AN: Author Note – Alltariss – This chapter deals with the infamous Hyūga kidnapping event and its consequences. Kirabachi makes another appearance to display his awesomeness at deducing the enemy's equipment and tactics. Also another important character in introduced which is the Daimyō of the Fire Country. Unlike the manga, he takes a more active role and isn't a useless uneducated idiot.

Chapter 9

Foreign Transgressions

The journey to the capital was at a casual pace, despite the urgency of the situation. Hiruzen had told them that to rush would leave them vulnerable to ambush and would be a waste of Chakra and stamina. None of the Jōnin escorting him could dispute his decision. Sarutobi's decision to leave the village in Ishikawa's hands was not met without resistance. It was to be expected for a ninja whose rank meant he was of equal to the Hokage.

Whilst the council may distrust the Kageken, those who had fought and had worked alongside him trusted him completely. The man was harsh, expected everyone to perform their duties with utmost perfection, and would have no mercy for those that failed. Many would call him mad, saying that he 'expected too much', but those who have met him say that his very presence demands nothing less.

The capital was close, the city was visible on the horizon. They had been travelling well into the night and dawn would soon approach. Popping another NightWatch pill into his mouth, Hiruzen soldiered on towards their destination.

Ibaraki, the capital of Fire Country. Its size was easily five times larger than that of Konoha. The city had multiple rings of walls born from how it was always expanding and improving. Nonetheless, it was well defended with its impressive armies of Samurai. It was the economic heart of Hi no Kuni(Land of Fire). Trade and business flourished here as the tax on goods was at an all-time low due to favourable weather on the sea, which improved international trade.

The Shinobi World Wars hardly ever affected the civilian sectors of the country, when compared to the time of the Clan Wars. In some cases, it made things better. Troops of ninja would traverse through the country, but would never attack towns and cities. The farmers were happy as wars meant that troops would require buying large quantities of produce, as the old saying went 'An army marches on its stomach'. Weapon-smiths, Armourers, cloth merchants, and tailors all profited from war. Weapons such as kunai and shuriken were always needed and armour eventually needed to be repaired. Clothes were a necessity during times of rain and frost.

It made sense that most of the funds that a Hidden Village requires came from the Daimyō. The amount of G.D.P.(Gross Domestic Product) that they produced was essential, not only to improve the general quality of living, but to provide the majority of a Hidden Village's budget. It also kept the exchange rate of Nihon's currency matching with those of other lands such as the Western Kingdoms, the Nomadic Citadels, and the Celestial Empire. Hiruzen had once met the kings and leaders of these foreign lands, the talks they had were enlightening and had strengthened the bonds between their nations.

As they leapt off the last tree and onto the open fields, the sparkling coloured lights of Ibaraki lay before them. They paused for a moment, taking in the sight.

"I say we can make it there in five hours at our current pace, Hokage-sama," said one of the accompanying Jōnin.

Hiruzen gave a smile and was in a fairly good mood. "We haven't encountered any bandits or foreign ninja. What say you, that the last one to reach the city buys us the first round of drinks?"

The Jonin all looked surprised at Hiruzen's challenge, except for one. Recently promoted and quite young, he still had a sense of playfulness.

"Are you sure you can keep up Hokage-sama?" he challenged.

Hiruzen laughed and stretched his body in preparation. "Hmph! It'll be a cold day in hell when a youngster like you will outrun me!"

They lined up much like they used to back in their academy days. Hiruzen threw a single kunai into the air. Each ninja tensed, when the kunai touched the first blade of grass, they launched forward. The ground at Hiruzen's feet nearly exploded when he leapt towards the city.

The kunai was the only mark that would tell anyone that they were there.

The slight smell of tobacco smoke and saké filled the air.

"Didn't I tell you? You'd never beat me in that race."

Hiruzen's words made they young man blush in embarrassment.

"Shit! I was so close to coming first too!"

The others all laughed at his red face. They knew Hiruzen had purposely held back to give him false hope that he could win.

"Bartender, a round of drinks for all of us!"

