Naruto: Godly Career System

Despite being the head of the Hyuga clan, Hiashi Hyuga had grown up in Konoha, deeply instilled with the Will of Fire. Unless one were like Kai, who had the perspective of a transmigrator, most would place the village above all else.

Hiashi did not want the village to be dragged into another war.

"The village must not be embroiled in conflict again," said one of the Hyuga elders who had stepped forward. After a brief pause, he continued, "This is precisely why the Hyuga clan has a branch family. The purpose of the branch family is to protect the main family's bloodline. And since Hizashi looks exactly like you, offering him up should suffice to appease the Cloud ninjas."

As he spoke, the elder turned his gaze toward Hizashi Hyuga, who stood silently nearby.

With each word from the elder, Hiashi's eyes widened in shock. He shouted in anger, "No! I won't allow it! Hizashi must not take my place!"

Before Hiashi could finish, his words were interrupted by Hizashi's calm voice. "Brother, I'm willing." His tone was serene, yet resolute.

Hiashi froze, his voice rising in desperation. "Hizashi, you still have Neji! How can you throw your life away for me? Absolutely not!"

"Brother, this is my choice," Hizashi replied, his voice steady. "As a member of the branch family, my fate was decided the moment I was born. Growing up, living, even marrying—it's all been numb and predetermined."

Hizashi's voice grew softer, yet carried an unshakable determination. "But this time, I want to take control of my destiny. Not for the clan, but because… you are my brother."

"Hizashi…" Hiashi's voice faltered, his throat dry and bitter. He could not find the words to respond.

"Brother, please tell Neji one thing: his father's death was not for the main family, but to protect his brother and loved ones. To prevent Konoha from enduring the flames of war again, I chose this path."

As he spoke, Hizashi prepared to end his own life.

An Unexpected Interruption

"Hmm… what's all this? A family drama?"

A voice suddenly broke the somber atmosphere, lighthearted and completely out of place. The tension in the Hyuga household was shattered as everyone turned toward the source of the voice.

Standing at the entrance to the Hyuga compound was Kai, flanked by Kimimaro, Haku, and Itachi Uchiha. Kai strolled in leisurely, as if he were merely visiting a friend, and casually helped himself to the snacks on the table.

The previously aggressive Hyuga elders immediately fell silent upon seeing Kai. They knew all too well the consequences of angering this man—many of their peers were still bedridden after their last confrontation with him.

Hiashi and Hizashi exchanged glances, then turned their eyes toward the Third Hokage, who remained silent.

After a long pause, it was the Third who finally broke the uneasy quiet. "Kai, what brings you here?" His tone was laced with resignation, though he had no choice but to address the man.

"You're discussing the culprit behind the Cloud ninja killings, aren't you? I know who it is," Kai said nonchalantly, as if it were a trivial matter.

"Who is it?!" Hiashi demanded.

"Who?!" Hizashi echoed.

"Who could it be?!" the Third Hokage pressed.

All eyes in the room were now fixed on Kai, including those of the Hyuga elders, who had been trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Kai took his time, savoring another bite of his snack before answering, "Hmm… the one who killed them… that would be me, I suppose."

Shock and Denial

"You?!" Hiashi exclaimed.

"Why?" the Third Hokage asked, his expression a mixture of shock and confusion.

The initial wave of disbelief passed quickly, and the Third's face grew more serious. "Kai, what do you mean by 'it was you'? Explain yourself."

Kai shrugged, his tone casual. "Well, I can't say for sure. According to the Anbu's investigation, no Konoha ninja was seen entering or leaving the inn where the Cloud ninjas were staying. So, if we're talking about someone in Konoha capable of killing them silently… that only leaves me, doesn't it? Though, honestly, I don't recall doing it."

The Third Hokage frowned deeply, his brows knitting together. "Kai, this is no time for jokes. If this matter isn't resolved, it could escalate into another war."

Before the Third could finish, Kai interrupted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "War? Are we supposed to be afraid of them? Lord Third, if Konoha can't even protect its own ninjas, we might as well disband the village altogether."

Kai's tone turned sharper, filled with biting mockery. "Lord Third, after driving Master Sakumo to his death, are you planning to add another 'great achievement' to your name by handing over one of Konoha's own to a foreign village? I'm sure the First and Second Hokage would wholeheartedly support such a 'noble' decision, wouldn't they?"

The Third Hokage visibly flinched at Kai's words. He glanced at Hiashi and Hizashi, then back at Kai, his expression conflicted.

After a long silence, the Third finally spoke, his voice firm and resolute. "Konoha did not kill any Cloud ninjas. If Kumogakure wants war—then so be it!"

A powerful aura radiated from the Third Hokage, the presence of the once-renowned "Professor" and "God of Shinobi" returning in full force.

Hiashi and Hizashi were momentarily stunned, then overjoyed. While Hizashi had been willing to sacrifice himself for his brother, life was still precious. Who wouldn't cherish it?

Seeing the Third Hokage's renewed resolve, a faint smile played on Kai's lips. He spoke again, his tone calm. "No, who said anything about war? The ninja world has only just begun to settle down."

The Third, puzzled by Kai's words, asked, "Then… what are you suggesting?"

Kai answered nonchalantly, "I already said it—it was me who killed the Cloud ninjas. Just hand me over, and the matter will be resolved."

"Kai, stop joking," the Third Hokage said, exasperated.

"I may not remember the details, but Kimimaro and the others should recall clearly. Tell Lord Third, wasn't it me who killed the Cloud ninjas?" Kai asked, his tone light.

"Yes, my lord, it was you who killed them last night," Kimimaro replied without hesitation. For Kimimaro, lying for Kai—or even laying down his life for him—was a given.

"I remember it clearly as well," Haku added.

The Third Hokage, not expecting much honesty from Kimimaro or Haku, turned his gaze to Itachi Uchiha.

Feeling the Third's eyes on him, Itachi hesitated briefly before speaking earnestly. "Yes, Lord Third. I remember it clearly—it was us and Lord Kai together."

Kai raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at Itachi's response but chuckled softly. "Well, Lord Third, there you have it. The one who killed them… was me."

The Third Hokage sighed deeply, his face a mixture of resignation and helplessness. Finally, he said, "Very well. I'll hand you over to the Cloud ninjas."

Despite his words, the Third Hokage harbored no real concern for Kai's safety.

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