"Regardless of circumstances, he is the Fourth Hokage's child, the son of a hero. The village should still give him the care he deserves."
Hiashi's words sent shockwaves through the room, especially Danzo, who roared furiously-
"Hiashi, do you understand what you're saying?"
Hiashi's statement was a direct slap in the face to Danzo, the mastermind behind the rumors and gossip that had plagued the boy.
Hiashi didn't answer directly but turned to Hiruzen.
Hiruzen pondered for a long moment before finally exhaling deeply.
"Hiashi, you're right. Naruto is the son of a hero, and the village owes him much. But his status..."
With these words, Hiruzen publicly acknowledged Naruto's identity for the first time, carrying profound implications.
"I understand. My request is simple. At the very least, let's not shortchange the boy in terms of material needs. And I recall Hinata mentioning that some of your children are classmates with Naruto. So, I ask that you all tell your children to stop isolating him. Let him make some childhood friends and foster a sense of belonging to the village."
Hiashi's request was modest, easily fulfilled, and didn't embarrass anyone, especially Hiruzen and Danzo.
Danzo, upon hearing this, showed no visible reaction.
Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "You're right. I'll instruct Iruka to take extra care of Naruto."
Shikaku also spoke up. "I'll speak to Shikamaru about it too."
The others were equally satisfied.
With this matter concluded and all discussions finished, everyone departed contentedly. However, just as Hiashi was about to leave, Danzo spoke coldly.
"Hiashi, I have a matter to discuss with you. Come with me..."
…
In a forest near the village, Hiashi followed Danzo to a secluded spot.
"It's secure now, Lord Danzo. No one is around to hear our conversation."
Danzo turned to face Hiashi, his remaining eye narrowing as he studied him with admiration.
"What remarkable eyes! Such insight and perception... even the Sharingan couldn't rival this."
"Lord Danzo, are you actually interested in the Byakugan now? I thought you only cared about the Sharingan."
Ignoring the sarcasm in Hiashi's voice, Danzo cut straight to his purpose.
"My informants tell me Itachi sought you out before he left. You spoke for quite some time."
Hiashi didn't deny it.
"That's correct."
Danzo's gaze turned dangerous, his tone becoming imperious.
"Tell me, what did you discuss? Don't even think of hiding anything from me. Nothing can escape these eyes."
Hiashi found this not unpleasant, but rather intriguing. As a wielder of the Byakugan, he never expected to be threatened with such words, "Nothing can escape my eyes."
"It's nothing," Hiashi replied. "Just some matters involving villages and clans..."
Danzo's gaze flickered, as if trying to discern the truth of Hiashi's words. But he couldn't read anything from Hiashi's eyes.
"Did he give you anything?" Danzo asked bluntly.
At first, Hiashi had been puzzled as to why Danzo had singled him out. But now, understanding dawned on him, and he answered without hesitation.
"I see. Lord Danzo, you can't possibly think Itachi gave me Shisui's other Sharingan, can you?"
Danzo's expression darkened instantly. Hiashi's words had exposed his deepest secret.
How could this be? How did Hiashi know? Had someone leaked the information?
His face twisted into a murderous scowl.
"When did you find out?"
Hiashi's face showed no concealment of his contempt as he retorted, "Lord Danzo, you underestimate the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan too much. Do you think any of your secrets could remain hidden from these Byakugan?"
Danzo's expression darkened into an unprecedented grimace.
"Moreover, you're acting too hastily. The Uchiha Clan has only just been annihilated, and you're already eager to replace Shisui's eyes? Do you think I've never seen Shisui's chakra before? Or... let me think... you couldn't possibly be trying to use the Heavenly Hand on me here..."
As soon as these words were spoken, Danzo felt cold sweat streaming down his back, a fear unlike any he had ever experienced.
He suddenly felt as if his every secret had been laid bare by those Byakugan before him.
Before this moment, although he had considered the young Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan worthy of respect, the shadow cast by the Uchiha Clan had been too overwhelming. As one of the few remaining ninja who had witnessed the majesty of Madara Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan, his covetousness and fear of the Mangekyo Sharingan had surpassed all else.
Having eliminated the Uchiha Clan, the lingering shadow in his heart, he was eager to test the power of Shisui's Mangekyo, especially the Heavenly Hand ability.
As the current Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan, Hiashi Hyuga, he was Danzo's first target.
After all, the Hyuga Clan had become the true first family of Konoha. If he could control Hiashi, the position of Hokage...
But suddenly, he realized that the shadow that had once filled him with fear had returned.
Only this time, it was the Byakugan, not the Sharingan...
"Why...?"
But Danzo, accustomed to wielding power, quickly regained his composure after his initial shock. Gritting his teeth, he demanded, "How do you know so much? Even if you've seen Shisui's chakra, only Hiruzen, Itachi, and I know the full extent of the Heavenly Hand's capabilities. Could it be that Itachi told you?"
"Do you really think I'd tell you, Lord Danzo?"
Hiashi said calmly, noticing something and immediately intervening.
"Lord Danzo, don't take any risks. Do you really think that stolen eye of yours can secretly use Heavenly Hand on me while I'm watching? Or shall we bet on who will act first? You, to control me with Heavenly Hand, or me, to take that eye of yours? I'm quite curious about Heavenly Hand's capabilities..."
As soon as these words were spoken, Danzo was plunged into profound terror.
He dared not make a single move, even though he still held the trump card of Izanagi. He simply lacked the confidence.
In front of Hiashi, he felt completely stripped bare, without a single secret left.
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