Chapter 135: The Hyuga

At the Hot Country front line, the Konoha ninja army's main camp, after several command assistants finished compiling the intelligence delivered by the reconnaissance squad, they handed it to Jiraiya, who slowly nodded after reading it.

It was exactly as Jiraiya had expected: as soon as he arrived at the front line, the troops' morale would naturally stabilize.

Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, took command; for Konoha ninja, he was the best reassurance, and the army steadied. Then, following Jiraiya, they launched a proactive strike. Yun Yin did not realize Konoha had changed commanders and was caught off guard; after fierce fighting, both sides suffered casualties.

Although this battle gave Konoha a slight edge due to unequal intelligence, Konoha ninja were outnumbered, and even with Jiraiya present they could not retake the lost front line.

After the battle, Konoha remained largely on the defensive, while Yun Yin's offensive also slowed.

Both sides reverted to small‑scale infiltration warfare, awaiting the next opportunity.

"Lord Jiraiya, the reinforcements are still sixty li away and are nearly reaching the rear camp's border."

Just as Jiraiya was pondering, someone entered the camp to report.

When Konoha's reinforcements set out, the ANBU had already sent a secret letter; Jiraiya was already aware of the reinforcements, so he was unsurprised upon hearing it.

He was merely curious how the three old men managed to dispatch support so quickly.

"Maintain vigilance, send out the recon squads and constantly monitor Yun Yin's movements. Also, assign people to tidy the camp and promptly prepare for the reinforcements."

"Yes!"

Being at a disadvantage, Konoha's ninja acted more cautiously; Yun Yin sensed something might have changed but could not find an opening to intervene.

That night, the reinforcements reached the front line; Jiraiya left the camp to meet them, and after the commanding officer handed over command to Jiraiya, he made a move that puzzled everyone.

"All the ninja who came to reinforce are here; this is the roster. Lord Jiraiya may arrange as you see fit. The subordinates still have missions and will return to Konoha first."

Upon learning that the commander was chosen by Tuan Zang, Jiraiya expected a very tough opponent, but after the person arrived, he actually left, leaving Jiraiya bewildered.

Nevertheless, his departure was convenient, preventing Tuan Zang from causing chaos in the army; Jiraiya simply replied with a nod and let him go.

This scene left Sima Yi, who had arrived together, equally puzzled; Tuan Zang was willing to abandon the Uchiha to obtain the position, yet left without doing anything.

"What does he really want?" "The area is now cleared; everyone set up their tents and rest for the night. We'll discuss matters tomorrow."

Jiraiya knew the troops had traveled a long way, so after a brief arrangement he let them rest.

At dawn the next day, Sima Yi and Hui received Jiraiya's invitation to discuss matters in the camp.

When the two arrived, a few people stood beside Jiraiya. Sima Yi glanced around, then his gaze fell on members of the Hyuga clan; it wasn't that he hadn't seen Byakugan before, but their expressions were odd.

Two members of the Hyuga clan arrived: the younger one was Hyuga Rikasa, who came with the reinforcements, and the other, whom Sima Yi had not seen before, was presumably Hyuga Dongyin mentioned in earlier intelligence.

Both of them wore very grim faces; upon noticing Sima Yi's scrutinizing gaze, Hyuga Rikasa let out a cold snort, completely shedding the weary aura from the support route.

Jiraiya also sensed the two's oddity; unlike Sima Yi's confusion, Jiraiya already knew the inside story.

In the past, the former ANBU member Xiao Chun deliberately misled everyone, causing Konoha ninja, including the Hyuga clan in the Village, to believe that the frontline's Hyuga Dongyin failed to reinforce in time, leading to the loss of the front line.

Consequently, the Hyuga mobilized most of their clan's strength to assist and make amends, enduring constant Byakugan disdain along the way.

When they finally reached the front line and learned the truth from Hyuga Dongyin, they discovered that the loss of the first front line was clearly due to the Village's higher‑ups' reckless actions; they and the Nara clan had been unjustly shouldered with the blame for so long.

