Escape From Konoha

"Let's bring Tsunade back next."

When Jiraiya first entered the Hokage's office, Hiruzen directly said what he was thinking, calming Jiraiya who wanted to say something.

Compared to Kakashi and others, he actually returned to the Land of Fire earlier, but due to some reasons, he did not directly enter Konoha. It wasn't until about half a day after Kakashi and the others returned to Konoha that they finally got back to Konoha. Hirizhan couldn't help but feel a headache and helplessness when he saw the same idle and idle look.

The three most important students to me, Tsunade went away, Orochimaru betrayed Konoha, and the only one left, Jiraiya, although he maintained a certain connection with the village, but when encountering real things, he only knew Shirking responsibility made Hiruzen sigh more than once.

"Please ask me so seriously, are you going to die, old man?"

Looking at Hiruzen who seemed to be making a will, Jiraiya couldn't help but joke, completely destroying the original serious atmosphere.

Ri Zhan coughed violently twice, and gave Zilai a hard look. Although his physical function had indeed declined to a certain extent, it was not to the point of completely stepping into the coffin.

According to his own estimation, if he took good care of his body, he would have no problem living on for more than ten years.

When necessary, he can even contribute his last remaining body to the village like the previous Hokage did.

"I disappoint you, but I can still hold on for another ten years."

"Who believes this? Maybe he will be in the coffin next year."

"So the top priority is to invite Tsunade back and pass on Hokage to her. My health has been getting worse and worse recently, and when I deal with government affairs every day, I lose my mind from time to time."

Hiruzen was not joking, he looked at Jiraiya seriously and expressed his plea.

Jiraiya was silent for a moment and said: "In the past few years, I have revealed the village's intentions to Tsunade overtly and secretly more than once, but the effect has been minimal. Moreover, don't forget, Tsunade is as young as me and has already Fifty years old.”

In other words, even if Tsunade is really invited back to Konoha and let her take the position of Fifth Hokage, the ruling time may not exceed ten years, or even shorter.

Considering this situation, within ten years, I am mentally prepared to change Hokage twice.

However, there is currently no unified conclusion regarding the candidates for the next generation of Hokage.

Although he was very willing to have Tsunade come back and take over the position of the Fifth Hokage, some things still needed to be discussed, lest the village would be overwhelmed and waste time and energy on such matters, causing Konoha to stagnate. forward.

The Sannin are no longer young people. At their young age, there is not much room for improvement in strength. It can basically be said that they have reached the peak of their lives.

After hearing this, Ri Zhan also pondered slightly, and asked, "Do you have any good candidates to recommend?"

There are indeed many powerful ninjas among Konoha. From a comprehensive point of view, Tsunade is also the most suitable candidate to succeed the Fifth Hokage.

But it is related to Konoha's future development plan, Tsunade will not be in power for too long, and Jiraiya's worries are understandable.

"How's Kakashi?"

Jiraiya asked looking at Hiruzen.

His behavior was more like a temptation.

Sure enough, after hearing this, Hirizhan did not speak immediately, but sat there, staring at Jiraiya with a strange look.

Jiraiya looked at him without fear.

"The incident with Sakumo has passed. There is no need to hold on to this kind of thing. Whether it is for compensation or Kakashi's own ability, he is more than qualified to be the Hokage after Tsunade. Don't forget, His teacher is the Fourth Hokage."

Jiraiya didn't like politics and didn't know much about political struggles, but Hiruzen was his mentor, and he could vaguely feel that Hiruzen always retained some vigilance towards Kakashi.

As for the root of this vigilance, Ji Lai can also guess a general idea.

It is likely to be related to Konoha Baiya's suicide in the past.

But these things have passed, Kakashi is also growing up, let go of this past, and become an indispensable part of Konoha.

As Naruto's Hirazan, he shouldn't always think about this kind of thing.

"...Do you think so? At that time, I didn't expect Shuo Mao to make such a choice."

"Results like that are something none of us want to see. To be honest, I am not 100% sure that Tsunade will return to Konoha to take over as the Fifth Hokage. If the situation becomes like that, Kakashi is the best substitute."

Jiraiya spoke his mind.

With Kakashi as the second choice, no matter whether Tsunade agrees to return to Konoha and take over as the fifth Hokage, Konoha will have room to turn.

Hiruzen considered Jiraiya's words carefully.

