Chapitre 68: The Inner Circle: Debating Konoha's Future
On another day, a highly important meeting took place in the expansive Hokage Building, which towers at the heart of Konoha.
This building, the largest in the village, not only connected to the secretive chambers within the Hokage Rock but also served as the central hub for administrative activities.
In one of its more ornate rooms, which offered a panoramic view of the village below and was bathed in bright, natural light, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in discussion with his advisors.
Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utanane, and Homura Mitokado, all key figures in Konoha's governance, joined him.
Hiruzen Sarutobi carried the dignified presence of a leader seasoned by experience yet untouched by age. His dark hair, peppered with early hints of gray, framed a face marked by wisdom.
Danzo Shimura bore a sterner countenance, with sharp features and an intense gaze that hinted at the depth of his strategic mind. His hair was short and disciplined, as was his demeanor.
Koharu Utatane's appearance was characterized by her elegant yet authoritative aura. Homura Mitokado, who was the same age as his three friends, meanwhile presented a scholarly appearance with his glasses and neatly combed hair, conveying confidence.
After jointly, carefully reviewing the internal documents provided by the Anbu once again, which now lay spread out on the table before them, Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh and broke the silence first,
"What's your take on this? It seems there's little in the way of new intelligence. Sakumo Hatake's interactions have been minimal, with the only notable, 'suspicious' contact that could be of interest being Hikari Hyuga throughout this period and even before then.",
"Furthermore, our intelligence from the Hyuga clan has dwindled significantly and now nearly entirely gone dry, suggesting that we've also been probably receiving possibly misleading information from them for quite some time.",
"It's becoming increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction regarding this clan. Yet, it's evident from what transpired recently that the Hyuga clan plays a central role in all these developments...", Hiruzen shared his thoughts, analyzing the situation with a critical eye.
Danzo, ever the proponent of a more stringent approach, seized the moment to voice his longstanding viewpoint, "The Hyuga clan's maneuvers are clearly at the heart of these recent events. I've mentioned before, Hiruzen, that allowing my Root division to oversee surveillance of these clans might have prevented this situation. The Anbu you control, this time around, has unfortunately not met the challenge objectively...", He stated, his tone reflecting both criticism and a veiled assertion of his belief in the superiority of his methods.
"While Anbu's performance might have been lacking his time around, it's unfair to lay the blame solely at Hiruzen's feet, Danzo. The truth is, the Hyuga clan has likely been deceiving not just us but generations before us, including our teacher, possibly even since the village's foundation.",
"It's becoming clear that they hold far more secrets and ambitions than they've let on on the outside. Their potential for danger could very well rival that of the Uchiha clan, and they are clearly much more shrewd than them, so that's what worries me the most about this new development...", Koharu stated, her expression marked by a mix of resolve and concern.
"Indeed, Danzo, it's not as though you had any forewarning about the Hyuga clan's unusual activities to suggest you could've handled it better than Hiruzen yourself. Over the past couple of days, I've been poring over every piece of historical record on the Hyuga I could find. My gut tells me there's something significant we've all missed about their clan's history—a piece of the puzzle that's eluded not just Konoha but even the other major clans of the Warring States period. Now's the time for us to stand united and address this situation with everything we've got, not argue...", Homura added, lending his voice to the conversation.
Danzo, however, still expressed his dissatisfaction with a sharp click of his tongue, "The Anbu's conclusions and actions are still flawed; in my view, the mistakes didn't stop...",
"Just look at this so-called ' intelligence'. How can they place so much emphasis on that 11-year-old boy called Hikari Hyuga? What significant role could he possibly play at his age?",
"It's far more likely that he's merely being used by those cunning and duplicitous elders of the Hyuga clan rather than being a key player himself. I firmly believe that the Hyuga clan's recent actions aren't a sudden shift prompted by Hikari's emergence as a so-called prodigy.",
"This is part of a deeper, long-standing strategy they've been quietly nurturing—staying under the radar to blindside us or for some other ulterior motive we've yet to uncover or to catch us off-guard like a few days ago once they deem it is the right time. It's a classic clan grand strategy, not the oversimplified narrative that an 11-year-old boy is behind it all.",
"They're likely using the boy as a diversion, to sow confusion among us and to covertly forge a connection with Sakumo through him. That's the real extent of his involvement in my opinion and judging by common sense...", Danzo asserted, his frustration evident as he gestured dismissively at the documents on the table that highlighted Hikari's movements.
Upon hearing Danzo's sharp critique, Koharu and Homura opted for silence, their quiet possibly indicating a partial agreement with his analysis.
Hiruzen, however, found himself caught in a familiar cycle of contemplation and concern as he observed the exchange among his advisors.
He understood the function of Danzo's Root organization, founded not long ago as a counterpart to the Anbu but with a focus skewed towards espionage, sabotage, and operations that often skirted moral boundaries, especially beyond the village's borders.
Danzo's eagerness to critique Anbu's shortcomings seemed to Hiruzen like an opportune moment for him to vie for more influence, resources, and power for Root and himself.
