Chapter Thirty-Two: Plotting
Hanabi Hyuga had done a lot of studying.
Her time with Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata had been very helpful. Now she waited and analyzed the situation and knew Shikamaru was doing it too, as was Neji. Shikamaru did it with the bored look of someone looking for entertainment. Neji did it with careful calculation, keeping it to himself.
His main focus had been on Kin, which made sense. She and her Team were the best candidates for subordinates on his part. And Choji was eating chips at the meeting, and no one said anything.
"Okay, so are all the plans set up?" said Ino.
"Yes, Shikamaru made the plan, and we worked it out; let's review:" said Naruto. "Kin, your group is a diversionary squad. Your main job is to run interference and engage weak opponents. Take them out quickly and without killing them.
"Hinata will tip you off to good opportunities." Shikamaru looked bored, even as his credit was stolen. So he wouldn't take the initiative."
"Team Guy will-" began Naruto.
"Team Itachi," said Tenten.
"We have been trained by Guy-sensei since before Itachi-sensei, Tenten," said Lee.
"Yes, but Itachi is our team leader," said Tenten. "That's who were are commanded by. You call it Team Itachi, or you call it Team 9."
"What about Team Neji?" asked Naruto. "He is the one who usually calls the shots, right?"
"What, no," said Tenten. "I do."
"I would call it a team effort," said Lee.
"Well, Team Itachi/Guy will be the main leadership group," said Sasuke. "Their job is to act as a backup in case anyone gets in over their head."
"Why is Hanabi here?" asked Choji. He was still eating chips.
"I am here to observe and report matters to my Father," said Hanabi.
"Why do we need him?" asked Dosu.
"Hiashi is our political cover," said Shikamaru. "He'll take credit for setting it all up and make sure there aren't any political problems."
"Why not the Uchiha?" asked Zaku.
"The name is Sasuke," said Sasuke. "And I won't be talked down to by you."
"I'll talk down to anyone I like, pal," said Zaku. "I got picked personally for this mission like Dosu and Kin."
"We don't want a reputation as an Uchiha puppet," said Tenten quickly.
"And I don't want people to think Itachi masterminded it," said Neji.
"So what about Team 7?" asked Kin.
"Team 7 is a specialist attack squad," said Shikamaru. "Sasuke and Naruto are higher tiers than most, and Sakura is a very good healer. Their job will be to act as an attack squad. We send them against any high-tier targets.
"Tenten, Neji, and Lee might be stronger, but they're better in their current role."
"We are stronger," said Neji.
"Keep telling yourself that, Neji," said Naruto. "I'm beating you in the arena this time for sure. Then I'm going after Sasuke."
"I have a question?" said Kin.
"Yes?" asked Shikamaru. Why? Why was Choji still eating chips, and why did it bother Hanabi so much?
"Why do you need us?" asked Kin.
Shikamaru sighed, not even realizing he was blowing his day in the sun. "Oh, it's quite simple.
"You're outsiders.
"See, if the Leaf Ninja did a conspiracy to rub out all the other teams, then the other villages would cry foul. There'd be an international incident."
"Whereas if we have a token team from another village, it's an alliance," said Tenten. "The Sound Village needs to rise in prominence, and we need to keep ours. So backstabbing everyone else through them will let us both benefit."
"What does your squad do, Ino?" asked Sakura.
"We're command and control," said Ino. "I have here a number of stones I have infused with my chakra. Hold it with you, and I can contact you at any time. Shikamaru is the main strategist here." She drew them out.
"Why not Tenten or Neji?" asked Sakura.
"Tenten is a bit chaotic and tends to be impulsive," said Shikamaru. "And Neji could be at risk if he was in direct command."
And understatement.
Hanabi could use that, and she met Neji's eyes. She had to find the right moment to interject here. She wanted to make herself an authority instead of a spoiled brat.
"So, how did this genjutsu work exactly?" asked Kin of Tenten.
"There was no genjutsu," said Tenten. "I noticed you there and realized you were spying on me. So I went to meet Itachi, who I was a student of, and deliberately acted friendly. Itachi proceeded to play along. After that, I ran into Tsunade by chance.
"I'd already chewed her out once; it makes sense in context. So she overreacted, and I responded in kind. Then Jiraiya was there by chance, so I used it as a chance to bluff him into giving Neji lessons. That got the ball rolling, and I figured I'd go take to the logical extreme."
