Escape From Konoha N Chapter 249: 242: Root

Chapter 249: 242: Root

A heavy air hung over the Hyuga clan. The last ti they faced such a crisis was when the traitor, Hyuga Ayane, defected, making the whole calm feeling like they were about to face a formidable enemy. But this ti was different. This ti, the pressure was purely external, causing internal dissent.

Since the Third Hokage's return to power, the conservative faction had once again seized control of Konoha's direction, effectively suppressing the radical faction.

While sacrificing the Hyuga clan head to avoid another war with Kumo wasn't explicitly stated, many harbored that sentint.

War ant death, and as this one was solely caused by the Hyuga clan's actions, no one wanted to take responsibility. Had the leader of the Kumo mission been captured as he attempted to abduct 5he Hyuga clan heads's daughter instead of being killed, the situation would have been significantly easier.

The unfortunate killing of Kumo.mission leader by the Hyuga clan now gave them a convenient pretext for war. However, Konoha's leadership paid little attention to the public's opinions.

Regardless of the outco, even a peaceful solution wouldn't involve sacrificing Hyuga Hiashi. As the Hyuga clan head, he not only represented the face of both his clan and Konoha but also possessed the Byakugan.

If this Kekkei Genkai fell into Kumo's hands, the consequences would be disastrous. The Hyuga clan was equally aware of this fact. However, Kumo's insistence on this demand humiliated them deeply. Konoha simply couldn't afford another large-scale war.

....

In the courtyard, a young boy practiced his Gentle Fist diligently. He struck a wooden post repeatedly with seemingly soft blows, but the power behind them targeted the post's internal structure.

With enough strikes, the post would break from within. the boy, Neji, expected this outco. As he launched another Gentle Fist attack, a voice called out to him.

"Neji."

The boy stopped and turned to see his father, Hizashi, standing in the corridor, greeting him with a smile.

"Father."

Neji ran over to him.

"Your Gentle Fist training is progressing well. You'll be ready for more advanced jutsu soon."

Hizashi gently stroked Neji's head, pride evident in his eyes.

"Yes... But I don't think I'm strong enough."

A troubled expression clouded Neji's face, hinting at his underlying discontent.

Seeing this, Hizashi sighed deeply, understanding the source of his son's struggle. Neji had witnessed the ugliness within the Hyuga clan with his own eyes.

He recently accompanied his father, at the invitation of his elder brother, Hiashi, to witness the Gentle Fist training of Hiashii's daughter, Hinata.

Neji saw the injustice firsthand.

Hizashi was unable to control his dark thoughts in that situation, he felt a surge of resentnt.

The thought of his talented son, Neji, like himself being bound by the caged bird, while the his elder brother's incompetent daughter, Hinata didn't need to be bound by the seal. She enjoyed freedom and privilege, she would even have control over the branch family in the future, it filled him with anger and despair.

Neji's talent far surpassed Hinata's, yet he would be relegated to the branch family, while the main house's daughter, despite her lack of fighting prowess, would continue to reap the benefits of her lineage.

The unfairness of it all gnawed at Hizashi.

While still young, Neji hadn't fully understood the true implications of the caged bird. As he matured, he too would develop hatred for the clan and the perceived wo-called fate, just like his father.

While harboring resentnt, Hizashi also held a deep sense of responsibility towards the clan. The thought of his future, caught between hatred and duty, filled him with sadness and helplessness.

"You've done well, but don't show that expression to anyone in the main family." Hizashi cautioned.

He knew he couldn't offer Neji a pure childhood, without the burdens of the branch family. No one born into the branch family escaped the fate of becoming a caged bird. How could there be a truly innocent childhood under such circumstances? Hizashi's own childhood had been filled with resentnt and hostility within the clan.

"I understand, Father." Neji nodded.

Though he didn't fully understand why his father spoke that way, rembering the outco of Hizashi's resistance earlier, he began to grasp a bit of the truth.

The identities of the main and branch families were an insurmountable barrier.

"It's good that you understand. With your talent, you will undoubtedly beco an outstanding ninja." Hizashi said.

Neji's talent far surpassed his own. Unfortunately, as a mber of the branch family, he wouldn't be allowed to learn advanced Gentle Fist techniques like the Eight Trigrams Revolving Heaven. That was reserved for ninjas of the main family.

