Chapter 3
Hyuuga Hizashi and Hyuuga Hiashi sat facing the current head of the Namikaze clan, Toshiyuki Namikaze. They had called on him to discuss something important concerning the Namikaze clan. They told him they wanted to raise the status of the clan to make them another of the great clans of Konoha.
He was filled with excitement at this opportunity. He never would have imagined that the clan would be honored like this. They had only one last thing to discuss, the method they would use to accomplish this. To further punctuate this honor he had been invited into the Hyuuga's Garden as a guest. He had even received tea, from the taste he could tell it was of high quality. From their spot they could see Hyuuga training and sparring, nearby. Some with other Hyuuga some with a Yamanaka or Namikaze. It was a reassuring sight.
"This is a lovely garden you have Hyuuga-sama" Toshiyuki complimented.
"Thank you it is my wife's favorite place on the grounds, It was somewhat of a wedding gift to her. Everything here was her doing, she calls it her sunny place." Hiashi replied with a slight smile.
"Ah Lord Hokage, I also heard you had become a father recently. How is your family doing?"
"They are well thank you, although it has been difficult these past few months balancing my duties and raising a son. I am thankful for the support of my brother and his wife. However we do have important matters to discuss. As we explained earlier we wish to raise your clan up to become the next great clan of Konoha. We understand that your nephew Minato has shown great skill and ability. I have even heard he is working to develop a new jutsu." Hizashi spoke.
"Yes we are all very proud of him, he is our first true genius. It is gratifying to know that he is finally being recognized." Toshiyuki replied beaming. The Hyuuga twins nodded in agreement.
"We have high hopes for him as well." Hiashi started. "However his genius alone is not enough to secure your clans future." Toshiyuki looked confused.
Toshiyuki was confused, if Minato's abilities were not enough to raise the clans status then why bring him up? Was there more they had not yet told him? He was beginning to feel a little apprehensive, and from the look of concern on the Hokage's face he had noticed. The expression only served to alarm him.
"I see, well we have other talented ninja as well who could, with the training and sufficient time, become influential in their own spheres." he added
"While that may be useful that will take too much time." Hiashi replied.
Toshiyuki was tense, "I'm not certain what else we could offer"
His clan was relatively small. His father was the Founder of the Namikaze clan and had three sons and a daughter. He had pledged his loyalty to Konoha and promised to serve the Hyuuga clan, securing there place in the powerful nation. Eventually Toshiyuki had become the Patriarch of the clan, though there were no traditions stating the oldest direct descendant was promised the position. His brother and sister were simply uninterested and their youngest brother, at that time, had simply been too young.
That being the case Toshiyuki could not fathom what his clan could offer the mighty Hyuuga clan. Uncertainty led to doubt, as he began to fear that he had been outright lied to about the Hyuuga's intentions. He tried to hide his unease and confusion behind a mask of contemplation.
He was aware of the rumors that Hyuuga could read mind but he knew the truth, they simply read your body language with their exceptional eyes. If they did have ulterior motives he could not let them know he suspected, though he wasn't sure he could pull it off
"We are not trying to deceive you, we only mean to open the conversation for discussion in order to conceive the best course of action. The three of us will fair better together than apart." Hizashi explained. Toshiyuki was still tense, and the two before him had seen it as clear as day. However at this point he could see no other path but to ask directly, the Hokage had said the floor was open for discussion.
"I do not wish to sound ungrateful for this opportunity, but I must ask. Why do you wish to raise us up?" it was a simple question, and both Hiashi and Hizashi knew they must answer it carefully, to make their intentions clear.
"Though Minato is an exceptional member of your clan it is well known that many of the other members are of above average intelligence and are adept at the use and application of jutsu." Hizashi said.
"The whole of Konoha only stands to benefit from your clans influence and greater involvement in the wider issues pressing the village" Hiashi quickly explained.
"As well our clans share many opinions on how to shape our village for the future. On issues we may not agree your points are reasonably argued, your stances balance out the other clans and members of the War council" Hizashi finished. Toshiyuki relaxed slightly, their points made sense. They considered the Namikaze clan altogether strong and they would be an ally in times where influence was necessary. Not only that but this would give the relatively new Namikaze clan the chance to push their own agenda, with perhaps an unspoken agreement of cooperation?
