CHAPTER 9: Casting The First Stone
Cradling his head, growing with pain with each thought, Haruki began to ponder how he got himself into this whole debacle. Tsunade-sensei's eyes glazed over, drawn to the sight of the piles of gold before her. Her hand slowly reached out, greed taking hold, only to be swiftly smacked away by Haruki. They locked eyes, both glaring at each other.
Haruki couldn't deny that things had taken an unexpected turn, surpassing his initial expectations. When he first found himself crossing paths with nobles, he recognized it as a potentially life-altering opportunity. He had put on his best behavior, channeling even more energy and effort into being his absolute "best." Personally, he had always held disdain for the role of a ninja.
Yet, the economic and social class hierarchy of this world proved to be quite perplexing. Ninjas, individuals with powers capable of leveling villages, decimating countries, or reshaping the very map like Hashirama and Madara, remained under the control of weak, defenseless nobles and daimyo. Even the Hokage had to gain the approval of the Daimyo, who technically held the final say.
The hidden villages were heavily reliant on the funding provided by the Daimyo. It was the reason why the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, had launched an all-out assault and even attempted to invade Konoha—simply because the Wind Daimyo had been allocating more missions to Konoha. Yet, no one, not even Danzo, dared to raise a weapon against them.
As his knowledge grew, Haruki began to understand the intricate dynamics of the ruling class. Not that it made more sense, but he now grasped the concept that offending a Daimyo was akin to offending the entire world. Any attempt to stage a coup against them would be met with fierce united retaliation from all the Daimyos combined.
Like the kings and queens of his past life, many Daimyos were distantly related to one another and knew how to cooperate, following the precedent set by the First Hokage and the Fire Daimyo. What a troublesome system it was. Nevertheless, Haruki had managed to position himself within the ruling structure. Of course, he hadn't anticipate things escalating to such an extent, but at some point, events began to snowball, gathering momentum until he found himself suddenly bestowed with nobility and a title. Countless connections were formed, unintentionally placing him at the center of noble circles.
And now he had to figure out what to do with all the gifts. Couldn't he just have a normal day off? He considered his options, contemplating the best way to utilize the money. He couldn't simply hoard it all after such a grand spectacle, right? And then it struck him—an opportunity to enhance his reputation, gain trust, and potentially expand his network, all while undermining his inevitable enemies.
Tsunade-sensei groaned, sensing the mischievous expression on her disciple's face, already aware that he was plotting something with the money, with no intentions of sharing the spoils, not that it was likely in the first place. Haruki had been adamant about not repaying any of her debts, refusing to fuel her unhealthy vices further. His ruthless student would rather have her chased around the country by debt collectors.
"Anyway, go wash up," he retorted, stowing away all the treasures and gold using several storage scrolls. "We still have to attend the Hyuga dinner soon." Both of them groaned in exasperation. The event had taken him nearly the entire day to organize, and it would have taken even longer if not for the fact that Akihiro couldn't stay due to his overwhelming workload.
However, he insisted on attending as a representative, declaring his implied support and the Daimyo's generous backing of Haruki, while also exerting pressure on Konoha and ensuring the well-being of a boy his son's age. Haruki rushed back afterwards, leaving Tsunade-sensei to brief the Hokage and the Elders while he sorted through the gifts and dispersed the crowds.
Now a large, glaring plaque hung over the entrance of his house. Haruki had to admit that it was quite epic, grateful that the Daimyo had even thought of creating such a grand gesture. He would never admit it, but it did make him feel slightly warm and gooey on the inside.
After cleaning himself up, he adorned a simple yet intricately elegant Yukata. Descending the stairs, he noticed that only Shizune was ready. She squealed in delight at his appearance, exclaiming, "Haruki-chan looks like a prince!" He playfully retorted, "I'm a noble. Close enough."
"Alright, let's go," declared the eldest of the three, dressed in her usual attire. Haruki rolled his eyes. Since the Hyuga compound was located next door, they quickly reached the entrance. To his surprise, he saw Hyuga Hizashi, the younger half of the twins, waiting for them along with an army of branch members.
"Tsunade-sama, Suzaku-sama, and Kato-san, welcome to the Hyuga compound. The current and former clan heads have been eagerly awaiting your arrival," he kindly ushered them in. As expected of one of the top three major clans in Konoha, the Hyuga compound was vast.
