章 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.
章 24: Hyuga Affair (4)
In a secretive prison on the outskirts of Konoha, hidden deep within the forest and obscured underground with its entrance secured by multiple seals, Hiruzen, Mirai, and the rest who were at the Hokage building made their way to meet the prisoner, G.
The group moved through the dense foliage silently, their presence concealed by the natural cover of the forest and the intricate seals protecting the hidden facility. As they approached the entrance, an ANBU operative activated a series of hand signs, dispelling the seals and revealing a concealed doorway.
Not long after their arrival, Nara Shikaku, the Jonin Commander and renowned strategist of Konoha, joined them. His sharp mind and keen insight were invaluable in such delicate matters. He gave a curt nod to Hiruzen and a brief acknowledging glance to Mirai before surveying the room with a critical eye.
Descending into the dimly lit underground prison, the air grew colder and heavier. The narrow passageway led to a central chamber where G was confined, bound by chains and subjugates to a seal, to prevent him from moulding his chakra and using techniques.
The cell was dimly lit, casting long shadows on the rough stone walls. G sat on the bare floor, his back resting against the cold wall, his eyes defiant and unwavering despite his predicament.
Hiruzen stepped forward, his voice stern and unyielding. "Do you understand the gravity of your actions? Do you comprehend the consequences of betraying our trust?"
G sneered, a cold smile curling on his lips. "The Raikage won't abandon me. There is no right or wrong here, Hokage. It's all for the benefit of our village."
Shikaku stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied G. "You realize the precarious position this puts both our villages in? This act of treachery could reignite a war."
G's expression remained unyielding. "We were never truly at peace. This 'peace' was nothing more than a façade, a pause in the hostilities. Kumo will always act in its best interest."
Koharu spoke up, her voice laced with disdain. "And that justifies kidnapping a child?"
G's eyes flashed with anger. "You don't understand. The Byakugan is a powerful tool, one that could give Kumo an edge."
Shikaku took a deep breath, muttering under his breath. "What a drag." Then, holding his chin and closing his eyes, he pondered the situation.
After a few moments, he suggested. "We should keep the leader as a hostage while sending the remaining envoys back with a letter. This could be an opportunity to insist on more significant compensations." He paused, then resumed. "But knowing Kumo, they would likely act shamelessly, feigning innocence and accusing us of framing them."
Mirai interjected, his voice calm but his tone laced with disdain. "They've always been shameless. Remember, they attempted the same thing with Kushina several years before the Third Ninja World War."
Hiruzen and the elders frowned, recalling the incident and hearing the same suggestion from Mirai before. Shikaku and Hiashi, hearing about this for the first time, exchanged concerned glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in further.
The room was soon engulfed in a heavy, oppressive silence, the weight of the decision pressing down on everyone.
After what felt like an eternity, Mirai broke the silence, his voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere with a sharp edge. "In times like this, I really regret killing Danzo."
His words elicited a mix of horror and anger from the others in the room. But it was his next action that made everyone freeze in their tracks.
Without hesitation, Mercury began to flow from his right sleeve. The liquid metal moved with an almost serpentine grace, forming an elongated spike that bypassed the bars of G's cell. It stopped just millimeters away from his eyeball, the tip glistening ominously in the dim light of the prison.
G could only watch, sweat beading on his forehead, too afraid to even blink.
Hiruzen turned to Mirai, his face darkened with a deadly glare, chakra already beginning to seep out of him with an intimidating aura. The air in the room grew tense, and even the elders, Hiashi, and Shikaku instinctively retreated a step, feeling the weight of the Hokage's fury.
Mirai, however, remained composed, his posture relaxed as if untouched by the rising tension.
"Diplomacy is pointless in this matter." Mirai stated calmly, his voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. "We must make our stance clear. Kumo respects strength above all else."
He paused briefly, his gaze unwavering. "Kumo saw an opportunity because they perceive weakness in Konoha right now. Our response must be decisive."
Hiruzen's expression hardened further, his commitment to avoiding conflict evident in every line of his face. "Even in our weakness, we must strive for peace, Mirai."
