Escape From Konoha

Chapter 148: 144: Preparations from All Parties

The Hyuga clan, once a wealthy and influential family, now found itself in a crisis of lack of trust between its main family and branch family.

This situation was only natural. While outsiders, might not fully grasp the turmoil that had shaken the foundations of the Hyuga clan, those who governed it were well aware of the chaos that had unfolded within their own clan.

Even after months of war, they hesitated to send ninjas to the front lines to aid in the battle.

However, the violation of the 'caged bird' not only challenged the rules and traditions upheld by their clan for hundreds of years but also disrupted the peace within their own clan.

If this continued, it might lead the village to maintain prejudice against the Hyuga clan.

More members of the Uchiha clan were participating in the battle this time compared to the last Ninja World War. Even those who harbored dissatisfaction with the Uchiha clan were compelled to remain silent and not voice their grievances.

After all, Uchiha Fugaku, the new head, had personally gone to the battlefield, engaging in combat alongside colleagues from Konoha.

In contrast, the Hyuga clan, also a prominent ninja clan like the Uchiha, dared not send ninjas to the front lines due to a crisis of trust. It now appeared that this situation was about to change.

Inside the coan meeting room, Hyuga Hiashi, the current head and eldest son of the previous generation's exceptional head, assumed the seat of authority.

He was flanked by the main family's elders on the left and the branch family's elders on the right, a clear division between the two factions.

"Now the clan can no longer sustain further losses. Hyuga Ayane assisted Iwagakurr as a defected ninja, is seeking revenge for against our clan,"

An elder of the main family said.

The release of the 'caged bird' represented the complete escape of the branch members from the 'cage,' rendering the Hyuga clan's rules ineffective in restraining the branch's actions and intentions.

"Hokage-sama is hopeful that we can contribute some manpower."

"How can we possibly send people at such a time? Those within are panicking. Can they refuse?"

"Naturally, Hokage-sama may not mind, but continued indifference may lead to rumors within the village... Don't forget, the Konoha White Fang incident happened just 'yesterday'.'"

The moment these words were spoken, both the main clan's elders and the branch's elders fell into a contemplative silence, recognizing the implications.

Perhaps Hokage-sama might be reluctant to take such actions, but as the shadow of Konoha, Shimura Danzo, the leader of Root, might resort to extreme measures.

The Hyuga Clan differed from the Uchiha Clan. Leaving a negative impression on high-ranking individuals could hinder their position within the village and undermine their hard-earned reputation.

After the defection incident, the number of Anbu patrols around the Hyuga Clan had significantly increased.

It was an unprecedented development that has never happened before.

This raised questions about the loyalty of the clan's upper echelons.

However, the situation wasn't as serious as it seemed. The Hyuga and Uchiha clans had distinct differences. There were no conflicts with the Senju clan, and their relations were harmonious. It was crucial not to cause disturbances at this time.

The sudden surge in Anbu patrols likely aimed to prevent any similar incidents from recurring. In a way, it could be seen as beneficial for the Hyuga clan.

"Without Hokage-sama's trust, the Hyuga clan will face challenges in the future."

"Indeed, Elder Danzo is not an easy negotiator."

"Root has been targeting the Uchiha clan for a while. If we end up on Root's list, life will become challenging."

Having finally attained its current position in the lathe Konohagakure, and securing one of the prime locations in Konoha for their clan land, the Hyuga Clan wasn't relegated to the outskirts, as had been the case with the Uchiha clan.

Even though the Uchiha Clan had been distanced from the center of the village, they maintained a storng guard unit and boasted the most elite ninja force in Konoha, a force that couldn't be ignored.

The Hyuga Clan, lacking these advantages, would find themselves marginalized in Konoha if they lost the trust and support of Hokage and other high-ranking officials.

Apart from the night of the defection incident, they had suffered significant losses in combat power. An elder of the clan had been killed, and many strong Jonin had been slain, not through defection, but by traitors, leading to a series of subsequent consequences.

"Since we can't send ninjas from the branch family, how about dispatching main family ninjas to the battlefield?" suggested a branch elder.

His words immediately attracted the hostility and dissatisfaction of the elders of the clan.

"This is too risky. What if something happens to the main clan members on the battlefield?"

"But in the current state of the branch family, there are too few branch ninjas who can be trusted."

The branch elder sighed helplessly.

"Even so, we cannot allow main family members to face such risks. What if they encounter a problem with their Byak6? Protecting the main family is your responsibility, is it not?"

The head fixed him with a cold gaze.

"But now it's not just an internal clan issue. The battlefield is now in urgent need of the Byakugan's assistance. The trust between the branch clan's ninjas is lacking, and the main clan's ninjas cannot participate in the war. We can't afford to wait for rumors to start circulating in the village."