Haruki pondered the potentially detrimental nature of such living arrangements. These major clan compounds—the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga—essentially formed villages within a village. They had their own patrolling units, governing bodies (clan heads), social welfare systems, and markets exclusive to their own people. It was akin to the Vatican within Rome. Was that how those four idiotic clowns from minor clans managed to dominate Konoha? Divide and conquer?
No wonder some mist-nin supported Yagura's bloody mist policy. The clans isolated themselves to maintain their strength, gaining excessive power and refusing to unite with the rest of the village. The power dynamics were skewed, and the village was trapped in a quagmire of conflicting interests. As the saying goes, "A house divided cannot stand."
Now, as he contemplated further, weren't Kumo and Iwa the most harmoniously unified? And they didn't seem to have an abundance of clans monopolizing the glory and spoils of war. Kami, who allowed Hashirama, who relied on his heart rather than his brain, to set such precedents? Well, he supposed the "brain" of the Senju, in fact, made things infinitely worse by further isolating the Uchiha. It seemed the roots had always been weak from the founding of the village.
Setting aside his thoughts, Haruki arrived at what he assumed to be the main branch's abode, given its size within the compound. What was this? A K-pop meet and greet? Why the hell were there so many people?! He looked questioningly at the father and son duo. Hiroshi laughed at his expression, causing the elders and even his own sons to flinch at the unfamiliar noise. "I'm glad you all made it despite the… events earlier," Hiroshi said, both of his hands gripping Haruki's outstretched arm before greeting Tsunade-sensei and Shizune.
"I apologize for the unexpected scene. It must have caused congestion on our roads for several hours," he genuinely expressed his regret. Hiroshi simply laughed and shook his head. "At the time, you had more pressing matters to attend to," he joked playfully, and Haruki and Tsunade-sensei burst into laughter. Seeing the bewildered faces of the entire Hyuga clan upon witnessing Hiroshi's openness made this entire hassle of a dinner worthwhile.
Hiroshi introduced Haruki to both of his sons, their wives, and his grandchildren. Hinata, still a baby, and Neji, just a year older, were among them. Haruki kindly greeted each one, even playfully poking Hinata's cheek. He attempted to do the same with Neji, but his hand was swiftly caught, drawing laughter from everyone. They were soon escorted inside as the dinner, now transformed into a grand banquet, began.
Haruki presented the Hyuga clan with several gifts—an expensive painting by a famous artist, a new masterpiece set of ceremonial tea, and incredibly rare tea canisters specially cultivated by a farmer who dedicated his life to perfecting the art of tea cultivation. These items were usually monopolized by nobles, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to acquire them. The food was exquisite, as Hiroshi was already aware of Haruki's preferences. As long as there was alcohol, Tsunade-sensei was satisfied. They engaged in various conversations, but the topic that Haruki intended to discuss that night naturally emerged after the elders left midway through the banquet, leaving only the five of them behind.
"You've only been at the hospital for two days, and all of Konoha's medical-nin are already in love with you," Hiroshi teased, catching his son off guard once more with his playful side. "There are so many more things to do, Hiroshi-san. The hospital is in complete disarray. Most of the protocols are outdated, the teaching system is in shambles, and we simply don't have enough staff," Haruki emphasized the last point, his frustration evident. "I could work nonstop, 24/7, and we still wouldn't be able to keep up with the backlog of patients and new cases," he sighed.
Hiroshi and Hiashi exchanged a glance. Haruki rejoiced silently, sensing that this banquet would be fruitful. "We were thinking," Hiashi began cautiously, "The Hyuga clan is renowned for our skills in combat, tracking, and reconnaissance, which happen to be our main focus."
Haruki tilted his head, curiosity and excitement shining in his eyes, playing along with their hidden implication. "Are you suggesting that…?" he trailed off, leaving the question hanging in the air. "Now that Konoha has a powerhouse medical-nin heading the hospital, there should be no reason why we couldn't efficiently and effectively expand our interests," Hiroshi interjected.
He agreed, "The Hyuga rose to fame through the use of Byakugan, making them unquestionably the best in tracking and reconnaissance. Additionally, by creating the gentle fist, you have also become formidable fighters." All the Hyuga present nodded. "But that's where it ends," Haruki curtly concluded, abruptly ending their short-lived arrogance.