Since he took over the power of the Hokage again, there have indeed been many problems within Konoha that have not appeared before. It has become inevitable that the root and the tail will not be lost. The voice of the martial arts faction is getting louder and louder. Danzo's power has become so powerful that even the Hokage , to the point where it cannot be removed.

Facing such a predicament, Ri Zhan couldn't help feeling worried.

The root should not be made bigger, this kind of talk is meaningless, the matter is a foregone conclusion, what needs to be considered now is to determine the ownership of the next Hokage.

"We will discuss this matter when Tsunade comes back."

Hearing Hirazan's answer, Jiraiya couldn't help but feel disappointed.

But he quickly cheered up and said: "I was assigned two groups of ANBU. Recently, my contact with Tsunade has been suddenly broken, and I need the assistance of the ANBU."

The interruption of contact with Tsunade has also happened frequently in the past few years.

Sometimes Tsunade would find his harassment very boring, so she would secretly change her appearance, break off contact with anyone, and go to a place unknown to anyone to continue her career as a fat sheep.

Every time we restore contact, it takes half a month or even a month to prepare.

If it were normal times, Jiraiya could take his time to find her, but now that Hiruzen has officially issued a mission, he naturally has to restore contact with Tsunade as quickly as possible, find her location, and convey Hiruzen's will. .

"Then I'll leave this matter to you. No matter what, it can't be done by Tsunade's temper this time."

Facing Hiruzen's righteous words, Jiraiya smiled bitterly.

They are already so humble that they need to beg others to be Hokage. How could they not just follow the other person's whim?

That's why he hoped to include Kakashi on the list of candidate Hokage, in order to give Konoha a way out.

"Really, I originally wanted to rest in the village for two days. I am born to be a hard worker. I'd like to ask you, Naruto. The signs of that organization's activity have become more and more obvious recently."

◎

"Hanabi, when did you come back?"

In a mansion full of ancient charm owned by the Hyuga clan, Hinata met her younger sister Hanabi walking towards her in the corridor, showing a surprised look on her face.

After the Chunin Exams, she thought Hanabi would stay in the Demon Country for a while, so she didn't expect Hanabi to return to the village so soon.

"Why are you so surprised? Originally, the meeting with the Hyuga clan over there was just used by others to establish power. Because there was no way for the adults to embarrass themselves, I had to let me, a child, go over and bear the pressure."

Hanabi was very thoughtful, so she naturally knew the purpose of her family's decision to send her as a child to the Kingdom of Demons to visit the Chunin Exam Competition.

Because if a child like her doesn't show up, it will be the adults who are embarrassed.

"Y-really?"

Hinata was a little confused and didn't quite understand the meaning of Hanabi's words. She always felt that she was venting her dissatisfaction.

"Then when did you come back?"

"I came back two days earlier than you. At that time, you had always focused on your Naruto-kun, so I didn't bother you."

Hanabi raised her eyelids, as if looking at her sister Hinata.

Hinata's face turned red immediately after being hit in the vital point by the fireworks.

"No...no such thing!"

"Oh, even the voice of defense is so small... This must be a lie, right? It's really not something that a young lady can do."

"Really, why is there a sister like you?"

Hinata had also imagined that it would be nice if she had a sister who was not so strong and didn't like teasing others.

Is teasing an older sister so much fun?

"What's wrong with me?"

Hanabi looked weird.

"You are not cute at all as a sister."

"Sister...you won't secretly go to read some idle books behind your father's back, right?"

Hinata was speechless.

"No, have you really done it?"

Hanabi became interested and took a step forward, walking directly in front of Hinata. She raised her head and stared directly at Hinata, pressing against her. Her small body was filled with a sense of oppression that could not be ignored.

"I...I am the sister."

Hinata who said these words seemed to have exhausted all the courage accumulated in her life to determine her status as an older sister.

In the end, he still sounded so unconfident, and his face was full of words like 'don't bully me again'.

But in Huahuo's eyes, the obvious words 'I'm easy to bully, come and bully me' are always written on her sister's face, it's hard to ignore.

"Then go and confess your love quickly."

"ah?"

"Otherwise, that yellow guy will run away with someone else, and it will be you, the eldest lady, who will be laughed at. Oh, why am I not a boy? I really give others an advantage."

"Huh?"

Hinata stared blankly at Huahuo, she understood the previous sentence, but how should she understand the latter sentence?