"I knew it was a trick," said Kin. "I knew it." Good, everyone was becoming friends except Hanabi. This was going perfectly; they didn't think much of her right now.
"Everything is a trick when you break it down," said Shikamaru in a bored tone. "Ah, this is such a drag.
"If this goes well, all of us will come to the attention of the world. Now, none of us will pass, probably. But when we do pass, it will go well for us.
"Neji, how are things going on the Jiraiya front?"
"Not well," said Neji, irritated at the question. Did Shikamaru realize what asking that question here could mean? Hanabi was not tame, and Shikamaru was assuming she was and endangering Neji. "Naruto, you might do well under his instruction, however."
"What makes you say that?" asked Naruto.
"I don't want to discuss it with you here, Naruto. We'll go to one side," said Neji. "My team did a bit of research on your family history, and this seems a good time to tell you since we're allies now."
And they went off into a side room. Hanabi could not blame him. If Hanabi had been seeking to kill Neji, Shikamaru's comments could endanger him.
"Seriously?" said Naruto beyond the door. "Yes! Yes! This is so awesome! This is the greatest moment of my life!"
"I'm pleased you think so," said Naruto as they came back.
What was going on?
What did Neji know that Hanabi did not?
"That's why you hated me so much, Tenten!" said Naruto. "I was the person who was hoping to find out you were when you got the village."
"Yeah, pretty much," said Tenten with a smile. "Your dreams always die. You gotta accept that if you want to make them real."
"That's pretty deep, Tenten," said Ino.
"I've been doing D-ranks since before graduation," said Tenten. "I'd better pick up on some wisdom by now."
"Okay, we have the maps of the Forest of Death where the exams are to take place," said Lee, unrolling it.
"How did you get that?" asked Shikamaru. Didn't he know?
"My team put them together," said Tenten. "During our wilderness training.
"We've also got a list of notable plants and animals.
"What we really need is details on the people likely to show up for the exams. If we could get information on them, we could tailor a strategy. Our current plan is to observe as they come in."
"We already know one person coming in," said Dosu. "Gaara of the Sand Village and his team."
"Is he good?" asked Shikamaru.
"He has a very high kill rate," said Dosu. "Almost as high as Team Guy's. A lot of bandits have been killed by him, and he never takes prisoners.
"They send him on missions when they want everything dead."
"Does he kill civilians?" asked Tenten.
"No way!" said Zaku. "If he killed civilians on missions, the Kazekage would kill him in seconds. Maybe some psychos can get away with slaughtering soldiers, but killing civilians is a no go."
"Shouldn't you say the Kazekage?" asked Sakura.
"And why should I?" asked Zaku. "He's not a leader. You know he sent one of his best subordinates recently to die in order to get political cover for an operation. An operation the jerk then scrapped.
"The Sound would never make that kind of sacrifice play unless it advanced their goals.
"He's led the Hidden Villages run roughshod all over his organization."
"Doesn't that apply to Sarutobi Hiruzen too?" asked Neji, an edge in his tone. Ah, that was why. The professionalism in this room had degenerated to unacceptable levels. To the point where doubting the Hokage had been allowed, no less.
It wasn't Neji's fault, but she still had to take a stand here. Choji was eating chips.
Hanabi was about to speak up. But at that moment, Shikamaru did. "Well, that's different, Neji." Thereby acknowledging the statement as acceptable. "Sarutobi is Sarutobi. He didn't do that because he couldn't beat the Cloud; he did it because... he didn't want another war. Things have been going pretty well for the Leaf, and the Cloud was trying to pick a fight.
"They wanted to force us into attacking them so they could get the moral high ground.
"But they didn't. The Raikage did not get his war, he didn't get the Byakugan, and he lost political credibility. He did more damage to himself than any of-"
"Because you are young and foolish, Shikamaru, I will pardon those words," said Hanabi.
"You're like... half my age," said Shikamaru.
"Then perhaps you should act it," said Hanabi. "The loss of my uncle was a source of eternal strife for a family since long before I was born. Members of the Branch Clan have been executed because they were driven to defection. All by Hizashi's death.
"It is not the sort of thing an outsider should make judgments on."
"Well, I'd love to apologize, but you largely keep to yourselves," said Shikamaru.
