Naruto: Escape From Konoha-Chapter 248 - 241: Kumo and Hyuga

TN: I'm back... Again... But not fully. I'm sorry guys i wasn't able to make updates. My grades tanked like crazy had to get them up. I'm starting my final year project though (yes computer science). Yes I'll try to update when Im free. Thank you

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The internal situation in Konoha was currently gloomy. The war had finally concluded, yet unexpected events unfolded yet again.

The leader of Kumo's envoy accidentally died on Konoha's territory due to some unknown reasons.

The assailant was Hyuga Hiashi, the clan head of the Hyuga Clan.

Key figures in Konoha, including those sent by Kumo for the mission, were now entangled in this incident, leading to complications.

Kumogakure were now trying to exploit this situation, demanding Konoha to surrender the body of Hyuga Hiashi. Failing to do this, they threatened to attack the Land of Fire until Hyuga Hiashi's body was handed over.

Diplomatic tensions between Konoha and Kumo created a significant divide, increasing the likelihood of another war.

While the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind had settled, Kirigakure in the Land of Water was still recovering from the coup a few years ago, maintaining a "closed country" status. Meanwhile, Kumo with the Land of Lightning adopted an aggressive stance, indicating readiness for a decisive battle with Konoha again.

After the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, In order to deal with Kumo, Konoha had managed to exchange the lives of countless ninja for the current peace. Now, with the news of the impending war, it cast a somber atmosphere over the village.

For this reason, Konoha had held multiple meetings to address the matter, with all named Jōnin participating.

There was heated discussion on this matter. The conservative Jōnin advocated seeking peace. Konoha couldn't withstand more turmoil now. Since the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice and the two-year war of attrition with Kumo, military power had declined greatly. The focus now should be on development - Konoha could no longer afford to fight with Kumo.

On the other hand, members of the war faction called for an immediate counterattack.

With the war two years, Konoha and Kumo remained in a stalemate. This equilibrium was largely due to Konoha's diversion of resources to contend with the war against both Iwagakure and Sunagakure. However, despite the strained resources, Konoha retained a distinct advantage in overall strength.

Among Konoha's ranks, numerous high-level combatants stood ready. Should Konoha shift from a defensive to an offensive stance, they might very well deliver a deep and unforgettable lesson upon Kumo, potentially even pushing the boundaries of the Land of Lightning.

Long-term development would follow such a decisive victory.

Despite the stalemate between the two factions, the high-level officials remained silent during the meeting. However, Kumo's urgently demanded for see Hyuga Hiashi's body and their troop deployment on the Kingdom of Tang's border signaled a potential attack on the Land of Fire.

Following the Jonin meeting, Konoha's senior officials convened in a separate, smaller conference room to discuss the pressing matter of Kumo and Hyuga.

"Based on the recent Jonin meeting, most Jonin favor a peaceful solution to this conflict, while a smaller number advocate for continued war. However, handing over Hyuga Hiashi's body to Kumo's unreasonable demands is simply unacceptable."

Koharu shared statistical results of the previous Jōnin meeting, and at the same time expressed her dissatisfaction towards Kumo's attitude.

"Indeed, a peaceful resolution remains the preferable action. However, should such efforts fail, we should not hesitate to continue the war. The Hyuga clan's Byakugan cannot fall into the hands of our enemies." Homura nodded in agreement

Compensating for the death of the Kumo mission leader was acceptable to Konoha, but surrendering Hyuga Hiashi's body has exceeded their bottom line.

After all, they were acutely aware of the Byakugan's immense advantage.

The Hyuga clan's powerful bloodline was too significant to be risked in the hands of other villages. They knew the devastating consequences of allowing such a prestigious Kekkei Genkai to be exploited by other villages.

Losing a war paled in comparison to the threat posed by the Byakugan in the hands of Konoha's enemies.

"What is the Hyuga clan's stance on this matter?"

As Hokage, Hiruzen understood that the Hyuga clan's eyes mustn't fall into Kumo's hands, but he also recognized the significance of the Hyuga clan's stance.

