Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 284 The Situation

Hyuga Kanan stood at the doorway, watching Jiraiya walk away dejectedly. His retreating figure appeared somewhat lonely, but Hyuga Kanan felt no pity. This man had always seen himself as a representative of justice, trying to make everyone act according to his wishes. However, he had never truly tried to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. Hyuga Kanan considered this a sign of arrogance and ignorance.

As Jiraiya disappeared from sight, Hyuga Kanan turned and walked into the reception room. Hyuga Hiashi was already waiting there, his gaze calm and resolute. Hyuga Kanan knew that Hyuga Hiashi had been silently observing their conversation. He understood Kanan's personality and knew that Jiraiya's attempt to persuade him was destined to be futile.

Hyuga Kanan walked over and sat down in front of Hyuga Hiashi. After exchanging a glance, Hyuga Kanan said, "They are still so arrogant, always trying to get me to stand on Konoha's side and help them save the Hyuga clan. But as far as I'm concerned, the people of Konoha have never really changed, and I will not change my mind because of someone who is irrelevant to me."

Hiashi Hyuga nodded, indicating his agreement with Kanan Hyuga's point of view. He then asked, "So what are your plans next? Those people in Konoha probably won't change their minds easily, and it won't be so easy for the Hyuga clan to leave Kimura Village."

After a moment of contemplation, Hyuga Kanan replied, "That depends on what you think and whether you're determined. Do you want to become tools of Konoha, to be used by them to achieve their own goals? If you want to leave, no one can stop you."

Hiashi Hyuga sighed helplessly. He knew perfectly well that Kanan Hyuga was absolutely right. This time, the choice had indeed returned to the Hyuga clan. However, he was still filled with worry and unease, hoping that the departure of the clan head wouldn't bring him and the entire clan too much trouble. After all, the Hyuga clan and Konoha Village had a deep historical connection and emotional bond, and he didn't want to become complete enemies with Konoha Village because of this incident.

Nevertheless, Hiashi Hyuga ultimately chose to remain silent. He understood that Kanan Hyuga had already provided the Hyuga clan with ample support and assistance. Now, Kanan might even clash with Konoha Village to protect the interests of the Hyuga clan. Faced with this situation, Hiashi felt he could no longer make any further demands or expectations of her.

At this moment, Hyuga Kanan returned the decision-making power to the Hyuga clan, allowing them to make their own choice. Under these circumstances, Hyuga Hiashi decided not to cause Hyuga Kanan any further trouble or distress. He believed that the Hyuga clan would make the wisest decision based on their own situation and interests. At the same time, he also hoped that this decision would avoid a fierce conflict with Konoha and protect the future and development of the Hyuga clan.

Jiraiya returned to the Hokage Building, his steps heavy and slow, as if carrying a thousand-pound burden. He entered the conference room, his gaze sweeping over the Konoha high-ranking officials before him, a complex and indescribable emotion welling up within him. The Hyuga clan was now in such a predicament, and everyone present bore undeniable responsibility. They had not only divided up the benefits ceded by the Hyuga clan but also greedily extracted more wealth and power from them. It could be said that the Hyuga clan was forced into the difficult decision to leave the village. Yet, these high-ranking officials were the core force maintaining the village's normal operation; ensuring the village's stability and prosperity depended on their support. For the sake of the village's greater good, Jiraiya knew he had to make a choice between the two, even if it meant sacrificing the Hyuga clan's interests.

Nara Shikaku, observing Jiraiya's expression, understood the situation. He knew Jiraiya's personality well; if there was good news, he would definitely tell him immediately. However, Jiraiya's silence at this moment made Nara Shikaku realize that this trip to the Hyuga clan probably hadn't yielded the answers they wanted.

Nara Shikaku sighed inwardly. He knew Jiraiya's abilities and experience; even he couldn't glean useful information from the Hyuga clan, meaning things might be worse than they imagined. With Shikaku's intelligence, he began to suspect that the rumors about the Hyuga clan might be true. If even such an important clan as the Hyuga had lost faith in Konoha, then the village's current situation must be extremely dire.

Nara Shikaku frowned. He realized that even if they found Tsunade, it might not change the fate of Konoha. Although Tsunade possessed great strength and leadership skills, she might not be able to turn the tide in the face of such a predicament. Konoha's decline seemed inevitable, and all they could do was try to buy themselves some time to catch their breath.

