Hiashi Hyuga led Kuragami Uchiha into the clan's guest room. As expected of Konoha's second most prestigious clan after the Uchiha, the Hyuga clan maintained impeccable hospitality.
Once both Hiashi and Kuragami had finished the tea served by the attendants, Hiashi finally spoke.
"Captain Kuragami, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"
Hearing this, Kuragami smiled knowingly. It seemed Hiashi had already grasped his intentions, which saved him quite a bit of effort.
Without hesitation, Kuragami retrieved several land deeds from a sealing scroll he carried and placed them in front of Hiashi.
"And these are...?"
Hiashi asked in confusion.
Kuragami then handed Hiashi a list with the names of several Hyuga branch members while explaining: "During the Konoha Military Police Force's investigation into Konoha ninja colluding with the rebel ninja, Orochimaru, we discovered that during the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha's traitor, Danzo Shimura, had conspired with Orochimaru. On the battlefield, they orchestrated accidents to abduct several branch members of the Hyuga clan for inhumane human experiments."
"Is that so?"
Hiashi took the list and immediately frowned. "Captain Kuragami, please excuse me for a moment."
Kuragami gestured for him to take his time. He knew that Hiashi would want to verify the authenticity of the list.
Of course, Kuragami had been meticulous when fabricating it. The selected branch clan members had indeed died during the Third Shinobi World War, all during missions alongside the three traitorous clans' ninjas, leading to total annihilation. Moreover, none of them had surviving direct relatives. No matter how thoroughly Hiashi investigated, on the surface, everything would appear legitimate.
Kuragami sat quietly in the guest room, sipping tea. Before long, Hiashi returned.
"Thank you, Captain Kuragami, for bringing this news to us."
Hiashi said, his expression dark.
"These."
Kuragami said, pushing the land deeds toward him: "Are properties seized from the suspects. The Hokage and the Konoha Military Police Force have decided to use them as compensation for the victims' families. All the other victims have already received their reparations. However, considering the unique circumstances of the Hyuga clan, I was tasked with personally delivering yours."
Hiashi nodded.
Kuragami was correct; the deceased were all branch members with no direct heirs. Even if the Konoha Military Police Force had withheld the compensation, it would not have violated any formal regulations.
More importantly, the Hyuga clan hadn't even been aware of this issue before now, yet Kuragami had still made an effort to deliver the compensation. In this matter, the Konoha Military Police Force, more precisely, the Uchiha, had shown the Hyuga great respect.
After picking up the land deeds, Hiashi's expression shifted slightly.
The properties were located in the heart of the village's commercial district, which was a highly valuable asset. More crucially, several of them were near existing Hyuga-owned businesses, and one was even adjacent to Hyuga clan property.
Acquiring these establishments would allow the Hyuga to expand their influence within Konoha's economy, increasing their wealth and power.
The total value of these properties far exceeded the normal compensation for three special jōnin.
Hiashi glanced at Kuragami and immediately understood the message behind this gift.
This was the Uchiha Clan's way of rewarding the Hyuga for not interfering during the recent lockdown incident.
At the same time, Kuragami's personal visit, coming as the Konoha Military Police Force's captain, carried an implicit warning: the Hyuga clan should not pick a side in the ongoing power struggle.
Hiashi was well aware of Konoha's current political landscape. But when it came to the conflict between these two factions, he had no interest in taking part.
The Hyuga clan was powerful enough that no matter who won, they would have to ensure the Hyuga's stability for the sake of the village. On the other hand, choosing the wrong side prematurely could cause an unjust disaster.
Hiashi looked at Kuragami and calmly stated: "I appreciate Captain Kuragami making an effort to visit in person. Additionally, I must thank both you and the third Hokage for your keen insight in seeking justice for our fallen clan members."
Hearing this, Kuragami smiled. By thanking both him and Hiruzen Sarutobi equally, Hiashi had made his stance clear that the Hyuga clan would remain neutral.
And that was exactly the answer Kuragami had hoped for.
From his perspective, the Hyuga clan's neutrality was the best outcome. Even if the Hyuga had been willing to fully side with him, Kuragami would have had to seriously consider whether to accept their allegiance.
With the Hyuga remaining neutral, he would still have to grant them some benefits for the sake of maintaining stability after his victory, but these concessions would be manageable. However, if they had thrown their full support behind him, the price he'd have to pay in return would be far greater.
After gaining such power, the Hyuga might very well become the next Uchiha, a challenge he would have to contend with after securing control.
Fortunately, Hiashi was a shrewd man, which spared Kuragami from unnecessary complications.
After leaving the Hyuga clan compound, Kuragami made his way to Yakiniku Q at a leisurely pace. After turning a corner, he spotted Kakashi waiting for him.
"Why are you standing around here? Wouldn't it have been better to get a seat early?" Kuragami chuckled.
"So this is your money-making method?"
Kakashi asked. "Forging a list of victims to pocket a share of the compensation?"
Kuragami raised an eyebrow. "The people on our list, did they not die during the Third Shinobi World War or disappear under Danzo's rule?"
"They did."
Kakashi admitted.
"And the criminals we interrogated, did they not confess to these crimes?"
"They did."
"Then that settles it!"
Kuragami clapped his hands and spread them wide. "Who could possibly find fault with this?"
"Or..."
He continued, smirking: "Are you upset because you didn't get a cut?"
Kakashi's brow twitched.
Kuragami's grin widened. "I actually wouldn't mind sharing, but with the Hatake clan's single-heir tradition, even if I wanted to, there's nothing to give you."
Kakashi: "..."