The decision had clear benefit for the Hyuuga, however Toshiyuki saw it would be equally so for his clan. Though their motives seemed less altruistic he took comfort in knowing at least a part of their true purpose. He suspected there may be more to this than they were telling him, however this was a rare opportunity. If he was being honest it was an easy decision. As they had stated, on most issues their views were aligned. It was a win win situation.
"I see, please forgive my ungrateful behavior" he said as he stood and held a bow.
"It is understandable to be cautious however we hope in the future you will be more trusting of us. Please sit so we may discuss our plans." Hizashi said
"Through my brother's influence we believe we can attain the Third's recommendation, however Minato will still have to prove himself." Hiashi began explaining his and his brothers concerns. "I believe there are several ways we can secure this. The most obvious route would be by distinguishing himself through his military exploits. The down side is this will take quite some time."
"Perhaps I could take him on as the next head of our house hold? With him as the next leader we can show our clans potential and give him more presence. However this will be a very slight boost, how else may we help the clan's reputation?" neither Hiashi nor Hizashi seemed to have an answer readily available, or at least not one they were ready to give out. "You mentioned military exploits but expressed concern at the length of time it would take for them to be recognized, is there no way around this?"The Hyuuga twins both thought for a moment before Hiashi spoke.
"I suppose if he were to lead a successful campaign to push the borders of our nation and take back some of the coast it may serve as a strong sign that your clan was a formidable military power."
"This would be a monumental task however with the political climate how it is one mistake, any clear sign of weakness and the wolves would be at our door" Hizashi remarked. "He would have to have a nearly perfect operational record."
"It seems difficult but I am confident he could meet this challenge." Toshiyuki spoke with pride of the genius of his clan. "And he would have the support of his clan."
"I believe I have another solution, are you aware of the type of technique he is developing?" Hizashi asked
"I have seen him researching several different things. Sometimes he will work with scrolls and seals, others he is developing his control over his chakra control and manipulation. I believe he has even developed a few unique weapons, however he does have a bit of a flair for eccentricities" Toshiyuki replied
"I have asked some of my Jounin to investigate, and though he is very secretive it seems he is developing a movement technique to rival that of the Uchiha Teleporter. If he can develop and teach this to some of our elite ninja it will be the first step towards his ascension."
"On top of that" Hiashi added, "to show that we support you I will arrange for the betrothal of one of our cousins to him. This will also show a bond between our two clans to the people of Konoha."
"After that it will be easy, he will complete some high profile assignments to show his skills as a ninja, then with the support of the people and the other clans you will officially be raised by the Hokage and the War council. Lastly you will groom him to take control of the clan" Hizashi concluded.
It was a good plan, in fact it was so good that Toshiyuki wasn't even sure what they wanted to discus today. It seemed to him they had this all worked out in advance.
"This seems like a good plan and I can see no reason why you would need my help for any of it."
"It is the one thing most crucial to the plans success that we leave in your hands, Minato himself. We need to be sure he cooperates with this plan, there will be many decisions about his life that will be made for him" Hizashi proclaimed.
"I will discuss things with him today rest assured he will participate"
"We will be counting on you Namikaze-sama, and we look forward to you and your clans new status."
After their meeting concluded Toshiyuki left to the district of town his clan occupied. They were neither rich enough to afford or esteemed enough to be assigned, a district of their own. The land and housing had all been provided by the Hyuuga in the area surrounding their own compound. In the event of an attack on the Village itself the Hyuuga compound would be the most well protected.
Toshiyuki supposed that was another unspoken clause in the agreement, the Namikaze would provide yet another type of defense for their "Parent Clan" It was rumored that the current Hokage did not hold the full support of the War council. In recent years the council had gained more power and influence of it's own. Though in the past the Hokage's word was final, the council now had ways to retaliate. Most of these methods amounted to little more than inconveniences that had a larger affect on the ninja deploying and deployed to the "front line". Things such as delayed movements, a lack of supplies, broken communication chains, and a mysterious loss of funding. These problems were easily remedied and no one had out right disobeyed the head of their nation, but the message was clear. The War council would be given a say in all matter that had a major impact on Konoha.
With the Namikaze backing them and support from the other clans of the village, the council wouldn't dare fight the issues that mattered to their Hokage. The Hyuuga's purpose seemed clear to Toshiyuki when viewed under this lens, and so it was that he wrote a message asking to speak with Minato, after his return from patrol duty.