Did Hanabi say something very scary?

"what are you saying?"

"This is the latest popular term. Even a kid like me understands it. However, sister, you are really innocent. If this continues, it will end in a disastrous defeat. You obviously have such a good figure advantage, so it would be a pity not to take advantage of it. "

Hanabi stared at Hinata's body.

"Wait, Naruto-kun won't..."

Unable to understand Hanabi's intentions, she blushed and backed away holding her chest, guarding Hanabi like she was guarding against a hooligan.

"You really like him."

Halfway through the conversation, Hanabi interrupted again.

"I don't talk to you anymore!"

Sure enough, my sister is not cute at all.

Hinata ran away in a depressed mood. In front of Hanabi, she seemed to be naked, without even any clothes to cover her body, and she was completely seen through.

Such a younger sister both frightened her and made her helpless.

"There will be an important clan meeting later, don't forget to attend."

Seeing her sister running away in a panic like a prodigal dog, Hanabi didn't know why her mood was suddenly filled with joy.

Whether it’s a sister who is too shy to express her love, but is as innocent as a puppy longing for her crush—

Or maybe she is a sister who is constantly in a dilemma due to her younger sister’s verbal teasing——

These postures made Hanabi feel very interesting.

If there is no annoying clan meeting next, today is undoubtedly a good day to take a leisurely half-day off for yourself.

◎

Hanabi has never liked formal things very much.

But being in a wealthy family full of ancient atmosphere, it is inevitable that you often have to look up and down with these ancestors.

Growing up, the word she heard most often was the word 'rules'.

Everything is clearly classified, including the people living here.

Once such a wish is violated, the 'rules' will be punished, and the lower-class tribesmen who attempt to disturb the following offenders will be tried.

Regardless of the reason, right or wrong, or any explanation from the person involved, every word and deed of the Zong family is authoritative and cannot be questioned.

But this kind of authority will inevitably bend its body in humility when faced with more powerful authority.

Especially under the current situation of strong external force, Hanabi can imagine how unwilling and angry these clan elders are in their hearts.

One of the manifestations of incompetent rage is to hold a clan meeting and punish the losers to demonstrate their infallibility.

In the majestic and solemn conference room, there is no modern conference table or anything like that. It still retains the tradition of the past. A soft cushion is placed on the ground. The elders of the clan and branch families who are participating in the clan meeting sit on the floor, and everyone looks serious.

Before the next generation heir to the clan has been decided, both Hinata and Hanabi are considered members of the clan at this moment.

The two of them sat next to the clan leader, Rizu, with only one punch between them.

But compared to Hanabi, who was calm and calm and had seen all kinds of big things in the world, Hinata was very unaccustomed to such scenes, and her eyes showed a little nervousness.

If it wasn't compulsory to participate in this clan meeting... Even if it wasn't compulsory to participate, she might not have the guts to refuse.

Compared with Hanabi's ability to adapt independently, she is more like a delicate doll who can only express absolute obedience to orders. Even if she has independent thinking, her nature is suppressed by family rules.

The number of meetings is increasing every year, and they are becoming more and more frequent. Hanabi glanced at everyone present and thought of this question in her mind.

Compared with the previous year, the number of clan meetings held this year has exceeded the total number of the previous year.

Before Hinata came back, three meetings of unknown meaning were held in succession, which made Hanabi want to take a nap in the meeting.

However, as the second daughter of the Zong family, she must always maintain the elegance and dignity of the Zong family daughter. Otherwise, she should take a rare stroll on the street at this time and buy some stuffed toys that she likes. If there is still time left, say Maybe he will continue to practice.

Nothing is more valuable than participating in this meaningless clan meeting.

Even after the chuunin exam, it was ordered by these elders to return to the village immediately, for fear that something unexpected would happen to her outside.

Hanabi has always believed that too many meetings with unclear core values ​​has always been a poor performance of an organization, a family, and even a country.

Unfortunately, she is now about to undergo a terrible baptism of this unclear clan association.

"About losing the game, Neji, do you have anything to explain?"

Rizu asked.

From his majestic and focused expression, there was no hint of happiness or anger. It seemed that he was just asking a common question like whether he had had breakfast.

"No."

Neji replied simply.

His mental state was not very good. Although he rested for half a day in the morning, he still felt a little sleep-deprived.

