Chapter 68: Hyuga Hiashi's Day of Humiliation: A Step-by-Step Guide to Losing Face in Kirigakure
[T/N: Hey y'all! 👋 Two chapters for you today! 🎉 Hope you enjoy this awesome read! Let me know what you think in the comments! 👇 And don't forget to give me power stones! 💪]
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"I see all of this as a Konoha conspiracy!"
How could it be so coincidental? A ninja, suspected to be from the Uchiha clan, releases the Three-Tails and controls the Tailed Beast to attack the Village, and then the Village is saved by an Uchiha teenager.
In a reasonably spacious Conference Room, a Kirigakure Elder challenged, "That has to be a conspiracy!"
"Yes, maybe he was the one who released the Tailed Beast. Konoha orchestrated the whole thing themselves!"
The entire Kirigakure couldn't subdue a rampaging Three-Tails, and they had to call an Uchiha teenager the hero who saved the Village. The Kirigakure Elders were very unhappy.
"Impossible! My Disciple is an Uchiha, but he hasn't awakened his Sharingan. How could he possibly control a Tailed Beast?"
Seeing so many Kirigakure Elders targeting Uchiha Kage at the conference table, Yuhi Kurenai couldn't stand it any longer.
"Kirigakure doesn't need to thank him, but they shouldn't be making things up!"
"N-No Sharingan?"
"Then how did he...?"
"He really doesn't have the Sharingan?"
To subdue the Three-Tails without the Sharingan?
Normally, the strength of an Uchiha ninja lies entirely in their Sharingan, but this teenager defeated the Three-Tails without relying on it…
The Kirigakure Elders were stunned by this revelation. They quickly questioned the Kirigakure Ninja behind them, and the answers were consistently affirmative.
This teenager really didn't use the Sharingan in the fight against the Three-Tails!
"So what? Maybe he was just pretending not to, to clear himself of suspicion!"
However, it wasn't long before another Kirigakure Elder stubbornly retorted.
"You're twisting words. There's no way Konoha would do something like that…"
Although a bit bewildered by the aggressive questioning from the Kirigakure People, Hyuga Hiashi knew he couldn't be ambiguous. If Kirigakure found an opportunity to pin this enormous blame on them, the alliance would be… truly ruined.
"Kage, say something. Otherwise, they really will…"
The Uchiha teenager's genius was astonishing.
Hyuga Hiashi still hadn't recovered from the shock of him defeating the Three-Tails.
As the topic shifted to the teenager, everyone cast curious glances at the remarkably talented Uchiha youth.
Unexpectedly, despite being at the center of the Vortex of discussion, the Uchiha teenager's expression didn't change at all.
Even his tone was exceptionally cold.
"I have nothing to say."
Uchiha Kage stood behind Yuhi Kurenai. His words immediately caused Hyuga Hiashi's face to change drastically.
"Kage, clarify your words. Don't say things like that…"
Wasn't that an admission?
What did this Uchiha teenager want?
Hyuga Hiashi felt terrible.
"However, I now fully understand Kirigakure's attitude toward Konoha."
Uchiha Kage's cold gaze swept over every Kirigakure Elder in the Room.
Many who had previously speculated conspiracy theories lowered their heads, unable to meet his sharp gaze.
"Konoha Village offered Kirigakure the most generous terms. Any other Shinobi Village would beg Konoha to accept such generous terms. But not only do you disagree, you're also filled with hatred for Konoha Ninja…"
"We hate you because the Konoha Uchiha Ninja controlled our Fourth Mizukage, disrupting Kirigakure's policies!"
Before Uchiha Kage could finish, a Kirigakure Elder interjected.
"That person was definitely not a Konoha Ninja. During the Nine-Tails Disturbance in Konoha Village, we suffered the same fate as you!"
Remembering the Sharingan markings in the eyes of the Three-Tails and the Nine-Tails, Hyuga Hiashi realized something.
Perhaps the person who released the Nine-Tails and the person who released the Three-Tails were the same.
