13 Chapter 13. Lack of Manpower
In the Hokage's office, after hearing Kakashi's report, the Third Hokage furrowed his brows and instructed, "Go and bring Hizashi here."
The fact that members of the Hyuga clan, renowned for their powerful investigative abilities through the Byakugan, were unexpectedly attacked was incomprehensible.
In the past, the Uchiha clan had been responsible for guarding the outskirts of Konoha, and they had never suffered such significant losses.
The Third Hokage continued, expressing gratitude that the warning fireworks had been deployed, preventing the Kirigakure group from infiltrating the village unnoticed. Kakashi left to fulfill the Hokage's directive.
Shortly after, the sound of crutches hitting the ground echoed in the room. "Hiruzen, I have long emphasized that the defense of Konoha should be the top priority. These affluent families are simply unreliable. My Root should be allowed to join the police force."
The individual who entered was none other than Shimura Danzo, despite having been stripped of his position.
The Third Hokage, unperturbed by Danzo's presence, was not surprised. Despite Danzo losing his role as the Hokage's assistant, he remained an advisory elder. To him, the title of Hokage Assistant was merely a nominal position.
Having numerous responsibilities that were not convenient for him to handle personally, the Third Hokage relied on Danzo for certain matters. He casually lifted his pipe and took a puff.
"Danzo, you must take responsibility for the recent security issues."
"Humph, I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Now that the Uchiha have completely withdrawn from the police force, the few remaining members are merely safeguarding their shops. Spare me the front."
Although Danzo did cause some trouble for a couple of days, he soon realized that the Uchiha were not cooperating at all, turning his actions into a mere farce.
Danzo sidestepped the topic and returned to his previous proposal, "They are all loyal and disciplined, making them ideal candidates for joining the police force."
Fully aware of Danzo's intentions, the Third Hokage waved his hand in annoyance:
"We'll discuss this matter later. First, I'll inquire with Hizashi about the situation."
"Hiruzen, consider it carefully."
Danzo didn't linger. Understanding that the Third Hokage would likely reject his proposal, he sought to extend his influence to the guard force. With that, he slowly departed, supported by his crutches.
...
During this period, news of the attack on the guard team and the loss of a team and a Hyuga clan member had reached the Uchiha clan.
At this time, Natsuki was visiting Shisui, whose eyes had already been transplanted. It was surprisingly easy to switch eyes, even without a special constitution. Eye replacement surgeries were considered minor and straightforward procedures in this world.
For instance, on the battlefield, Nohara Rin could give Kakashi a Sharingan. The medical techniques in this world, particularly the palm sage technique taught by Tsunade, were highly advanced and contributed significantly to reducing mortality rates.
Shisui, lying in bed for a week due to additional injuries on his body, was eager to resume his activities.
"Senpai, I'm fine. Why do you insist on keeping me at home for so long?"
Originally addressing him as deputy clan leader, Shisui had been instructed by Natsuki to address him as senpai, signifying a more informal and close relationship.
"Konoha is going through troubled times, and there are many eyes on Uchiha. I want you to take full rest at home. On one hand, it's for your complete recovery, and on the other hand, I want to let things settle down for a while."
In Natsuki's estimation, although Shisui might not be the most intelligent, he was undeniably capable. Moreover, Shisui, being relatively young, still had ample room for growth. The use of Sharingan was currently a substantial burden on him, and he couldn't employ Susano indiscriminately.
However, Natsuki recognized the potential of his abilities. If harnessed properly, Sharingan could be a significant asset, especially with Susano.
"Deputy Chief! You're here! How's your recovery, Shisui?"
The newcomer, Uchiha Yaoya, was considered one of the more compliant individuals among the Uchiha clan members.
Yaoya had developed an admiration for Natsuki since the latter's victory over the Hokage family a week ago. Interestingly, his younger brother was Uchiha Keaki, a less cautious and more carefree individual. The contrast between the two brothers puzzled many.
The third elder had entrusted Yaoya to Natsuki, and he was here to inform him about the attack on the security team.