Naturally angry, they tried to seek justice, only to realize that when Xiao Chun reported the situation, he merely guided the narrative and never explicitly linked the delayed reinforcement to the first line's loss.

Even the Third had said the frontline loss was his responsibility, but at the time everyone, including Hyuga Rizu, thought the Third was consoling the Hyuga clan, and felt somewhat moved.

Damned it! Hyuga Rikasa, in his prime, had his spirit partially shattered by the cage bird, yet could not tolerate the Konoha high command's treachery; after learning the truth last night, he wrote a letter sending the details back to the Village.

At that moment Sima Yi glanced at him, instantly recalling the Byakugan scorn he had endured, and let out a cold snort, unable to hide his displeasure.

Jiraiya, seeing this, quickly interrupted everyone and began the war council.

Although the reinforcements had arrived, internal coordination would require time; additionally, they must wait for the infiltration units to achieve results and obtain enemy intelligence before launching the next large‑scale counter‑offensive.

Jiraiya has fought for many years; his command ability may not match Nara Suzaku and Nara Lukiu, but his deployments are solid and methodical.

Sima Yi and Hui merely listened on the side; they knew little about the situation and offered no opinions, and no side raised objections.

After the war council ended, Sima Yi and Hui were called aside by Jiraiya.

Looking at this old man older than the Third, Jiraiya became unusually serious, produced a map of both sides' territories, and then explained the recent intelligence concerning Yun Yin point by point.

Although the information is classified, the Uchiha high command is entitled to know it.

Sima Yi realized they were testing his ability, yet after reviewing the data he still offered no comment.

He merely said, "I need to study both sides carefully; I cannot give any advice for now. Let's discuss again in half a month."

Jiraiya was puzzled; he had already explained both sides clearly, so what more could Sima Yi need to know? He did not press further; after all, half a month is short, and if the other side lacks the ability, he could simply find a way for the Nara family to continue commanding.

After bidding farewell to Jiraiya, the two returned to their tents; Hui, curious, asked, "Lord Jiraiya, are you testing Uncle Yi's ability? Why not show a hand?"

Knowing Hui was impatient, Sima Yi smiled and explained, "The Uchiha have never been here in any previous ninja wars, and we just arrived. Making judgments solely from paperwork would be too rash.

Do not act hastily; think thrice before acting, wait a while longer, and after the forces and current situation are clear, make a judgment then.

As long as this war continues, there will be no shortage of opportunities to make a name.

Hui suddenly understood and quickly praised, "Uncle Yi, you are the most steady!"

He then sighed, looked back toward Konoha and said, "Without Uncle Yi's help, I don't know what's happening over at Shisui's side."

When they left, Konoha's situation was already chaotic; Hui, unfamiliar with Yan Shifan, felt quite worried.

"Never mind, Shisui will be fine."

Konoha, Anma Clan territory.

Elder clan chief An Zai of the Anma stared at the Root members before him, feeling despair.

"Anma clan chief, decide quickly; Lord Tuan Zang's patience is limited."

A cold voice echoed in the dim room; after the Root left, An Zai remained silent for a long time, and when he finally opened his eyes, his gaze was full of bewilderment.

He hadn't expected that after Tuan Zang was rejected by the great Uchiha families, he would turn his attention to their small clans.

The Anma clan now has only him as a Jonin; it's hard to imagine they have fallen to this point, yet Tuan Zang still wants to bite.

"Refuse?"

"Refuse with what? The Root is weak compared to those great families; even if Tuan Zang is isolated by the higher‑ups, he still has the power to eliminate the Anma clan."

"Father, let me go, otherwise Tuan Zang will not be satisfied."

Anma's only two remaining sons, Anma Congyun and Anma Yunhai, both spoke in unison.

Anma Congyun is a genjutsu‑type special jonin, the strongest in the family aside from Anma Anzai; Anma Yunhai's talent is slightly lower, but he is a chūnin—if he cannot awaken the bloodline limit, he will remain a special jonin forever.