"May I be honest, Hiroshi and Hiashi-san?" he kindly asked, his behavior contrasting with his previous curt tone. "Always," Hiroshi swiftly replied, his eyes shining brightly and ominously, as if he knew what was coming next—a verbal beatdown.
"The Senju clan has created countless heroes. They gave us the first two Hokage and Tsunade-sensei, who codified medical laws as we know them," Haruki said, sensing Hiashi's confusion and witnessing Hiroshi's understanding beam.
"The Uchiha clan gave us Madara, albeit misguided in the end. They also produced many notable heroes such as Kagami, Fugaku, and even Shisui, who recently made a name for himself in the last war." Laughing internally at Hiashi's utter bewilderment, Haruki continued.
"And many individuals from smaller clans have risen to the top as well. The Third Hokage and the White Fang, among others," Hiroshi nodded in agreement while Hiashi observed the two of them. "Even many civilians have left their mark, including two of the three Sannin and even the Fourth Hokage." Hiroshi looked like he was about to explode, unable to contain his emotions.
"Shizu-nee, can you name a Hyuga whose story is worthy of being etched into the minds of every person in Konoha? A tale passed down from parents to their children as bedtime stories? A hero celebrated and revered?" Shizune was taken aback by the sudden question before blushing and struggling to come up with a name.
Hiashi's face darkened, his anger rising. "How dare you insult us in our own home!" Veins bulged from his temples as his anger escalated. But before he could say more, his father, the former head of the clan, looked calmly back at his son. "Is he wrong, Hiashi?" Hiashi's anger grew, but as he considered the boy's point, it gradually transformed into a chilling coldness. He turned to his father, disbelief etched on his face. "You knew about this?" he asked.
"In my many years as the Patriarch, I had to consider everything. The thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Looking back, I realize I was too young and arrogant to admit the painful truth," his father confessed, a knowing glint in his eyes as he winked at Haruki. Hiroshi was well aware of Haruki's occasional sharp tongue and poisonous remarks.
"The Hyuga clan still plays an undeniable role as Konoha's foundation. Every nation out there is still intent on stealing the Byakugan. However, I fear that those who possess it are not utilizing its full potential," Harukk reasoned, softening his tone. After all, how "unsightly" would it be for descendants of the Otsutsuki to be this weak?
"Can the gentle fist take down a Tailed Beast? What will you do? Use Air Palm to tickle it to death?" Haruki snarked, causing Hiashi to feel embarrassed, while Hiroshi laughed uproariously. "The Hyuga clan's current fighting style is redundant and ineffective against anyone who has reached Kage-level fighting ability. It limits your clan's growth," Haruki continued, allowing a moment for everyone to digest the information.
"And do you have a solution?" Hiashi asked, his curiosity piqued. "No, I am unfamiliar with the Hyuga clan's secret arts. But I can point you in the direction where the prelude to a solution may lie," Haruki tempted them.
"The Hyuga clan's gentle fist style focuses on precision strikes and targeting specific points on the opponent's body. Combining this intricate knowledge of pressure points and chakra pathways with medical ninjutsu will allow you to take your fighting style to new heights. You will possess the ability to not only disable and incapacitate your enemies but also heal and revitalize your allies during battle, giving you a tremendous advantage on the front lines". Haruki's eyes gleamed with excitement as he delved deeper into the potential benefits.
"Moreover, medical ninjutsu offers a wealth of knowledge on anatomy, physiology, and advanced healing techniques. By incorporating these teachings into your clan's training, you can strengthen your members' bodies, enhance their physical abilities, and accelerate their recovery rate. This means faster healing from injuries, increased stamina, and improved overall performance."
He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before delivering his final point. "But the benefits don't stop there. By embracing medical ninjutsu, the Hyuga clan can position themselves as the guardians of health and well-being within Konoha. Imagine a future where the Hyuga are not only revered for their combat prowess but also respected as the foremost healers in the village. Your influence and status will rise, and you will play a pivotal role in shaping the village's future".