They all seated themselves around a table and were served by a young woman in a kimono. With a cheer they all drank the first cup of saké.

"So Hokage-sama, are we to rest in a hotel or proceed directly towards the castle?" asked one of the men.

"The Castle. The Daimyō will be awake by now, despite being quite early in the morning."

With a nod they all relaxed and enjoyed the drinks and the company of each other.

The main hall of the Daimyō's castle was impressive. Used for grand balls and expensive parties, it was decorated with gold and furnished with some of the most expensive looking furniture.

The only occupants in the room were the Daimyō and the Hokage. Ibarashi Yūdai was a very educated man. Well versed in the arts and excelled in the battlefields of politics and diplomacy. Hiruzen had known his father and had seen Yūdai since the latter years of his Hokage reign. They had spoken on many occasions. Yūdai and Hiruzen shared the same views when it came to matters of military nature, preferring to settle things peacefully.

The relationship between a Kage and a Daimyō varied in different nations. Most believed that their reliance on the Daimyō's funding was a sign of weakness. Hiruzen had learnt much after surviving through all three wars. If there was one principle that he believed in, it was that 'United we survive. Divided we fall'. It was because of this belief that Konoha had survived and came out as the all-round victor after the wars.

Yudai had met Hiruzen when he was a child, hiding behind his father's legs at the time. He saw Hiruzen as a treasured and valued friend, and in some ways as a grandfather. When he had commanded the Jonin escorts to have proper accommodations, he had immediately rushed to the main hall to greet him. Hiruzen stood before him in his battle armour, a rare sight. The last time he had seen him like this was when he announced to him that he was retiring.

"Hiruzen I had received your letters and was quite worried about you. Tell me, what is the condition of Konoha?"

Hiruzen gave a low bow before speaking; his face was the steeled visage of a veteran warrior.

"Konoha is safe from any plague or disease outbreaks and we've stabilised the village to the point where the people can return to their homes. The problem we have now is that many of the merchant clans are taking their business elsewhere in fear. Also, I fear that if any of the other villages could attack us and spark the next war. We've decided as an incentive to create a civilian council in which they will receive authoritative powers. Until the time that the civilian council is running and can operate on its own, we need more funding to survive."

Yūdai looked shocked. The letters had described the situation, but he had no idea that it had come to this. Hiruzen had then done something that he would have never have expected. He lowered himself to his knees and bowed his head until it touched the floor.

"I know that we already receive a substantial amount, but if it is possible, I beg you. Please, please give us, even for a short while, an increase in our budget. I do not ask for much, I only request five percent more than we already receive."

Yūdai instantly rushed and lifted Hiruzen off the floor. "Please, Hiruzen! Do not bow to me as such. You are a good friend and have been in service to our country since the time of my father. I know that your village is going through a tough phase and it isn't often that any Hidden Village requests for outside help, but there is no need to prostrate yourself as such."

Yūdai knew that no other Kage would dare request help from their Daimyō. Their pride wouldn't allow it; they would never bow, not even for the sake of their people. The fact that Hiruzen did so proved to him that he was willing to throw away his own pride and do what was needed for his people. A Daimyō's duty was to his people; their welfare was in his hands. It was his responsibility to see to their needs and not be absorbed in prideful selfishness.

"Hiruzen, you ask for only a meagre five percent? I know that you don't wish to be a burden on me and will no doubt ensure that the village works overtime to make up the rest of the money needed. As your Daimyō my duty is to my people, all my people. Therefore I will give you a twenty percent increase."

Hiruzen felt grateful in his life for having such a Daimyō as his ruler, but at the same time he was shocked. "Twenty percent? If you give us that much won't it affect the country as a whole. I was under the assumption that the city was undergoing quite a few projects."

Yūdai gave a reassuring smile. "This city's expansion was cancelled as instead of expanding, we're improving what is already built. We expect that the city will be able to hold more people that way and will increase the overall G.D.P. Hiruzen, I'm giving you this because I believe in you and your leadership. Thanks to Konoha, our soldiers are far more capable than before, and your Shinobi are more skilled than that of other nations."

