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Is it really that simple?
Absolutely not.
Thinking it over carefully, Fugaku quickly realized that Hiashi Hyuga had deeper intentions.
For instance, finding a reliable backer for his daughter so he wouldn't be cornered by the clan elders citing the family's rigid rules and traditions.
By doing this, Hiashi not only secured a promising ally for the clan but also provided his daughter with a backup plan. Truly, Hiashi had considered everything to perfection.
Hiashi didn't respond and simply took a sip of tea.
As leaders of their respective clans, they both understood their families' problems without needing to spell everything out.
Why break the teacup to examine the pieces? Understanding it internally was enough.
"Since that's the case, I have no further objections. As long as Kazuki has no issues, the Uchiha clan is open to collaboration between our two clans."
"Then let us collaborate happily. As for the engagement matter..."
"It will still need to be discussed with the elders. I'll give you an answer within five days."
"Then I'll take my leave."
With the matter essentially settled, Hiashi decisively stood up to leave.
Sitting with Fugaku and dragging the discussion further would only be exhausting.
"Inform the elders to come see me. Tell them there's an important matter to discuss, but leave Kazuki out—let him rest."
Fugaku immediately had someone notify the Uchiha clan elders.
As for Kazuki, Fugaku chose to leave him out of it.
Since Kazuki had already agreed and even suggested Hiashi speak directly to him, Kazuki's presence during the engagement discussion wouldn't make much of a difference.
Moreover, with Tsunade involved, Fugaku wasn't about to send someone to bother Kazuki late at night.
Thus, the elders, who had just gone home to rest, were summoned back to the clan leader's residence.
Fugaku motioned for everyone to take their seats.
Once everyone had arrived, Fugaku gave a brief summary of his discussion with Hiashi.
"Who would've thought Hiashi Hyuga would go so far as to offer his own daughter."
"Hahaha, wasn't the Hyuga clan against marrying outside the clan?"
"That's because Kazuki has talent. If it were you, they wouldn't even consider offering someone from the branch family!"
"Get lost."
Hearing this, the elders couldn't help but laugh, teasing the Hyuga clan's strict traditions.
While the Uchiha clan also wasn't keen on marrying outside the clan, they at least didn't outright forbid it. If someone did marry outside or bring in an outsider, the clan would grudgingly accept it.
Unlike the Hyuga, who had an explicit rule against it.
The fact that the Hyuga clan was breaking their own traditions—and with the Uchiha, no less—was a big deal. It was something the Uchiha could take pride in.
Besides, if Kazuki himself didn't object, why should they?
Opposing such a move could only offend people.
As for Kazuki's personal life? He was young; they could understand.
Thus, the elders began discussing the matter with Fugaku.
Meanwhile, Kazuki—the person most involved in the matter—remained completely unaware of the situation.
---
"The Uchiha clan has no major objections and will give us an answer within five days."
Back at the Hyuga compound, Hiashi gathered the clan elders to inform them of the progress.
"Sigh, who would've thought the Hyuga clan would one day break its own traditions and rules? And that we'd be the ones to do it."
The Hyuga clan's head elder sighed heavily. While he agreed with the proposal, he couldn't shake a sense of discomfort.
The elder's sentiment echoed the feelings of others present.
Hiashi responded calmly:
"The village's newly constructed ranch is complete, and the Daimyo's has sent a large number of livestock as a show of support. Beyond that, many of the village's discoveries and reforms were proposed and overseen by Kazuki Uchiha."
"..."
The moment Hiashi mentioned this, the elders who had felt uneasy quickly fell silent.
Clan rules were, after all, created by people.
And there were times when people needed to compromise and adapt for the sake of the clan's future.
A little flexibility to ensure the clan's survival and legacy wasn't unreasonable.
After all, the Hyuga clan wasn't the one being sought after here; they were the ones approaching the Uchiha. Knowing when to prioritize was essential.
If this had happened before the tragedy with Hizashi Hyuga, the clan elders would have unanimously rejected the idea.
They would have gone to any lengths to prevent the Byakugan from leaving the clan, especially such a pure Byakugan.
But after that incident, the Hyuga elders had learned that some issues couldn't be dealt with reactively.
Potential troubles and dangers had to be eliminated before they could arise.
For a clan like the Hyuga, which valued stability above all else, maintaining peace was crucial.
Especially with Tsunade watching them closely, clearly eager to act against the Hyuga.
---
The next day, when Kazuki woke up, Tsunade and Shizune were already gone.
In the Hokage's office, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado—two advisory elders—had been summoned.
"Tsunade, did you call us to discuss something?"
Tsunade wasn't like the Third Hokage, who would casually chat with them.
If there was nothing pressing, Tsunade would much prefer they never appeared at all.
So they were self-aware enough to know she had a reason for calling them.
"Yes, there are some matters I'd like to discuss with you."
Tsunade set down the document in her hands, picked up a scroll, and said:
"I believe you've already heard about the Cloud Village's proposal to hold a joint Jonin assessment. Regardless of their intentions, they've sent an invitation, and Konoha must send representatives to participate."
"As for the Jonin assessment itself, you don't need to worry about the details. However, the village needs to send someone with sufficient status to handle the negotiations."
As Hokage, Tsunade couldn't leave the village. The Third Hokage could go, but there was no need.
Sending an advisory elder to the Cloud Village would already be a significant gesture.
Besides, the Third Hokage had enough troubles of his own. Tsunade didn't want to bother him.
First, Asuma Sarutobi was missing. Then, Shinnosuke Sarutobi had gone to the Land of Rain to investigate and never returned, not even sending word.
Given the circumstances, it was likely he had met with misfortune—or was still in deep cover.
But staying undercover without sending any updates? That was hard to believe. It was more likely Shinnosuke had been killed.
"Why not have Jiraiya handle this personally?"
The two elders exchanged glances, both reluctant to take on this troublesome task.
Negotiations were secondary; the main issue was the exhausting back-and-forth travel. Moreover, they disliked Tsunade's chosen representative.
They knew who in the village was suitable to participate in such an assessment, and they weren't keen on working with Kazuki.
"I knew you'd say that."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and replied, "Jiraiya could go, but he wants to take Naruto with him."
Would you still want Jiraiya to leave the village?
"Absolutely not!"
As expected, the two elders immediately rejected the idea in unison.
While they were reluctant to travel or work with Kazuki, they would rather endure that discomfort than allow Naruto to leave the village. That was a hard line they wouldn't cross.
If Naruto left for a short mission, it wouldn't be a big deal.
But letting him follow Jiraiya and wander the world? Absolutely out of the question.