Anma Yakumo is still far too young; if even this son is lost, the clan will truly have no hope.

"How much money does the clan still have?" Anma Anzai paused, sighed, and asked softly.

"Money?"

Anma Congyun was startled, frowned in recollection, then replied, "Less than three million taels." "Take it, you come with me to the Uchiha clan lands."

"The Uchiha clan abandoned us long ago; if we go to them now, can they help us?" Anma Yunhai asked, a bit angry.

The Anma clan has been loyal to the Uchiha; back then they chose to support the Uchiha's bid for the Hokage, and yet they saw the Uchiha fall without any acknowledgment—truly disheartening.

"No more words, let's go."

Anma Anzai obviously knew all this, but now they have no choice; Danzo's situation is no better than the Uchiha's back then, and if they get drawn in now, the Anma clan will be finished.

Although Anma Congyun felt some resentment, he did not retort, rose, and followed.

The two brought gifts to the Uchiha clan lands and were escorted by the clan's guards to Shisui's courtyard.

Shisui, having learned the situation, formally received the two, which eased Anma Congyun's expression slightly.

"I was previously unwell, and as Shisui‑sama has become clan head I never had a chance to visit; today I finally have time, please forgive my intrusion."

Strength and influence make one an adult, regardless of age.

Shisui was already accustomed to this; he looked at the two, then at the gifts, understood they had a request, and sincerely asked, "In the past the Uchiha clan was plagued by endless internal strife, unable to be quelled, and we could only watch the Anma clan be targeted and gradually decline.

Although I am not responsible for this, I share the guilt; if you have any request today, speak openly—whatever we can do, the Uchiha will not stand idle."

The two were moved; Anma Congyun bowed his head further, feeling remorse for his earlier thoughts.

Anma Anzai was equally stirred inside—Is the Uchiha finally about to rise?

The hard days of the Anma clan are finally ending! At that moment, he suppressed his emotions, composed his words, and told Shisui about Danzo's affairs.

"I see, the Anma clan is a friend of the Uchiha; this matter the Uchiha will certainly help with, old clan head need not worry, just send a refusal reply."

The two were overjoyed, thanked him at once, chatted with Shisui a while longer while subtly pledging loyalty, and then took their leave.

After they departed, Shisui had the gifts sent back; the money meant something to the Uchiha, better than nothing, but for the Anma clan it was certainly no small amount.

Later he reported the matter to Yan Shifan, who nodded and immediately suggested, "Danzo has no way out now; add fuel to the fire, spread this news, and see how he struggles!"

"Evil Uchiha, damned Anma, damned Uchiha Shisui!"

At the Root base, Danzo watched the Anma clan's rekindled fury prove hard to suppress.

Danzo had considered that someone might oppose him—after all, outstanding people always attract jealousy—but those obstacles should be easily dealt with.

Yet reality always diverged greatly from his expectations; he was isolated, and with the power he now controls it seemed impossible to solve the problem.

The great families could be ignored; since the Uchiha led the rejection, Danzo abandoned any plans to approach them and turned his gaze to smaller clans like Anma, Evening Sun, Shiranui, Moonlight, and Mitarashi.

For those clans, joining the ANBU was acceptable, but everyone knew Danzo intended to transfer their members into Root, so naturally they refused.

Danzo also thought they might resist, but it didn't matter—he could still easily manipulate those people.

He never expected the Anma clan to directly approach the Uchiha, showing no restraint! Moreover, as the Anma‑Uchiha affair spread, other clans copied them; the Evening Sun clan found the Sarutobi Clan, with Yuan Fei A Si Ma having ties to Evening Sun Red, and the Sarutobi Clan naturally agreed to shelter them.

Shiranui and Moonlight clans each approached Mizuto clan and Zhuanxin, and the two assistants also opposed Root's expansion, so they were directly pulled into the ANBU.

As for the Mitarashi family, no one was willing to help, but Mitarashi Hongdou's father had already died in battle, leaving only Mitarashi Hongdou as the usable ninja in the house.