"Of course, they won't agree, and their attitude is very firm. Moreover, considering this situation, it's also Kumo's fault. They trespassed into the Hyuga clan's territory and attempted to abduct the clan head's daughter. I suspect their purpose of selectimg Konoha as the armistice signing location wasn't to sign the agreement, but to obtain the Hyuga's kekkei genkai."

The entire incident appeared extremely absurd.

Only a fool would attempt to sneak into the Hyuga Clan's land to steal the clan's heir.

Even if they managed to infiltrate, escaping would be impossible. The leader of the Kumo mission had no intention of leaving the Hyuga Clan unharmed.

Kumo sought merely an excuse, an opportunity to threaten Konoha, aiming to obtain the Hyuga Clan's bloodline.

"To go to such lengths... for the Byakugan..."

Homura shook his head, disgusted by Kumo's unscrupulous and aggressive tactics. Immediately, his gaze then shifted to Danzo, who had remained silent since entering the room.

Over the past two years, Root had flourished under Danzo's leadership, experiencing unprecedented growth. Danzo himself held increasing power within the village, becoming a force that even the Hokage couldn't ignore.

"The Fourth Raikage himself experienced firsthand the devastating power of a Byakugam ninja. In addition, Kumo troops on the battlefield suffered significant losses due to the Byakugan. Kumo's desire for the Byakugan is at an all-time high, driven by both fear and ambition."

Homura wasn't surprised by this revelation, he nodded in agreement.

After uncovering Kumo's true intentions, the increased scrutiny of the Hyuga Clan was inevitable. However, he didn't anticipate such extreme pressure being exerted upon both Konoha and the Hyuga.

"Hyuga Ayane... Speaking of which, we haven't heard any news of those people for years now. It's as if they have disappeared from the ninja world without a trace." Homura remarked with a wry smile.

Originally, the plan was to eliminate those dangerous traitors and wipe out the Uchiha and Hyuga bloodlines outside with them. Unfortunately, since the Third Ninja World War, the situation around Konoha had been unstable. With the death of the Fourth Hokage, Konoha's military strength further weakened.

Confronting the three powerful S-rank... estimations indicated that even if the entire Anbu were deployed, complete annihilation of both the Anbu and the regular forces was possible.

A few years had passed, and the whereabouts and strength of those three people remained unknown. The presence of many Uchiha and Hyuga ninjas around them added to the complexity.

Even if the armistice agreement with Kumo succeeded, focusing on those defecting ninjas in the coming years would be impossible. Furthermore, Orochimaru's defection compounded Konoha's challenges. With his departure, Konoha suffered a significant loss, not only in terms of combat prowess, but also in critical information and intelligence..

Thinking of this, Homura cast a glance at Hiruzen, who was lost in thought.

Would the situation have been better if Orochimaru had been appointed the Fifth Hokage immediately after the Fourth's death, instead of Hiruzen returning to power and assuming leadership?

However, further when he thought more about it he realized that under Orochimaru's and Danzo's strict leadership, the two advisors would likely have been marginalized and stripped of their original authority.

"Let's set that aside for now. I intend to personally visit the Hyuga Clan and discuss this matter with the Main House. Their input regarding the appropriate course of action is important. I entrust you with managing the situation in the interim."

While recognizing the Byakugan's importance, Hiruzen felt it important first to ascertain the Hyuga Clan's opinion before deciding on the next step.

His original intention was to seek a peaceful resolution, but one that did not involve a resolution in the form of compensation.

Because Konoha could not afford to lose the Byakugan, especially not to an ambitious village like Kumo. This outcome is absolutely unacceptable.

While surrendering the Byakugan might offer temporary peace, it would ultimately jeopardize Konoha's future. This needed to be prevented at all costs.

"Indeed... However, before that, we need to deploy additional troops to the borders of the Land of Fire to prevent any potential Kumo attack."

Koharu and Homura voiced no objections.

Hiruzen nodded in agreement, then cast a sidelong glance at Danzo, whose silence masked his true thoughts. He rose and exited the meeting room.

...

Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.

"Mabui, do you think Konoha will agree to hand over Hyuga Hiashi's body?"

In his office in the, the Fourth Raikage, A, posed this question to his secretary, Mabui, who was beside him.