"…Subsequently, the Three-Tails appeared unexpectedly, and Konoha Ninja helped you resolve the crisis, even at the cost of two comrades. But Kirigakure doesn't appreciate it. Instead, you slander us. I completely understand what Kirigakure means."
Ignoring the argument between the Kirigakure Elder and Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Kage continued, expressionless, where he had left off.
"What do you want to say?"
Terumi Mei, who had been playing with her blue-nailed fingers, fixed her beautiful eyes on the teenager opposite her upon hearing this.
It was rare for this cold guy to say so much in one breath. He must be about to say something different.
"Kirigakure's hatred for Konoha has reached a point beyond reconciliation. In that case, we have no choice but to wage war. So, there's nothing more to say."
Uchiha Kage finished speaking, then turned and walked out of the Conference Room with Yuhi Kurenai, without looking back.
It wasn't until he stood up and left the conference table that the Kirigakure People belatedly realized what he had just said.
"W-War!?"
"You say war just like that? We Kirigakure aren't afraid of you…"
"Silence!"
Genshi struck the ground with his cane, silencing the noisy Conference Room.
"Hiashi-sensei, is there some misunderstanding? Kirigakure has never considered going to war with Konoha."
His intention was to use conspiracy theories to diminish the impact of Uchiha Kage saving Kirigakure, while simultaneously pressuring the Konoha representatives to secure more benefits for Kirigakure in the Future alliance.
He didn't expect the Uchiha teenager to drop a bombshell, declaring war right off the bat.
And those Elders were something else. Conspiracy theories should be used in moderation. What good could come from pushing people too far?
"I also…"
Hyuga Hiashi wanted to say that he didn't know either. How did a negotiation for an alliance suddenly turn into a declaration of war?
"Senior Hiashi, your two guards are still lying outside, their bodies growing cold. Do you not care about them at all?"
Uchiha Kage, who had reached the door, glanced at Hyuga Hiashi, who was still sitting at the conference table, speechless.
Hadn't they agreed to show Kirigakure a thing or two? Why was he backing down so quickly?
"I…"
Hyuga Hiashi gave the Kirigakure Elders a helpless look, then rose and followed Uchiha Kage out of the Conference Room.
If he didn't leave, who knew how the Uchiha teenager would mock the Hyuga Clan Head…
Honestly, this was Kirigakure, not Konoha. Could he at least save him some face?
He really didn't understand why Hinata liked this eccentric guy!
He certainly didn't like him.
"Wait! Uchiha teenager, they were just joking! I represent Kirigakure in expressing our gratitude for your assistance!"
Without looking at Hyuga Hiashi, Genshi knew that from now on, the only Konoha representative was this Uchiha teenager.
"Lord Genshi, you shouldn't…"
How could he bow to a teenager, a Konoha genin?
"Since he's so impolite and even speaks of war, I think we should arrest them first and interrogate them thoroughly…"
The Kirigakure Elders didn't understand Genshi's sudden change in attitude and grew increasingly hostile towards Uchiha Kage, who had proposed war.
"Silence! Konoha not only saved Kirigakure, but also lost two lives. Kirigakure should be grateful!"
Did these Elders not understand the current situation?
Even Terumi Mei, who had been watching, couldn't help but get angry.
Kirigakure had suffered heavy losses, and the Konoha representatives now knew the fighting strength of their ninja. If Konoha really intended to start a war, wouldn't the outcome for Kirigakure be obvious?
As for capturing Uchiha Kage, who present had the strength to do so?
"I didn't think it was a joke. I've always heard, if your enemies say you can do something, you better be able to."
Uchiha Kage gave the Kirigakure Elders behind him a mocking smile.
"Didn't you say I had the ability to release the Three-Tails and cause chaos? I don't know if I do, but I can try it later and see if you can stop me!"
"Wait, everything can be negotiated! It was a misunderstanding! Kirigakure wants to ally with Konoha, and has no other intentions. As for hating Konoha, that was due to previous misunderstandings…"
Genshi quickly signaled Terumi Mei with his eyes to stop Uchiha Kage from leaving.
