Bab 22: Hyuga Affair (2)

Hiashi immediately scooped up his unconscious daughter, retreating a safe distance while his Byakugan scanned the surroundings, vigilant and alert for any further threats.

His sharp eyes soon locked onto a familiar but still oppressing chakra signature in the sky. Hovering above, silhouetted against the dark, cloudy night, was Mirai. He perched upon an airborne platform crafted from the same silver liquid that had intercepted Hiashi's strike. The platform was molded into a makeshift chair, where Mirai reclined comfortably, one leg draped casually over the edge

Mirai's posture was relaxed, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he said. "Hiashi-san, you owe me a favor now."

…

Earlier that day, feeling a gnawing suspicion that something bad might happen, Mirai had decided to stay lurking around the Hokage building and later near the residence assigned to the Kumo envoys. He monitored the visitors without revealing himself. Meanwhile, Naruto had gone home, leaving a clone in his place.

Mirai's intuition proved true when the Kumo ambassador, the man named G, sneaked out undetected. Despite G's masterful presence erasure technique, which suppressed his chakra to near-invisibility, he couldn't hide his physical form. This made it easier for Mirai to follow him, using his airborne platform to stay concealed while tracking G's bio-magnetic field.

Mirai had to admit that G's technique was impressive. Suppressing his chakra so effectively was a rare skill, one that could deceive almost anyone. But Mirai's ability to sense and track bio-magnetic fields gave him the upper hand. No matter how well G concealed his chakra, his physical presence and the subtle disturbances in the environment couldn't escape Mirai's keen senses.

Mirai's suspicions about Kumo's true intentions were confirmed when he saw G heading towards the Hyuga compound.

The Byakugan had always been a coveted kekkei genkai. Many attempts had been made to steal it or study it, but the Hyuga Clan had robust safeguards. The branch houses were protected by the [Caged Bird Mark], a cursed seal that served both as a defense mechanism and a symbol of the clan's internal hierarchy. The main house members rarely engaged in large-scale battles and were always guarded by branch house members.

Mirai considered the system abhorrent, likening it to a form of miniature slavery. The branch house members were essentially bound to serve and protect the main house, their autonomy curtailed by the cursed seal. Despite its moral repulsiveness, Mirai couldn't deny the system's effectiveness in safeguarding the Byakugan.

He thought of Ao, whose name became renowned as the 'Byakugan Killer' after successfully defeating a Hyuga of the main house and transplanting one of his eyes with the latter's Byakugan. Ao's success was a rare feat, with such attempts typically ending in failure since the Warring States period.

Mirai watched the entire confrontation unfold. As Hiashi moved to deliver a lethal blow to the Kumo envoy, Mirai's instincts kicked in. He knew that killing the envoy would lead to severe political fallout and complications for Konoha. Even if it was Kumo's overstep, the Raikage would undoubtedly demand compensation and accuse Konoha of violating the peace agreement.

Just as Hiashi's palm strike was about to connect with G's chest, Mirai intervened. He summoned a Mercury barrier, which swiftly shifted between Hiashi and G, absorbing the impact of Hiashi's strike. The silver liquid then engulfed G, binding him securely and leaving only his head exposed.

Perched upon an airborne platform created from Mercury, he appeared relaxed, reclining comfortably, one leg draped over the edge. With a gentle smile, he called down. "Hiashi-san, you owe me a favor now."

Hiashi, still holding his daughter protectively, saw Mirai descending and asked stiffly. "Mirai-san, what are you doing here?"

Mirai's expression turned serious as he said. "You should probably uncover the kidnapper's face, Hiashi-san."

With a wary expression, Hiashi approached G, the Kumo ambassador, and forcefully removed the mask covering his face. As soon as Hiashi laid eyes on G's features, his face drained of color, his eyes widening in shock and then quickly clouding over with intense anger.

The implications of this incident were clear to Hiashi. The delicate peace treaty recently signed with Kumo could unravel in an instant if the truth of G's actions were revealed. The balance that Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, strived to maintain could be jeopardized, and the consequences for the Hyuga clan could be severe.

Amidst his anger, Hiashi also understood the complexities of the situation. He knew that Hiruzen might prioritize the village's stability over individual grievances, even his own. Yet, the audacity of Kumo's ambassador struck a deep nerve.

Hiashi immediately bowed in thanks to Mirai, acknowledging his quick intervention and understanding of the gravity of the situation. "Thank you, Mirai-san."

Just then, a group of ANBU operatives and Hyuga clansmen arrived at the scene. The ANBU swiftly took control, surrounding G, the Kumo ambassador.

Hiashi wasted no time, gently passing his daughter to a nearby Hyuga clansman who stood ready to protect her. Meanwhile, Mirai approached G, his movements deliberate as he undid the bindings that had restrained the ambassador.

G's face betrayed shock and disbelief as he looked up at Mirai. "Are you still alive?" He stammered, his voice barely audible amidst the tension.

Mirai's gaze hardened slightly. "My presence here should answer that question." He replied evenly.