Although Hizashi could perform the jutsu but he hadn't learned it fully. He was also under orders not to pass it down to his descendants privately without the clan's consent.

"Speaking of which, there seems to be a lot going on in the clan recently. I heard Kumo is putting pressure on us..."

Neji ntioned, recalling what he had overheard. It was hard for him not to notice the heated discussions among the adults about this matter.

Hizashi frowned and replied, "This matter doesn't concern you. Your focus now should be on training and studying."

These were not issues a child could handle.

"Will the village go to war again?" Neji inquired.

"No." Hizashi answered decisively.

"Why?"

"Protecting the main family is the responsibility of the branch family." Hizashi explained.

Neji looked doubtfully at his father's resolute face.

"You'll understand soday... or perhaps it's better if you never do. For us, this is the best outco." Hizashi said, a hint of lancholy in his voice.

What was the clan? What was the branch family? One day, Neji would fully understand the vast gap between the two. But if possible, Hizashi wished Neji would never understand such things.

Watching his father's retreating figure, Neji stood pondering his words.

...

"Brother"

After entering the main house territory, Hizashi encountered his elder brother, Hiashi, along the corridor.

Hiashi's brow was furrowed, clearly troubled by sothing.

This was to be expected of Hizashi, having beco the central figure of this troubleso incident. One carelessness could spark a war between Konoha and Kumo. The pressure on him must be imnse.

And this was just Kumo's conspiracy. Many within the Hyuga clan understood this clearly.

However, with the "better safe than sorry" ntality, there was no guarantee that Kumo was truly bluffing. It was likely that many in Konoha village complained about the Hyuga clan head killing the leader of the Kumo mission.

But those who thought this way completely missed the core issue.

The death of the Kumo mission leader, compared to the kidnapping attempt on the Hyuga clan, was more akin to him seeking his own death.

Begging to be killed and being killed accidentally were entirely different matters.

Yet, Kumo had jumped the gun and directed their anger solely at the Hyuga clan, not Konoha as a whole. This led many Konoha ninjas to believe, naively, that Kumo wasn't targeting their village.

Those who held this view were mostly genin and chunin. Experienced jonin wouldn't harbor such naive ideas about Kumo's intentions.

"What brings you here?" Hiashi asked casually.

Since the division, the relationship between him and his younger brother had significantly cooled down. Although he had ideas for conversation in the past, Hizashi seed to have his own set of ideas.

As a mber of the clan and the clan head of the Hyuga Clan, Hiashi couldn't afford to act emotionally. When Hizashi displayed murderous intent towards his daughter Hinata on that day, and he faced consequences.

Understanding the delicate position between the main family and the branch family was crucial for survival in the Hyuga Clan.

"The elders of the clan have sothing to ask of , they summoned

here." Nichizuku explained.

Under normal circumstances, ninjas from the branch except for the servants were not permitted near the main's territory. Coming here for a daily errand, he couldn't simply stand idle, as that would raise suspicions.

"Them?"

Hiashi frowned further upon hearing this. He couldn't figure out why the elders of the clan were involved in Hizashi at this ti.

"Don't ask ; I don't know why they approached ." Hizashi shook his head.

"Fine, do as you wish. But I must warn you, if you show any more cold intent towards Hinata again, do not bla

for the consequences." Hiashi snorted coldly.

Even if Hizashi was his younger brother, threatening his daughter would not be tolerated.

"Yes, I understand, I regret my actions that day."

Hizashi admitted. No matter the problem, it was wrong to show murderous intentions towards a child, let alone his niece. He had regretted his actions deeply after that day.

Hiashi's rcy that day wasn't sothing to be taken lightly. If any of the clan elder had discovered his actions, both he and Neji would have faced severe consequences, including increased surveillance.

The incident revealed a hidden warmth beneath his brother's cold exterior. It was just that he couldn't change the status quo of the Hyuga clan at all, and as the clan head, Hiashi could only follow the trend, acting completely according to the will of the clan.

Considering this, Hizashi realized that being the head of the Hyuga clan was likely a heavy burden for his elder brother Clearly, Hiash wasn't inherently cruel nor heartless.

Realizing this, Hizashi's eyes darkened. He couldn't ignore his elder brother's safety, especially since he had covered up many of his rebellious actions in the past. It was ti for him to 'repay the debt'.

