Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 288 Choice

After Hyuga Kanan unleashed his full power, Danzo Shimura felt a pang of regret. He had never anticipated that Kanan's mere aura could be so terrifying; if a fight were to break out, Konoha might be wiped out from the ninja world. However, if he allowed the Hyuga clan to leave Konoha, the village would become a laughingstock, and its deterrent power over other clans would be significantly weakened, posing a tremendous challenge to the future stability of Konoha's government.

Moreover, he was the one who instigated all of this, and the final pressure on the Hyuga clan was also his plan. If he were to back down and allow the Hyuga clan to leave the village, these useless Konoha officials would begin to doubt his authority. This would be the most fatal blow to his future ambition of becoming Hokage.

At this moment, Shimura Danzo was caught in a dilemma, his heart filled with turmoil. He couldn't bear to see his authority undermined in any way, as it was his greatest asset in his future quest for the Hokage position. However, if he continued to persist, Konoha might suffer enormous losses. A fierce glint flashed in his eyes as he secretly resolved that even at a great cost to Konoha, he would completely annihilate the Hyuga clan within the village. He would never tolerate any damage to his authority, and the heavy casualties among Konoha's ninja would only become the responsibility of the next Hokage. In that case, Tsunade would inherit a devastated Konoha, and if she couldn't restore the village to its former glory, she would clearly be unworthy of the Hokage position. At that point, seizing the Hokage position would become incredibly easy for him. Shimura Danzo firmly believed that Hyuga Kanan couldn't possibly defeat Konoha's thousands of ninja; he was confident that through constant attrition, he would eventually defeat Hyuga Kanan. Furthermore, he could acquire many precious Byakugan from the main branch of the clan for his own collection. Thinking of this, a cold smile crept onto his lips, as if he could already see the dawn of victory.

Danzo Shimura immediately beckoned, and several Root ninjas behind him knelt before him, awaiting his orders. After glancing at the gate, he directly ordered the Root ninjas, "Have the Konoha ninjas continue their attack. At the same time, go to those clans and deliver orders, instructing them to send ninjas to join the encirclement and annihilation of the Hyuga clan. Otherwise, these clans will be treated the same way as the Hyuga clan."

Several Root ninjas quickly departed, heading to various locations to relay Danzo Shimura's orders. Their minds were solely focused on Danzo's commands, completely oblivious to the potential consequences these orders might have on Konoha.

Most ninja clans were initially bewildered upon receiving the order, followed by intense grief and indignation. What did the village leadership take them for—cannon fodder to be sent to their deaths, or obedient slaves? When these clans relocated to Konoha, they had established an equal partnership with the village. They provided their clan's ninjas to protect the village, while the village provided for their livelihood and continued existence. Yet now, the village leadership was issuing this order, and those who disobeyed would be exterminated—it was utterly incomprehensible.

The high-ranking members of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans all gathered at the Nara clan's territory. Several other clan leaders also came to discuss the orders from the Nara clan's leadership.

"It seems the village is truly no longer suitable for our clans to continue their lineage. We should have realized this when the Uchiha clan was wiped out. Unfortunately, we were too naive back then, simply believing they were only targeting their political rivals. But even after they attacked the Hyuga clan, we still hadn't grasped reality. Now it's finally our turn to experience their hostility. I don't know what your decision was, but my clan will not send anyone to join this operation. If they dare to coerce us, my clan will leave the village with the Hyuga clan. The old Konoha is long gone, completely a puppet regime in their hands, no longer suitable for our clans to live and pass on." Nara Shikaku said with a sigh, a look of regret on his face.

Hearing Nara Shikaku's words, the surrounding clan leaders also fell into deep thought. They shared Shikaku's sentiments; in recent years, the village's higher-ups had become increasingly excessive, massively appropriating the resources that originally belonged to the ninja clans. If these resources were truly used to train civilian ninjas, they could accept it. However, most of the resources were divided up by the higher-ups and given to their own clans and supporters. This led to the village's decline and weakening. The reputation of being the number one ninja village in the ninja world, maintained for many years, was gradually being replaced by other ninja villages, and even some smaller ninja villages no longer took Konoha seriously. The reputation of being the number one ninja village was a prestige forged by the lives and blood of two generations of their clans, yet it had been completely eroded by Hiruzen Sarutobi and other higher-ups in just a few decades. Now, they were even planning to completely sever their clans' lineages; then Konoha was truly no longer a suitable place for their clans to live.