The Fourth Raikage's eagerness was understandable. The Byakugan's strategic value was immense, and possessing such a kekkei genkai would significantly ease the pressure Kumo would face in future conflicts with Konoha.

In response to the fourth Raikage's question, Mabui shook her head pragmatically and explained, "Generally speaking, such a situation is unlikely unless Konoha intends to force the Hyuga clan's compliance."

Surrendering such a prominent figure's body to Kumo for disposal would be an unprecedented decision, even for a desperate Konoha.

The strategic significance of.a Kekkei Genkai like the Byakugan would guarantee a thorough analysis and careful consideration by Konoha's leadership.

Though already anticipating the answer, the fourth Raikage couldn't help but feel disappointed. The Byakugan had proven a formidable force on the battlefield, causing significant challenges for Kumo.

Having experienced defeat at the hands of a Hyuga Clan ninjas himself, the Fourth Raikage understood the dread inspired by rhe Byakugan. In comparison to the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, the Byakugan was even more fearsome.

"Besides, our primary goal isn't necessarily to acquire the Byakugan..While acquiring it would be ideal, frankly, taking hostages from the Hyuga Clan's territory is impossible." Mabui added.

Even if a Kumo ninja managed to succeed through a stroke of luck, they would undoubtedly be hunted down relentlessly.

Their current situation was unfolding precisely as planned. Their objective was to exploit this incident to incite conflict between Konoha's conservative and radical factions, exacerbate their policy disagreements, and constantly drain Konoha's resources. This way, even during peacetime, Konoha's recovery would be hampered, further weakened by internal friction.

This would grant Kumo the opportunity to continue aggressively developing their military. The fluctuations in power would inevitably lead to Kumo surpassing Konoha in the coming years.

As a ninja village, their vision extended beyond immediate gains. They focused on the village's future development and actively sought to impede the progress of other ninja villages.

Since the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato's death, Konoha had been rife with internal conflict. The conservative Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had returned to power, locked in open and secret conflict with Shimura Danzo. Their political views clashed drastically.

Orochimaru had defected, and Tsunade and Jiraiya were also reported to have left Konoha temporarily for unknown reasons.

It was safe to say that Konoha's military strength had reached its lowest point in history. Yet, even in this weakened state, Konoha's overall strength likely remained superior to Kumo's.

Ultimately, the true key lay in their ninjas..Especially those from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.

These two bloodline clans boasted remarkable lineage continuity, their Kekkei genkai having been passed down unhindered, allowing them to consistently provide Konoha with elite combat forces.

As the number of these ninjas increased, their collective power would surpass that of the Sannin.

The true strength of Konoha lies in its bloodline inheritors and skilled ninjas. Ordinary ninjas are merely cannon fodder on the battlefield.

To weaken Konoha, they needed to first exploit the internal contradictions within the village's ninja ranks and incite frictions.

This strategic plan, devised by Kumo's high-level council, has ensnared Konoha in a carefully crafted trap.

The Third Hokage's desire for a peaceful resolution has proven futile. His long-held policy, promoting peace and harmony, cannot prevent war's inevitable return.

As the Fourth Raikage's personal secretary, Mabui possesses a clear understanding of the situation. Her duty involved carefully analyzing the current state and development of all major ninja villages, providing her superior with accurate judgments and assessments.

"Next, Raikage-sama, you just need to stay calm and await Konoha's response. The daimyo will also put more pressure on the Land of Fire." Mabui eaid confidently.

While the combined power of the five major nations once held immense dominance, that era has faded. In today's world, ninja war reigns supreme, with ninjas replacing ordinary soldiers as the backbone of a country's military power.

A country thrived on the strength of its ninja village, its voice more louder on the international stage.

Konoha's waning momentum naturally weakened the Land of Fire's position.

"I feel like a nagging old woman. Can't we find a permanent solution once and for all?" The Fourth Raikage grumbled as frowned.

"If the pressure becomes too intense, other ninja villages might voice their opinions. I've heard that, due to Kumo's continuous expansion of ninja military strength, the other villages have started to grow wary of us." Mabui explained with a sigh, hoping to instill some peace in the Raikage's heart.

