Naruto Birdcage

Konoha's forces were now extremely limited.

The troops sent to fight against the Kiri-nin totaled just over 500, which directly accounted for a third of Konoha's ninja strength.

However, with the addition of some hired ninja, Konoha's overall military strength was still somewhat sufficient.

After Minato led the troops out of the village, Makoto found an excuse to have Orochimaru keep Rin in the village.

When Orochimaru inquired about the reason, Makoto simply said that Rin had saved his life, and he didn't want his benefactor to risk her life on the battlefield.

Upon learning this, Orochimaru teased Makoto, saying, "Someone like you actually knows how to repay a favor?"

This matter required no direct intervention from either of them.

Orochimaru merely made a call to the Konoha Hospital.

Since the hospital was currently short-staffed, they used that as a reason to have Rin stay and assist there.

Rin's teammate, Kakashi, was quite pleased upon hearing the news.

He didn't want Rin on the battlefield again either and even persuaded their teacher about it.

Although Rin was initially reluctant, with both Kakashi and the hospital urging her, she eventually agreed.

With the hospital taking the lead and providing a valid reason, Minato wasn't put in a difficult position either.

The forces Kirigakure sent across the sea were not numerous, indicating that their desire to engage Konoha in battle was not particularly strong.

The skirmishes with Konoha were limited to small-scale encounters, far from the brutal clashes seen during the conflict with the Iwa Ninja.

In terms of logistics and military supplies, the Daimyo provided continuous support, leaving Konoha without any need to worry in that regard.

The chances of victory in this war were overwhelmingly high; otherwise, Danzo would not have wanted Orochimaru to take the position of commander in the first place.

However, Orochimaru's actions left him seething with rage.

After that meeting, Danzo had confronted Orochimaru to demand an explanation, only to receive a simple reply:

"I have my own plans. Rest assured, Lord Danzo."

Danzo felt that Orochimaru was brushing him off, but then a sudden realization struck him.

This former subordinate of his was far more cunning and calculating than he had anticipated.

Everyone wanted to play the role of the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind them.

Now Danzo understood that Orochimaru had seen through this dynamic and was beginning to slip out of his control.

This realization filled him with fury.

He believed it was he who had given Orochimaru everything, who had propelled him to his current position.

Before all this, what did Orochimaru have?

All he had was the title of one of the Three Legendary Sannin, once abandoned by Hiruzen and reduced to spending his days tinkering with secret jutsu experiments.

Masquerading as Iwa Ninja to attack the Daimyo, spreading rumors within the village, sending agents to secretly pass information to the Iwa Ninja... which of these wasn't orchestrated by Danzo's subordinates to assist Orochimaru?

And now, was Orochimaru planning to step over him?

If it were anyone other than Orochimaru, Danzo had a thousand ways to eliminate them on the spot, pin all past crimes on them, and walk away unscathed.

But this person happened to be one of the Three Legendary Sannin, whose strength and reputation were unparalleled across the entire ninja world!

Danzo couldn't kill him.

Turning against Orochimaru would only implicate himself, leading to mutual destruction.

This realization made Danzo understand that his plan to support a puppet to take power and subsequently control Konoha had completely fallen apart.

Danzo had watched Orochimaru grow up and had believed he could see through and easily manipulate him.

But in the end, he had underestimated him.

........

Makoto suddenly received an invitation from Hyuga Taikei, delivered by a servant.

When he arrived at Taikei's residence, he found that the elderly man before him appeared far more haggard than ever before.

In the past, Taikei still carried the aura of a former clan head, but now, leaning on a cane, he looked no different from a frail old man nearing the end of his life.

"Lord Taikei," Makoto greeted him respectfully.

Thinking about it carefully, he could understand why Taikei looked this way.

The list of five names from before had been issued under this old man's orders.

Now that Hiashi had learned about it, it was inevitable that a rift had formed between father and son.

"So, you've come, Makoto." Taikei said, turning his pale eyes toward him, his voice old and weary.

"I mentioned to you before that you could come here to read books.

Why have you never come?"

Makoto was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this and promptly replied,

"Lord Taikei, I've been busy training these past few days and haven't found the time."

Taikei nodded slightly and then said, "Follow me," before slowly turning around and making his way, step by shaky step, toward the study.

The study was indeed filled with an impressive collection of books, neatly arranged on bookshelves.