After an "uneventful" patrol Minato wanted nothing more than to return home and get some sleep. Unfortunately after delivering his report, his Squad Leader had handed him a folded piece of paper addressed to him from the clan's Patriarch, asking to speak with him as soon as possible.
As he made his way across the village he thought about his night. Things had gone smoothly, he met up with and dispelled his clones absorbing their experiences. Nothing unusual had occurred, which was no surprise, nothing exciting ever happened on the days he met Kushina.
He was aware that she was a powerful ninja, and a part of Uzushio's ANBU from the mask she usually wore, not to mention her knack for seals. Although he supposed that was obvious, no one in the 6 nations was as good with seals as the Uzumaki clan. There was also the fact that she was always alone, from the day they had met she had carried out her patrols on her own. As for the cousin she always claimed was nearby, Minato had never seen any signs of anyone else being with her.
He thought not for the first time of Kushina's family, what were they like? The closest he ever got to any of the citizens of Uzushio was when he was fighting them.
But there had to be more to them than that. He imagined Kushina had a mother and father who loved her and worried about her when she was on patrol across the sea in Uzushio's costal territory. Perhaps her father was a battle hardened veteran. They couldn't all be bad. Would they love her child, even if they knew who the father was?
The news was heavy on his mind, and he tried to imagine a scenario in which he and Kushina could be together. He did not wish to leave his family and village, and doubted she would either. Though if it were a question of defecting his would be the only one possible. The Namikaze were a lesser known clan of Konoha. He tried to other scenarios but there were none that did not include leaving one village or the other the other.
It all came down to one thing, he had made a mistake. He loved Kushina but there was no plausible way they could be a family. He wondered briefly if his son would grow up hating him. It's more likely he would just grow up not knowing anything about me, he thought.
Minato arrived at his uncle's home a few minutes later. It was similar in design to the other homes in the unofficial "Namikaze District". The biggest indication that it was his uncles house was the Zen Garden in the front yard. He had seen his uncle outside racking the wave like patterns into the sand on a few occasions. The walkway itself was made of large flat stones, with small gaps between them, leading from the gate to the front door.
"Uncle, it's me I'm coming in" he announced as he entered the home.
"Come in I've been expecting you."
Minato had never actually been inside his uncles house, but it seemed to suit him. Toshiyuki was a man of simple tastes, and it was reflected in the sparse somewhat modern design of his home. The entry way had a single table near the door with a picture of him, his wife and son smiling in front of their house.
Despite the lack of furnishings the warm colors made it feel cozy. Minato's own home was similarly designed but with more pictures hanging from the walls, tables stacked with books and scrolls, and cluttered with furniture .
He walked down the hall to the room his uncle was waiting in and greeted him with a wave "Good morning uncle Toshi."
"Good morning nephew come join me for tea we have a lot to discuss." Toshi said motioning for him to sit at the low table. This room like the rest of the house contained simple decorations but gave a warm comforting feeling.
It helped to relax Minato, he felt like he was here to visit his uncle instead of reporting to the clan's leader. Though he himself had never come to his uncles house. After his mother had died during a skirmish with Iwa his uncle had made it a point to come check in on him. His father had died when he was young however his mother never told him how, and he never bothered to ask anyone else how. He supposed by the time he came to understand that his father was dead he had already accepted it as a fact of life.
"I spoke with the Hyuuga head and the Hokage today. They were very impressed with you." Toshi began.
"That is great uncle Toshi, I'm happy to receive their praise."
"There was however a bit more to the meeting. They informed me of their desire to raise the status of our clan and their desire for you to be involved with it." Toshiyuki was smiling as he informed his nephew.
"That's amazing news uncle but why do they want me to be part of it?"
Toshiyuki was a relatively straight forward man especially when it came to his clan members. So he wasted no words informing Minato of the major points of his role in the plan.
"Minato the rise of the clan will rely on the public's perception of you. Your reputation is growing and you are getting noticed by important people. Tomorrow I will announce you as my successor and start your training to take over the clan. I'm aware that you have been working on developing a jutsu, the plan would involve you sharing that jutsu with the rest of the ninja in the village. There is also the matter of your betrothal. A Hyuuga will be promised to you and you to her, to strengthen the bond between our two clan. You must always remember the kindness the Hyuuga have shown us. They will be our allies and we theirs as we move forward from this point." Toshiyuki paused noticing the uncertain expression on Minato's face.