Mirai's smile in response was almost teasing. "With all due respect." He said, his tone still relaxed but firm. "I am here now. I'll ensure that Konoha does not falter. Strength, when wielded with wisdom, can preserve peace as effectively as any treaty."
Homura immediately intervened, his voice filled with concern. "A war will cause many casualties!"
Mirai turned to him, a steely resolve in his eyes. "You've been retired for so long, perhaps you've forgotten what it means to be a ninja bound by duty. Konoha was built on the cornerstone of the Will of Fire—a will that states the entire village is like a large family, and every Konoha ninja should fight to protect it from enemies."
Taking a deep breath, Then, with a deliberate motion, Mirai extended his right hand, pointing directly at the still-frozen G. "He is the enemy now."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Mirai's declaration pressing down on everyone present. Hiruzen's frown deepened, and he cast a long, hard look at G, then at the advisors and Hiashi. The tension in the air was palpable.
Hiashi's stoic expression remained unchanged, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of agreement. Shikaku, still deep in thought, didn't speak.
Koharu spoke next, her voice a measured blend of caution and disagreement. "Mirai, while your points are valid. An all-out war could devastate not just our village, but the entire region."
Mirai's eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his composure. "And what do you suggest we do? Wait until Kumo makes another move? Until they kidnap another of our children or launch a surprise attack when we're least prepared?"
Shikaku stepped forward, his strategic mind already working on the details. "A full-scale war probably won't happen, as both sides will want to avoid escalating this into a global conflict with other villages interfering. But a skirmish and a fight between the top powerhouses will definitely occur, which will decide the outcome."
Hearing Shikaku's analysis, Mirai's expression softened, and a smile played at the corners of his lips. "I like it." He said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "A fitting occasion to announce my return."
G, who had been silent until now, licked his dry lips nervously. His eyes, filled with a mixture of fear and defiance, fixed on Mirai. "You ruined everything." He rasped, his voice trembling. "Why didn't you die with your brother?"
Mirai's smile widened, a cold, amused glint in his eyes. "Unlucky for you." He replied, his tone almost playful.
The room's tension peaked as the mercury spike, gleaming ominously, began to move. G's eyes widened in terror, his breath hitching. He could do nothing but stare, frozen in place, as the spike hovered dangerously close to his eye.
Mirai's eyes never left G's, the predator locking eyes with his prey. "You should have known better than to provoke the tiger in its den." He said softly, his voice a mere whisper that carried the weight of a death sentence.
With a final, swift motion, the spike pierced G's skull, ending his life instantly. There was no scream, no final plea—just a silent, swift end.
Hiruzen's eyes darkened, his earlier anger tempered by the grim necessity of the situation. He glanced at the advisors, who wore expressions of shock and resignation. Shikaku and Hiashi, maintained their expressions, already hardened by their experiences.
Mirai withdrew the mercury spike back into his sleeve, the metal flowing seamlessly and flicking the blood away with a casual grace before disappearing in his sleeve, as if it had never been there.
He turned his back to the rest, his steps measured and deliberate as he traced his way back to the entrance. With a casual wave of his hand, he spoke over his shoulder. "Hokage-sama, send a message to Kumo."
As Mirai walked away, his voice echoed through the dimly lit corridor, carrying a calm yet cutting edge. "Hokage-sama." He began, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I respect your attempt to follow in the First Hokage's footsteps and your relentless pursuit of peace. But there's something you seem to have forgotten."
Hiruzen, his eyes heavy, looked up, caution mingling in his gaze. "And what is that, Mirai?" He asked, his voice betraying a hint of weariness.
Mirai's smile broadened slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "You lack the overwhelming strength that can deter any danger." He said, his tone brutally honest.
Hiruzen's face tightened, the words striking at his pride as the leader of Konoha. His jaw clenched, and a flicker of frustration crossed his features, but he held his composure, knowing that there was a painful truth in Mirai's words.
With those final words, Mirai walked away. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded until he vanished from sight, leaving an oppressive silence in his wake.
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