Hiruzen could only thank him repeatedly with tears in his eyes.

Hiruzen no longer felt weary, despite his advanced age. Perhaps it was readjusting to the responsibilities of a Hokage. Or perhaps it was the fact that he had begun training again. He felt born anew and was ready to fight at a moment's notice. The Shinobi forces had stirred rumours that the Kami no Shinobi (God of Shinobi) was returning.

The Emperor's wife had the unfortunate luck of having a miscarriage on the night of the Kyūbi Event. It came as a surprise to Hiruzen when he had found out that they had adopted a baby girl into the royal family. Nonetheless, the royal family was overjoyed to finally have a daughter after siring many sons.

Since the end of the Third Shinobi World War there has been a relative peace between each of the five great ninja nations. Kumo had sent a Head Ninja to Konoha in the hopes that the current armistice could change into a peace treaty and perhaps an alliance.

"I don't trust that Kumo shinobi," Danzō whispered. Many of the council members didn't.

"I know that the talks are just a cover, but we don't know what he's really after. I'm surprised Ei hasn't already lead a battalion against us as the first strike of war. I suggest we leave him alone for now. If he senses that he's being watched, then he won't make his move. We'll bait him and then capture him in the act," Hiruzen proposed.

There were no objections from either the Shinobi or the newly created Civilian Council.

The Civilian Council was a complete success. Once word had spread about its formation, merchant clans from all over the country, even foreign clans, had joined. The funds received from the Daimyō were being used to repair the damages and to create better facilities in case of another incident of a similar level. All sectors of the village were to be improved. The Shinobi Academy had recently been revised and opened its doors to children from non-military background. Hiruzen had only recently sent a letter to Yūdai, informing him that the increased funding was being put to good use.

Hyūga Hiashi was always calm. Even during the Kyūbi event, he remained composed as he systematically carried wounded civilians to the hospital and later attacked the Bijū directly. The Corruption was a terrifying ordeal and if it were not for the majority of the clan having Chakra training since the time they could walk, all of the young clan members would have died.

As he sat in his office late into the night, he couldn't shake off the unnerving feeling he would get every time the Kumo-nin would look towards him. The Kumo Head Ninja was a man of average height and weight, black hair, bandaged head, and his headband covering his right eye.

He certainly doesn't look terrifying, so why do I have a foreboding sense of dread.

Suddenly a muffled cry was heard. Activating his bloodline, he scanned the entire household. A cloaked figure was carrying off a bundle that held something moving inside. Focusing on the bundle, it came as a shock to see his daughter being held inside. Immediately running out of his study, he pursued the kidnapper. Hinata cried repeatedly as she was unable to understand why she was awakened from her sleep and placed in a sack.

The kidnapper had rushed over the walls of the compound. "Ha! Not a single person found me. So much for their 'All seeing eyes'.‟

Before he took another step a hand slammed on his back and suddenly he felt something rip his heart into shreds. Hiashi's strike had enough Chakra to be physically seen by the naked eye.

"You fool…Kumo will have your head for this…" he whispered before falling dead.

"Kumo? It couldn't be, unless it's him.‟

Tearing open the bag Hiashi grasped his daughter and held her close.

She still continued to cry as she gripped his robes tightly in her tiny hands.

Hiashi quietly comforted her as he gazed at the corpse next to them. It was the Head Ninja that Kumo had sent for the alliance.

Our ambassador was sent to seek a diplomatic unity between our villages following the aftermath of the Third Shinobi World War.

We have received accurate reports informing us, Kumogakure, that Konohagakure, has assassinated our ambassador.

We have received your letter informing us that he had violated his rights as a diplomatic guest by illegally entering clan grounds and attempted to kidnap a clan member.

We of Kumogakure demand compensation for the loss of our Head Ninja. The actions of our ambassador were falsified and are an attempt to weaken our nation.

If the head of the one who assassinated him is sent to us, we will pardon this offence.

Else the armistice between us will be annulled and open war between our nations will continue.

"This is bullshit and they know it!" cried Inuzuka Tsume.