Perhaps he had said too much all at once, though it was not like his nephew to fold under pressure. It was a lot to ask of one man, even one as talented as Minato.
"Of course it goes with out saying you will have the full support of your clan. We too will help you in elevating our status. Together we will rise or fall." Minato was still silent "Do you have anything to say nephew?"
Minato was quiet as he contemplated his next statement. He and Kushina could never publicly be together and an arranged marriage did not necessarily mean that he and his betrothed had to also have a physical relationship. However it would feel like he was betraying her. He could not tell his uncle about her and it may be suspicious to out right say he was in love with someone already.
"Have the details of this plan been announced yet?"
"No the Hokage and Hiashi wanted me to make sure you were prepared for your role first." Toshiyuki found himself framing his speech in an usual fashion and he didn't like it. It felt like he was trying to manipulate Minato and he was sure his nephew had noticed as well. Minato looked as though there were something he wanted to say, so Toshiyuki decided to take a gamble.
"This is certainly an important role and you will have a lot of weight on your shoulders. So please speak your mind your opinion on this matter is as important as anyone's."
It felt like a game of chess to Minato and he was playing against his own secrets. How best to keep them safe and still stay true to his feelings?
"There are a few parts to the plan that I am uncertain of. First of all I do not mind sharing the jutsu that I am developing with the other ninja of the village, however I do not know how long it will take to complete."
"I am sure even the promise of a powerful and useful jutsu will be enough on its own, you will not be held to any sort of schedule." This did not sound like Minato, he had always seemed so certain of himself to Toshiyuki.
"Secondly I greatly appreciate the confidence you have in me to offer me the position of being your successor but would it not be better for your son to take that position, and then for him to wed a Hyuuga? If we are going to rise as a clan it would make more sense to spread the renown among multiple members of our clan."
"You bring up a fair point, but the point of having you as the next head of the clan is to gain the support of the general populace. Announcing a well known individual will get more attention focused on our clan." Toshiyuki reasoned.
"Is there no other way to gain reputation uncle? Isn't there a way we could get more of the clan noticed, I don't wish to seem ungrateful to the Hyuuga, however this feels a bit like we are being forcibly tied into their clan." Minato felt he may have pushed to far and tipped his hands.
Which in fact he had, Toshiyuki was no fool. He was also a ninja of this great nation and had trained to see the hidden truth since before Minato was born. He saw clearly that it was the marriage that Minato had the most trouble accepting, and there was only one reason he could see for it. Minato had fallen in love. With his last statement he had drawn attention where he had avoided it previously.
Toshiyuki kept his emotions hidden, so that Minato would not see he had discovered the truth. He would respect his nephews feelings if he could, what ever reason he had for not telling him where his own. He reminisced fondly of the days when he and his wife had first met. The excitement of young love in a world full of danger. How could he deny his own blood that same wonderful experience? An arranged marriage could be a dispassionate one after all.
"There was some discussion about reputation through military merit, but it was decided that it would either backfire or take far to long to make a difference."
"That would be perfect uncle Toshi! I, along with a team of my clansmen could make a name for ourselves."
"I would have to discuss this with the Hokage and the Hyuuga head, but if you are this adamant about it I will do what I can. I will need more from you however if this is to succeed. I will need a plan from you, I know your master has been teaching you about the political climate and the state of the other five nations. You will propose a military campaign and put together a team to carry it out. List all the resources you will need and explain how it will strengthen the Leaf. This will be a demanding task, if you are aware of our enemies at all you know failure is something you cannot afford. Every sign of weakness is a chance for our enemies to strike." Toshiyuki shook his head. Perhaps he was giving his nephew too much leeway.
"Understood Uncle I will deliver my plan as soon as possible"
"Good you may leave to start now" Toshiyuki Dismissed him.
After Minato left Toshiyuki grabbed a scroll and wrote a note to Hiashi Hyuuga requesting to meet and discuss what had just happened. He was going to have a hard time explaining this but he would find a way to make it work.