But at this time, you cannot show your desire to sleep.

He looked towards his father Hizashi's position, and then shifted his gaze. No matter what, his failure could not be related to his father.

"We are not indifferent to right and wrong. Although your failure has brought a lot of shame to the family, it also shows our lack of preparation from the side."

A clan elder spoke.

Hanabi glanced at the clan elder unexpectedly, not expecting that he would exonerate Neji.

Are these old guys modified?

"Next, we will send a jounin from the clan to give you one-on-one tutoring and training. Do you have the confidence to catch up with the person who defeated you?"

The clan elder asked again, staring into Neji's eyes.

Neci still cherished words like gold and shook his head: "No."

Neji didn't like lying, so there was no point in sending a Jonin to guide him in his training.

Unless the clan is willing to open up those more advanced soft fist skills that cannot be taught to branch families, otherwise, the help from the family jounin may not be as helpful as the help brought to him by his own mentor jounin.

Therefore, there is absolutely no point in lying to gain favor from the Zong family.

He watched the video of the final afterwards and knew that the white-eyed ninja named Chiba Aya was far more powerful than him.

If he wants to catch up with the opponent's current level, he will need at least three years of practice under the premise that the clan fully opens up the advanced soft fist skills of the Hyuga clan to him.

But let’s not say that the Zong family will not do this, and the other party will not stay where they are.

Three years will only widen the gap between the two sides.

The next time they meet, he may be defeated more cleanly by the opponent.

Sure enough, Ning Ci's words caused dissatisfaction among many clan elders.

"As an excellent ninja cultivated by the family, he actually said such words to boost the morale of the enemy."

"Could it be because you are dissatisfied with the Zong family and don't want to try your best?"

"Obviously, more resources have been tilted than the rest of the branch ninjas."

"Sure enough, is it better to start with the younger generation of the clan?"

"After all, the family is separated. Giving too much trust is not a good thing, otherwise it will be the next one..."

At this point, the clan elder seemed to be afraid of something and did not finish his sentence.

For him, that name is a taboo for the Hyuga clan, and it is also the powerful enemy that the Hyuga clan fears the most.

"Yeah, there can't be another 'her'."

The other clan elders nodded one after another, with the word fear written directly on their faces.

An enemy who completely understands all the details of the Hyuga clan and even transcends the limitations of the Hyuga clan is the most deadly to the Hyuga clan in Konoha.

They couldn't help but worry that something like this would happen again.

Therefore, while we must make good use of the power of separation, we must also suppress their growth.

Neji's progress made them panic, and they could not allow him to grow rapidly, otherwise it would be detrimental to maintaining the relationship between the main family and the branch family.

The clan elders' whispers did not cause any change in Neji's expression.

He had already expected this situation. He was disappointed, but he would not seek death.

Hanabi was not surprised by this situation. Sure enough, the Zong family was still the same Zong family. The Zong family who had been completely defeated by the 'traitor' had not changed at all.

Normally they wouldn't behave so badly, but they would be extra careful when it comes to training ninjas to separate families.

In the past, they did not hesitate to invest resources in the branch ninjas, but the result was a monster that frightened the Konoha Hyuga clan. Therefore, whenever a talented ninja appeared in the branch, they would always worry about the next Hyuga Aya. sound.

In fact, the emergence of the next Hyuga Ayane is inevitable.

It's just that it's not the Hyuga clan in Konoha, but Chiba Sai from the Kingdom of Demons.

Through the opponent's game video, he has shown such strong strength at the age of twelve, and it is only a matter of time before he becomes the next Hyuga Ayane.

This is also the reason why many Konoha Hyuga clans are dissatisfied. Even if Hyuga Ayane defected, she would have inherited the blood of the Hyuga clan, but using a commoner's surname as her surname for her son would separate Chiba Aya from the Hyuga clan's genealogy. Undoubtedly, it is weakening the power of the Hyuga clan as a whole.

But they obviously didn't dare to say this in front of each other, so they could only live it up in their hearts.

Seeing the elders of the clan talking to each other as if they were interrogating Neji as a prisoner, Hinata couldn't sit still and wanted to say something, but her clothes were torn off.

Hanabi put her index finger in front of her mouth and shushed.

"Don't talk here, you will kill him."