Although he knew that the other party was most likely just threatening, this wasn't something he could gamble on.
But Terumi Mei was sitting in her seat, staring at the departing teenager with sparkling eyes, completely captivated and not noticing her Teacher's signal.
"Ahem…"
Helpless, Genshi tapped his Female Disciple's leg with his cane.
Was this the time to be infatuated!?
"Ah…"
Terumi Mei finally came back to her senses and scurried to Uchiha Kage and the others, who were about to leave the Conference Room.
"Don't leave so quickly. Lord Genshi said it was a misunderstanding. Don't be so childish."
After stopping Uchiha Kage, Terumi Mei seized the opportunity to hug his arm.
At the same time, she whispered in his ear, "Your words almost gave my Teacher a heart attack. If he or the other Elders die of fright, Konoha really won't be able to ally with Kirigakure."
"Say what you have to say properly. Don't harass my Disciple!"
Seeing Terumi Mei shamelessly clinging to Uchiha Kage again, Yuhi Kurenai stepped in and forcibly separated them.
"Tch…"
If it had been that Byakugan girl, it would have been fine, but did this Female Teacher want to eat young grass too?
Pushed away, Terumi Mei looked displeased, but knowing this wasn't the time, she suppressed her dissatisfaction.
Wait, why did she say 'too'?
"Is it really a misunderstanding?"
Stopped by Terumi Mei, Uchiha Kage finally stopped.
This Future Mizukage was quite clever, not only guessing his intentions but also deliberately using the old men to appeal to his sympathy.
"It's really a misunderstanding…"
Seeing that Uchiha Kage had the intention of turning back, Genshi quickly wiped the sweat from his face.
"Please come in. Kirigakure actually agreed to the alliance with Konoha long ago. Why don't we sign the agreement today?"
The change was a complete reversal.
Genshi personally welcomed Uchiha Kage and the others back into the Conference Room from outside with the utmost courtesy.
The other Kirigakure Elders also reacted. Those who hadn't were silenced by those next to them, and they all transformed into a harmonious group.
"Oh? Ally today, instead of waiting a few days?"
Unlike when he first arrived, Uchiha Kage sat in the main seat this time, while Yuhi Kurenai and Hyuga Hiashi stood behind him.
"No waiting, no waiting. Today's the day."
Genshi quickly ordered his subordinates to draft the documents.
The Three-Tails had just wreaked havoc. The issues of Kirigakure's post-disaster reconstruction and compensation for the fallen were still unresolved.
If they provoked Konoha again, Kirigakure might really be finished.
"What about the conditions?"
"Just follow the conditions that Hiashi-sensei proposed earlier."
"Halve them, and take that guy's eyes and give them to me."
Uchiha Kage pointed to Ao behind Terumi Mei.
This guy with the Byakugan was actually in the Conference Room. It was a wonder that Hyuga Hiashi could endure it without saying a word.
"This is Konoha's Kekkei Genkai. No matter the reason it came to Kirigakure, it should be returned to its rightful owner now."
"Kage…"
Hyuga Hiashi was still dizzy.
Why were the Kirigakure Elders, who were so difficult to talk to when he was present, now looking at this Uchiha teenager as if he were their own Father?
However, upon hearing that Uchiha Kage was actually standing up for the Hyuga Clan and demanding the Byakugan that Kirigakure had stolen, Hyuga Hiashi was deeply moved.
No wonder Hinata liked this kid …
He liked him now, too.
"No, halving the conditions for Kirigakure's agreement to ally is acceptable, but Ao's Byakugan cannot be returned to you!"
Terumi Mei quickly slammed the table, reminding the other Elders to stay alert.
It didn't matter if the Village was poor, but if morale was lost, the team would be difficult to lead.
Regardless of whether Uchiha Kage was making unreasonable demands, Terumi Mei had to protect her subordinate.