"Hmph, isn't this the fault of your branch members? Let the branch ninjas go to the front line, but closely monitor the main members of the clan who go to the battlefield 24 hours a day, and don't allow them to leave the house. This way, even if the caged bird is released, there will be no risk of defection."

"You-"

The head elder of the branch family displayed anger on his face.

"Your branch is currently not trustworthy. This is for the survival of the clan, and the clan will also remember their contributions,"

The head sat there calmly and made this statement.

Hiashi, sitting at the main seat, had grown accustomed to such disputes among the elders of the main and branch families.

Over the past few months, these quarrels had occurred eighty or even a hundred times.

However, this was the first time Hiashi had seen even the typically composed and indifferent elders of the clan becoming so agitated and flustered.

In his past experience, the clan's elders were not known for their irritability.

It appeared that the serious issues confronting the family had started to unsettle them.

"Come in."

Hiashi's flat voice silenced the tedious dispute in the meeting room.

The meeting room's door opened, and a young man who resembled Hiashi entered, nodded slightly to the elders, and then fixed his gaze on Hiashi.

"Hizashi requesting permission to join the war."

Kneeling on one knee, Hizashi spoke calmly in the center of the meeting room, displaying no fear of the impending war.

This was a sacrifice made for the clan's future or perhaps to protect something crucial. These were reasons worth sacrificing their lives for.

"Hizashi, you..."

The branch elders stared at Hizashi, thinking that he shouldn't have appeared at this moment.

"Apologies, Elder, but I cannot stand idly by while my clan is embroiled in conflicts over such trivial matters. Since I bear this name and am also a Konoha ninja, the battlefield is our destination."

"But..."

"It's alright."

Hiashi's flat voice interjected as he stood up from the main seat. He looked at the hesitant branch elder and said, "I will go to the battlefield with Hizashi."

"What!!!!?"

Hiashi's announcement shocked not only the branch elders but also the main elders.

Only Hiashi was unfazed, and his decision had been anticipated.

"Hiashi-sama, this is not allowed. How can you put yourself in danger?"

"But given the clan's current situation, do we have enough personnel to deploy to the battlefield?"

Hiashi asked the clan's elders.

"Well..."

"All the elders are quite old in age, and you deserve to enjoy your retirement here while we young people take on the battle. Besides, I'm also a Konoha Jonin."

Hiashi asserted.

The clan's elders looked away and cleared their throats. "Yes, yes. Since Hiashi-sama has made the decision, we old bones should remain in the rear to provide stability for the clan. We will also arrange for Hiashi-sama's security."

Fighting? For the clan's elders, that was a thing of the past. Perhaps it was twenty or thirty years ago. Though they weren't afraid of it, their combat skills and mindset had long grown rusty.

---

"Is the Hyuga Clan's head going to the battlefield in person? What a troublesome development," Danzo muttered on the plains near Hokage Rock. He had gathered the Root team, consisting of six squads totaling 24 members.

Nearly half of the Root's forces had assembled here after learning that Hyuga Hiashi, the Hyuga Clan's Head, was heading to the battlefield. Danzo bit his finger in frustration, deeming the situation troublesome.

Originally, his intention was for the Hyuga Clan to send trusted branch members to support the battlefield. Sending main clan members was not part of the plan.

Danzo believed there were various methods to make the branch ninjas trustworthy. Allowing the main members to enter the battlefield wasn't necessary. After all, the Hyuga Clan was different from the Uchiha Clan, known for their honesty and dedication.

"Ryoma."

"Danzo-sama."

A Root member stepped forward.

"Your team is responsible for making contact with the Hyuga Clan. Ensure the 'safety' of Hyuga Hiashi."

"Yes."

The Root ninja named Ryoma understood. "Safety" referred to doing everything within their power.

If they encountered a dangerous situation, they were to protect Hyuga Hiashi even if it meant destroying his Byakugan to prevent the enemy from obtaining it.

Ryoma and his team disappeared from the scene, joining the members of the Hyuga Clan on their way to the frontline battlefield in the Land of Grass.

"The rest of you, follow me."

Danzo led the remaining 20 Root members to leap from Hokage Rock and sprint rapidly towards the vast forest outside Konoha.

"It's been a while since I've been on the battlefield..."

Danzo muttered to himself, possibly anticipating the impending storm and feeling his blood begin to boil.

They arrived at the large forest outside Konoha.

"Danzo-sama!"

A man with bushy eyebrows caught up from behind, causing many Root ninjas to become alert.

This ninja was named Might Dai. He had performed remarkably well on the night of the defection incident in Konoha.

Despite lacking knowledge of Genjutsu and Ninjutsu, he could operate independently with his Taijutsu.