Ironically, Mitarashi Hongdou is a disciple of Orochimaru, and she herself is still detained in the Police Department prison; if Danzo wants a few genin, the Mitarashi family is willing to support.

Danzo certainly didn't want a few genin; unsatisfied, he turned his attention to others.

However, those great families, as previously arranged, began to collectively target Root.

Previously they feared Root—once because the Third supported it, once because they didn't know its strength; now those concerns are gone, and the old resentment naturally seeks release.

Moreover, Danzo's current situation is obvious to everyone; walking the same path with him will end sooner or later, who would dare support him?

Hyuga showed a different reaction, but even if Hyuga agreed, Danzo would not take them; those eyes are too dangerous.

"Given this situation, hoping to become Hokage through the Jonin Council is a delusion, damn it, must we really turn back to those evil Uchiha?"

Danzo fell silent, then shook his head, thought for a moment, and chose to write to Orochimaru.

Although Orochimaru left the Land of Fire, they still had cooperation, and he wanted to ask Orochimaru for help.

But Orochimaru's reply was: "My experiment still lacks funds; once the money is in place I can find people to help you, but my advice is to retire early—your teacher will not give you the Hokage position."

Seeing the money angle, Orochimaru rarely told the truth, yet this only made Danzo more furious.

"Rizhan has already promised me; I cannot miss this chance, the Hokage seat is within reach, only I, only I can lead the Leaf Village back to its former glory, only I can unite the ninja world!"

Danzo's expression turned grim; he had already ordered all his forces recalled, including those sent to the front in the Land of Hot Springs.

Now he can no longer attend to the north; without solving the immediate problem he would remain merely an assistant, but he is unwilling, he wants to advance!

"How can I gain their support?"

Danzo pondered; even now he still hadn't considered killing the two—it's not that he couldn't, but killing them would be useless, as Zhuanxin and Mizuto families remain; rash action would only alert other clans.

"These people don't want to enter Root, but entering the ANBU would make them subject to those two; my side lacks manpower, finances are limited, hard to resist—seems the only way is to go dark."

Danzo calmed down and, realizing this, decided to use his familiar methods to seize power, not bureaucracy! He immediately took the ANBU roster and began transferring members of the three clans out of the Leaf Village.

For routine missions they still dared not refuse, so they accepted departure; Danzo secretly sent Root operatives to ambush them on their inevitable route.

With intention but no foresight, within just days the ANBU's casualties rose sharply; Danzo seized the chance to pull some mid‑rank jonin civilians into the ANBU. Though he lacked money, he had plenty of ninjutsu, using it as reward, quickly replenishing ANBU ranks.

All sides gradually sensed something amiss; Zhuanxin Koharu, Mizuto Flame, and the new director of the Sarutobi Clan rushed to the Hokage Tower to question Danzo.

Danzo, however, explained calmly, "ANBU missions are inherently dangerous; casualties are normal. If one does not wish to bear loss, one may choose to leave the ANBU."

"You"

The three were enraged, yet had no evidence; they also could not strike at ANBU members as Danzo did.

After all, those who died were clan ninjas cultivated at great cost, whereas Danzo recruited only civilians.

"Danzo, what you're doing harms the Leaf Village's foundation; stop while you can, let's each concede a step."

Zhuanxin Koharu did not wish to further provoke Danzo, so they prepared to concede one step.

"Fine, I'll take full control of the ANBU; only in my hands can the ANBU achieve its greatest effect!"

"Danzo, must you remain obstinate?"

"I'm only doing this for the Leaf Village."

"Danzo, you'll regret this!"

The higher‑ups' quarrel reached Yan Shifan, who chuckled lightly and said to Shisui, "Recall the ANBU members. Danzo is about to make a desperate gamble, but with the power he wields he is doomed to fail."

"After he fails, tell him about that matter; failure and deception will make him see reality clearly, and then it will be our turn to act."

"I spent two hours on these final sections, feel I didn't achieve the result I wanted—sigh, writing a novel is really hard (end of chapter)."