Hiruzen and Hiashi shared and look. Hiashi had come to him in the middle of the night with the Head Ninja's corpse in his hands, and had explained what had occurred.

"Regardless of how it is worded, the message is clear. Hand over the killer or face war."

Danzō had the body analysed for any secrets and Hideo handed Kato access to the ninja's equipment after the preliminary examination. They were yet to receive any news from the head researcher.

"We cannot go to war. The Kyūbi Event has damaged us too much. We need to recover from it and to suddenly go to war will ruin all of our hard work and will disgrace our Daimyō. Who has given us the means to recover this quickly," Hiruzen stated.

The report of the incident had been handed to every member of the Shinobi Council and it was clear that none would willingly hand over one of their own so easily. Hiashi stood up and addressed his fellow members and comrades.

"Since the offended clan was my own, it will be us who will decide on how this situation should be resolved. Should Hokage-sama allow it?"

Hiruzen knew very well what the Hyūga clan had planned to do. Hizashi was identical to Hiashi, after all, they were twins.

"I will allow it. Provided that I am informed of your final decision when it is made."

Kato inspected the armour and the sack that the Head Ninja had used in his failed attempt to kidnap the Hyūga heiress. It appeared that Kumo was creating specialised equipment designed to counter the fighting style of the Hyūga Clan.

Year 2243, January

Kirabachi Kato, Head of Research and Development Division.

Examination of equipment acquired from Kumo infiltrator.

The sack is not completely made with cloth. Integrated with it is wires made with Chakra Metal. The mesh of the wires will allow a person to direct their chakra through them. It explains why Hiashi had some difficulty seeing through the sack when his daughter was captured. A normal clan member of his age wouldn't be able to pierce through the Chakra veil with their eyes. It was only because of Hiashi's skill and experience with multiple attempts made by enemies to prevent the perceiving ability of his Kekkei Genkai.

With an application of Chakra I was able to bend the cloth into a variety of shapes with ease. I will need to spend more time with the item to replicate it and perform additional experiments. It is my firm belief that this new technology could be applied in a variety of circumstances that would greatly assist out ninja out in the field. It may even increase their survival rate.

The same technology is being applied to the armour. By placing the mesh on top of their standard issue flak-jackets it can allow the wearers Chakra to flow through and lessen the damage that a Hyūga would dish out with their Jūkenpo(Gentle Fist Art).

It is my hypothesis at this point in time that the wearer would flow his Chakra through the mesh and when struck by a Hyūga's attack, be able to deflect the Hyūga's Chakra away from internal organs and any Tenketsu.

End of Report.

"I refuse," Hiashi said.

"You cannot be serious-"

"I'm damn well serious!"

To hear his brother shout such words and to see the calm demeanour that he always wore vanish came as a surprise to Hizashi.

"You are my brother, my flesh and blood, and I will damn well make sure that Kumo will never come even within the borders of our country if they desire my head."

Hiashi's declaration nearly brought tears to his eyes. The seal, the clan, and their separate houses. Those barriers that once stood between them appeared to have been broken with mere words.

Hizashi features softened, his brother had to bear so much responsibility as the Clan Head.

"When the seal was placed on me years ago, I had thought that it was fate. I was put into the Branch House simply because I was born a few seconds after you. I hated you, knowing the seal will be placed on Neji, I hated the clan for being so damn unbending, unwilling to take a brave step towards change, but most of all I hated myself for not doing anything. I merely accepted all what has happened like a sheep blindly following the shepherd. Yet, here and now, I have the chance to change myself. A chance to defy the fate that was given to me."

Hiashi gripped his hakama as he took in the words of his brother. It was true that there was a rift between them since birth and it had only grew as time passed. Despite the animosity that they displayed to each other, he could not help but love his brother. They were family.

"I do this not for the clan, nor for the village, but for my brother."

Hizashi's body was being carried by a team of Kumo-nin that had arrived a week after his death. They proudly displayed themselves to the local populace as if in total victory, but would later find that their efforts would be in vain.