However, due to the absence of leadership and a reliance on Taijutsu alone, he hadn't been promoted to Chunin yet. But his strength was unquestionable, even as a Genin.

"Don't worry, it's our own,"

Danzo said, and the Root ninjas stepped aside.

"Sorry, I'm afraid I'm a bit late,"

Dai scratched his head and smiled sheepishly.

"It's alright; I had planned to wait here for you. Do you know the mission for this journey to the battlefield?" Danzo asked.

"Yes," Dai's expression turned serious upon hearing this.

"It's to deal with the S-rank traitor ninja, Hyuga Ayane, and I'm prepared."

His excitement was palpable. Among the residents of Konoha, the Hyuga Clan was renowned for their Gentle Fist, which contrasted with the Hard Fist that he had mastered.

He had been eager to experience the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist for a long time, but the opportunity had eluded him.

Dai and Danzo set off for the Land of Grass together. Danzo gazed ahead and spoke softly but firmly: "Based on the information from the front, Hyuga Ayane's Gentle Fist surpasses the general understanding of the Hyuga Clan's Jutsu."

"What does that mean?"

"The meaning is simple. Her Gentle Fist surpasses what we know about the Hyuga Clan's jutsu. She is a ninja with the Byakugan that surpasses the normal Byakugan. If you approach Hyuga Ayane with the same expectations as you would for a typical Hyuga ninja in the village, the consequences will be severe."

Danzo's expression grew solemn.

Dai considered this, even though he didn't fully grasp the situation. What he did understand was that the opponent was exceptionally powerful for simple and straightforward reasons.

After hearing Danzo's explanation, his determination only grew stronger. He anticipated a formidable opponent in Hyuga Ayane.

"Don't worry, Danzo-sama. After the special training arranged by Hokage-sama, I'm not the same as before. Besides..."

Dai's expression turned serious, and he subconsciously glanced at his pouch, which contained a secret weapon provided by the village.

"Yes?"

Danzo's face remained expressionless, and he likely guessed the contents of the ninja pouch Dai was wearing.

.....

Land of Grass, Iwagakure Camp.

"One more bowl!"

Within a single-person tent, bowls were stacked to create a staggering scene.

After consuming one bowl of plain ramen, Ayane requested another from the chef.

"No, I'm sorry, but the cafeteria's food has run out."

The food distributor was on the verge of tears.

This woman had an enormous appetite. Food intended for forty or fifty people was devoured by her alone, and this wasn't even her limit.

Her eating habits had led to complaints about the recent food shortages.

And, of course, she was the culprit responsible for it.

"Really? Don't try to deceive me; I have keen eyes."

Ayane pointed at her eyes.

He forgot about that. Even the trick of deceiving and pretending to cry was useless in front of the Byakugan.

At that moment, the tent's door opened.

Kitsuchi and Gari entered together.

"Kitsuchi-sama, and Gari-sama."

"Carry on."

"Of course."

The distributor left, feeling relieved.

"Seriously, don't bother me when I'm eating. I've said I don't want to discuss business during meals. Now, shouldn't I get another bowl?"

Ayane was depressed.

"Are you truly from the Hyuga clan?" Kitsuchi glanced at the dozens of empty bowls on the table, rubbing his forehead with a headache.

This woman treated this place like her own home.

"Look into my exceptionally pure Byakugan, and you'll know I'm from the genuine Hyuga clan," Ayane declared.

Kitsuchi looked at Ayane's piercing Byakugan and the mountain of empty bowls in front of her, feeling somewhat at a loss as to where to begin his complaints.

"And free room and board, isn't that your own rule? I'm just following your rules."

"It seems like next time, Tsuchikage-sama will add a clause 'bring your own food' to the recruitment form," Gari replied with a helpless smile.

"Are you really so stingy, as ninjas from the Five Great Nations? Do you need to nag for this bit of food?"

"No matter how generous we are, it won't satisfy your appetite," Kitsuchi sighed.

Ayane remained silent, evidently displeased due to the food shortage.

"So, what do you want with me?"

"It's a big job with a 30 million ryo deposit,"

Kitsuchi glanced at Gari.

Gari understood and placed a black leather box filled with cash in front of Ayane, containing thirty million ryo.

"A 30 million ryo deposit? Has there been any recent developments in Konoha?" Ayane asked with some surprise.

Typically, such a huge deposit was highly unusual. If it existed, it suggested that Iwagakure was facing a dire situation. Furthermore, it likely indicated a high level of difficulty.

"According to reliable information, Konoha's Anbu Root members have joined the battle here."

"Danzo?" Ayane questioned.

"I can't confirm if Danzo himself is present, but there was an encounter with an attack from a Root ninja against the patrol team."

Kitsuchi folded his hands in front of his chest, sporting a solemn expression.