"That's what happened. The odd thing is that there are members of the Hyuga clan who almost didn't set off warning fireworks."
"As expected, the Hyuga clan members are not as vigilant as Uchiha. The guard team was immediately attacked without the Uchiha stationed there."
Natsuki paid little attention to Yaoya's boasting, but he understood the reason for the attack, even with the Byakugan.
The Byakugan grants exceptional long-range vision but doesn't provide a 360-degree field of super-long sight.
Visual distance varies when looking in one direction compared to looking in all directions.
Members of the Hyuga branch, when using their Byakugan to observe a distant target, instinctively turn their bodies for a comprehensive view.
This practice arises from the 1° blind angle to the rear caused by their first thoracic vertebra, leading them to rely on immediate perspective.
Anyone with a sight distance advantage can detect Hyuga's body rotations.
The effectiveness of Hyuga's Byakugan depends on the purity and strength of the ocular ability.
Only those with Jonin-level strength in the clan's eyes can outmatch Morisuke's visual range.
Given the presence of Kirigakure's shadow, it is highly probable that Kirigakure's Ao orchestrated this incident.
During the Third Ninja War, the Hyuga clan lost only one Byakugan.
In a previous encounter, Ao contemplated causing trouble in Konoha but was deterred by Shisui's genjutsu, showcasing his cautious nature.
"Hizashi has gone to report to the Third Hokage. Deputy Chief, do you think he will approach Uchiha for assistance?"
Natsuki observed Yaoya with a hint of amusement. Despite being a Jounin and considered a commander among other ninja clans, he appeared somewhat simple-minded. His promotion to Jonin during the war was based on personal strength, and he hadn't led other teams.
In his mindset, if the Uchiha could excel where others struggled, then help from other ninja clans was a given—simply because the Uchiha were the most powerful.
"It will surely come to that, but we won't wade into this murky water again," Natsuki mused.
"Please invite the clan leader to the conference room and let him know I'll be waiting," he instructed.
"Yes! Deputy clan leader!" Excitement filled Yaoya, sensing the deputy clan leader's potential actions.
As he hurried off, Natsuki waved to Shisui. "Prepare yourself; we'll need you in a few days."
Shisui touched his eyes and nodded resolutely.
...
When Natsuki entered the conference room, Fugaku was already waiting for him.
"What are your thoughts on this matter?" Fugaku inquired, having received prior information.
"The Hyuga clan is undoubtedly qualified as a peripheral member of the security force. This attack was unintentional."
"However, their condescending attitude towards separation is a flaw, leading to problems in their usage habits."
Natsuki proceeded to explain to Fugaku the blind spots created by the caged bird in the Byakugan and how the purity and strength of the Byakugan affected detection range and sight distance.
He also shared speculations about the attackers.
At this moment, Fugaku had a sudden realization. No wonder the Hyuga family was targeted—the Byakugan had this flaw.
"The eyes that can see the future have their weaknesses," Fugaku mused, automatically envisioning Natsuki's ability. It seemed only someone with such insight could uncover this secret.
"Natsuki," Fugaku spoke with seriousness, "the Mangekyō Sharingan's eye technique cannot be abused."
"Otherwise, you will soon go blind," Fugaku cautioned.
He nodded, appreciating Fugaku's trust. "Clan leader, don't worry. I understand the situation. Thank you for your concern."
Seeing his assurance, Fugaku nodded with a sense of relief.
"How should we handle this matter with Hyuga?" Fugaku inquired.
"Hyuga can address this issue by deploying two separate teams. However, the Hyuga clan faces a critical problem—they lack the necessary manpower!"
Similar to the Uchiha, the Hyuga clan members stay within the clan, halving the available workforce. Moreover, external patrols require at least Chuunin strength.
Hyuga, having depleted most of their manpower maintaining village order, would be stretched thin for external patrols.
"Now, Clan Leader, as the captain of the guard, the clan will likely approach you for discussion."
"We can then..."
