Malphegor
patreon
HGBW: Ch. 59
🕑 Added 2025-03-07 03:02:13 +0000 UTCThe various clan leaders had initially been full of doubts and dissatisfaction about Minato immediately assuming a high position and replacing Sakumo.
However, looking at his humble and courteous demeanor, they found their expressions softening considerably. His sincere and earnest way of speaking seemed to dissolve their reservations.
No matter what, at least his attitude was clear for all to see.
Compared to Hiruzen, compared to the council, his charisma was undoubtedly maxed out.
At their first meeting, with just a few words, he managed to make many of the clan leaders present develop a sense of goodwill and trust toward him, instinctively wanting to give him a chance.
Besides, even if they didn't want to, they had no choice. Hiruzen was clearly determined to push Minato into the position of ANBU commander. Even if they harbored doubts in their hearts, they could only acknowledge this arrangement unless Minato made a serious mistake.
Wasn't it obvious? Even the Sannin were remaining silent at this moment.
Logically speaking, after Sakumo's suicide, the person most qualified to take the position of ANBU commander in Konoha should have been either Orochimaru or Tsunade, both of whom were members of the Sannin.
Yet, in reality, Orochimaru had become "mute," and Tsunade had become "blind."
Neither of them spoke a single word or showed any sign of protest.
"Since Minato has said as much, let's wait and see."
"The village's future and the Will of Fire will ultimately be entrusted to the younger generation."
"Then, it's settled."
Seeing that no one objected—not even the aloof and independent Orochimaru, who tacitly accepted the decision—Hiruzen's eyes flickered with satisfaction. He then made the final call, officially appointing Minato as the new ANBU commander, replacing Sakumo.
"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama"
Minato turned to Hiruzen, his voice filled with gratitude.
He understood that while his strength was certainly a key factor in this appointment, he would never have been chosen without Hiruzen firmly backing him against opposition.
At least, before he earned the title of "Yellow Flash," he would never have been considered for the role of ANBU commander.
"Sit down, Minato."
Seeing the emotions in Minato's eyes, Hiruzen became even more pleased.
To him, the golden-haired young man in front of him was practically heaven-sent, the perfect inheritor of the Will of Fire.
Highly talented and incredibly powerful.
Born a commoner, yet exceptionally gifted.
Handsome, bright, and charismatic.
Kind-hearted and broad-minded, with no lust for power—completely different from Hiruzen himself, who only put on an act of being magnanimous and benevolent.
Most importantly, he fully embraced the Will of Fire.
In Hiruzen's eyes, Minato was his idealized version of himself.
"Alright!"
Minato sat down again.
"Now, let's move on to another matter. Hizashi, I've heard a bit about the recent turmoil within the Hyūga clan."
"Normally, internal clan matters are not something even the Hokage should interfere with. However, given the tense situation in the shinobi world, some things cannot be ignored."
"So, I'd like to take this opportunity to confirm something with you."
Hiruzen's deep and oppressive gaze fell upon Hizashi.
"Hokage-sama, you overestimate me. If you have any questions, please ask. I will not hide anything."
Facing Hiruzen's gaze, he felt as if a golden staff, heavier than a mountain, was pressing down on his chest, making his breathing unconsciously heavier.
At that moment, he finally understood how difficult it was for Hiashi.
No wonder the Hyūga clan, despite being on par with the Uchiha clan as a bloodline clan and having the Caged Bird to control their branch members, still had to be utterly respectful when dealing with Hiruzen.
The power of someone who stood at the pinnacle of the Five Kage.
The leader of the strongest village among the Five Great Shinobi Nations.
These two things alone made the Hyūga clan feel powerless in front of the Third Hokage.
Not to mention that Hiruzen still had the council, the ANBU, the Root, and the mighty Sarutobi forces under his command.
"In the past, due to the Caged Bird, the number of members in the Hyūga main house never exceeded 40. Considering how difficult it was for the Hyūga to maintain their lineage, starting from the Second Hokage, Konoha permitted the main house to be exempt from the battlefield."
"But now, the Hyūga no longer have the Caged Bird. There is no longer a distinction between the main and branch houses. That means the policies set by the Second Hokage specifically for the main house are no longer applicable to the current Hyūga clan."
"So, Hizashi, since Konoha now has only one Hyūga clan, I must ask you this—When the village assigns missions, how many members of the Hyūga clan do you plan to send?"
"When war breaks out in the ninja world, how many Hyūga will you send to fight?"
Sitting at the head of the table, Hiruzen tapped his pipe lightly against the meeting table.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound wasn't loud, but each tap felt as if it landed directly on Hizashi's heart.
As expected. The village is finally coming for the Hyūga clan. The only question is—will this be a flesh wound or a deep cut?
Without the Caged Bird, the Hyūga have lost their means of control.
Are we about to become another Uchiha?
Watching this unfold, no one in the room was surprised.
In the past, when the main house had only 40 members, Konoha naturally couldn't afford to send them to war. The main house, understanding their position, almost entirely sacrificed the branch house instead.
Except for a small number of elderly or disabled members left to continue the branch house's lineage, all other branch members—during peacetime—were required to work in the Hokage's building, carrying out missions assigned by the village. During wartime, they were all sent to the battlefield.
It was precisely because of this cooperation from the main house that the Konoha Council had silently accepted their exemption from battle over the years.
But things were different now.
With no Caged Bird, no separation between the main and branch houses, there was now only one unified Hyūga clan. This meant that every member of the Hyūga was technically main house now, and Konoha was never going to allow the entire Hyūga clan to avoid both missions and the battlefield.
Under Hiruzen's seemingly inquisitive yet aggressive gaze, Hizashi took a deep breath. However, instead of immediately answering, he slowly turned his head toward Tanaka, who stood behind him, and subtly signaled with his eyes.
If this weren't a formal meeting, if they weren't under the watchful eyes of everyone here, he would have asked directly: Tanaka, what do you think?
Although his movement was small, every high-ranking ninja present noticed it.
Many of them had even reached Kage-level strength.
Their insight was sharp.
As the head of the Hyūga clan, Hizashi's reaction was strikingly different from past clan leaders like Hiashi, who had always made decisions independently. Instead, Hizashi chose to first seek the opinion of Tanaka.
This shocked many of Konoha's top officials.
What's going on?
No matter how talented he is, he's still a kid!
What kind of clan leader consults a kid on decisions that affect the clan's future?
Witnessing this, the clan leaders present were all astounded, and their gazes turned toward Tanaka with newfound curiosity.
At that moment, they finally understood, Tanaka wasn't just a prodigy in the Hyūga clan.
In the current Hyūga clan, the real decision-maker might not be Hizashi, but rather Tanaka himself.
