Besides, Hyuga Hizashi, a branch family Jonin, and the outsider, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with the accompanying Anbu, were also present.
Hyuga Hiashi was somewhat surprised by such an arrangement.
"Hiashi, regarding how to respond to Hidden Cloud, we've come to a decision here."
The oldest elder of the Main Family spoke up, and intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Hizashi beside him.
"Come to a decision? Is there anything left to discuss about this?" Hiashi sighed as he sat there and continued, "The one who accidentally killed the Hidden Cloud envoy is me; what they demand is my body. If sacrificing myself can prevent more deaths, then my death would be of value to the village, and that's enough."
The Main Clan Elder frowned deeply upon hearing Hiashi's words and said, "Hiashi, don't make such a hasty decision. You are the Patriarch of the Main Family, and the leader of the entire Hyuga Clan. Your leadership skills are recognized by everyone in the clan. Our clan's Kekkeigenkai is a strategic ace of the village. Neither the family nor the village's higher-ups would approve of your approach."
"Indeed, the pure Byakugan must never be handed to Hidden Cloud."
Hiruzen also nodded at that moment, his attitude firm.
Although he prioritizes peace, he is by no means a foolish person and naturally understands the importance of the Byakugan, which must not fall into Hidden Cloud's hands.
"Lord Hokage, although you say that, if we don't hand over my body, many more in the village will sacrifice for this reason."
"Regarding that, we already have a countermeasure."
The Main Clan Elder answered Hiashi's doubt, replacing Hiruzen.
He slightly shifted his body, making Hizashi beside him more conspicuous.
"A countermeasure?"
"Yes, the purpose of the branch family is for this critical moment. We will have Hizashi replace you."
The Main Clan Elder's voice was very low.
Although losing a powerful Jonin is regrettable, compared to Hiashi, Hizashi of the branch family was born to protect the Main Family.
Using him to substitute for Hiashi's death was reasonable.
"What?"
"It's understandable that you're surprised. But this is the best result. What they want is 'Hyuga Hiashi's' body. Hizashi looks the same as you; we can fool them temporarily... Once the village recovers, Hidden Cloud won't dare to provoke us over this matter again."
The Main Clan Elder explained.
"But I am the one at fault. Hizashi shouldn't have to bear this burden."
Hiashi frowned, his expression showing some dissatisfaction.
"This concerns the Byakugan; it is no longer a personal issue of yours. Moreover, Lord Hokage also agrees."
The Main Clan Elder looked towards Hiruzen on the other side.
"Lord Hokage?"
Hiashi looked at Hiruzen in astonishment.
Hiruzen displayed a consenting attitude and did not speak.
This was the best outcome.
Even though it was unfair to Hyuga Hizashi, to protect Konoha and the Byakugan of the Hyuga Main Family, the branch family had to be the sacrificial lamb in this incident.
Hiashi wanted to say something more, but Hizashi on the side had already laughed and said, "Alright, brother, don't argue with the elders and Lord Hokage anymore. I am more than willing to die for you, because you belong to the Main Family."
Although Hizashi laughed freely and naturally, everyone present could clearly feel the powerlessness and sorrow beneath his smile.
This was the inalterable fate of the branch family.
When the Main Family encountered life-threatening danger, members of the branch family had to step forward to shield them from all threats, whether voluntarily or under duress.
Even if this issue originated from the Main Family, the ones to be sacrificed were always the branch family, and could only be the branch family.
"But Neji is still so young..."
"That's precisely why I must go. The image Neji sees of me has always been a useless father, which is my greatest regret. Yet, over the years, I'm grateful for your indulgence towards me, your constant tolerance of your brother's whims. So, the promise that day not to lay a hand on Hinata was not a lie..."
As Hizashi said this, a bitter smile finally appeared on his lips.
Is it reluctance?
Not quite.
It's just that at this moment, he felt strange.
He had never truly hated his brother Hiashi; he only hated the existence of the Main Family and despised himself for being unable to protect his son, Neji.
As a brother, as a father, his life was possibly an utter failure.
He merely exploited Hiashi's favoritism towards him to vent his various grudges against the Main Family.
If it were any other member of the Main Family, they would have imprisoned him already, treating him as a dangerous element.
"Hizashi..."
"What a pity. Unlike your maid back then, I am not someone who can freely decide my own fate."
He had long abandoned the notion of freedom.
Thus, a caged bird remains a caged bird.
"Hizashi!"
The one who sternly called out to Hizashi was not Hiashi, but the Main Family Elder beside him.
He had already been incensed when Hizashi mentioned Hiashi's 'maid.'
Hyuga Ayane was undoubtedly the disgrace of the Hyuga Clan and a traitor the Main Family had to eliminate.
The unabashed envy and praise in Hizashi's words were also a desecration to the Main Family.
If not for Hiashi and the Third Hokage among others being present, he would have unleashed the Caged Bird to teach Hizashi a lesson about the branch family's mission.
Mentioning that name at this time was undoubtedly a challenge to the Main Family's authority.
"I am already a dying man. Isn't it permissible to openly express my thoughts here?"
Hizashi, undaunted, looked into the eyes of the Main Family Elder, wearing a faint smile, but giving an impression of sarcasm.
The Main Family Elder's face was dark, and he coldly snorted.
"Those traitors who lost the protection of the clan and village can only live in the dark gutters for the rest of their lives. The appearance of freedom is but a hollow façade of false liberty; they are still too young to understand the harsh realities of the Ninja Realm."
Hyuga Ayane's departure had spread inappropriate thoughts among the branch family.
This dangerous ideology needed to be rectified afterwards.
The Main Family Elder thought to himself.
Hizashi simply smiled and did not retort.
But if freedom could be achieved, even living in the shadows could potentially be joyful.
At the very least, his character and dignity would remain intact.
The branch family, as it is now, is worse off than sewer rats.
"Since you will replace Hiashi, if you have any last words, leave them quickly. Just like you are now speaking recklessly, you can vent whatever you want to do or any dissatisfaction."
The Main Family Elder thought for a moment and decided to grant Hizashi this one privilege.
After all, Hizashi would die so that the Hyuga's bloodline wouldn't flow into the hands of outsiders, and a small privilege should be granted to him.
Let his life indulge one last time.
"No need, I've already written my last words long ago. I have also been reckless with my disrespect towards the Main Family's Lady. Afterward, just hand this letter to Neji at an appropriate time..."
Hizashi took out a letter from his bosom and placed it in front of him, his smile disappearing and returning to a solemn demeanor.
He then looked at Hiashi, who seemed to struggle slightly, wanting to say something when the conference room door was abruptly pushed open with force.
"There's trouble, Lord Hokage!"
An Anbu appeared there, out of breath, evidently having sprinted there with all his might, unable to catch his breath.
"What happened?"
Hiruzen immediately turned his face seriously and asked.
The Anbu came in such haste, indicating something major had occurred.
The Anbu organized his words and briefly described the situation:
"At the border of our Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water, Hidden Cloud Village Ninja suddenly attacked our stationed ninjas. It caused the deaths of one Jonin and three Chunins!"
"What?"
Hiruzen's complexion changed drastically, almost in disbelief.
Why would Hidden Cloud attack the ninjas stationed at the Land of Fire border at this moment?
Clearly, they had nothing to do, so why would they give Konoha leverage?
"Moreover, upon learning of this, Elder Danzo urges Lord Hokage to return swiftly to organize a Jonin meeting to renegotiate peace talks with Hidden Cloud."
The Anbu, drenched in sweat, reported.
"Danzo?"
Hiruzen muttered, a sudden ominous premonition rising in his heart.