"Then compensate us with something else, and tell him not to leave the Village alone In the Future. Otherwise, Konoha will take back the Byakugan sooner or later!"
Seeing that the alliance had been finalized, Uchiha Kage didn't plan to say much more.
"Hiashi-senpai, you can discuss the Byakugan compensation and the compensation for your two guards."
"Yes…"
Even though he was a genin, Hyuga Hiashi didn't dare to show the slightest contempt.
Fortunately, Hinata wasn't here. Otherwise, he, as her Father, would really lose face.
"Okay, then next…"
Genshi really wanted to hit his Female Disciple again with his cane.
It was right not to give the Byakugan, but he didn't say he could halve the concessions…
But there was no other way now. He should just sign the alliance agreement as soon as possible.
---
Night fell.
Unlike the old Post Station they had stayed in before, Uchiha Kage and his group were politely invited by Kirigakure to the best Hotel in the area.
Not only was it spacious and well-furnished, but it also had its own Hot Spring bath.
However, before Uchiha Kage had a chance to appreciate the Kirigakure scenery, he was pulled into the Room by his Female Teacher for questioning.
"What's your relationship with that woman?"
On the Tatami in the Room were not only the serious Female Teacher but also the Byakugan girl, kneeling to the side and looking at him with concern.
"There's nothing between us, Teacher. I'm going to soak in the Hot Spring."
After working so hard for so long, Uchiha Kage just wanted to relax and enjoy himself.
His wives were waiting for comfort in the dimension, and his slaves were waiting for …
Now that the alliance mission was almost complete, he finally had some free time.
"Nothing between you? Then why was she wearing your coat earlier?"
Yuhi Kurenai stopped Uchiha Kage, who had just arrived and was already trying to leave.
"Soak in the pool in the backyard of Teacher's Room later. I'll have Hinata join you."
"Teacher!"
Suddenly being asked to soak in the Hot Spring with Uchiha Kage, Hinata turned a lovely shade of red from head to toe.
"Don't worry, she'll wrap him in a Bath Towel, so you won't see anything. And with Teacher there, he won't dare to lay a hand on you."
Hmph, she refused to believe that this guy wouldn't be tempted when facing the two of them, two great beauties.
Yuhi Kurenai thought that she had to make this Uchiha teenager understand what the key to Revitalizing the Uchiha Clan was.
"But…"
At the thought of being in the Hot Spring with Uchiha Kage, Hinata couldn't help but shrink into the Tatami.
However, seeing that Uchiha Kage hadn't expressed any opposition to this matter from beginning to end, she couldn't help but feel a little expectation in addition to her shyness.
Could it be that they really could …
"You stole my first kiss before, and now you want to continue taking advantage of me?"
It wasn't impossible to soak in the Hot Spring with Yuhi Kurenai and Hinata.
Uchiha Kage no longer wanted to leave.
However, was this Yuhi Kurenai in the real world a little too boundaryless? Why was she always thinking about… getting close to him?
Did she not know that he already had two wives? She was forcing him to do things that would betray Kaguya and Mikoto.
Uchiha Kage didn't want to be an evil Uchiha, but it seemed that someone was always pushing him towards the evil "abyss."
"F-First… first?"
Yuhi Kurenai only heard the first half of Uchiha Kage's teasing.
Had this guy … had he never kissed anyone else before either?
That's great …
Ahem, but that makes sense. Hinata was too shy and wouldn't take the initiative to do something like that. He probably wasn't interested in Ino, that Yellow-Haired Girl who hadn't even developed yet. Plus, he was so young. It was normal that he hadn't kissed any other women.
Woo …
However, the guilt in Yuhi Kurenai's heart instantly soared to the highest level when she thought that Uchiha Kage's lips hadn't been stolen by Ino and Hinata yet.
"Sorry, I really couldn't help myself at the time. I didn't mean to… wait! I almost let you fool me. You still haven't explained why that woman was wearing your coat!"