As Hiashi passed his daughter to a nearby clansman for safekeeping, Mirai stepped back, allowing the ANBU to secure G without resistance. Together, Mirai and Hiashi led the procession towards the Hokage building, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of recent events.

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Bab 23: Hyuga Affair (3)

Shrouded in moonbeams, the village outside remained oblivious to the drama that unfolded. However, the night only brought tension in the Hokage Office.

The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a furrowed brow, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon him. He glanced briefly at Mirai, a hint of tension flickering in his eyes. This was the first time they had met since Danzo's death, and the old wounds still felt fresh, and his anger is still shimmering.

Hiruzen's mind raced. He wondered why Mirai had to intervene in this situation and silently lamented the apparent inadequacy of the personnel monitoring him.

Taking a deep breath, he turned his attention to Hiashi, whose face was a mask of barely controlled anger.

Breaking the silence, Hiruzen took a deep breath, his voice strict and firm. "This incident has the potential to cause an international problem, so we must act delicately. We need to handle this with evidence."

Hiashi's eyes flared with anger. "Hokage-sama, this man attempted to kidnap my daughter. The Hyuga clan demands immediate justice!"

Mirai remained silent, watching the exchange with a calm demeanor.

Hiruzen raised a hand to calm Hiashi. "I understand your anger, Hiashi, but we must think of the greater good. Any rash action could lead to war with Kumo."

Hiashi's jaw tightened, his fists clenching. "Hokage-sama, this is not just an attack on my family but on Konoha's honor. How can we trust Kumo after this?"

Hiruzen's eyes softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "I share your concerns, Hiashi. We will address this breach of trust, but we must do so in a way that ensures the safety of our village and avoids unnecessary bloodshed."

Mirai, who had been silent until now, suddenly scoffed loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Trust between Konoha and Kumo? There was never any trust to begin with. All this peace talk was a scheme to infiltrate Konoha and uncover the secrets of the Byakugan."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, though he remained calm. "Mirai, your perspective is noted, but we must still handle this situation with care. Accusations without proof will only serve to escalate tensions."

Mirai stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Proof? The proof is right here in front of us." He gestured toward the kneeling G. "He was caught in the act. What more proof do we need?"

Hiashi nodded in agreement, his anger still simmering. "This man's actions speak louder than any words of peace Kumo might offer."

Hiruzen sighed. "While I agree that this act is a grave breach of trust, we must still pursue diplomatic channels to avoid war. Kumo must answer for this, but it must be done in a way that protects our village and its people."

Mirai's expression hardened. "Diplomacy? With those who seek to betray us at every turn? The Raikage will never honor any agreement. This is the time to show strength, not weakness."

Hiruzen met Mirai's gaze, his own steely resolve evident. "Strength is not only shown through force, Mirai. It is also shown through wisdom and restraint. We will address this breach, but it will be done through proper channels."

Mirai scoffed again, louder this time. "Even if we present evidence, Kumo will deny all accusations and claim innocence. They will turn the tables and demand compensation for the supposed mistreatment of their envoy."

Hiashi, his face a mask of fury, looked at Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, Mirai-san is right. Kumo will never admit their wrongdoing. They will twist this to their advantage."

Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "Our priority is to protect Konoha and its people. Any rash actions could lead to unnecessary bloodshed."

As the tension in the Hokage's office thickened, the door creaked open and an ANBU operative stepped inside, his mask obscuring his features but his urgency clear. "Hokage-sama." He said, kneeling respectfully. "The remaining Kumo envoys are now held in their residence. They are demanding to free their leader."

Hiruzen's expression tightened. "This complicates things further." He murmured. Turning to the ANBU, he gave a curt order.

"Summon the elders. This situation requires their counsel."

Mirai's eyes narrowed. "This is exactly what I warned about. Kumo will use this as a pretext for further demands."

The ANBU nodded and disappeared as swiftly as he had arrived. Within minutes, the advisors, Homura and Koharu arrived. They exchanged a brief, scrutinizing glance at Mirai before turning their attention to Hiruzen, their expressions growing increasingly serious and grave as they took in the situation.

Hiruzen wasted no time in briefing them. "The Kumo envoy attempted to kidnap the Hyuga heiress." He explained with a measured tone. "Mirai intervened, and we now have their leader in custody."

Homura frowned deeply. "This is a serious breach of trust. The Kumo envoy's actions are a clear violation of our recently signed peace treaty."

Koharu nodded, her eyes cold. "We must proceed carefully. Kumo will deny everything and turn this into a diplomatic nightmare."

Homura, a mixture of concern and disbelief crossing his face, added with a hint of frustration "This is outrageous."

Koharu's expression hardened as she declared. "Kumo's betrayal undermines everything we've worked towards." Her voice tinged with disappointment.

Mirai, arms crossed and a sardonic smirk playing on his lips, interjected mockingly. "It wasn't a peace treaty." He declared pointedly. "It was an invitation for our enemies to walk right into our midst."

Mirai's blunt words and tone immediately elicited a frown from Hiruzen and the elders, their expressions reflecting a mix of frustration and contemplation. Hiashi, however, maintained his stoic demeanor, silently observing the unfolding drama with inscrutable thoughts.

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