As soon as Minato reached his home he immediately began to form a plan. He would need to form a team first from his family members, and train them to be able to use his new jutsu. He had not lied when he expressed concerns about being able to finish his new jutsu in a reasonable amount of time. However it was not the jutsu they all thought it was.
He had been aware that the Hokage as well as a few others had been spying on him, and he used that to his advantage. He intentionally mislead them. In reality the jutsu they saw him working on had been finished for months. Though he couldn't truly say he "invented" the technique. It was more along the lines of adapting it.
In order for his plan to work he would need a little help. So he summoned a messenger toad.
One week later
Hizashi and his brother had met again with Toshiyuki. He informed them that his nephew Minato had requested certain changes to the plan. Hiashi had voiced his skepticism stating that their previous plan was more than adequate. "What could he possibly be opposed to?"
Toshiyuki still wishing to keep his nephews young romance a secret, from a duo who may not see the value in it, spoke of Minato's unwillingness to take the place as the future head of the Namikaze clan. He then proceeded to brief the Hyuuga twins on the plan devised by Minato. The plan was brazen but if pulled off successfully would achieve the desired effect.
If the Hyuuga agreed to the changes, the Hokage would present the plan to the war council the following day. Minato they were assured had already started training the team that would help him carry out the campaign.
The plan was simple, and pushed their border to the north and south. In the north they would push up to the border of Kumo's frost village. This would be the initial push to remove both Kumo and Uzushio from these contested lands and would play a part in later campaigns. Next the occupying forces to the west would start to put pressure on the border which would hopefully prompt Iwa to move there forces to engage. Once this happened they would take the waterfall village.
After that the occupying forces would withdraw and reorganize. Taking the last pieces of territory that sat between Kumo and Iwa would be easy.
The second half of the campaign would be the most difficult and dangerous. Uzushio had taken their nations peninsula along the south coast. It was now commonly referred to as the coastal territory. It would require speed and a tight hold on intelligence. Konoha would begin garrisoning ninja in a small island territory to the west of the peninsula, setting up a transportation route to the mainland. At the same time an assault would begin on the border of the Coastal Territory. The objective was to progress to the edge of the peninsula and then have the Island force attack from the rear. Essentially flanking their enemy.
The benefits to this plan where clear, cut the land border between Kumo and Iwa, give a foot hold for later campaigns into Uzushio and Kiri territory, and finally to push their rivals off the mainland.
Of course the Hokage had concerns, however most of those were also addressed in Minato's plan. He understood that no plan was perfect and contingencies had been included in the event that the plan failed at different points in the operation. It seems he had also considered the fate of his clan in the event that the second phase fell through. It seems he would be training his cousin to take command of capturing the Iwa territory at the waterfall village while he led the decoy operation in the west.
It seemed strange to Hiashi that Minato could be so sure of himself in this military operation yet not have enough confidence to take up Toshiyuki's position in the clan.
"He can be quite peculiar sometimes, and doesn't seem to appreciate politics and tact." Toshiyuki assured them. "He is like many military geniuses in this day, more comfortable on the battlefield than in a meeting or at a ceremony."
The Hyuuga twins could empathize with this sentiment. They themselves had been hailed as geniuses on the battlefield. They had both set that aside to lead, in their respective ways, Konoha's future ninja.
The plan was well thought out, and with a silent confirmation between brothers the proposal was accepted. The Hokage made plans to meet with the War council the following day to announce the plan. Hiashi and Toshiyuki left to there daily obligations to their respective clans.
The following day Hizashi met with the War council. During the Third Hokage's time the council seats had been filled by ninja. However when Hizashi had taken up his position he introduced some of the general populace to the mix. The trade off was a pool of greater diversity and intellect, at the cost of the absolute obedience of a warrior to his military commander.
Hizashi felt the benefit was worth the cost but, some of the remaining ninja did not appreciate this change. The popular opinion was that the current Hokage's desire was to cater to the general population. To those ninja these positions were an honor reserved for those who had shed blood for this Nation, and proven themselves loyal enough to be trusted with greater responsibility.
The current members sat around the table before the meeting, awaiting the Hokage's arrival. There were seven seats on the council.
The intelligence gathering and analysis Director was a civilian man named Shin Yama, a very talented man with a gift for analysis and prediction based on the intelligence gathered on enemy patterns and past tactics. His skill was widely acknowledged even by some of the more stubborn ninja of the village.