Coming back to her senses, Yuhi Kurenai once again grabbed the main point.
"Her clothes were damaged, so I lent it to her. Is there anything wrong with that? You've always wanted me to be a gentle person, right?"
Crap, he felt a little guilty.
He didn't expect that casually mentioning a first kiss would cause such a big reaction from the Female Ninja in front of him…
Uchiha Kage wanted to add that it was just his first kiss of the day, but he decided against it.
"That's it?"
Yuhi Kurenai tentatively suppressed her suspicion.
Now, her mind was filled with the joy and guilt of stealing this guy's first kiss, and she didn't have time to think about anything else.
"Yeah, there's nothing else. Then I'll go back first…"
"I told you to stay. Stay here tonight. Hinata, too!"
"Ah…"
Hinata hadn't thought that they would be sleeping together in addition to soaking in the Hot Spring. She completely turned into a steam engine.
Steam was rising from her head.
"Hmph, it's fine that they put us in such a good Hotel, but they also sent that Female Ninja to live next door. Don't think I don't know what that greasy old man Genshi is thinking!"
If she guessed correctly, that shameless Kirigakure Female Ninja was definitely going to Night Raid Kage's Room tonight.
Yuhi Kurenai saw through it at a glance, so she decided to nip it in the bud and not let Uchiha Kage go back to his Room.
Anyway, tonight was their last night in Kirigakure. They would set off for Konoha tomorrow.
She couldn't leave any chance for that charming Female Ninja!
She was so old, at least ten years older than Kage, and she still wanted to eat young grass … how shameless!
---
"I see, the Uchiha Clan only has two people left now…"
After finalizing the alliance with Konoha, Genshi stayed behind with Terumi Mei to review the major events that had happened in the past two days.
Seeing that the Female Disciple's eyes sparkled and her face was full of joy whenever she talked about Uchiha Kage, he was a little worried at first, but then he changed his mind and thought that it might not be a bad thing.
"If you can keep him, Kirigakure may surpass Konoha In the Future."
Such a genius, and the last of his clan, if Terumi Mei could get together with him, it might even be a beautiful story that would be passed down In the Ninja World.
And who knew when that crazy Sharingan ninja would come to disrupt Kirigakure again? If Uchiha Kage's fighting strength could help, they wouldn't have to worry about the Three-Tails In The Future.
"Teacher, how… how can I keep him?"
That red-eyed Female Teacher and the Byakugan girl were guarding him so closely. She couldn't get near.
And…
She was also shy, like any girl would be.
Terumi Mei was happy that Genshi supported her. But when she thought about how Uchiha Kage didn't seem to care about her, she felt down again.
"The boy is sensitive and might not like this idea. Let's talk to the Hokage of Konoha directly."
Genshi gave the papers he'd written, including the alliance agreement with Konoha Village, to the Female Disciple in front of him.
"The alliance with Konoha is of great significance. I will let you go to Konoha in person. At that time…"
Since they wanted to ally, they couldn't hide it. This matter had to be spread so that the other great Shinobi Village knew about it.
"Teacher, this! I…"
Terumi Mei didn't care about the documents such as the alliance agreement, but the document written by her Teacher was…
What Future Mizukage hopes to marry into the Uchiha Clan. Could this be written in the national letter?
This wasn't a document between countries, it was clearly her marriage certificate!
But it didn't seem impossible…
"Don't be shy, some things need to be fought for. Teacher can only help you this far."
"Yes… t-thank you, Teacher…"
Even with Terumi Mei's consistent style, she couldn't help but blush when she took her own marriage document in her hands.
However, what if that guy disagreed with this fait accompli?
Teacher was right, she had to work hard before the document was delivered to Konoha!
That guy must have feelings for me too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have saved me five times before.
Thinking of the warm feeling of being steadily caught and hugged in his arms during the process of dealing with the Three-Tails, the courage in Terumi Mei's heart suddenly surged up.
She would Night Raid him tonight and see if he would still say that he wasn't interested in her!