Such an obvious frame-up still managed to blindside Hyuga Hiashi.
He had never encountered such blatant shamelessness.
"Mr. Kuze, do you take the people of Konoha for fools?"
"You kidnap someone, kill them, and still have the nerve to deny it?!"
Hyuga Hiashi: "…"
At that moment, the Third Hokage, having been notified by Kakashi, arrived at the scene once more.
Upon seeing Mimura's corpse, the Third Hokage's eye twitched slightly.
Could they have made it any more obvious? The sheer lack of subtlety in this setup was beyond imagination.
"Mr. Kuze, this situation—"
Just as Hiruzen began to speak, Kuze hoisted Mimura's body and interrupted, "Lord Hokage, we from Kumogakure came to Konoha in good faith, trusting your sincerity. And this is the result? Such a tragedy! You must give us an explanation. A life for a life—if not, Lord Raikage will surely demand justice!"
With that, Kuze turned and left with the body, not giving Hiruzen another chance to speak.
The Third Hokage stood in place, silent but seething.
Had Konoha really fallen to the point where it could be bullied by Kumogakure?
Even the usually composed Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a surge of killing intent.
If they gave in now, what dignity would Konoha have left?
Would every mission from another village end with one of Konoha's clan heads being scapegoated?
This time it was the Hyuga clan—who would it be next?
It was ludicrous.
Unlike in the original events, Mimura had not died at the hands of Hiashi, completely changing the nature of the case.
This was pure slander.
It was extortion.
If Hiruzen gave in, Konoha's honor would be trampled.
"Lord Hokage, about this matter—"
Before Hiashi could finish, Hiruzen cut him off. "Hiashi, rest assured. Konoha will never concede on this."
Hiashi breathed a deep sigh of relief.
"Lord Hokage, Kumogakure is pressing hard. I fear they won't let this go easily."
"I know. I'll convene the elders and discuss this matter immediately."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
The Third Hokage turned and left with Kakashi by his side.
As they walked, Kakashi leaned in and whispered, "Lord Hokage, I suspect the Fourth Raikage is already mobilizing near the Fire Country's border."
The Third Hokage fell silent before replying, "The Fourth Raikage knows Konoha seeks peace—he wants to exploit that desire as leverage. But this method is despicable. He's trampling Konoha's pride into the dirt."
"Lord Hokage, if he means to pressure us, he'll likely make a show of force at the border. That could result in serious losses."
"Hmm…"
Hiruzen furrowed his brow. "What do you propose, Kakashi?"
"Since Kumogakure initiated this aggression, even though Konoha values peace, we cannot simply submit. If we give in now, it'll only happen again. I request permission to head to the border and deter the Fourth Raikage personally."
Hiruzen looked at him, visibly surprised.
"Kakashi, are you certain?"
"I'm not—but it should be enough to make the Fourth Raikage hesitate. He cannot afford to underestimate Konoha."
Kakashi replied as he pulled a special tri-pronged kunai from his pouch.
Seeing it, Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "That's the Fourth Hokage's…"
Kakashi nodded.
"You've mastered that jutsu?"
"Not completely—but enough to create a threat. During the Third War, Minato-sensei used Flying Thunder God to dominate the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee. Raikage won't forget that easily."
If Kakashi had even partial command of that jutsu, Raikage would indeed tread carefully.
After a pause, Hiruzen said, "Kakashi, be cautious. Your safety is top priority."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"
"Go. If you can force the Fourth Raikage to back off, I'll handle the rest."
Kakashi nodded and vanished into the night.
How far have you come, Kakashi? Hiruzen thought. With Minato and Sakumo's techniques in your hands—and the Sharingan as well—your potential is unfathomable.
As Kakashi stepped beyond Konoha's gates, his chakra suddenly stirred.
That direction.
In a flash, Kakashi disappeared.
Moments later, at the Fire Country's border, beside a small dog wearing a Konoha forehead protector, Kakashi appeared.
"Kakashi, you made it."
Pakkun greeted him.
"Yeah, thanks, Pakkun. I didn't expect you to get here in just two days."
"Kakashi, are you sure about this? That's the Fourth Raikage you're dealing with. His speed is legendary—even with Flying Thunder God, you might not make it in time."
"Don't worry, Pakkun. I wouldn't be here without confidence. Besides, I've been waiting for this fight. The Raikage has something I've been looking forward to for a long time."
Pakkun looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I'll explain later. Head back now. By the way, how's your injury from the 'Seven Prisons' mission?"
"Almost healed."
"Good."
"Be careful, Kakashi. I'm heading back now. This mission's all yours."
"Got it."
With a puff of smoke, Pakkun vanished—his journey had clearly taken a toll.
Kakashi exhaled. Three years since he last came here—he felt nostalgic.
Last time, he had come with Genma and the others.
Now he stood at the border outpost built by Konoha.
As he approached, his appearance startled the guards.
"Who goes there?!"
"Konoha ANBU."
Kakashi flashed his ID. One of the guards approached cautiously.
Kakashi was surprised to recognize him.
"Senior Hyuga Tobiu?"
"You know me?"
"Of course. We met once, three years ago."
Kakashi removed his mask, revealing his familiar face.
Hyuga Tobiu's eyes widened. "It's you? What are you doing here?"
"Senior Tobiu, this is urgent. Let's talk inside."
"…All right."
Inside the observation tower, Kakashi relayed everything that had happened in Konoha.
"Damn that Kumogakure! How dare they target our Hyuga clan?! Kakashi, thanks to you, we've avoided a catastrophe."
"You flatter me. I'm simply doing my duty as a shinobi of Konoha."
Tobiu nodded firmly. "So, you're here to deal with the Fourth Raikage?"
"Yes. This battle is necessary—to defend Konoha's honor. I won't back down."
The Duel doesn't end here… it only gets more intense.
30+ chapters ahead are already waiting.
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