"The Hyuga Clan are staunch traditionalists," said Hanabi. "The rules and regulations of our society say what they say and cannot be altered—only interpreted. The Hyuga chose to accept a defeat on behalf of the village. Especially for it has suffered both in reputation and our own blood.
"Do not ever speak lightly of this matter to my cousin again? Am I clear?"
Shikamaru flinched, and she had him. "Yes, of course."
"Kin, Zaku, Dosu, are you the strongest Genin Team in the Sound?" asked Hanabi.
"No, not by a long shot," said Kin. "Although, we don't usually use formal rankings. We're here as public representatives. The Sound Four are probably close, but they aren't technically genin."
"Are you the strongest genin your age?" asked Hanabi.
They halted.
"Probably not," said Zaku. "Though we're far above average."
"You are here as a sacrifice play," said Hanabi.
"What?!" said Zaku.
"You are not here to establish good relations," said Hanabi. "If its purpose was to perform a special mission, you would never have been duped into this council."
Dosu was remaining silent and observing—a wise policy.
"Jiraiya and Tsunade were duped," said Zaku.
"True, but they have had prior relationships with this organization," said Hanabi.
"If the Sound wanted to win the Chunin Exams, they would pick their strongest who could qualify. If they wanted to play nice, you would look far more appealing."
"Just what is that supposed-" began Kin.
"So the only explanation is that your very presence is somehow useful," said Hanabi. "Unless you have some bloodline or major power we do not know about. Then the best response would be a blood sacrifice. For instance:
"The Edo Tensei." Years of reading history finally paid off!
"You mean, bringing back the dead?" asked Kin.
"Yes," said Hanabi. "All you have to do is raid the graveyards of the Leaf Village. Take the corpses of Hashirama and Tobirama and resurrect them. In one move, you would have two very powerful Kage-level opponents.
"Now, one of you might be allowed to survive. There might be a backup team in case you don't make it. And you might have some superfluous secondary goal, but this is just a front.
"Your real reason for being here is to be a fresh corpse for forbidden jutsu."
"That's not true!" said Zaku.
"Then I suppose you believe Orochimaru would be unable, or otherwise, to use it on low-ranking genin?" asked Hanabi. "He was Sarutobi's student."
Silence.
"...If we check for confirmation, we're dead either way," noted Kin.
"Well then," said Hanabi, deciding to test them. "Who is your contact?"
"I'm not telling you anything," said Zaku. "We're still Sound Ninja, remember?"
An attitude Hanabi could respect. She might have to find a use for these ones. "As you wish." She paused. "...Neji, you're now in charge of the strategy for Chunin Exams."
"As you wish, Lady Hanabi," said Neji.
"What the..." Shikamaru halted. "You can't just change the leadership like that!"
"You are unable to control a war room meeting, Shikamaru; how could you control an operation?" asked Hanabi. "You are passive, and you are not respected by those here."
"That's not true," said Choji. "Shikamaru is really smart!"
"He actually is," said Ino.
"You are eating chips, Choji," said Hanabi. "The Hokage's credibility was publically questioned without reprimand, and you are eating chips. Shikamaru passed judgment on one of the worst humiliations in my clan's histories. You are eating chips.
"Shikamaru flinches and cedes control to one who is supposed to be a figurehead, and you are eating chips. This is a military operation, and if it goes poorly enough, we could all die. I have not noticed any of the higher-tier teams broaching the subject of politics."
"Actually, we kind of did," said Tenten.
"That is true," said Hanabi. "However that was directly relevant to the mission. As for Neji's misstep, he should never have been put in that position in the first place. A member of the Branch Clan can never be put in a position of discussing matters of politics.
"If they say something that does not align with the Hyuga Clan, who can foresee the result?
"Hinata, I'm adding the job of oversight for the operation to you. Report anything necessary. Kiba and Shino will perform their duties and protect you."
"Hang on," said Naruto. "We were all being informal here. And Shikamaru has actually pulled through in a lot of missions we've done. He's good at planning and putting things together."
"Is this acceptable to you all?" asked Hanabi.
Nodding.
"Very well," said Hanabi. "If there is need to make a battle strategy in the exams, Shikamaru should be consulted."
"What do you mean by anything necessary, Hanabi?" asked Hinata.
"If anyone gets carried away or any lethal battles start taking place, you report it," said Hinata. "The Leaf Village's history is mired in treachery. The Hyuga Clan needs someone who can ensure no one dies.