"Hinata is just a child, no matter what, don't take your resentnt out on her."

Hizashi nodded, affirming, "Don't worry, that was the last ti. It won't happen again."

Hiashi, hearing the resolve in Hizashi's tone, scrutinized him, as if assessing sothing, and stared at him seriously.

Hizashi subconsciously tensed up, he felt as if Hiashi had completely seen through him completely.

"What's wrong? Is there sothing on ?" Hizashi inquired.

Hiashi shook his head and said, "It's nothing. I was overthinking. The elders are in the third room on the right. You can go there, I have important matters to discuss with the Third, Hokage so I won't accompany you."

After speaking, Hizashi walked past Hiashi.

...

Inside a room within the Root base.

Danzo held a scroll in his hand that was passed to him by the mbers below. After reading it, he frowned, as if he was seriously considering the advantages and disadvantages.

Ryoma, who was beside him, also naturally saw the scroll, as well as the content and signature on it. After a brief surprise, he asked, "Danzo-sama, what do you want to do? Do you want to intervene?"

Danzo didn't answer, but narrowed his eyes and tapped his fingers on the table next to him. After a long ti, Danzo said leisurely, "If you want to beco Hokage, you must be exposed under the sun's blazing light."

These words held the weight of his ambition.

"That is to say, do you want to intervene in the Kumo incident? To be honest, it will be quite difficult. The Third Hokage's conservatives seek a peaceful resolution." Ryoma said.

Although unwilling to admit it, the conservative forces headed by the Third Hokage were still the largest group in Konoha. Extre radicals like Root were only a minority after all. This had also led to many ninjas distrust the Root's shadowy operations..

"If the war can be resolved peacefully, how can we be worthy of the Konoha ninjas who died in the ninja wars? Wouldn't all their blood be shed in vain?"

In every war, the Root served as the vanguard, active at the forefront of the battlefield, collecting intelligence for the frontline troops, and performing assassination and beheading operations.

Danzo, stationed far from the frontlines, understood the true cost of war far better than the advisors and Hokage. However, their current lack of power restricted the Root to operate in the shadows, slowly building their influence and preparing for the inevitable power struggle against the conservative faction.

In the darkness, they would continue to grow their own power, and then compete with the faction headed by the Third Hokage. So far, the effect was excellent, and Danzo had made them worry several tis.

If Danzo really intended to intervene in this Kumo and Hyuga incident, it ant that after that, he would be hit extrely hard by the Third Hokage, and It could even provide him with leverage against Danzo himself.

"I have already seen the temporary gains and losses. Yet, it is the ultimate victory that matters. The Hyuga... it depends on whether they can seize this opportunity."

"How shall we proceed?"

If Danzo, the leader of Root, had decided to assist the Hyuga in taking action against Kumo's plot, then, as subordinates, they would naturally go all out and fight Kumo to the end. They were different from the conservatives. The purpose of the Root was to protect Konoha by any ans.

"Kumo will retaliate accordingly. And that is exactly what the Root does best, don't you agree?" Danzo smiled aningfully, very mysterious.

Ryoma nodded in understanding and walked outside to make arrangents. Indeed, as Danzo said, this was what their Root did best.

.....

In a forest outside Konoha.

Ayane stood on a branch of a tree. Her Byakugan activated, the veins around her eyes bulging as a faint layer of iridescent light filled her white pupils, revealing hidden secrets with unparalleled clarity.

Ayane, who was already in an observation state, imdiately spotted a group of Konoha ninjas wearing Anbu uniforms but with masks slightly different from Konoha's Anbu, sneaking out of Konoha through a secret channel.

The Root, the Anb led by Shimura Danzo.

In recent years, under the connivance of the Third Hokage, it had grown stronger and stronger.

"So, you finally couldn't resist, Danzo. It seems things are going well there." Ayane smiled with narrowed eyes.

This turn of events was almost inevitable. His ambition for power demanded action, not just secret plans and whispers in the dark. While Danzo's actions would invite harsh repercussions from the Third Hokage later on, securing the Hyuga clan's support would ultimately serve his long-term interests.

The backing of a powerful Kekkei Genkai clan represented a completely different aning. Even temporary concessions would grant the Root considerable power and influence in the long run.

"Let's see how this plays out before deciding the next move." Ayane mused.

After this incident, not only would the relationship between Konoha and Kumo be completely strained, but also the conflicts within Konoha would be further intensified.

