Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 85: The Enemy Isn't Stronger, We've Just Divided Ourselves

"Let's hope so."

Nara Shikaku sighed deeply.

"Fuji, you're from a ninja clan too. I'm sure Clan Leader Hizashi has talked to you about this. Given our current positions, maintaining stability is all we need."

"So, this is the guiding principle of the Nara clan? I understand now." Hyuga Fuji smiled faintly. "But since you're willing to implement the division policy, it seems you're not someone solely focused on protecting the ninja clans' interests."

"…"

Shikaku was silent for a moment, his eyes dark as he looked at Hyuga Fuji.

"I am, ultimately, a member of a ninja clan. I can be willful and help the Fourth secure his power, but my bloodline, secret techniques, and knowledge all remind me that my position is not due to my own abilities alone, but because of what my clan has given me. I cannot ignore the Nara clan!"

The division policy had minimal impact on the Nara clan and even offered slight benefits. But dismantling the "one nation, one village" system…

"Shikaku, managing a country is different from managing a village. Governing a country requires more talent, and the wisdom of the Nara clan would play an even greater role. Your status wouldn't diminish; it would rise."

Hyuga Fuji's voice was calm. "For a clan like the Nara, who seek stability and have no obsession with the Hokage's position, the benefits would not be small. Why use 'interests' as an excuse?"

"You see through me." Shikaku smiled bitterly. "Honestly, I'm still young. I don't want to be buried in political struggles forever. I have my own ambitions too."

If the Fourth Hokage's followers truly developed those ambitions, the Land of Fire's situation would change dramatically.

This was different from before. Minato couldn't guarantee absolute dominance. Someone like Tsunade, the First Hokage's granddaughter and the princess of the Land of Fire, might not stand behind Minato this time—in fact, she could become an obstacle.

The Uchiha clan rose because of Minato. If Minato lost power, they might revert to their previous status and likely support him to maintain their position.

After all, the Uchiha had always been fearless, no matter who the Daimyo was…

The positions of many others were uncertain as well.

But one thing was clear: at that point, the balance of power between opponents and supporters would be close, with neither side having an overwhelming advantage.

If both sides wanted to avoid devastating Konoha, they would have to conceal their struggle from the Daimyo, fighting it out internally until one side prevailed.

Or, if the Daimyo intervened, it could escalate into a bloody war.

"Konoha's current state is excellent. There's no need to risk such an uncertain future, forcing the Fourth to face an insurmountable enemy and weakening Konoha's strength."

Shikaku's expression was serious. "Maintaining the status quo is the best course. Right now, Konoha's older generation still includes strong figures like the Third. The middle generation has the Sannin at their peak, and the younger generation includes the Fourth Hokage and you."

"Beyond that, we have talents like Kakashi and the Uchiha prodigy, Shisui. Give it another decade, and Konoha could easily dominate the Five Great Nations."

"So, I won't let Konoha slide into that future. I'll eliminate any factors that might lead to it."

The conflict between the Hokage and the Daimyo could remain controlled, and the Fourth could even compromise.

But those below might not show such restraint. The cause of a war isn't always determined by those in power.

In situations like before, if Shikaku hadn't suppressed the civilians' voices and allowed the smaller ninja clans to act on their own, the Daimyo could have detected signs of a coup and suspected Minato of making a move. Things would have spiraled out of control.

Thinking of this, Shikaku looked at Hyuga Fuji, who remained calm, and said heavily:

"Fuji, you and the Fourth can handle most things, but on this matter, I hope you'll listen to me and stabilize the situation."

Shikaku had a good impression of Hyuga Fuji. He was strategic and flexible, unlike Danzo.

But Fuji came from the Hyuga branch family and might not have the same sense of responsibility as a high-ranking clan member. Given his close relationship with the Fourth, he might support Minato becoming the Daimyo.

Hyuga Fuji looked at the empty teacup and said slowly, "You think the Fourth's enemies are strong? You're mistaken. The enemies haven't gotten stronger—we've just divided ourselves."

Shikaku opened his mouth, then sighed and nodded.

"You're right. We've divided ourselves."

He sought stability, unwilling to see the Fourth gain more momentum toward the Daimyo's throne.

Tsunade might oppose it.

Fugaku might support it.

Three high-ranking figures, three different opinions.

The opposition hadn't gotten stronger. They were still the same ninja clans the Fourth had already defeated once. The problem was internal—the unity they once had was now fractured.

If they weren't divided internally… the Fourth's victory wouldn't be so difficult.

"I need to prepare for the meeting with the Fourth Kazekage in two days, so I'll leave this matter to you." Hyuga Fuji said calmly. "You've stabilized the situation. The rest is up to you."

With that, his figure vanished, seemingly off to handle official matters.

Hearing Fuji's implicit agreement, Shikaku let out a breath of relief and left.

Convincing him meant everything else would be manageable.

In the shadows, a pair of eyes watched Shikaku leave and then headed toward Hyuga Fuji.

…

"Your ability to remain undetected by Nara Shikaku shows your recovery is progressing well, Pakura."

The woman, whose appearance had changed, looked at the man before her with respect. "It's all thanks to the body you created for me, Lord Fuji."

Though she said this, her heart was filled with emotion.

When she was revived by the Impure World Reincarnation, she thought she was lucky just to have the chance to avenge herself on the Fourth Kazekage. But she hadn't expected to feel truly alive again.

Unlike the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, she willingly chose to serve Hyuga Fuji. And she had no regrets.

"This body was created using cells from your original body. Aside from the changes I made to your appearance, your physical abilities are largely restored to their peak. Your recovery is thanks to your own efforts."

Hyuga Fuji nodded as he looked at Pakura's face, now only forty percent similar to her original appearance.

The Replication Technique was akin to cloning. Through that jutsu, he gained insights that led to the development of cloning technology.

This was the forbidden technology he and Tsunade had discussed.

Though the technology was incomplete and had many limitations, it allowed him to create a lifelike body using the original's cells. Then, with his Soul Reincarnation Technique, he transferred Pakura's soul into the new body, granting her a new life.

Since it was a scientific process, he could alter her appearance during the creation process.

Even those familiar with her would only find her vaguely familiar.

(End of Chapter)