Nara Shikaku took a deep breath. He knew he needed to calmly consider his next move. He couldn't let emotions cloud his judgment; he had to find a way to stabilize the situation in Konoha and protect the villagers' safety. In any case, they couldn't give up hope; they had to continue their efforts to find a solution.

After Jiraiya shared the information he had gathered from his trip to the Hyuga clan, everyone present immediately clamored that the Hyuga clan must not be allowed to leave the village. They relentlessly condemned the Hyuga clan for their ingratitude and ungratefulness, arguing that the Hyuga clan's prosperity and continuity were entirely due to the village's protection. Now, with the village in dire straits, they were plotting to lead their clansmen away, unwilling to help the village overcome its difficulties. Furthermore, Hyuga Kanan appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi's battle but offered no support, watching Hiruzen die in battle – he was practically a traitor to the village.

One of them spoke with a sinister glint in his eye: "Perhaps the Hyuga clan has been in contact with Orochimaru all along. The fact that Orochimaru's operation went so smoothly this time might be because the Hyuga clan, acting as traitors, betrayed the village's information to Orochimaru, leading to the current situation. Perhaps even the Hokage's death was caused by Hyuga Kanan and Orochimaru working together. We absolutely cannot let the Hyuga clan leave the village so easily. They've enjoyed the village's protection, and now they think they can leave so easily? Absolutely not. Even if it means completely destroying the Hyuga clan, we will never let them leave the village."

"Yes, we absolutely cannot let them leave the village so easily! If they join other ninja villages, they will pose a huge threat to us. We must take decisive action and never let this happen." As soon as he finished speaking, someone immediately echoed, "That's right, we should resolutely stop them, even if it costs us something." Everyone nodded in agreement, and a tense atmosphere filled the meeting room.

Among these people were a few particularly active individuals, those who had amassed the most wealth from the Hyuga clan. They knew all too well that if the Hyuga clan were to leave Konoha, the consequences would be unimaginable. This was because they had carried out the most severe suppression of the Hyuga clan during Hiruzen Sarutobi's era, and harbored the greatest greed for their interests. For years, they had enjoyed power and status in this seemingly peaceful village, becoming accustomed to a comfortable life and gradually forgetting the cruelty and danger of the outside world. Now, facing the possibility of losing everything, they felt an unprecedented fear.

Nara Shikaku remained silent, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd before him as if looking at a group of ignorant idiots. These people, immersed in years of comfort and pleasure, had forgotten the cruel essence of the ninja world—the supremacy of strength. They were completely unaware of the dire situation facing the village, still clinging to their former power and status.

Do these people naively believe they can easily manipulate and control the powerful Hyuga clan? Do they still consider the current Hyuga clan as weak and easily bullied as the former Uchiha clan? Even the Uchiha clan of yesteryear, if they had truly decided to launch a rebellion, would not have had an absolute chance of victory for Konoha. And the current Hyuga clan, possessing a top-tier powerhouse like Hyuga Kanan who commands respect throughout the ninja world, is far beyond their ability to contend with.

Nara Shikaku was filled with remorse. Why had he joined this group in the first place? While they had indeed played a role in the operation of Konoha, the harm they caused far outweighed the benefits. He had initially hoped that after Hiruzen Sarutobi's death, these people would become more restrained and recognize the current situation. However, it turned out that they were short-sighted, having long forgotten the crisis facing the ninja world and the safety of the village, focusing only on their own selfish interests. And Jiraiya, as a leader, lacked the necessary decisiveness and was completely unable to realize the gravity of the problem.

Jiraiya stood quietly to the side, watching as the anger and disappointment of the people gradually spread. Their discontent with the current Hyuga clan stemmed from their perceived betrayal. However, Jiraiya did not intervene to stop the farce, knowing he couldn't quell the public's anger. Faced with such a complex situation, he felt helpless and clueless. He had absolutely no experience in leading a village in chaos.

In truth, Jiraiya deeply acknowledged that the Hyuga clan's decision to leave the village under their current predicament was an act of betrayal. However, he understood that the Hyuga clan had made this difficult decision under duress. Although he was deeply saddened by their departure, he understood their predicament. Ultimately, Jiraiya made what he believed to be the best decision: to immediately set out to find Tsunade and bring her back to inherit the Hokage position, in order to resolve the numerous problems they faced.

Jiraiya knew he was better suited to the role of executor, simply following Tsunade's instructions and carrying them out. He believed Tsunade possessed exceptional leadership and wisdom, capable of leading the village out of its predicament and restoring its former glory. At this crucial moment, he firmly believed Tsunade would become the village's savior, leading everyone towards a bright future.