When Aoran first said he was going out on a mission, Hizashi was very worried.
However, Aoran spoke clearly and was indeed stronger than most Genin.
Hizashi could only let Aoran do as he pleased.
Fortunately, Aoran returned safely every time.
"You've only just recovered; there's no need to rush into missions."
Hizashi earnestly admonished him.
"Lord Hizashi, I only take observation roles; it's not dangerous."
"This is the child I adopted, named Karin. I've brought her to register."
Aoran introduced Karin, holding her hand.
Although the Hyuga Clan didn't enclose their compound with walls, strangers would still be noticed or questioned.
To reside there long-term, she still needed to be registered within the clan.
Hizashi scrutinized Karin for a moment, then nodded slightly.
The mark of an excellent Uzumaki clansman was red hair. Hizashi immediately identified Karin as a member of the Uzumaki Clan.
The Hyuga Clan is an ancient family; adopting children and taking in retainers is very common.
After interacting with him for this period, Hizashi had developed considerable trust in this suddenly clear-headed and mature nephew.
He didn't ask too many questions.
Hizashi stood up and took down a... Camera from the shelf behind him!?
And it was a handheld Digital Camera, not an old-fashioned film Camera.
Aoran had a peculiar expression on his face. Although he knew such things existed in this world,
it still felt a bit abrupt to see it brought out by a clan like the Hyuga.
Seeing Aoran's gaze on the Camera, Hizashi began to explain:
"This machine is called a Camera. It can instantly capture images and also record videos."
Saying that, Hizashi took a nearby photo. It was a joint picture of him and Neji.
"The photos turn out like this."
Aoran appropriately showed some surprise: "This machine is much faster than Quick Drawing."
He said this because the Hyuga Clan's reconnaissance fundamentals included the ability of Quick Drawing.
It was used for specific occasions that required recording visuals.
Hizashi was quite pleased with Aoran's surprise, as it was difficult to communicate with a genius who always had a cold expression.
"It can also record videos, just like the movies you've seen."
Hizashi even demonstrated it.
Aoran was genuinely surprised this time. In his world, any phone could record videos.
But here, in this era, such a handheld video recording device was already a product of high-end technology.
"Is this kind of thing very rare?"
Hizashi laughed, "Of course. This was captured from Kumogakure during a battle in the Land of Lightning."
The battles between Kumogakure and Konoha weren't just back-and-forth along the border; they also involved infiltration, destruction of domestic facilities, and plundering of property.
Mutual raiding of merchant caravans was standard practice.
"I'll take a photo of her. This is the form that needs to be filled out."
"Afterward, you give the form to Hideaki..."
Hizashi paused here, realizing Aoran didn't know Hideaki:
"Hmm, next time, come with me to the training ground, and I'll introduce you to your father's friend."
Although Hizashi was Hyuga Hiashi's younger brother, he had no airs about him.
"Okay, thank you, Uncle Hizashi."
After thanking him, Aoran used the Transformation Jutsu to change his eyes back to normal, then led Karin out of the Hokage Office.
"...One hundred billion in war reparations, priority for missions within the Land of Hot Springs, partial mining rights to certain mineral deposits in the Land of Fire, and a 50% increase in commercial taxes."
"Bang!"
Homura Mitokado slammed the documents in his hand onto the desk.
"Those Kumogakure ninjas are utterly delusional!"
Utatane Koharu next to him also had a grim expression:
"Kumogakure is truly rapacious. Such harsh conditions, this isn't a peace talk; it's practically a surrender."
The Third Hokage sat steadily at his desk, his expression very calm.
"Kumogakure has always been like this, always liking to demand exorbitant prices."
"It won't be settled without some time."
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu also knew that this matter couldn't be rushed, so they discussed other matters with the Third Hokage.
"Orochimaru took a mission and left the village, and all his businesses have been sold off."
Homura Mitokado then looked at the Third Hokage, but the Third Hokage just took two puffs from his pipe and didn't respond.
"All former subordinates associated with Orochimaru have been listed under Ino–Shika–Chō to take missions."
When taking missions in a ninja village, regardless of whether they are ninjas from that village, a portion must be given to the village.
The percentage handed over to the village naturally varies depending on rank and affiliation.
As founding families of Konoha, the Ino–Shika–Chō families had the lowest percentage to hand over.
Therefore, these former subordinates of Orochimaru suffered no losses after he left.
Their lives continued as they had before.
At Aoran's reminder, Orochimaru did not use infants as experimental subjects.
Instead, he called the Ino–Shika–Chō members together and, seeing the Third Hokage coming to apprehend him, hinted that the Third Hokage was discarding him after use.
Afterward, Orochimaru simply took a long-term mission and left Konoha directly with his loyal followers.
The rest he left to Ino–Shika–Chō.
"Should we...?" Homura Mitokado looked at the Third Hokage with an inquiring gaze.
He meant, should Orochimaru be declared a rogue ninja.
The Third Hokage finally looked up: "At this time, it's best not to cause too much upheaval."
"At least Kumogakure might restrain themselves a bit."
The Third Hokage's words were accurate. Orochimaru had fought many battles during the Third Great Ninja War and had established considerable merits.
Currently, Orochimaru was still nominally one of Konoha's Three Sannin.
He still possessed a certain deterrent power.
If Kumogakure truly knew that Orochimaru had been forced out by Konoha, they would become even more greedy, and the negotiation period would become even longer.
However, some people are destined to cause upheaval... Root Headquarters.
Candlelight flickered, and shadows cast on Danzo's face made him appear particularly sinister.
"...One hundred billion in war reparations, priority for missions within the Land of Hot Springs, partial mining rights to certain mineral deposits in the Land of Fire, and a 50% increase in commercial taxes."
A Root member was reporting Kumogakure's ceasefire conditions to him.
"Currently, Lord Hokage is actively negotiating with Kumogakure, but Kumogakure's willingness to talk peace is low."
"However, the negotiations are progressing very slowly due to disagreements over compensation."
"Hehehe..." Danzo let out a series of cold laughs.
Kumogakure was indeed strong; currently, in terms of high-end combat power and overt ninja strength, they were superior to Konoha.
But war isn't just about fighting with people; it's also about fighting with resources.
Over the years, the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning had been clashing intermittently, and trade routes had been closed for a long time.
They could only acquire some industrial raw materials through smuggling or transshipment from other countries.
This greatly slowed Kumogakure's development.
Moreover, after fighting for so long, both Kumogakure and Konoha longed for a period of recuperation.
Despite Kumogakure's grand demands, Danzo knew that this was merely Kumogakure asking for the moon, and Konoha would bargain them down.
Ultimately, it would just be a matter of how much money Konoha would lose.
But this was not what Danzo wanted.
"Activate third hidden line, inform Kumogakure that the Hyuga Clan has suffered heavy losses and is dissatisfied with these peace talks."
"Yes." The Root member below quickly disappeared.
A sinister glint flashed in Danzo's eyes.
Because of the Byakugan's functionality, Kumogakure's vision was severely suppressed; after all, even with high-powered binoculars, you don't have X-ray vision.
This made surprise attacks and ambushes impossible for Kumogakure in battles, often forcing them to rely on sheer numbers.
In the battlefield against Kumogakure, the Hyuga Clan had achieved great military feats but also suffered considerable losses.
Not long ago, the Hyuga Clan had been ambushed, losing several elites, and then Kumogakure immediately proposed peace talks, leaving the Hyuga Clan no chance for revenge.
Under such circumstances, the Hyuga Clan's dissatisfaction with the peace talks was naturally genuine.
Danzo merely wanted to leak the information earlier...