"That old man Onoki?" The Raikage snorted. "Fine, we do it that way. During this time, I'll focus on training to further enhance the power of my Lightning Release Chakra Mode."

The Fourth Raikage, keenly aware of the current dynamics within Kumo Village, acknowledged the need for caution. The growing mistrust between the Five Great Ninja Villages, fueled by Kumo's aggressive military expansion, was a reality that he could not ignore.

"I understand. I will manage the affairs diligently in Raikage-sama's absence."

Mabui nodded subtly, accepting the Fourth Raikage's decision without objection. In truth, unlike other impatient ninjas confined to office work, the Fourth Raikage preferred a more active role.

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Becoming his secretary was a relatively recent development.

Through casual conversations with colleagues and other Jōnin, Mabui learned about the Fourth Raikage's past defeat at the hands of a Hyuga clan ninja with the Byakugan and Gentle Fist.

Over the years, he had tirelessly honed his lightning release armor, seeking redemption for the humiliation suffered at the hands of a rogue ninja from Konoha. Being one of the Five Kages, his direct defeat by a traitorous ninja had always haunted the Fourth Raikage.

Mabui, however, found solace in the fact that such a powerful ninja had chosen to defect from Konoha before the war. Had that not been the case, the Third Ninja War would have been a resounding victory for Konoha, crushing the other ninja villages under their heel.

After the Fourth Raikage left, Mabui continued processing the documents on her desk. Picking up one particular document, her brow furrowed slightly. It contained intelligence information on Kirigakure.

Kirigakure was currently led by the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, a notoriously dangerous individual.

This Fourth Mizukage was the first in the ninja world to successfully stage a coup d'état. During the coup, he massacred thousands of ninjas from the Blood Mist Faction in the process. His mercilessly iron-fisted methods cemented him as Kirigakure's absolute dictator, earning him the moniker "Bloody Mist." a title exceeding even the previous Mizukage's reign of terror.

Now, under the Fourth Mizukage's leadership, Kirigakure had become a closed village, rarely sharing information with the outside world. This complete isolation rendered them a nearly invisible existence amongst the five ninja villages.

Despite his youthful appearance, Mabui never dared to underestimate the Fourth Mizukage, maintaining constant vigilance. With his approach, he ws maybe the most dangerous amongst the Kage, even from her position as the Fourth Raikage's secretary, filled her with unease.

"After dealing with Konoha, we need to pay close attention to Kiri's movements. Their immediate closure following the coup was attributed to their heavy internal loss, but I can't shake the feeling that they're deliberately hiding something..."

The rise of Kumo Village was a long and arduous journey, and Kirigakure remained a potential threat that could not be ignored.

...

Under the cloak of night, Ayane arrived in Konoha at nine o'clock in the evening. Most residents were already fast asleep.

For a former member of Konoha's ninja forces, slipping in without attracting attention was quite easy.

Even though they moved through a secret passage during their defection, the Hyuga clan had preserved another hidden passage a long time ago, shielded by powerful sealing jutsu. This served as a lifeline for their spies embedded within Konoha.

Knowledge of this passage, however, remained restricted to a select few within the branch family's leadership.

The Hyuga compound had undergone a lot of changes. On the day of their departure, the clan territory suffered from extensive damage, making reorganization necessary.

Yet, for Ayane, the familiar paths remained etched in her memory.

Through an informant within the Hyuga clan, she had meticulously studied their new defense system, prepared to navigate it with ease.

However, Ayane refrained from directly entering the clan. While Konoha's sensory barrier posed no obstacle, the watchful eyes of the Hyuga clan remained a difficult challenge.

Especially not long ago with the recent incident involving Kumo's attempt to steal the Hyuga bloodline which had heightened vigilance within the clan. Byakugan scanned tirelessly in all directions, leaving no room for error.

Unlike sensory ninjutsu, kekkei genkai like the Byakugan proved far more difficult to evade.

Instead, Ayane proceeded towards a prearranged meeting point within a secluded part of a park. On her way, she had gathered a general understanding of the situation.