"You are not to engage in any direct confrontations. Except when your life is in peril, and you have no alternatives."
"Yes, sister," said Hinata. "Are you alright?"
"I am speaking for the Hyuga, not Hanabi," said Hanabi.
"What about Gaara?" asked Lee. "If he is as deadly as they say, we could face serious problems.
"There's no point in doing an exam if we shall be fighting for our lives."
"We do know not know enough about him to make a strategy," said Hanabi before looking to Naruto. "Naruto Uzumaki, what would you do here?"
"Talk to the guy, I guess," said Naruto. "Figure out what he wants, why he's in pain or likes to hurt other people."
"Do it," said Hanabi. "Tenten and Ino will assist you in this as the social butterflies of our group. Sakura, I'm leaving you in charge of mapmaking alongside Neji as a consultant. Shikamaru will be consulted as needed.
"The Hyuga Clan will take a hands-off approach henceforth whenever possible."
"Right, sure," said Naruto.
Hanabi looked at the fat boy. "Choji...
"Don't ever eat chips during a tactical meeting again."
Choji winced.
"Now, everything that happened in this conversation is now under seal," said Hanabi. "Do not speak of what happens here or what is discussed except with direct authorization. Or a delegated command officer.
"This conversation never took place.
"We came to this house to eat Ino's cookies and drink soda. Understand?"
"Yes, ma'am," said everyone.
Hanabi nodded. "Leave us. Take as many cookies as you want and drink the soft drinks in the next room.
"You stay, Neji."
Everyone filed out and took cookies. Hanabi waited. Now was the time if Neji was impulsive enough to attempt an unplanned murder. He was very good, but she could survive long enough to get help. But Neji simply stood where he was.
The others were watching.
"I see you've decided to come into your own," said Neji.
"The personal vendetta between you and your family must end," said Hanabi. "You and Tenten have been maneuvering for some goal this entire time, and I want to know what it is."
Neji paused. "Do you have a theory?"
Hanabi knew he was testing her. "The first stage of the plan was to put yourself in a position where we could not kill you. Once done, you made the Uchiha Clan more powerful. Then you transferred your legal ownership over to Itachi.
"Itachi then moves it to you.
"Father believes that is the extent of your motives, but I know better. You are a lot stronger than you have let on. Perhaps even a genius. You might even be able to beat me.
"However, your real target is Hinata.
"The Chunin Exams are dangerous. She could easily die with great knowledge of the terrain and leave you clear to get through. Once there, you could thrill the assembled crowds in the finals and make yourself famous. At that point, you would be nearly my equal and could negotiate a deal or, alternatively, seek revenge.
"Once Hiashi and I were dead, you would be the only option."
"None of that is untrue," said Neji. "What of it?"
Hanabi paused. "You're good material, Neji.
"And I refuse to waste good material."
"And here I thought we were family," said Neji.
"A misunderstanding on my part," said Hanabi. "Tenten was useful in that regard. The Branch Clan is not family; you are property. This is a fact, and the foundation of our traditions is based on it. Our refusal to admit this is the root of our problem.
"I intend to drop all pretenses when I am Head of the Clan.
"You will do as I command because I command it and be rewarded or not because I say so.
"But this is not of any relevance.
"The feud between us must end. You desire revenge, and I want you and Hinata to remain valuable assets to the Hyuga. A confrontation between us can only end in all our deaths. Only the complete annihilation of the Leaf Village could make that strategy workable. In which case, you would have been better to defect to the Sound long ago." They were being watched.
"What are you suggesting?" asked Neji.
"I suggest that these desires do not conflict," said Hanabi.
"How so?" asked Neji.
"Tenten already has what she wanted," said Hanabi. "You are the beginnings of a subordinate branch of the Hyuga in Uchiha influence. Only your death or the destruction of the Uchiha Clan could stop it now.
"I will cede that defeat to make a greater victory later.
"I suggest we pursue revenge together in a way that benefits the Leaf Village. Who do you think invited so many new dignitaries?"
"And what target could be so terrible that we should put aside ages of hatred to destroy it?" asked Neji
"Why the only goal worth combining so many different powers for," said Hanabi. "The destruction of the Village Hidden in the Clouds."
Neji smiled, and Hanabi smiled back.
This looked like the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.