Several scrolls and writings were spread out on the desk, indicating that both father and son shared a similar hobby.

Upon closer inspection, Makoto noticed that Taikei's calligraphy was far superior to Hiashi's.

Taikei did not take the main seat but instead sat down on a nearby chair, leaning heavily on his cane with both hands.

"You can have a look. See if there's anything you're interested in." Taikei said slowly.

"Thank you, Lord Taikei."

Makoto's mind was already turning, wondering about the true purpose of this summons.

He walked to the bookshelf and casually pulled out a book.

It was about the Gentle Fist technique.

After putting it back, he picked up another one, this one detailing some advanced uses of the Byakugan.

Out of the corner of his eye, Makoto glanced at Taikei, only to see the old man sitting there with his eyes closed, as though he had fallen asleep.

Amidst the books in the study, Makoto did find some that were worth reading, but in this setting, he couldn't calm his mind enough to focus.

"Makoto," Taikei suddenly spoke.

"Yes, Lord Taikei," Makoto responded immediately.

"What do you think of the clan?" Taikei asked out of nowhere.

"The clan... isn't it just my family?" Makoto replied, feigning ignorance.

This kind of question seemed pointless, so Makoto opted to play dumb.

"And the village?" Taikei pressed further.

"The village is just everyone's homes gathered together—it's a home for many," Makoto replied casually.

Taikei merely sighed, slowly lifting his gaze to look at Makoto.

"Did you find a book you wanted to read?"

Perhaps realizing that he shouldn't be asking such questions, Taikei brushed the matter aside.

"I did, Lord Taikei!" Makoto held up the book in his hand, his expression lighting up with a look of delight.

Taikei nodded and said, "You can take it home to read. If you want to find more books in the future, you're welcome to come here anytime."

"Understood. Thank you, Lord Taikei!" Makoto replied with gratitude.

At this moment, Taikei suddenly asked, "Makoto, your eyes…"

Makoto's expression dimmed instantly, and he forced a smile.

"I understand. Lord Hiashi is very busy right now, and there's a lot going on within the clan.

There's no need to delay those matters on my account.

I can wait until Lord Hiashi has time."

Taikei's gaze shifted slightly as he observed Makoto's dejected demeanor.

This didn't seem like an act at all.

If this child's words were all lies, just a carefully constructed façade, then his level of cunning would be terrifying.

But clearly, that wasn't the case.

There were indeed some elders within the clan who harbored ill intentions toward the main family.

But those old geezers aren't foolish; they know not to approach Makoto at this time.

His pair of black eyes are like a spotlight, attracting attention no matter what he does within the clan.

Trying to manipulate this child would only lead to their downfall.

As long as the Cursed bird caged remains, the main family will always control the branch family.

Once they replace this child's eyes, this farce will be over.

Hyuga Hiashi can continue leading the Hyuga clan to its revival.

Hiashi...

Taikei lifted his head and sighed silently.

He was now isolated, and it was Hiashi who had done this.

He didn't resist or express any dissatisfaction.

The outcome of what he had done back then was deserved.

In the end, both of his sons hated him.

"Makoto, Hiashi will definitely give you new eyes. You can rest assured."

"I know, Lord Taikei."

After Makoto left Taikei's residence, he was immediately called to Hiashi's residence.

"Did you go to Lord Taikei just to read?" Hiashi asked, expressionless, looking at Makoto.

He knew that the list from Taikei had included this very young man, which caused Hiashi to feel a bit more disdain toward Makoto.

"Lord Taikei also asked me a few questions."

"What kind of questions?"

Makoto then recounted everything that had happened at Taikei's residence, as there was nothing to hide.

Moreover, if there were any of Hiashi's spies at Taikei's place, it would be even more pointless to conceal it.

After listening to what Makoto had said, Hiashi suddenly fell silent.

Then, in a calm tone, he said to Makoto, "Lord Taikei's health is not good and he needs to rest. Don't go disturb him in the future."

"I understand, Lord Hiashi."

After Makoto turned and left, Hiashi watched his back with a cold look in his eyes.

Nothing suspicious had happened when Makoto went to Taikei's place.

But thinking carefully, this kid had only brought trouble.

Now, he had to wait for his father to die before he could give him new eyes.

Until then, he still had to stay alert for any unusual actions from those old men in the clan.

A person with mediocre talent and strength, someone who nearly betrayed his own family...

Does it matter whether he lives or dies?

End of chapter

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