The Sandaime Raikage(Lightning Shadow) Ryōta*, had received the report from the team he had dispatched that they were successful in retrieving the body of a Hyūga.

"The Hyūga clan is very mighty indeed. Their eyes can follow us almost as well as the Sharingan. And for some strange reason they can temporarily move almost as fast as someone using the Raiton no Yoroi (Lightning Release Armour)."

Ei, his son moved closer to the window to watch as the team handed over the body to their medical researchers. The study of their bloodline would prove invaluable, and with the man's eyes they could implant them in two of their shinobi and with care they would be able to replicate their fighting style.

"This will strengthen our village greatly, right father?"

"Indeed it will."

"What do you mean the bloodline isn't there?!"

The doctors cowered under the rage of their Kage. His temper when stirred was as wild as a thunderstorm.

"The body isn't a fake, but his eyes are useless. The seal on his forehead is apparently the cause. It must have erased any possible chance for us to utilise his eyes for implantation."

Ei was furious. Their plan was to kidnap a Hyūga to create their own clan of Byakugan users, or at least retrieve the eyes of one. He couldn't declare war on Konoha for this unless he wanted to look like a fool before the entire Shinobi Nations.

"So in the end the plan was a failure. I suppose it was to be expected, they didn't seem too unhappy to relinquish the body over to us," Ei mused.

"Raikage-sama?"

"Keep the body in storage. We may one day have use for it."

"Yes, Sir."

To Hiruzen, the pyrrhic victory left a bad taste in his mouth. Hizashi was a fine Jōnin and though the seal would prevent Kumo from gaining the bloodline, it would undoubtedly leave a scar in the hearts and minds of the Hyūga Clan.

"My clan is very much angered by this entire affair. Make no mistake; we will never forgive Kumo for this transgression."

Hiruzen took a long puff from his pipe. "Indeed neither will Konoha. I have always tried to be a peaceful man, but acts such as this can only be repaid in blood."

The Chūnin Exams are held once every six months. The decision of which village is chosen to host the exams are decided by the Daimyō's of each nation that has a Hidden Village. If the village selected is incapable of hosting the exam it reveals to the other nations of how weak the nation is.

Thus it forces any Hidden Village to always be prepared to host the exams.

"Should the Chūnin Exams be held in Konoha, we will ensure that not a single shinobi of Kumo will survive," Hiashi declared.

The Councils were in full agreement. Kumo would pay quite dearly for their treachery.

The doors of the Council Chamber opened and Kato walked in. Hiruzen and many others looked on in surprise.

"Forgive my intrusion, but we have a very serious problem."

I knew that things were going to get far worse than they already are.

Two ANBU members came into view and handed out copies of a report to each member of the Shinobi Council.

"In the report handed to you is proof that Kumo is designing specialised technology to counter the Hyūga style of combat."

Hiashi immediately scanned the document and memorised all the important points.

"Unbelievable… Is every Kumo Shinobi being outfitted with this?" he asked.

"No," Kato replied. "Chakra Metal is quite expensive to make and take a lot of time to cultivate. I'd suspect that only those of Jōnin rank and above would automatically be outfitted with this tech. everyone else would have to purchase it with their own money."

Hiruzen's face wore a dark look that only surfaced during the times of the world wars.

"It appears that Kumo will never stop in their efforts to crush us. Inform our forces of this information. If they intend on weakening us by this, then we will make our shinobi strong enough to overcome such obstacles."

A resounding shout reverberated through the chamber.

In the next few years that followed not a single Kumo Shinobi ever made it to the finals whenever Konoha hosted the Chūnin Exams. Courtesy of the Hyūga Clan.

AN: Author Note – Alltariss – Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter. The kidnapping scene is an iconic event in the NarutoVerse and just like in the manga, it had far-reaching effects.

Explanations for Japanese culture and certain ideas/concepts that I have used, as well as words/terms/names used.

Ryōta – I made this to be the Sandaime Raikage's name since according to the manga both the 3rd and the 4th Raikage both share the name "Ei". This was done to differentiate between the two.