Chapter .17 Curse Seal

In the end, it all came back to Hiruzen. It was quite clear by now how things would unfold, but he felt the need to address it. "Tobirama sensei isolated the Uchiha clan following Madara's attack on the village, in an attempt to find any accomplices. He harboured no animosity towards them; he considered Kagami from the Uchiha clan to be a good friend, as everyone here knows," he emphasized. "It's been long enough for us to move past this. And as for any involvement in the Kyuubi's attack, there's a simple solution. Once the Uchiha police force joins us, it will help identify any culprits, if there are any. And if not, it will help clear the Uchiha clan's name."

Sarutobi Hiruzen broke the thoughtful silence with his words. "I empathize with your concerns. During the Kyuubi attack, many Uchiha died while bravely protecting the villagers. The last person known to control the Kyuubi was Madara Uchiha, who possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan. However, that was a long time ago. This new shinobi could be his disciple, an outsider who stole the eyes, or someone given the power. Without proof, we cannot assume it was a member of the Uchiha clan from our village."

"We must approach this situation with caution and gather as much information as possible," he continued. "We must be prepared for any outcome and remain vigilant. We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our village."

After having a thoughtful moment he spoke again," As for Uchiha old residents I think it is acceptable, and it will show goodwill of the village toward them, so your demand is acceptable. "

Fugaku felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had expected resistance, but Hokage's willingness to consider their request gave him hope. Fugaku couldn't help but feel optimistic about the future of the Uchiha clan and their place within the village. Perhaps, there was a chance for true unity and understanding at last.

Danzo simmered with anger, feeling the urge to storm out of the meeting. However, he remained composed, curious to see how the situation with the Hyuga clan would unfold. Already a vulnerable clan, the recent accident had further weakened them. He sought to understand the outcome of their fate.

The time had come for the Hyuga clan to present their demands, so Hiruzen turned to Hiashi and said, "I apologize for the recent tragedy. It was not your fault; you were only protecting your daughter. Nonetheless, cunning Kumo has outmanoeuvred us, leading to Hizashi's sacrifice to protect the Hyuga clan and the village." Observing the group, the Hokage with a deep set of eyes continued, "We were divided, and the war has weakened us, giving Kumo an advantage. That's why I'm urging us to come together as one, so we can stand strong together."

"Now, let us discuss the Hyuga clan's requests. I am committed to meeting their needs to the best of my abilities," exclaimed the third Hokage with passion. Hiashi turned to the two elders who accompanied him, receiving a nod of approval before stating, "Our only request is for additional land for the clan. That is all we are asking for this cooperation, nothing more." Hiashi then placed a detailed scroll in front of the Hokage. Hiruzen accepted the scroll, read it, and then handed it to his advisor Shikaku, who also reviewed it and commented, "It is feasible. If this can provide us with more medical staff and a unified police force, it is certainly attainable."

"With Hizashi's sacrifice being invaluable, I, as The Third Hokage, feel it is only fitting to offer you this land in gratitude for his dedication to the village and the Hyuga clans. I trust that we can count on your cooperation in return," Hiruzen conveyed with confidence, knowing he did not require the approval of any council member. His words settled the issue of the Hyuga and Hiashi, bringing joy to the elders of the clan as their wish was granted by the Hokage.

Hiashi bowed respectfully, expressing his gratitude for the Hokage's decision. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. We will not let you down," he promised. The elders of the Hyuga clan also expressed their appreciation and satisfaction with the outcome of their request.

As the meeting came to a close, Uzume turned to Hyuga and asked, "Hiashi, could you tell me why the Kumo village targeted Hinata, your daughter?" With respect, Hiashi replied, "Our understanding, Uzami-sama, is that they sought to unseal the Byakugan from a child or to establish their own Hyuga clan, or perhaps both."

As she listened to him, Uzume nodded in understanding. "So, that's why Hizashi made the sacrifice. They were never able to control the adult Hyuga, and they would rather end their own lives than give in to their demands. Kumo managed to escape after all their deceitful behaviour because there was no unity. If they were able to target us once, they can do it again. That's why I've decided to create a new sealing technique for the Hyuga clan that can be used on newborns without the oppressive effects of the old seal."

Uzume gazed at the Hyuga clan elders and addressed them with a strong and resolute tone, "You may not realize it, but your adherence to an outdated seal is holding back the potential of your clan. Just as the Sharingan has evolved, so too can the Byakugan. It is disheartening to see that you, the 'esteemed' elders, have never considered this possibility, as you were intoxicated by power." She expressed her disappointment in them, "This new seal will be applied to all members, including the elders. Eventually, the entire Hyuga clan will be liberated from the old 'curse seal'.