One of those who acknowledged his talent was the man in charge of Special Operations, Danzo Shimura. His dedication to the village coupled with his willingness to take any course of action necessary to protect the Nation made him perfect for this position. He was also backed by an exemplary record as a ninja of Konoha.
In charge of the Strategic planning and Operations was another ninja, a relatively young man compared to his counterparts on the council, Shikaku Nara. The man's genius was undeniable but his bias for inaction when faced with low strategic gain made him unpopular among the more aggressive tacticians.
Next was the head of Logistics, who handled the distribution of supplies, coordinate the building of infrastructure, and the organization of ninja training both locally and through out the territories held by the nation. A civilian who was routinely blamed and ultimately under appreciated in his position, Takeshi Aono. He worked closely with the Hiroshi Watanabe, a wealthy and successful business man originally from one of the nations smaller villages.
Hiroshi was in charge of managing Konoha's treasury, a position Hizashi took great care in selecting. He had conducted a very thorough investigation into all his dealings and previous business partners. Hizashi had even conducted the interview himself and found him to simply be a very talented man with a bit of a lucky streak to boot.
The Nations defensive department was also lead by a civilian much to the chagrin of many veteran ninja. "What could a civilian know about war and the defense of territories and outposts?" they had asked. It was true he had no experience in war and had it not been for his nature he would have never been successful in his position. Hideo Ishida was willing to do what most wouldn't to get his job done, he talked to the ninja who were in direct need of his department. From the newest genin to Jounin in command positions. It was not uncommon to see him or one of his agents out in the field surveying or re-evaluating defensive positions. He was well known though not universal liked among the ninja ranks. Some argued that he should create more defensive structures between the borders and the interior of the country. This criticism was routinely dismissed with his signature catch phrase "mmmm, perhaps."
Finally rounding out the group was the final member, a ninja of the Yamanaka clan, Ryoka Yamanaka. Her talent for reading people and being able to influence their opinions combined with her love for psychology made her the perfect person to run Psychological Operations.
Some of the councilmen talked to each other discussing business or challenges they were facing, others going over reports in their respective departments, until the Hokage entered the conference room.
Hizashi found it was better to get straight to the point as he began to address the people present.
"As I informed you in my letter we are here to discuss a campaign proposed by a talented young ninja within our ranks." The Hokage then began his brief of the strategy laid out by Minato before opening the floor for comments.
"There are some concerns I have with this plan, who came up with it?" Shikaku began. "If possible I would like to discuss it with him personally."
"What is to stop Kumo and Iwa from uniting to push us out at the onset?" asked Hideo.
"In answer to both of your questions, Minato Namikaze has developed this plan. He has addressed the concern of an alliance with information gathered by an outside source. Iwa and Kumo are currently in conflict over the territory between their two countries. The fighting is taking place near the Mountain's graveyard. The timing of the consecutive operations will need to be precise to take advantage of their divided attention." Hizashi answered.
"This second phase seems almost too risky. If even a hint of our forces is discovered staging for an attack we could very easily be caught unprepared." Shin said.
"There is no reward without risk, Shin." Danzo spoke. "I for one am in support of this plan. I will lend you the aid of my resources to help control the flow of information"
The room at large was surprised by Danzo's support. It was well known to the rest of the council that he viewed the current Hokage as weak, and therefore unfit for the position.
"I do have some questions of my own however, what will be done when the new territories are taken? How long till we begin the next campaign, and who will lead it?" He asked the Hokage.
"That remains to be seen, for now the plan is to secure the new land and then evaluate the developing climate." The Hokage responded.
"It will be a challenge for sure but I also accept this plan." Shin added
At this point Hideo, Hiroshi, and Takashi began their own conversation discussing the cost of building and supplying new outposts as well as the time it would take to complete.
"Excuse me gentlemen but if you wouldn't mind, will you support my proposal?" Hizashi asked.
"My apologies," Hiroshi spoke for the three "we will support the plan." with that the three continued their discussion.
"I suppose you will need my unit to prepare the population in the Land of Waves for the incoming ninja?" Ryoka asked.
"Yes, does this mean you also support the proposal?"
"You have my support Hokage" Ryoka answered
Shikaku sighed "well there is no use fighting it, but I will need to speak to Minato to straighten out a few details as soon as possible."