From this point of view, Ayane was also grateful to Kumo for creating such an excellent opportunity for her to deploy in the Hyuga clan and further gather power within it. Without Kumo's stimulation this ti, it would not have been so easy to further infiltrate the Hyuga clan.

...

About three days passed.

Kumo's urging beca more and more urgent. Judging by that, they wished they could rush into the Land of Fire and teach Konoha a hard lesson. But in fact, the real result was that the Kumo ninjas on the border of the Land of Fire had all restrained themselves and had not broken through Konoha's defense line.

Regardless of the turmoil inside Konoha, the atmosphere inside the Hyuga clan was also extrely tense. In the past few days, high-level officials had visited the Hyuga clan more than once and discussed this matter many tis. But judging from the number of tis they ca, things were more difficult than anyone imagined.

Today, in the eting room of the Hyuga clan's residence, all the elders of the clan were present. In addition to them, there were Hyuga Hizashi who was a branch family mber, and the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi who was an outsider along with accompanying Anbu.

Hizashi was sowhat surprised by such a formation.

"Hizashi, we have already discussed how to reply to Kumo."

The oldest elder in the main family said aloud, and intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Hiashi next to him.

"It's been discussed? What else needs to be discussed about this matter?" Hiashi sighed lightly as he sat there, and continued, "I was the one who accidentally killed the Kumo envoy, and what Kumo asked for was also my body. If my sacrifice can prevent further bloodshed, then so be it. My death would be a worthy contribution to the village."

The elder frowned deeply when he heard what Hiashi had said, and replied, "Hiashi, such resignation ahould not beco of you. You are the head of the clan and the leader of the entire Hyuga clan. Your leadership is recognized by the whole clan. Our clan's kekkei genkai is the strategic asset to the village. Neither the clan nor the village's leadership approve of your approach."

"Indeed." Hiruzen affird, his voice firm. "The Byakugan must never fall into Kumo's hands."

Despite advocating for peace above all else, Hiruzen was no fool. He understood the imnse value of the Byakugan and its potential threat if acquired by Kumo.

"Hokage-sama, even though you've said that, if I don't hand over my body, more people in the village will die for it." Hiashi insisted.

"About that... we already have counterasures."

The elder answered Hiashi's question instead of Hiruzen. He turned his body slightly to make Hizashi more obvious next to him.

"Counterasures?" Hiashi asked in surprise.

"Yes, the reason why the branch family exists is for this mont. We will let Hizashi replace you."

The voice of the clan elder was very low. Although it was a pity to lose a powerful jonin, compared to Hiashi, Hizashi who was a branch mber was born to protect the main family. There was nothing wrong with using him to replace Hiashi.

"What?" Hizashi couldn't believe what he just heard.

"It's inevitable for you to be surprised. But this is the best result. What they want is the body of 'Hyuga Hiashi'. Hizashi looks the sa as you, so just fool them for a while... When the village recovers, Kumo will not dare raise this issue again." The elder explained plainly.

"Bur, It was my mistake, I shouldn't let Hizashi bear my burden." Hiashi frowned with a little dissatisfaction in his expression.

"This is no longer a personal matter, Hiashi. The Byakugan is at stake. Moreover, the Hokage-sama agrees with this course of action." The elder turned to Hiruzen on the other side.

"Hokage-sama?" Hiashi looked at the Third Hokage in shock.

Hiruzen had an acquiescing attitude and didn't answer. This was the best result for the village. Although it was very unfair to Hyuga Hizashi, in order to protect Konoha and the Byakugan, he could only let Hizashi, who was a branch mber, beco a victim in this incident.

Hiashi wanted to argue further, but Hizashi already laughed and said, "Okay, brother, there's no need to argue with the elder and Hokage-sama. I am willing to give my life in your place. After all, you are of the main family."

Although it sounded like a carefree and natural smile, everyone present could clearly feel the helplessness and sadness behind Hizashi's smile.

This was the unchangeable fate as soone who was branded with the Caged Bird Seal.

When the clan's life was endangered, those in the branch family, whether voluntarily or by force, had to step up to block all dangers for the main family. Even though the crisis originated by soone from the main family this ti, it would always be soone from the branch family that would be sacrificed.

"But Neji is still so young..." Hiashi tried pleading again.