The Root, as the covert arm of Konoha's Anbu, was consistently a major concern for other major ninja villages.

The leader of the Root was none other than the so-called "Shadow," Shimura Danzo, the head of the Shimura clan, the former disciple of the second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

Danzo was a powerful ninja who had experienced the First and Second Ninja Wars and was from the same lineage as Konoha's Third Hokage.

He was an enemy one had to be vigilant about.

"It's quite strange. Root's operations have always been known for their secrecy. If someone encounters them, there should be no survivors left behind for interrogation."

"Their primary target is you," Kitsuchi explained concisely.

Ayane's wandering Byakugan eyes had probably gleaned news from Konoha, prompting them to take precautionary steps.

"Am I their target? That's really unnerving. You

, Iwagakure must protect me,"

Kitsuchi was momentarily speechless. If Ayane had worn a frightened expression, her statement might have sounded more convincing.

However, instead of expressing fear on her face, she appeared eager, showcasing her mischievous nature.

Thinking of her insatiable appetite... was she genuinely from the Hyuga clan?

"Our reinforcements will take another week to arrive."

"Will it really take that long?"

"There's no way around it; there's also a war in the north. We must consider the pressure from Kumo."

"It feels like the alliance between you and Suna is fake."

"Everyone does what they need to. Konoha is too strong. If we don't start a war to weaken their power, we can't rest easy."

"You're straightforward, Kitsuchi-sama"

Ayane praised as she stood up, ran her fingers through her long black hair, and smiled.

"Kitsuchi is indeed an honest man, as evident by his string limbs."

Gari chimed in from the side, prompting Kitsuchi to turn and glare at him.

Ayane chuckled twice and then asked, "So, what are the specific details of the 30 million ryo deposit?"

"Come here to the battlefield, and it's the lives of all the Root ninjas. For every Root ninja you eliminate, you'll receive an additional 5 million ryo as a reward, with no upper limit. Your reward depends on your personal performance. The 30 million ryo here is your upfront payment."

"No wonder so many bounty hunters want to cooperate with Iwa after making a lot of money."

"Integrity and generosity are the capital that allows us to establish itself in the underground black market."

"What's the time for this?"

"Sooner is better. If we can secure Shimura Danzo's head, we'll pay 100 million ryo."

"Really? Then I'm off to work."

Ayane picked up the black briefcase filled with 30 million ryo and left the tent.

"Anything else?"

"Uchiha Ruri... do you know her?" Kitsuchi asked.

"That troublesome Sharingan woman? I know her."

"Can I get in touch with her?"

Knowing Kitsuchi's intentions, Ayane sighed and provided a straightforward answer:

"Give up."

"Give up?"

"Yes. She's different from me. Even if you find her, she won't come here."

Unlike her, that pesky Sharingan woman was a wealthy heiress, with an inheritance worth hundreds of billions, consisting of cash and valuable real estate. Her wealth was beyond comparison, and the number of zeros in her bank account made one question life.

Even if Iwa were willing to pay a billion ryo, she probably wouldn't bat an eye.

Ayane walked out of the tent with such a depressed mood.

After Ayane's departure, Kitsuchi remained in deep thought, whispering to himself, "It seems that Uchiha Ruri has a difficult personality."

"I think it's just a matter of same-sex exclusion. Besides, why do you think these two are connected?"

Gari asked.

Ayane's traitorous identity had only been exposed by Konoha in recently, and Ruri's identity had only been revealed in February. It was now August, with a six-month gap between the announcements.

"Both of them used to be part of the White Fang's team. According to some sources, they seemed to have had a good relationship. Regarding contact, it's likely an old suspicion by Konoha. In February, they probably kept Hyuga Ayane's traitorous identity hidden, as they didn't want to escalate matters. It seems necessary to reveal it now."

Kitsuchi speculated.

"Is that so? By the way, there's another man who was originally a medical ninja and is also an S-rank traitor. What's his name again? Well, let me think... Chiba... Shiraishi?"

Gari furrowed his brow, attempting to recall the increasingly distant name.

"No, I remember that his name was Chiba Shiraishi. In any case, he's not a good person. Regarding the identity of the S-rank traitor ninja, he may have knowledge of some important Konoha secrets, or perhaps his medical ninjutsu is highly powerful."

Being a medical ninja meant there was no chance for one to attain strength, and this individual's background was quite vague.

Only known facts included that he was a former member of the White Fang team, who had pursued a medical ninja path. He had never heard of any remarkable achievements during his period on the White Fang team.

In comparison to the two great clans of Hyuga and Uchiha, he might be receiving attention incidentally.

Tsunade, one of the Sannin, was an exception with formidable combat capabilities and outstanding medical ninjutsu.

Kitsuchi simply accepted it.

------

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