Kumo, coveting the Byakugan's power, had attempted to abduct the daughter of the clan leader, Hyuga Hiashi. However, their actions were discovered by Hiashi, who pursued them and ultimately killed the leader of the Kumo group.

In response, Kumo denied their involvement, accusing Konoha of lacking sincerity in the peace negotiations. They demanded Hyuga Hiashi's body as retribution for the leader's death, threatening a new war if their demands were not met.

Ayane, however, held no interest in determining who was right or wrong. As an outsider, the agendas of Kumo and Konoha held no weight in her eyes.

Her sole objective was to exploit this situation for further infiltration within the Hyuga clan.

In a secluded wooded area bordering the park, only the gentle evening breeze disturbed the silence. A Hyuga ninja, his pure white pupils reflecting the moonlight, stood waiting.

Though eight years had passed since their departure from Konoha, Ayane's appearance remained largely unchanged. Her youthful appearance was instantly recognized by the branch member.

"Ayane-sama."

The ninja greeted respectfully, bowing his head despite being significantly older than her. His reverence stemmed not from age, but from her actions.

Ayane, who was the first to break free from the clan's "Caged Bird" seal and lead many others to freedom, was an undeniable idol to many within the Hyuga clan.

Even if their admiration couldn't be openly expressed, their hearts resonated with her ideals. They, too, yearned for freedom from the clan's oppressive hierarchy and the stifling confines of the "Caged Bird."

The more their freedoms and personalities were restricted, the stronger their desire to break free and become true people, not mere tools of the main branch.

"You seem to be older."

"I'm over forty now, Ayane-sama. Yet you haven't changed a bit. It's as if you only left Konoha yesterday." A wry smile played on the branch ninja's lips

He wasn't surprised by Ayane's youthful appearance. After all, there were jutsus existing to prevent aging.

Tsunade was a prime example, she still retained her youthful appearance despite being forty years old.

"So, what is the current status of the negotiations with Kumo? And how does Konoha's leadership view this matter?"

After a brief moment of reminiscing, Ayane shifted the focus to business. The branch ninja, aware of the limited time he had, responded immediately. "Kumo remains stubborn in their demand. While the high-level officials' stance is unclear, the hope is that the Hyuga clan will be allowed to make its own decisions."

The two branch elders with considerable influence supported Ayane's cause, and they were the source of his information. Their efforts had enabled his current meeting with Ayane.

"The Hyuga clan should make its own decisions?" Ayane repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Such an ambiguous and vague statement. It truly reflects the Third Hokage's 'mud-slinging' strategy, which still haven't changed with time."

It was difficult to discern whether Ayane intended this as a compliment or a sarcastic remark.

"So, what should be done here, Ayane-sama? Do you wish to leave Konoha immediately?" The branch ninja asked hopefully. This desire resonated with many within the branch family.

Ayane shook her head.

"With so many people involved, finding the right time and opportunity for their safe transfer is impossible. Furthermore, with the clan now closely monitoring your families, the difficulty exceeds that of our previous escape."

No matter Ayane's confidence, she couldn't guarantee the safe passage of hundreds of them to the Land of Demins. This time, Konoha and the other clans wouldn't grant them a second chance, intensifying their vigilance.

"My expectations were perhaps too optimistic." The branch ninja sighed.

"Don't worry." Ayane reassured him. "Surviving for so many years is a testament to my resolve. I still need you to 'lead the way' for Konoha."

"Lead the way?" The ninja furrowed his brow in confusion.

"You'll understand in due time. This matter is of great importance, and I cannot divulge its details now."

"I see."

The ninja sensed that Ayane was orchestrating a grand plan. He simply nodded in understanding.

"It seems things are progressing as I expected. I have a plan to address this situation. Please deliver this scroll to the Elder; he will understand its significance." Ayane instructed, handing a scroll to the him.

With a solemn nod, the Separation Ninja accepted the scroll. Though he wanted to unravel its secrets, yet he understood the importance of discretion.

As she watched the ninja fade into the night, Ayane looked up at the moon, its ethereal light bathing the silent woods, where only fallen leaves danced in the gentle breeze.

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TN: Also I need a new cover images can someone help with one. Thank you