Yet, Hiruzen's attention returned to the documents sprawled before him, particularly the analysis emphasizing Hikari Hyuga's involvement.
The Hokage harbored doubts about the young Hyuga's exaggerated role, as presented by the Anbu. He knew that the real machinations came from within the Hyuga clan's senior ranks.
They had orchestrated the rallying and 'bewitching' of Sakumo Hatake and various smaller clans, reaching out to the Uchiha, who were naturally inclined to oppose the current village hierarchy as well.
Hiruzen recognized the elder Hyuga figures, like the clan's current old Patriarch—a man of considerable wisdom and experience—as the true architects behind these developments.
"Whatever has happened is in the past; there's no point in dwelling on it, Danzo. And as Koharu and Homura have implied, I'm skeptical that anyone could have handled this situation much better under the circumstances.",
"Let's not forget that it was largely upon your advice and under your guidance that we initiated those rumors about Sakumo and sought to isolate him. And what did it lead to? Can you see now that assigning blame is futile? We are all in this together. It's time to put aside the question of fault and focus on our next steps...", Hiruzen said, his tone firm and his gaze sharpening as he addressed Danzo at this time.
Despite their longstanding friendship and the complex dynamics of their relationship, Hiruzen maintained a significant advantage over Danzo. Physically and mentally still relatively near the peak of his abilities, Hiruzen wielded considerable influence, ensuring that, despite Danzo's ambitions and maneuvers for greater power, the balance of control remained firmly in his hands.
While Danzo's current power is not insignificant, it is ultimately circumscribed by his utility to Hiruzen and the broader interests of the village. Hiruzen valued Danzo's contributions and recognized the importance of having someone with Danzo's particular skills and perspective.
However, he was careful to ensure that Danzo's reach did not extend beyond what was beneficial for Konoha's stability and prosperity and beyond his own position and power.
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Chapitre 69: The Next Moves of The Hokage's Faction
"Firstly, I trust you all already understand the impracticality of taking any direct action against individuals like Sakumo Hatake or young Hikari Hyuga at this time. Their positions within the village's overall framework now, coupled with the sheer force and a team we would need to employ to confront them, make any covert operation exceedingly difficult.",
"Moreover, considering the current tensions within the broader shinobi world and the looming threat of another world war on the horizon, such actions could only make it worse for the overall village interests...",
Hiruzen explained while mainly sending a few glances in Danzo's direction while speaking.
Danzo, known for his aggressive and uncompromising approach, surprisingly concurred without hesitation, nodding in acknowledgment, "It's self-evident, Hiruzen. Sakumo Hatake's strength is well-recognized, and Hikari Hyuga enjoys the full protection of his entire clan.",
"Beyond the complexities of taking action against them, their support will also be crucial in the war that looms on the horizon. My intelligence sources indicate that tensions are escalating.",
"Skirmishes between the major nations and smaller neighboring states are becoming more frequent, the big nations themselves getting weaker, hence more wolfish and more militant in their policies, signaling a potential for these conflicts to escalate and eventually draw all of the major villages into a full-scale war amongst themselves in a few years time...", Danzo admitted. His agreement underscored the gravity of the situation and the external pressure.
"However, it is good that you started considering that kind of option more seriously, Hiruzen. Sakumo's continued existence poses a direct threat to us—it's become a matter of him or us. Right and wrong aside, if we don't address the Sakumo situation decisively, he could very well spell our collective downfall.",
"He's already seized such an invaluable, critical position from under us. What's to stop him from aiming for the Hokage title next, even potentially seeking to usurp you, Hiruzen? Sooner or later, we'll have to confront this, it is just a matter of the most optimal timing at this point...", Danzo said, his expression darkening at the mention of Sakumo, a clear sign of his deep-seated animosity and the perceived threat Sakumo represented to their positions.
Danzo continued, slightly shifting his focus but maintaining his strategic perspective, "Regarding Hikari Hyuga, I think we're giving him too much credit as an individual threat.",
"He doesn't compare to Sakumo in terms of immediate danger, he is nowhere near that level. It's the political maneuverings of his entire clan that we should be wary of, much like with the entire Uchiha clan.",
"Yes, the boy certainly exhibits a remarkable talent for someone from the Hyuga clan especially, but we mustn't lose sight of the broader context, in terms of both the powerhouses of the entire village that we have on our 'side', and the history of that clan.",
"Historically, no Hyuga has surpassed what might be considered early Kage-level strength, and only one person ever achieved that level as well. Even the most formidable among them, in each generation, typically the clan leaders themselves, hasn't posed a significant threat beyond the Quasi-Kage level. Their capabilities do not fundamentally endanger our position...",
Danzo articulated, emphasizing a broader view that prioritized the political dynamics of entire clan actions over the capabilities of an individual, however talented they might be.