"Then it is settled, the proposal has been passed. The operation will proceed in a month's time." Hizashi announced "I expect progress reports from each of you at regular intervals. The meeting is adjourned."
The council members rose and left individually with the exception of the trio immersed in conversation. Danzo loitered till all the others had made their way out. Striking up one last conversation with Hizashi.
"This is a bold move for you Lord Hokage, may I ask what prompted this sudden change in behavior?"
"There is no change, despite your personal opinion. I was simply presented with a worth while plan." Hizashi stated calmly. Danzo did not speak carelessly, a fact of which Hizashi was all to aware.
"I only hope your passivity will not hinder this promising endeavor. You haven't exactly been active in your time as Hokage."
"Do not take my concern for the lives of our people as a sign of weakness. If it is for the good of the nation I will do what is necessary. You are still one of Konoha's ninja and as such I expect you to comply with the orders you are given."
"I will do what is necessary to preserve this nation." Danzo stated
"Do not make me your enemy Danzo Shimura. Your connection to the Sarutobi clan will not protect you should you needlessly throw away the lives of my people." Hizashi was not prone to violence, but even the hint of a challenge from the man standing before him must be immediately extinguished.
"So you do have fangs after all, I am simply expressing concern for this nation in my own way Lord Hokage" Danzo replied with a small bow. "Excuse me I must begin preparation for the upcoming operations."
With that Danzo left the conference room. Hizashi did not trust him and dealing with him left him feeling mentally drained. He decided to take the rest of the day off he had not spent much time with his family and his son deserved his attention. Perhaps he would go see his brother as well.
-Authors Notes-
My first Authors notes for this story. First of all I would like to thank you for taking time to read my stories then I will discuss the upcoming chapters as well as some concerns and questions.
That being said thank you again for reading and reviewing. I had a lot of trouble uploading this chapter for some reason.
Originally the third chapter was supposed to be the start of the young Naruto Hinata "arc". However once I started writing I couldn't stop myself from expanding on the situations at hand. Also this chapter was very hard for me to create. I just didn't feel like I was writing the characters naturally. Some of the situations felt forced and some of their actions and reactions unnatural. But this will do, I would love some critique either through review of PM.
If you were looking for action stick around the upcoming chapter or two will be dealing with a first hand look at Minato's plan. It should be good. I also Hope I didn't confuse too many people with my description of territories and locations.
It was expressed to me that there are some errors that need cleaning up, and some confusing bits strewn into the previous chapters. I will fix these eventually, until then I apologize for the rough writing.
Just to give you a bit of a warning there are a few things I am going to be doing in this story. First of all, not every technique will have its name shouted out or announced in any way. This in part is a facet of my view on the jutsu used, and the way of the world I have created. I don't think it is a requirement for every ninja to shout out the title of their moves as they perform them. Also when jutsu are named I am planing to have the element be in japanese and the name of the jutsu be in english Doton, Katon, Suiton ect. Followed by Grand fireball, Dragon Missile, Great wall etc. I hope this doesn't bother to many people.
A concern of mine that I wanted to ask you readers about is if I need to describe the way my Original characters look. I plan to do this for major changes to established characters, whether that be to their appearance or wardrobe. But what do you guys think?
Now for the few questions I was asked and reviews I received. It was asked if the Hyuuga clan is divided in this story, and the answer is no. There is only the Hyuuga clan as a whole. The two lesser houses that serve the Hyuuga serve as their "branch members" though less subjugated. The make up of this world makes dividing a clan the way it was in the original story impractical and the use of the seal is also less practical with the presence of the Uzumaki clan. Since they are experts in seals they would be able to either isolate or circumvent its effects all together. Or at least that is how it is in this story.
I had not planned on doing much with Minato and Kushina, but as the story progresses I feel more of a need to explore their relationship. The reasons of which I will not yet discuss.
One last thing which is a point I never even thought would come up, Hizashi's training. When I originally put this in I had no intention to show what exactly that would entail and at this point I still do not. However that does not mean you will not get to see a fully powered Hokage strutting his stuff. My original intention was just to use it the same way they used Naruto's three year training. It was meant to set things up for a time skip. So sorry if there was anyone looking forward to an immediate return on that.
Look forward to the next chapter, until then take it easy.