He gave them some time to digest before marching on. "Not only can the Hyuga clan dominate the medical sector, but it can also remove most of the Hyuga clan members from the frontlines, placing the most vulnerable individuals far away from the enemy's reach. By transitioning them into the role of iryo-nins, you will effectively prevent the intentional targeting of your clan members, ensuring that the Byakugan will never fall into the enemy's hands again."
Haruki's voice was filled with genuine enthusiasm as he concluded, "Medical ninjutsu can empower the Hyuga clan in countless ways. It can transform you from skilled fighters to formidable healers and warriors, revered for your abilities to both protect and save lives. The possibilities are endless, and by embracing this path, the Hyuga clan will ascend to new heights and leave an indelible mark on the history of Konoha".
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the room, capturing the attention of each Hyuga clan member present. The weight of his words hung in the air, anticipation filling the room as they waited for his next statement. Haruki's voice resonated with a mix of disappointment and determination.
"You have a choice here," he declared. "You can choose to cling to the traditional ways, living your lives content with a mere semblance of mediocrity." His eyes narrowed, the frustration evident in his expression. "Or," he continued, his voice dropping to a barely audible whisper, "you can take that first step, however terrifying it may be."
His words hung there, suspended in the air, as he emphasized the importance of this decision. "Break free from the shackles of tradition and chart a new path for the entire clan," he urged, his voice filled with conviction. "Just as your ancestors did when they willingly joined Konoha, seeking a better life. It is time to choose growth and progress, to rise above the stagnation that has left you trailing behind others."
He met the eyes of each Hyuga present, his gaze unwavering. "Do you want to be remembered as a clan that clung to the past, content with the status quo? Or do you want to forge a legacy of resilience, adaptability, and innovation?" His words resonated with the weight of history, calling upon their ancestors' spirit of courage and determination.
"The choice is yours," he concluded, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and challenge. "Embrace the potential that lies within you. Embrace medical ninjutsu and become the guardians of Konoha, revered not only for your combat prowess but also respected as the foremost healers in the village. Step forward, and you can shape the future of the Hyuga clan and Konoha itself."
As the silence hung in the room, Haruki's words reverberated in their minds, urging them to consider the possibilities and the impact their decision could have. The room was filled with anticipation, awaiting their response, knowing that the path they chose would shape the destiny of their clan for generations to come. As the room fell silent, Haruki couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt creeping in.
Maybe he had gone too far. Maybe he had jeopardized the fragile alliance he had worked so hard to build. The weight of his words settled heavily on his shoulders, and a sense of unease washed over him. What if his boldness had caused the Hyuga to resent him? What if he had shattered any chance of them embracing change?
He knew he had spoken words that were out of character for him, words that exposed the flaws and stagnation within the Hyuga clan. As a third party, he could see them for what they truly were—a rotting tree in need of revival. But standing there, in their presence, delivering the hard truth to their faces, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made a grave mistake. Perhaps, deep down, he had held onto a glimmer of hope.
Maybe he believed that Hiroshi was different from the man he knew from canon, that the Hyuga clan was capable of change. But now, faced with the consequences of his words, he grappled with the fear that he had shattered that hope.
Yet, in the depths of his heart, there was a stubborn resolve. He refused to settle for mediocrity and unreliability. If this alliance was to be, it had to be built on a foundation of truth and shared purpose. He wouldn't pretend to be ignorant of the Hyuga clan's shortcomings. He wouldn't tiptoe around the uncomfortable truths that needed to be addressed.
With a deep breath, he pushed aside his doubts and reaffirmed his determination. Caution and reason had their place, but he couldn't allow them to hold him back from pushing for change. He had taken a risk, and now he would face the consequences, whatever they may be. For he knew in his heart that a mediocre and unreliable alliance was not what he desired.
As he waited for their response, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation filled the room. The ball was now in the Hyuga clan's court. Would they embrace the challenge and rise above their limitations? Only time would tell.
Little did they realize that in that pivotal moment, Haruki's candor and bravery would shape the course of history. Like the flutter of a butterfly's wings, his words set off a chain reaction, echoing through the annals of time. The Hyuga Clan's name would be forever etched in the legacy he would leave behind, a testament to their transformation and the indelible mark they would make on the future.
The next day, much to the Hokage's dismay, a significant number of Hyuga forces were withdrawn from missions and other duties and transferred to the hospital.
And thus, their alliance truly began.