"Regarding the rumors of his exceptional 'intelligence' as well, it's difficult to ascertain their authenticity. For all we know, these could be strategic exaggerations by the Hyuga Elders to enhance his perceived value or to throw us off from other things. Yet, while he really does appear to possess a notable aptitude for commerce and business, such skills are not directly threatening in a society governed by shinobi prowess.",
"Moreover, regardless of his commercial successes, the Hyuga clan's slightly rising revenues can't even begin to compare to the financial influence we wield. Our control over the village's executive and legislative mechanisms ensures our cemented superior position in terms of both business valuations and financial resources...",
Danzo remarked, scrutinizing the impact of Hikari Hyuga's talents on their strategic position with a blend of skepticism and analytical rigor, dismissing the potential threat his abilities might pose to their established power.
'Though a part of me would relish the chance to move against him just for the arrogance he displays as if he were some sort of untouchable, 'prince' above everyone else in the village our teacher built equally for everyone. It is, however pity that my organization is still in its infancy, and the timing isn't right...',
Danzo mused internally, reflecting on his external commentary about the boy. His irritation with Hikari's attitude towards the village, evident since the boy's early years, continued to fester. It was as if he 'didn't take the village seriously' with all of their hand extensions toward him being ignored or outright rejected.
However, the practicalities of the situation held him back. Root had only recently begun to gain momentum, successfully recruiting notable talents from across the major shinobi clans, however, with the notable exceptions of the Hyuga and Uchiha, much to Danzo's annoyance.
Hiruzen and the two other advisors' support for Root's expansion was indeed a strategic move. They anticipated the need for another strong and covert outside-focused global force in the face of a potential large-scale conflict.
This expansion was deemed crucial, not just for their faction's power grab but for the entire village's readiness for the impending war.
"Acting against them before the onset of the war could compromise our position should the external threats escalate to a point where we require the support of everyone, including their faction. However, the dynamics could shift during the conflict.",
"Depending on how the situation evolves, we might find an opportunity to address the Sakumo issue, either through political means or more 'direct' methods. If not, we may need to bide our time until after the war concludes.",
"For now, it would be prudent to halt any actions against the Uchiha clan as well. Given their current alignment with both Sakumo's and the Hyuga's factions, it's likely they've established some form of mutual 'defense' agreement.",
"Besides, we've already significantly undermined Uchiha's position. It might be wise to pause and continue our long-term policy toward them after the dust settles...", Homura interjected, his strategic foresight the evident as always.
Ever since the era of their teacher, Tobirama Senju, a subtle, gradual strategy akin to a 'boiling-the-frog' approach has been established and directed towards the Uchiha clan.
From the outset, Tobirama had conceded leadership of the Police Force to the Uchiha, a move perceived by some as a double-edged sword. This position placed the Uchiha in direct oversight of law enforcement, exposing them to resentment and animosity from those they policed and incarcerated, effectively isolating them from the village's overall community.
However, the Uchiha, valuing power over popularity, seemed indifferent to these sentiments, prizing their authority and autonomy above the need for social acceptance.
They were a very asocial clan in nature, and all that ostracization didn't bother them much if they had power. In fact, they even preferred it that way, thinking of themselves as a cut above everyone else.
However, this dynamic underwent a significant shift under Hiruzen's leadership, with the advisors playing a pivotal role. They began to systematically redirect significant cases from the Police Force to the Anbu, effectively diminishing the Uchiha's role in handling minor civilian disputes and low-level shinobi infractions. Meanwhile, Anbu took on more critical security tasks, such as dealing with Jonin-level betrayals and foreign espionage activities.
Moreover, a policy was established early in the village's foundation stipulating that Anbu's (and vice versa's) arrest of a Police Force member required the Hokage's approval.
Given the Hokage's oversight of Anbu, this policy invariably skewed power dynamics in favor of Anbu, particularly during Hiruzen's tenure. It was during this time that masks were torn off, and Hiruzen began to openly exercise those loopholes purposefully put in law by Tobirama.
In recent times, particularly during the last few years, the Konoha Military Police Force, predominantly overseen by the Uchiha clan, saw a significant decline in its influence and operational capacity, rendering it, in many respects, a 'toothless force' to Hokage's Faction.
Their activities were largely confined to routine patrolling, conducting investigations into low-profile cases, maintaining order among both shinobi and civilians, managing a detention facility for those arrested, doing manual trials, and ensuring adherence to village laws overall.
These tasks, while essential, lacked the prestige and visibility of higher-profile missions that Hiruzen rerouted to Anbu thanks to other loopholes in law purposefully placed by Tobirama and thanks to Uchiha's losing power in proportion to Hokage's Faction and getting more and more isolated, without allies, falling essentially in some kind of a negative endless loophole od degradation of their power. However, that was evidently about to pause or change now.
The shift became more pronounced, with the Anbu taking precedence in handling any high-stakes, publicized security matters. Under the direction of Hiruzen's son, Shinsuke Sarutobi, the Anbu also developed secret cells throughout the village, further encroaching on the jurisdiction and traditional responsibilities of the Military Police in the most obvious sense.
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