26. Jiraiya Has Returned To The Village

"How about the Hyuga clan?"

Yagami mused, comparing them to the Uchiha. While they were another prominent clan with unique dojutsu, the Hyuga's position in Konoha was weaker in terms of high-level power. The Byakugan, as powerful as it was, had limitations, and the Hyuga clan's strict hierarchy further stifled its potential.

To preserve their lineage, the Hyuga had established the main and branch families, using the Curse Mark: Caged Bird to control the branch family. This seal prevented branch members from fully utilizing their Byakugan, relegating its potential to a mere tool for observational purposes—mainly to enhance their Gentle Fist technique. 

Yet, the Byakugan had the potential to evolve into the Tenseigan, a formidable power that could unleash abilities like the Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion, capable of splitting the moon, and the Tenseigan mode, which included the Truth-Seeking Balls. Yagami couldn't help but think that if the Byakugan weren't so costly, he'd be tempted to try it himself.

---

"What does the Third Hokage want by inviting me?" Fugaku asked skeptically. "Support for Konoha?"

The relationship between Uchiha and Konoha was at a delicate stalemate—neither side was willing to provoke the other. The Uchiha had rarely been included in Konoha's diplomatic affairs, and this invitation felt unusual.

"It's pretty straightforward," Yagami replied. "Relations between Cloud Shinobi and Konoha have never been good. It's obvious Cloud Shinobi is here to cause trouble. Besides us, Uchiha and Konoha lack any force that can stand up to Cloud Shinobi's strength. The Third Hokage likely hopes our presence will act as a deterrent."

Yagami knew that Itachi's actions in the Shimura clan had sent ripples throughout not only Konoha but also neighbouring villages. That display of power had clearly rattled the village leaders, and Konoha couldn't afford to ignore it.

"Hmph! Shameless," muttered one of the clan members. "When he was targeting us, he didn't hold back. But now that he needs our strength, Sarutobi Hiruzen doesn't hesitate to ask!"

Under Yagami's influence, the Uchiha clan had become more politically aware, and many harbored resentment toward Konoha's leadership.

"Are you planning to go?" Fugaku asked, uncertain. He didn't want to disrupt the fragile peace between the Uchiha and Konoha, nor did he wish to re-enter Konoha's power games.

"We should," Yagami said thoughtfully. "As Uchiha, we still belong to Konoha in name. If we want to preserve the peace, we can't give them an excuse to question our loyalty. As for Cloud Shinobi… they're likely after something specific in Konoha—probably a Bloodline Limit."

Fugaku's expression shifted, realizing the implications. Cloud Shinobi had a history of underhanded tactics, such as attempting to kidnap Kushina, the previous Nine Tails Jinchūriki. If the Fourth Hokage hadn't intervened, she might well have ended up in Cloud Shinobi's hands.

"Could they be after our Sharingan? How dare they!" Fugaku's face hardened.

First, it was Danzo who had coveted the Sharingan, and now Cloud Shinobi seemed to be joining in. Did they truly think the Uchiha would stand by and tolerate this?

"In that case, let's make a stand! Four pairs of Mangekyō—let's see if Cloud Shinobi dares to test us!" 

Yagami shook his head. "Probably not. Cloud Shinobi may be bold, but as one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, they wouldn't make such a reckless move. Itachi's actions against the Shimura clan were a loud statement; the Fourth Raikage wouldn't risk provoking us."

"So… they're after the Hyuga, then?" 

"You know the Hyuga Clan head, Hiashi. Find a way to warn him. I'll head to the Hokage Building and push to remove the constant Anbu surveillance around our clan. Being watched every day is tiring."

In his mind, Yagami recalled Neji's fate from the original story. Warning the Hyuga might alter his future, depending on how Hiashi responded. At the same time, they could use this situation to leverage Konoha's need for Uchiha support. If the Third Hokage wanted them to aid in this negotiation, then it was a prime moment to end Konoha's surveillance of the Uchiha. At this stage, the Third Hokage wouldn't dare to push Uchiha too far, and once he allowed it, he'd be forced to accept it as the new norm.

Without surveillance, the Uchiha could progress more effectively with their five-year plan, including gradually relocating civilians and weaker clan members, laying the groundwork for a future separation from Konoha if necessary.

---

Seeing Yagami seated to his immediate right, the Third Hokage felt reassured. It seemed the Uchiha still held loyalty to Konoha. 

Yagami, however, rolled his eyes at the Third's hopeful expression. *Really, Sarutobi Hiruzen? You think a little courtesy will win us back?*

The Third Hokage noticed Yagami's unenthusiastic expression, and though he felt embarrassed, he kept his composure. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, however, openly eyed Yagami with disapproval.

"Elders," Yagami said coolly, "is there an issue? You seem displeased with my presence."

Koharu's expression soured. "At least you're aware you don't belong here!"

Yagami wasn't fazed. With Danzo already out of favour, he saw no need to cater to the other two. At least Danzo had strength—Koharu and Homura were just empty critics.

"Since I'm unwelcome, I'll take my leave," he said, standing up.

The Third Hokage immediately paled, shooting Koharu a glare. *Really, Koharu? With Cloud Shinobi here, you're stirring up old grudges? Do you think you alone can handle Cloud Shinobi's power?*

---

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Realizing her misstep, Koharu fell silent. She knew Konoha needed Uchiha's support, whether she liked it or not. Still, Yagami's attitude grated on her. She thought, *Why leave so suddenly? Can't you take a little criticism?*

The Third Hokage cleared his throat. "Yagami, Elder Koharu has her quirks. Don't take it personally."

"Whether it's personal or not, Lord Hokage," Yagami replied smoothly, "Uchiha isn't keen on these formal gatherings. Next time, please exclude us. Our clan members are busy making a living. The Clan Head has the whole clan to manage, and as captain of the police department, I'm buried in daily work."

*Please,* thought the Third, *I know you show up at the police department only to leave right after.* Yagami's words might fool others, but he knew the truth.

Shortly after, Anbu escorted Cloud Shinobi's delegation into the room, marking the start of the diplomatic meeting. Yagami's gaze drifted to one of the female Cloud ninjas, lingering thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, at Konoha's gates, a tall, white-haired man with a massive scroll strapped to his back strode into the village. Jiraiya had returned on urgent summons from the Third Hokage.

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