Chapter 14. I have a lot of people at my root

Hizashi faced questioning from the Third Hokage, vehemently insisting that the assailant was Kirigakure's Ao. 

The Third Hokage, preoccupied with recent negotiations for a peace agreement with Kumogakure, chose not to delve into the matter further. Given Kirigakure's history of offenses, he directed Hizashi to reinforce defenses, aiming to prevent any recurrence.

With the Third Hokage's attention elsewhere, Hizashi, facing a shortage of manpower for defense, sought assistance from the Uchiha clan. He approached Fugaku at night, expressing the need for additional personnel.

"Captain Fugaku, the security team is lacking manpower for defense. Would you consider recalling some of your suspended Uchihas?" Hizashi inquired.

Fugaku, waving his hand dismissively, replied, "The clan members are not particularly obedient. It might be challenging for them to return now. Besides, transferring people from our clan is no simple task."

Fugaku made it clear that he preferred not to get involved further in the situation.

Hizashi sighed, "Captain Fugaku, I now understand the challenges your police force faces. I receive complaints from clan members daily, even for performing my duties."

"Captain Fugaku, I need to help with this matter; otherwise, the security team and us in the Hyuga clan won't be able to sit still," Hizashi urged.

Taking a sip of tea, Fugaku calmly responded, "Hizashi, you don't understand. The reason you all are facing criticism is due to comparison."

"Comparison?" Hizashi questioned, puzzled.

"Yes, because you don't measure up to us Uchiha. That's why the villagers are dissatisfied with you," Fugaku explained.

Hizashi contemplated this revelation. Fugaku's words held a certain truth. As the foremost ninja clan in the world, the Uchiha held a dominant position. Regardless of one's abilities or background, everyone should submit to their authority.

While the Hyuga family possessed considerable skill, the Hyuga branch's status was awkward. Constantly under the scrutiny of the main family, it was clear who held the real power.

Consequently, a sense of timidity pervaded their actions, always careful not to upset the main family.

Now, with the outer patrol team of the police force being attacked and killed outside Konoha Village, the main was furious. They aimed to separate from the branch and address the issue independently.

Although Hizashi had considered the strategy of the two branches working together, the limited number of people in both branches posed a challenge. Adding more members to the patrol team would deplete the security team's already insufficient manpower.

That's why Hizashi had come to Fugaku, seeking his assistance.

"I don't have any good ideas," Fugaku flatly refused, leaving Hizashi a little disappointed as the conversation shifted.

"But you can ask Natsuki; he has a lot of clever ideas."

"Oh?" Hizashi glanced at Fugaku, who maintained his usual poker face.

Suspecting that Fugaku had some hidden strategies, Hizashi knew it would be challenging to discern them due to his identity. He could only gather insights through Natsuki.

"Okay, where is the Deputy Clan? I'll go visit him."

Fugaku stood up and said, "We've cooperated on the battlefield before, so there's no need to be formal. I'll just call him. Please wait here for a moment."

After leaving the conference room, Fugaku returned shortly, and coincidentally, Natsuki walked in.

Seeing Natsuki, Hizashi confirmed his suspicions. Natsuki greeted him warmly, "Hizashi-sama, right? I'm Natsuki Uchiha. I've heard of your reputation. I'll definitely spend more time with you in the future."

Natsuki held a favorable opinion of Hyuga Hizashi. Despite Hizashi's simplicity and loyalty, he couldn't escape the confines of this era. Sacrificing himself for his brother was an extraordinary feat.

Furthermore, as Neji's father, Hizashi's talent was considered rare among ordinary people.

If there was an opportunity, getting closer seemed like a good idea.

Moreover, the Third Ninja World War had just ended, and the kidnapping incident involving Hinata from Kumogakure hadn't occurred yet. Natsuki saw an opportunity for cooperation and felt it would be a shame to let it slip away.

Hizashi, a bit surprised by Natsuki's enthusiasm, opted not to dampen the mood. He was genuinely pleased to see Natsuki in such good spirits.

