internal affairs; without great courage to risk everything, don't expect anyone to feel sorry for you when they toss you around like garbage!"
"You truly live up to your name, Soushu-san — sharp and relentless as ever."
Sakumo Hatake responded with stammering words, his voice hard to conceal inner struggle and distress.
What Hyuga Soushu said made sense — first deal with external threats before gradually stabilizing internal affairs. Theoretically, this approach worked.
It was just like slicing the pie. First you need to have the pie itself before discussing how to divide it appropriately. Otherwise, wasting time arguing about who gets more and who gets less is meaningless, and the pie would remain out of reach forever.
More importantly, Sakumo Hatake knew he wasn't good at painting grand visions or uniting people under ideals — the so-called art of drawing pies in the sky. Therefore, for him, the top priority was indeed to firmly grasp that 'pie' and ensure resources and power were practically secured.
"If that's settled, see you in three hours."
Hyuga Soushu nodded to the silent Jonin Unit as a sign of farewell before leaving directly. "Oh, and remember to pay for my little snack — consider it your tuition fee!"
"That's easy enough. Let's go for drinks after the meeting!"
Sakumo Hatake also shouted loudly before rising to settle the bill.
The Jonin Unit devoured their ramen and left together, following Sakumo Hatake's lead.
Although everyone had yet to discover exactly what decision Sakumo Hatake would make, they could sense from his current expression that he likely already had a plan. Therefore, even though the Jonin assembly didn't fully grasp Sakumo's position, they still felt reassured by this sudden emergence of strong leadership—as always, they were long accustomed to simply following orders once given.
"Turbulent Times"
Inside the Hokage Office, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sat alone at his desk, gazing into the Crystal Ball with a weary expression.
"One should not have both White Fang and Soushu!" [This idiom echoes the Chinese sentiment "Why must there be two great rivals," expressing profound irony and sorrow.]
Third Hokage Hiruzen sighed deeply, feeling utterly helpless inside.
Had it not been for the sudden upheaval within the Hyuga Clan, the atmosphere during the Jonin Unit meeting would certainly have strongly favored the Hokage faction. But now, with the Hyuga Clan Head's sudden death, all power in the clan had fallen into the hands of Hyuga Soushu. Despite this drastic change, the Hyuga showed no signs of weakness or disunity, remaining as solid as ever. As such, even if Konoha's F4 wanted to stir up trouble, they couldn't find a proper opening.
This was also one reason why direct intervention by Anbu and Root Division—the village's covert operations units—was refused.
Yet watching helplessly as the Hyuga Clan slipped entirely into Soushu's grasp—a man infamous for his aggressive, warlike nature—left him unable to predict how it would further destabilize Konoha.
Konoha, the great ship that had sailed steadily under his command, now seemed to be veering far off the course set by the Will of Fire doctrine, heading into rough and uncertain waters.
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