The representatives of the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans stated directly and bluntly: "Our clan stands with the Nara clan. Since the situation has already become like this, Nara Shikaku, just tell us what to do next. We trust your judgment."

The surrounding clans hesitated. While they knew Nara Shikaku's words were absolutely correct, this concerned the very survival of their clans, and they weren't so determined to abandon Konoha. They wanted to wait for Tsunade to return and inherit the Hokage position to see if the village would change. However, they had no interest in heeding the orders from the higher-ups. Did they really think Konoha was their personal fiefdom? Without the Hokage's orders, those useless fools couldn't threaten their clans.

After a moment of contemplation, Nara Shikaku slowly spoke, "Here's what we'll do. I'll go and speak with Hyuga Hiashi alone first, and have some members of my clan evacuate the village with the Hyuga clan. As for the rest, we'll see how things go after Tsunade returns to become Hokage! It'll also be a good opportunity for those who are with the Hyuga clan to see the new clan territory. As for the orders from the higher-ups, ignore them. If they dare to take any action against our clans, then let them know the power we can unleash when we unite!"

"agree!"

"can!"

Everyone present nodded in agreement; this was the perfect solution given the current situation. These families were not to be trifled with. If anyone wanted to deal with them, then they should prepare to tear Konoha apart!

At the Hyuga clan's retreat point, the Konoha ninjas remained, still surrounding the Hyuga clan. Clearly, while they were intimidated by Hyuga Kanan and dared not attack, they also dared not disobey orders. The two sides remained locked in a stalemate.

Hyuga Kanan glanced at the Konoha ninjas not far away, but made no move to attack. He led his clansmen slowly toward the gate, while the Konoha ninjas retreated slowly. He had made his decision: if the Konoha ninjas continued to attack, then Konoha would not blame him for being ruthless and disregarding any past ties.

Not long after, Nara Shikaku appeared alone at the head of the Hyuga clan's group, expressing his wish to meet with the clan head and have a proper discussion. However, Hyuga Kanan ignored his request, as his stance towards Konoha was already very clear. But Hyuga Hiashi couldn't ignore him like his brother. He knew that if the Hyuga clan truly severed ties with Konoha, their clan's reputation would be tarnished. Although the Hyuga clan was powerful, he still cared deeply about their reputation in the ninja world. Moreover, the Hyuga clan and Konoha shared a deep bond, especially with these other clans, a bond that was difficult to sever. Therefore, Hyuga Hiashi decided to personally receive Nara Shikaku, hoping to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than resorting to drastic action.

Hiashi Hyuga and Shikaku Nara's conversation lasted only a few minutes before Shikaku quickly departed. Hiashi, however, ordered the Hyuga clan to wait where they were. Watching Shikaku's departing figure, he was filled with emotion, but ultimately decided to heed his advice.

However, just a few minutes later, Nara Shikaku returned to the Hyuga clan's ranks with dozens of people from various families. These people came from different clans, and their appearance attracted the attention of those around them.

Nara Shikaku walked up to Hyuga Hiashi and said in a low voice, "These are the people. I hope the Hyuga clan will take them in." Then, he turned and left the Hyuga clan's group, leaving Hyuga Hiashi looking surprised.

Looking in the direction where Nara Shikaku had departed, Hiashi Hyuga felt a surge of admiration. He knew that Shikaku must have had a deeper meaning in doing so; perhaps he had foreseen potential problems for Konoha and didn't want his clan's lineage to be completely severed. With this thought, Hiashi Hyuga secretly resolved to lead the Hyuga clan to perpetuate its legacy.

The Hyuga clan, not wanting to waste any more time, began moving towards the gate. They had long since decided they no longer wanted to linger in Konoha. Many of the Konoha ninjas around, witnessing the earlier scene, hesitated. The more astute among them understood the deeper meaning behind Nara Shikaku's actions—that he was preserving the clan's lineage. Only those ninjas fiercely loyal to Sarutobi Hiruzen clamored that the Hyuga clan were traitors to the village and would never be spared, determined to bury them completely within the village.

The Hyuga clan members ignored the shouts and continued resolutely toward the gate.