Sign in From Naruto

"Compromising will never end well. Backing down and showing weakness will only provoke the enemy, fueling their desire to attack and making us more and more passive!"

Xu Fan strode forward, his aura oppressive and his voice growing louder.

He was not a native of this world. Before crossing over, he had been shaped by his own country's history and values.

The humiliating chapters of his homeland's past had deeply ingrained this belief in him.

Even in the Naruto world, this principle held true.

The Cloud Ninja Village had a history of such behavior.

When Naruto's mother, Kushina Uzumaki, was a young girl, the Cloud Shinobi Village had attempted to kidnap her.

Even until her death, Kushina believed the Cloud Ninja Village had targeted her for the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques.

It wasn't until later that the Raikage admitted their true goal: to capture the Nine-Tails.

First, there was the Kushina kidnapping incident, and now, Daisada's abduction.

These events proved that the Cloud Ninja Village was not honorable or open-minded. They would take advantage of any opportunity without remorse.

Most importantly, Xu Fan had never understood one thing:

Why did the Cloud Ninja Village stop after obtaining Hinata's body?

Konoha had clearly shown weakness by conceding.

Yet, after that, the Uchiha clan was annihilated, and Konoha's strength dwindled further.

At the height of Konoha's power, they could have easily protected Kushina or prevented Hinata's sacrifice.

But when Konoha was at its weakest, the Cloud Ninja Village seemed to retreat, only resurfacing when Killer B was captured by Sasuke.

From a manga perspective, this might have been due to the author's oversight, with the Land of Lightning serving as a mere backdrop.

But the world Xu Fan was in was real, not a manga.

In the original timeline, Daisada had been abducted by Cloud ninjas when she was three years old, and the Senju clan had not intervened.

But after Xu Fan's arrival, not only had he become a member of the Senju clan, but the timeline of Daisada's abduction had also shifted.

It seemed his presence had triggered a butterfly effect.

"So, who can guarantee that the Cloud Ninja Village won't continue their aggression after obtaining Hinata's body and failing to unlock the secrets of the Byakugan?" Xu Fan pressed.

"If strife arises again between Konoha and the Cloud Ninja Village, wouldn't we have weakened ourselves for nothing? Shattering our own morale?"

"Even within the Hyuga Clan, there are no more than five individuals stronger than Hinata."

Xu Fan stepped forward, forcing Elder Hyuga to reconsider the decision to sacrifice Hinata.

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had remained silent, finally spoke.

"Hoo..."

Elder Hyuga let out a long sigh of relief. If Xu Fan had continued his pressure, he might have had no choice but to relent.

However, Elder Hyuga didn't resent the situation.

Although Hinata was from the branch family—a tool for the main family—his strength was undeniable.

If he could be spared, it would defuse the crisis without significant loss to the Hyuga Clan.

The only concern was how the Konoha leadership would react.

Now that Hiruzen had spoken, the pressure was off Elder Hyuga's shoulders.

The final decision was between the Hokage and Xu Fan.

"It's simple," Xu Fan replied, turning to face Hiruzen.

"If we want peaceful coexistence with the Cloud Ninja Village, humility will only encourage their aggression. But if we strike back decisively and then propose peace, we can achieve our goal."

Xu Fan paused. "I know that at my age, such words may not carry much weight. But, Lord Hokage, if you give the order, I will lead the charge!"

Though his words were bold, Xu Fan knew the stakes.

If the Hyuga Clan didn't comply, conflict with the Cloud Ninja Village was inevitable.

On the surface, it seemed like a choice between protecting Hinata and avoiding war.

But in reality...

Of course, the first option was preferable!

With Hashirama's chakra and Wood Release, Xu Fan was practically a god in the ninja world.

If they dared deny him his reward, he'd make them regret it.

Moreover, no one in this room knew the future like he did.

They couldn't predict whether handing over Hinata would truly resolve the crisis.

Xu Fan's impassioned speech had ignited a fiery resolve in the hearts of the Hyuga Clan, both main and branch families.

Even Hinata himself was moved to tears, never imagining that someone would stand up for him so fiercely.

At this moment, Hinata's loyalty to Xu Fan was absolute.

If war broke out, he was ready to lay down his life to protect Xu Fan on the battlefield.

The kindness of saving a life was repaid with unwavering devotion.

Yet, while Hinata saw Xu Fan as a hero, Xu Fan's inner thoughts were far less noble.

"Good, the Hyuga Clan is convinced. No one will dare to take Hinata's life now."

"The ever-magnanimous Third Hokage won't contradict me, not with his reputation at stake."

"Hinata's life should be safe now. What will the reward be? Byakugan?"

"Oh, and when Naruto gets out of school, let's take him out for ramen."

Xu Fan's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—none of them about the emotional weight of saving Hinata.

"Hm? Why is Hinata looking at me like that?"