Chapter 25: Provocation

To celebrate our 1000th collection, I'm releasing a bonus chapter. Envoy ! (Next bonus chapters when we hit 2000 collections)

Hizashi looked at Haru but ultimately did not refuse.

The discussions regarding how to quell the conflict between the Cloud Ninja and Konoha had already concluded.

He would sacrifice himself in place of Hyuga Hiashi and hand over his body to the Cloud Ninja.

This matter was settled.

"Follow me."

Hizashi instructed Neji to stay here and protect his sister, Hinata, then turned to lead the way.

"Thank you."

As they walked together, Hizashi suddenly expressed his gratitude.

Haru glanced at him, indicating it was no big deal.

"No."

Hizashi shook his head. "Hinata is not only the hope of the main family but also my brother Hiashi's daughter."

"And I was responsible for the night watch that day. If…"

"Let's not talk about that."

Seeing this, Haru directly interrupted Hizashi, telling him not to continue.

"Perhaps this is the fate of a person about to die."

Though Hizashi's appearances in Naruto were few, Haru felt he was a man of few words.

Carrying the immense pressure of the caged bird seal had always made it hard for him to breathe.

It was hard to imagine that such a person would open up to someone like Haru, a stranger.

"Hmm, I misspoke." Hizashi paused for a moment, then nodded and maintained his silence as he led Haru to the conference room.

Haru also kept quiet but his mind raced, planning what he would say.

Ultimately, he was just an ordinary person. Even though he had gained power, he wasn't good at scheming or playing mind games.

If he found himself in a world like Death Note or Hunter x Hunter, where intelligence was key, he would likely become utterly lost.

Who am I? Where am I? How did I die?

He needed to think about how to persuade the Hyuga clan and the Konoha leaders to abandon the idea of sacrificing Hizashi.

Before long, Haru followed Hizashi through the doorway, arriving at the conference room where the Third Hokage and the Hyuga clan were discussing their decisions.

However, to Haru's surprise, not only Sarutobi Hiruzen but also Koharu and Homura were present.

When they noticed Haru following Hizashi, their eyes flickered with surprise.

"What are you doing here?"

Noting the Hyuga clan's displeasure at Haru's presence, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly took the initiative and shot a glance at Haru, signaling him to leave.

Although clan leader Hizashi was grateful that Haru saved his daughter, that didn't mean the elders would be equally accommodating.

Especially since Hinata's current display of weakness left them feeling disappointed.

Most importantly, this was a conversation between the highest leaders of the Hyuga clan and Konoha; someone like Haru, who wasn't even a ninja, had no right to be here.

"Hizashi, what's going on?"

One of the Hyuga elders spoke up, showing no remorse for the plan to sacrifice Hizashi, instead displaying arrogance from a high position.

"It's…"

Hizashi intended to explain that Haru had urgent matters to discuss with the Third Hokage, which was why he brought him along.

However, as soon as he opened his mouth, Haru's voice overshadowed him, interrupting.

"Are you planning to send Hizashi to his death?"

Haru boldly took the initiative.

Not only the main family but also the branch family gaped in shock at Haru's statement.

Was he questioning their decision?

And how did he know about it?

Did Hizashi tell him?

Didn't he just express his willingness to sacrifice himself to save the Hyuga clan and the village?

How could he suddenly share this with an outsider?

"Hizashi!"

The elder slammed his palm on the table, his face full of anger, veins bulging at his temples as he glared at Hizashi as if questioning him.

Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly stopped Haru from speaking further.

Although it was unclear why Hizashi had revealed this to Haru, it was not something he could involve himself in.

For a moment, Hizashi, now the target of everyone's ire, looked confused.

He hadn't said a word to Haru about it!

How did this guy know?

Could he possibly have mind-reading abilities?

And the most awkward part was how to handle the current situation.

"Elder, I…"

However, before Hizashi could explain, he was interrupted again by Haru.

"Is this the Hyuga clan? Spitting accusations without evidence, hiding behind the branch family when trouble arises, and seeking shelter? Where is your responsibility? Is this all you've got?"

Haru's words crashed like a boulder into a lake, stirring up waves.

Not only did the main family stare daggers at him, but even the branch family glared at Haru.

What was going on with Haru today?

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Haru in shock, his expression one of disbelief.

"You say it wasn't Hizashi who told you, so how did you find out about this?"

Only the elder of the Hyuga main family remained seated, though he felt a mix of anger, he was not as emotionally affected as the younger generation, which had clouded their judgment.

"As a member of the Senju clan, you need a reasonable explanation. This is not something that can be brushed aside with a mere apology."

The elder stared at Haru, their gazes locked, the words like a sharp wind, pressing against each other.

If it weren't for Sarutobi Hiruzen's presence, Haru wouldn't be able to leave this room just based on what he had just said!

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Haru could stand there speaking only because of Hiruzen's backing.

"I, as a member of the Senju clan, don't need to explain myself to you."

Haru stepped forward, positioning Hizashi behind him, speaking with a commanding tone.

In terms of momentum, Haru overwhelmed the entire Hyuga main family by himself.

In reality, this wasn't due to Haru being reckless or brave without thought.

It was because he had confidence!

Now, he not only possessed chakra at the level of Hashirama but also had the Wood Release bloodline limit, which only Hashirama could wield.

With chakra combined with Wood Release.

He was essentially the First Hokage.

Explanation?

Not using a Wood Release: God's Forest technique to smack you in the face was already showing you respect.

"Enough."

Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Sarutobi Hiruzen had to loudly intervene.

This interruption cut off Hizashi's attempt to speak up.

"Lord Hokage, I cannot simply ignore that statement."

The elder's frustration was palpable. He had expected that upon seeing this situation, Haru would tone down his attitude due to apprehension.

As long as he explained a little, it would give both sides a way out.

Hizashi's sacrifice was already set in stone, and there was no need to probe further.

However, the Hyuga clan never expected that Haru would continue to speak so boldly. If this were tolerated, wouldn't that mean anyone could bully the Hyuga clan?

Even if he wanted to hold back, his position wouldn't allow it.

Then, the Hyuga elder made a gesture, and countless branch family members rushed toward Haru.