Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 141: The Path Is One's Own Choice

Konoha's immense power left it unable to understand the fear of other villages.

Since the era of Hashirama Senju, Konoha had been the number one village in the ninja world and had once again risen to its peak in this era.

Other villages could only feel dread toward such an enduring and powerful Konoha. If Hiruzen Sarutobi were still in charge, showing no aggression, the other nations might have tolerated it. But that wasn't the case.

Faced with an aggressive Konoha, capable of ending wars quickly one-on-one, other villages would naturally choose to take risks, sparing no cost to bring Konoha down.

That being said, as Hyuga Fuji himself admitted, he never saw himself as part of Konoha. Otherwise, events would not have unfolded as they did.

Tobirama Senju glanced at Hyuga Fuji, then shifted his gaze to the silent Tsunade and Yakumaru. "When faced with the Daimyo, the Fourth Hokage chose to step back. And when faced with the other nations, he had no choice but to step back again."

Confronting an endless war with no resolution, amidst internal unrest and conflicts between the Hokage and the Daimyo… The Fourth Hokage had no options left.

After all, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire also sought to weaken Konoha. Not wanting the Land of Fire to suffer damage, the Daimyo might even betray Konoha during the war to ensure his nation's safety.

To use his life to create a chance for reconciliation between Konoha and the Daimyo, or to survive only to face a meaningless war amidst internal and external strife—standing in the Hokage's shoes, the choice was clear.

And yet, before it came to that, he had better options…

Sighing inwardly, Tobirama continued:

"Stability was the Fourth's strategy before these events. At that time, none of you opposed it. So what's the point of questioning Hyuga Fuji now? He opposed it back then, didn't he? A single retreat led to another, and then another—each step bringing the Fourth closer to a dead end. That was his choice."

It's like someone warning you about an abyss ahead, but you ignore them, step forward, and fall in. If your companion knows that person had the power to save you at the last moment but didn't, questioning them is merely an attempt to shift blame.

"Shifting responsibility onto someone stronger is not a good habit. As a member of the Uchiha clan, as a Hokage guard, you should understand this. The primary responsibility for the Fourth Hokage's death lies with himself. What's the point of questioning others now?"

Tobirama's tone was cold. "The path is one's own choice. Making a choice means being prepared to bear its consequences and accepting that burden."

From Tobirama's last words, Tsunade caught his implied meaning. Placing a hand on Yakumaru's shoulder, she looked at her elder relative.

Yakumaru wasn't trying to shift blame.

The proud Uchiha would never do that.

As the Hokage's guard, he blamed himself most for not being there at the final moment to protect the Hokage. In his heart, it was his own failure that led to the Fourth Hokage's death—a burden he believed was his to bear.

Yakumaru's questions were an attempt to give Hyuga Fuji a chance to explain himself, to declare his innocence, and to convince him to return.

Logically, Yakumaru understood that Hyuga Fuji would not return to Konoha, but emotionally, he couldn't let go.

Tobirama understood all of this, but he still spoke those words to make his stance clear.

Tsunade looked at Tobirama with a complicated expression. "You've already made your choice, haven't you?"

"Of course," Tobirama said firmly.

"There's no need to ask you further, then." Tsunade turned her gaze to Hyuga Fuji. Seeing his faint smile, her expression turned cold.

Making a choice means being prepared to bear its consequences.

The Fourth Hokage's death in the Land of Rain was the result of his own decisions, his own choices. Others didn't need to take responsibility for it, nor did they need to shift blame.

Hyuga Fuji had turned against Konoha, sacrificing his own death to transform the Land of Fire. He never saw himself as part of Konoha.

Tobirama now stood with Hyuga Fuji, and that was his choice as well.

Both of them had made their decisions.

But Tsunade and Yakumaru hadn't yet accepted this reality. They clung to the hope of persuading the two to return to Konoha.

As Konoha's leader, should she really be offering the enemy a chance to justify themselves?

Even if there was so much she didn't understand, even if she wanted to talk to her relative and friend a little longer, even if she wished for them to return… Now was not the time for soft-heartedness.

No matter who they once were, no matter their intentions, they were now enemies of Konoha!

There was nothing more to say.

Tsunade took a deep breath, signaled to Yakumaru, and only after seeing him calm down did she say firmly:

"Hyuga Fuji, the Hokage's assistant, faked his death to escalate tensions between Konoha and the Land of Fire. As of this moment, his position as Hokage's assistant is revoked, and he is classified as an S-rank missing-nin!"

Hyuga Fuji smiled faintly, while a complicated look flashed in Tobirama's eyes.

So it's decided. With opposing stances, the decision must be made quickly…

"Tobirama Senju, for researching forbidden jutsu and reversing death, and for conspiring with Hyuga Fuji, is likewise classified as an S-rank missing-nin!"

Tobirama's look of contemplation disappeared, replaced by a twitching forehead.

What kind of accusation is that?

Do you think I resurrected myself?

Have you lost your mind?

Tsunade ignored Tobirama's bewildered expression.

In her view, Hyuga Fuji was only sixteen years old. After just six months as Hokage's assistant, his terrifying power and chakra were already extraordinary. How could he have had the time to research resurrection jutsu?

But Tobirama… he had a record of dealing with forbidden techniques!

Perhaps Hyuga Fuji used Edo Tensei to bring Tobirama back, and together they developed resurrection jutsu over time. This entire incident was likely orchestrated by their collaboration.

Resolving her thoughts, Tsunade concealed all her emotions and stepped aside. "Leave!"

Against two Flying Thunder God users, Konoha couldn't stop them, nor did she want to.

The two before her were among the most dangerous figures in Konoha's history. Fighting them here would only lead to further losses.

Hearing this, Hyuga Fuji stood with a smile. "I said I have time now to answer your questions. While it seems Lord Tobirama isn't inclined to chat, that doesn't reflect my own intentions."

Tobirama averted his gaze, ignoring Fuji's playful tone.

How many of Konoha's best talents had you corrupted, and now you want to recruit more?

If Tsunade and Yakumaru kept talking to him, they might defect as well!

After all, with Hyuga Fuji's resurrection jutsu and the possibility of reviving someone like Dan, the temptation was overwhelming. Tobirama couldn't guarantee they'd resist.

Even he had agreed to follow Hyuga Fuji, just to secure a future for Konoha.

"You may say whatever you wish, but how much is the truth? And how much of what you've told us has been edited? We are nothing more than fools kept in the dark."

As Hyuga Fuji descended the dais, Tsunade ascended toward the Daimyo's seat. When they passed each other, she spoke calmly: "In the past, you withheld information from us. Now, I cannot believe you. I will investigate everything myself."

(End of Chapter)