"That is precisely why I must go. All Neji has always ever seen is a weak and incompetent father. This is my deepest regret. However, I'm grateful for your favoritism and the care you have shown

over the years, despite my defiance. In return, I promised to never again harm Hinata. And I kept that promise..."

A wry smile finally played upon Hizashi's lips as he finished speaking. Did he feel reluctant? It didn't seem like it. He just felt strange at that mont.

His resentnt had never been directed towards his brother but the existence of the clan itself, and himself who could not protect his son. As a brother and as a father, he felt like a failure.

He had simply taken advantage of Hiasui's favoritism to vent his dissatisfactions in his heart with the main family. If it were anyone else in the clan, they would have already imprisoned them and treated them as dangerous.

"Hizashi..." Hiashi said sorrowfully.

"It's a pity that i wasn't soone who could freely control his own destiny like your... maid back then..."

Hizashi gave a self-deprecating laugh. As for freedom, he had long given up thinking about that. So, a caged bird would always remain a caged bird.

"Hizashi!"

It wasn't Hizashi who spoke to him with a gloomy face, but the elder next to him.

When Hizashi ntioned "that maid" earlier, he was already furious.

Hyuga Ayane was a disgrace to the clan, a traitor who deserved to be eliminated soday. Hizashi's open admiration and envy towards her were akin to blaspheming the main family.

If not for the presence of Hizashi, the Hokage, and the others, he would have activated the caged bird seal without hesitation, reminding Hizashi of his duty as a branch mber. Bringing up that na at such a ti was undoubtedly provoking the authority of the clan.

"As a dying man, I have nothing left to lose, so I can speak my mind freely. Isn't that right?"

Hizashi looked at the clan elder without fear, a faint smile playing on his lips that seed mocking to their eyes.

The elder had a gloomy old face and snorted coldly,

"Those who have lost the protection of the clan and village, the defectors, are condemned to forever hide in the shadows. They may appear free, but it's a hollow freedom, a fa??ade. They are too young to understand the true cruelty of the ninja world."

Since Hyuga Ayane left, dangerous thoughts that shouldn't existed had spread among mbers of the branch family. This dangerous thought needed to be corrected, the elder thought to himself.

Hizashi just smiled slightly, but didn't refute him. But if one could attain freedom, even if they can only hide in the dark, they would probably still find happiness that way. At least your personality and dignity remained intact. Compared to that, the current situation of the branch was worse than rats in the gutter.

"Since you are replacing Hiashi, if you have any last words, please leave them as soon as possible. Just like the nonsense you've spouted here, if there's anything you want to express, any dissatisfaction you harbor, you may do so."

The clan elder said after thinking it through. He decided to give Hizashi this sort of privilege.

After all, since Hizashi was going to die to prevent the bloodline of the Hyuga clan from flowing into the hands of outsiders, so privileges should be given to him. Let him enjoy one last mont of unrestrained willfulness.

"No need. I've already written my last words, and I was already self-indulgent when I disrespected the daughter of the clan head before. After this, you can pass this letter to Neji when the ti is right..."

Hizashi took out a letter from his robe and placed it in front of him. The smile on his face disappeared as he regained a serious look.

Imdiately afterwards, he looked at the struggling Hiashi sitting there, and just as he was about to say sothing, the door of the room was shoved open roughly.

"Terrible news, Hokage-sama!" An Anbu appeared there, panting heavily. It seed he had sprinted here at full speed.

"What happened?"

Hiruzen turned to face him imdiately and asked gravely. Since the anbu had co rushing in such a hurry, sothing big must have obviously happened.

The Anbu gathered his thoughts and briefly described the situation: "At the border between our Land of Fire and the Land of Tea, Kumo suddenly attacked our stationed ninja there, killing one jōnin and three chūnin!"

"What?" Hiruzen's expression changed drastically as he found it unbelievable. Why would Kumo launch a surprise attack and kill Konoha ninja stationed at the border at this ti? Obviously there was no need for them to do anything when negotiations were still ongoing. Why would they hand Konoha such leverage?

"There is one more thing. Danzō-sama, after being inford of this, instructed for Hokage-sama to return imdiately, and convene a Jonin eting to re-evaluate the peace negotiations with Kumogakure." The Anbu spoke, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Danzō?" Hiruzen murmured with a sudden sense of foreboding.