"Deputy Clan, you're too polite; I can't bring myself to address you as an adult."

"Haha, let's drop the formalities. You can call me Natsuki, and I'll call you Hizashi too."

Hizashi chuckled. Natsuki seemed adept at navigating social niceties, but he also exuded genuine warmth, making Hizashi comfortable with the informal approach.

Hizashi then shared with Natsuki the details he had discussed with Fugaku.

As expected, he already had a plan in mind. "Hizashi, this matter is straightforward. Since the villagers make comparisons, pick someone among them. He'll likely perform worse than you and can serve as cannon fodder."

Worse than what the Hyuga clan did? Hizashi pondered, trying to think of a suitable candidate, but no particular ninja came to mind.

"At this moment, I can't think of any ninja clan that would be suitable," Hizashi admitted with a shake of his head.

Natsuki, taking a moment to think, offered a straightforward suggestion: "You can ask Danzo for help. Hasn't Danzo always wanted to strengthen the police force?"

Hizashi was taken aback. Danzo, associated with the Root?

"How can that be done? The people from Root are ruthless killers," Hizashi objected.

"Well, they do have a tendency to...eliminate people quite readily," He replied with a mischievous expression. "But think about it, having people with a knack for elimination manage law and order would free up your hands to join the patrol team."

"Hmm..." Hizashi pondered.

Despite the ruthlessness associated with Danzo and Root, there were limits. They wouldn't be killing civilians, and someone like Danzo wouldn't pass up an opportunity to seize power.

The effectiveness of Root in ensuring security and maintaining order, however, was questionable.

Since there was no direct involvement between Hyuga and Danzo, Hizashi soon left the Uchiha clan to discuss the idea with his brother, Hyuga Hiashi.

Hiashi also found the idea intriguing. He patted Hizashi on the shoulder and remarked, "This Uchiha Natsuki is quite interesting. Maybe Fugaku sent him to negotiate with you to give him some training."

"Our entry into the security team was mentioned by Natsuki and Fugaku. If you establish a closer relationship with him, perhaps there will be other opportunities for collaboration in the future."

Hizashi almost nodded in agreement, then promptly handed a greeting card to Shimura Danzo.

While everyone was aware of Danzo's connection to the Root, he usually didn't allow outsiders to visit. Guests were typically received within the Shimura clan.

Danzo was a bit surprised when Hizashi delivered the greeting card. The Hyuga clan was known for its closed nature, seldom engaging with outsiders and maintaining a private existence.

Although they lacked any personal relationship, Hizashi, as the head of the Hyuga branch family, held a position that Danzo could not easily dismiss.

Thus, Danzo agreed to a swift meeting with Hyuga Hizashi.

Upon entering, Hizashi exchanged a few pleasantries before getting straight to the point. "Elder Danzo, as you are aware, our Hyuga family has taken on many tasks from the Uchiha security team recently."

"Um..."

"But the patrol outside Konoha was attacked yesterday, and I found that our Hyuga clan has a shortage of personnel. I heard that there are enough people in the Root, and I want to second some people here from you to increase the police force. I don't know..."

"Oh?..." Danzo felt a sense of satisfaction. He had long aspired to integrate his people into the police force, but the Third Hokage had consistently thwarted his efforts. Now, with Hizashi seeking assistance, he saw an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"No problem, Hizashi. I have plenty of personnel at my disposal. How many do you need to be seconded?" Danzo inquired.

After a brief consideration, Hizashi suggested, "How about thirty people? Elder Danzo, we need to establish an agreement first. Your personnel must follow my command once they join the guard. Otherwise, Fugaku won't agree."

Danzo readily agreed, stating, "No problem. If they're seconded to you, they'll unquestionably obey your orders."

The two swiftly reached an agreement, and Hizashi bid farewell, leaving Danzo to silently sneer, 'Once my people are in, it won't be up to you.'

Hizashi, with his Byakugan, naturally detected Danzo's gaze. Smirking inwardly, he thought, 'You're quite confident, aren't you!'