Judging from Neji's attitude, he has already planned to take responsibility - although this is not his responsibility, but when the elders of the clan are in urgent need of an outlet, if he takes all the responsibility alone, the elders of the clan can have a way to deceive themselves and others. psychological comfort, then even if he is punished, the punishment will not be too severe.

The premise is that the clan elders must have a step down.

If Hinata pleads for mercy now, it will not mean that the clan elders are not allowed to step down, but that they will directly push those clan elders who shirk their responsibilities onto the stove to roast. By then, she, the clan's eldest daughter, may be fine, but Neji will definitely end up. It will be miserable.

"But……"

"Look at who is talking at the branch."

Hanabi pointed at the calm and composed members of the branch family on the other side, as if they had long been accustomed to the clan shirking responsibility. Except for a few who fanatically respected the clan and looked at Neji with dissatisfied eyes, the rest were extremely calm.

After living under the rule of the Zong family for so many years, they have long understood that speaking for Neji at this time will only make things self-defeating.

Neji's attitude of admitting his mistakes so sincerely may not be without guidance from his parents.

Sure enough, all the nutrients for nourishing the brain have reached this level? Hanabi accidentally glanced at Hinata's breasts, which were larger than girls of the same age. Apart from that, Hanabi couldn't think of any other reason.

The group meeting lasted for an hour and a half and finally ended.

Neji was ordered by the Zong family to be punished.

But in view of Neji's good attitude of admitting his mistakes, the so-called punishment is only mild.

"That's not Brother Ningci's fault at all."

After the clan meeting, the crowd dispersed in twos and threes. Hinata found Hanabi, the only sister who could talk to her heart, and felt aggrieved for Neci.

"It's impossible to distinguish right from wrong with adults. They just want to vent the pressure in their hearts."

"pressure?"

Hinata tilted her head, expressing her confusion.

She is obviously older, so why does her younger sister always say things that she doesn't understand at all?

"After being oppressed for a long time, you naturally need a breakthrough. Brother Neji just happened to hit the muzzle of the gun."

"But I can't..."

"Are you trying to tell me why adults can't bear it?"

Hinata blinked, that's what she meant.

"They are not 'adults' in the ordinary sense, but the embodiment of family rules, and the Hyuga clan's family rules... do not allow the clan to make mistakes."

Even if the target is a child, they cannot make mistakes.

Even though the clan elders knew it well, this was the clan's own problem and had nothing to do with Neci.

The corner of Hinata's mouth twitched, realizing that there was nothing she could do.

"...This is sophistry."

"That's right, it's a sophistry. The Zong family can't make mistakes, won't make mistakes, let alone make mistakes. So..."

"so?"

"Don't focus on developing breasts, remember to eat more walnuts to nourish your brain."

Hanabi narrowed her eyes and smiled meaningfully.

Hinata clutched her chest again and ran away. After Hinata escaped, Hanabi's eyes turned to the other end of the corridor.

"Master Hanabi."

Hyuga Tokuma walked over and said respectfully.

"It's you, Tokuma."

"You're molesting Hinata-sama again."

"This is the intimate interaction between sisters."

"I believe Hinata-sama will be very distressed."

"I just don't want her to be so depressed."

"Then should I call you... the beautiful, generous and understanding Master Hanabi?"

"Thanks."

Huahuo accepted it calmly.

Then she thought of something, looked at Tokuma and asked:

"I'll leave the rest to you. Have you found a suitable candidate in the branch?"

"Well, through screening, there are many chess pieces that can be used. Even if there is a mistake, it will not be found on Mr. Huahuo's side."

Tokuma assured.

"That's really great, I really want to quickly make brother Neci my thing. Wouldn't it be fun if I said in front of Uncle Richa that 'brother Neci is already mine'?" ? I feel like I’ll see very interesting faces.”

"?"

Tokuma looked at Hanabi with a bright smile on his face, did the lord say something very extraordinary just now?

He never imagined that the strict education of the Hyuga clan would result in such a young lady who looks perfect, but is extremely self-willed and likes to play tricks on others.

If it wasn't for the other party's pure white eyes, Tokuma would doubt whether the other party was an outsider in disguise.

"So... whether I can get an interesting toy this time is up to you, Tokuma."

Seeing the Hanabi with the pink puppet Kunai tied in his hand, Tokuma sighed sadly.

"Your will, Hanabi-sama."

Tokuma suddenly felt that he was doing the crime of human trafficking.