Sign in From Naruto

"If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will not be in danger in a hundred battles."

Xu Fan began, his tone calm but firm.

"The Cloud Ninja Village took Daisada hostage for no other reason than to obtain the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan for research.

Even this celebration might be part of their plan.

The ninja they sent here are all agile and skilled, which further reveals their intentions.

By forcing the Hyuga Clan to hand over the Byakugan, they aim to exploit its secrets.

But the Hyuga Clan has always guarded the Byakugan fiercely, even dividing themselves into main and branch families to protect it.

When Hinata came out to meet Neji for the last time, he wasn't just a ninja—he was a father.

Lord Hokage, separation is always painful, whether it's due to life, death, or distance.

The way Hinata looked at Neji betrayed his emotions."

Xu Fan delivered his prepared lines in one breath, carefully framing the truth of the anime's events as his own deductions.

This kind of truthful lie was often the most convincing, as it was rooted in facts rather than outright fabrication.

To Sarutobi Hiruzen, Xu Fan's reasoning demonstrated exceptional analytical ability.

Only a handful of people knew the details of the Cloud Ninja Village's demands and the pressure on the Hyuga Clan.

It was impossible for any of them to have leaked this information to Xu Fan.

In fact, Hiruzen didn't believe that Xu Fan was the type to gossip or pry.

The reason he had asked the question was precisely to hear Xu Fan's perspective.

Moreover, Xu Fan hadn't recounted the events of that day as if he had witnessed them firsthand.

Instead, he had pieced together the situation through observation and logic.

Possessing the power of Hashirama Senju, combined with a mind as sharp as Tobirama Senju's, Xu Fan's potential was undeniable.

It was only a matter of time before he grew into a formidable force.

What Hiruzen needed to do was guide him onto the right path, ensuring he inherited the Will of Fire rather than becoming another Orochimaru or Danzo.

"Lord Hokage," Xu Fan spoke again, noticing Hiruzen's deep contemplation.

"Hmm?"

"You really…" Xu Fan deliberately paused, his gaze shifting toward Koharu and Homura, who were walking ahead.

Hiruzen understood the hint and gestured for Koharu and Homura to continue without them.

Though Koharu and Homura were displeased, they complied, leaving Hiruzen and Xu Fan alone.

However, this didn't mean they wouldn't find out about the conversation later.

"Speak," Hiruzen said once they were out of earshot.

"Do you truly support sacrificing the Hyuga Clan?" Xu Fan's question was direct and cutting.

He knew that without Hiruzen's tacit approval, the Hyuga Clan would never have agreed to sacrifice Hinata.

The fact that Hiruzen hadn't intervened earlier was merely a matter of saving face.

Hiruzen studied Xu Fan, realizing that the young man's gaze was unwavering and resolute.

Such determination was rare, and it reminded Hiruzen of the great leaders he had known in the past.

"After everything I've said?" Xu Fan pressed further.

Hiruzen remained silent, but inwardly, he was impressed by Xu Fan's insight.

Before this, Hiruzen had considered Uchiha Itachi a rare genius with the mindset of a Hokage.

But Xu Fan was no less remarkable.

While Itachi resembled the First Hokage in his ideals, Xu Fan's pragmatism was more akin to the Second Hokage's.

"Xu Fan," Hiruzen finally said after a long pause, "you must understand that this matter is far more complex than it seems.

Your Wood Release is indeed powerful, but a conflict between Konoha and the Cloud Ninja Village could escalate into full-scale war.

This isn't a battle that can be won by one person alone…"

Xu Fan interrupted him. "I understand, Lord Hokage.

These past five years, do you know how I've spent them?

I've immersed myself in the history of the shinobi world, studying countless books.

In one of them, I read about a strategy called the 'Northern Expedition.'"

Hiruzen: "???"

"It's about transforming internal strife into external conflict," Xu Fan explained without giving Hiruzen a chance to interject.

"Right now, the Uchiha Clan is growing increasingly restless. If left unchecked, they could become a serious problem for the village.

Why not use this opportunity to send them into battle against the Cloud Ninja Village?

If they refuse, we can use that as grounds to remove them from their positions and deal with them accordingly.

Not only would this allow us to retaliate against the Cloud Ninja Village, but it would also weaken the Uchiha Clan and restore balance to the village.

Most importantly, by fighting for the village, the Uchiha would earn the respect of the villagers and find a sense of belonging."

Xu Fan delivered his plan in one breath, watching as Hiruzen's expression shifted from surprise to shock, and finally to stunned silence.

Preserve the Hyuga Clan, strike back at the Cloud Ninja Village, and weaken the Uchiha Clan—all in one move.

It was a masterstroke, a plan to kill three birds with one stone.

Hiruzen stared at Xu Fan, struggling to reconcile the boy before him with the one he thought he knew.

This was the same Xu Fan who had spent years in seclusion, quietly studying and training?

It was as if he had become a completely different person.