Chapter Text
The Hokage calls for them all to meet just after 10 p.m that night. A hawk had arrived earlier that evening with Kumogakure's response. The dutiful shinobi come when called, all drudging out into the cold night. Thankfully, some chunin set out coffee for all those attending before they’re quickly ushered out of the meeting room.
Fugaku desperately tries to sit near the door, but still finds himself trapped in a corner. Hiashi and Hizashi are whispering on one side with Choza's broad frame blocking him in on the other. The room feels too crowded, and stuffy with the blinds pulled down over the circle of windows behind them.
Hiruzen addresses all the gathered clan heads. “Kumogakure has responded. They are unable to deny that a breach of the peace treaty has occurred. Our unexpected gues t has provided a full written statement, infused with his chakra signature as irrefutable proof.”
He turns to Yamanka Inoichi, “An astute recommendation, Inoichi.”
Inoichi’s polite nod barely hides the glittering excitement in his eyes at being acknowledged. Hiashi is seemingly in no mood for such pleasantries.
He stands much to the shock of his twin. Hiashi demands, “Lord Hokage, please do not keep us waiting. How did they respond?”
For Hyuuga Hiashi, that was practically an audacious outburst.
The Hokage does not seem too bothered.
He replies, “The Raikage has requested a representative to be sent to meet with representatives of their own to retrieve his wayward shinobi. His safety is paramount to a successful transition. The appropriate candidates will be assigned to a traveling party to meet outside each of our respective villages in a neutral location.”
It’s a neutral plan, compromising, but also simple and nothing they haven’t done before. From the look on some of the other shinobi’s faces, Fugaku thinks some disagree with the level of leniency. They’re all walking a careful balance between unsteady peace and conflict.
It’s truly all they know. Fugaku isn’t unaware of that.
Hiashi persists in asking what Hiruzen had so carefully avoided. He asks,“Has the Raikage said anything about an apology to my clan specifically?”
Hiruzen’s soft smile appears understanding, but he doesn’t try hard to cover the doubt in his eyes.
“I will be sending another more personal missive to the Raikage to continue pushing the issue” He assures.
So, no essentially Kumogakure didn’t mention it. Fugaku wonders if he intends to press the matter at all or is just trying to pacify Hiashi.
Koharu Utatane mutters to him, “They are far too proud to consider it. Their shinobi are utterly shameless. They’ve shown prior disrespect to Konoha’s treaties.”
Shibi concedes, “The rivalry between the known between the late Fourth Hokage and the now Fourth Raikage, A. Why? Because of this Kumo will be less willing to work towards a solution that is more in our favor.”
Someone out of sight chimes in,“We simply cannot afford to offend the Raikage into another war.”
It turns the discussion away from the Hokage and the Hyuuga. More concerned about starting another war, than the implications of bloodline theft against the Hyuuga. Hiashi seems noticeably frustrated. Hizashi even goes so far as to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Hiashi is persistant. He tries to ask if an ANBU group had been assigned to his compound as he has requested . The question is ignored in favor of more money talk. War is nothing if not expensive.
Hiruzen usually wouldn’t be so flippant with the Hyuuga clan head. Fugaku hopes they can discuss it later, privately. For now he takes a moment to let the noise of budgetary reports wash over him. It’s not until he hears the slow purposeful voice of Shimura Danzo does he listen closely.
Danzo interjects, “Another war would be ended before it even begins. That does not mean we can be preserved as weak so soon after the Kyuubi attack. Should Kumogakure retaliate against us it will be dealt with swiftly.”
To appear weak or to appear strong, it’s a conundrum whenever both seem to bring conflict to their doorstep.
“Have you given any thought to enlisting your son, Captain Fugaku?” Danzo asks, “ I'm sure he could quickly integrate into the ranks. It is due to him that we are meeting here today under such circumstances. He has shown to be a valuable fighter in protecting Konoha, an absolute asset if the Hyuuga head’s endorsement is anything!”
Fugaku really isn’t in the mood. His head still aches from the argument earlier.
Hiashi’s mouth curls at the mention of his name, but for the moment he holds his tongue. Shikaku isn’t feeling as charitable.
“Irrelevant again Lord Danzo” Shikaku tries, the more important matter at hand involves whether Kumogakure will have any underlying plans with this meeting.
“A foolish idea if I've ever heard one.” Danzo huffs.
Shikaku shrugs, “ better to be prepared than caught unaware. We were that night. Our village had to have an unskilled untested child, to protect an heir to one of the great noble clans.”
“We have been over this, Danzo.” Hiruzen chides, “I truly believe the boy is little of your concern.”
“Lord Third, please I insist---.”
“Not now…” Hiruzen waves his hand as if hoping Danzo will dismiss the idea with nothing but a wave. “If you must air your grievances, save them for later.”
Unreasonable, and frankly insulting for Hiruzen to publicly acknowledge he keeps Danzo’s wisdom closer than others. Shikaku seems to notice. Fugaku accidentally meets Shikaku’s eyes. He raises one brow at Hiruzen’s words, giving Fugaku a very pointed look.
The Hokage addresses everyone, “I have kept you all long enough. We should all be grateful to have citizens who are willing to protect the innocent. I wish you all a peaceful night, and any further updates will be sent out promptly. You’re all dismissed!”
Tsume springs out of her chair and stretches her arms into the air.
“This could’ve been a missive, Lord Hokage!”
She walks right past Homura Mitokado without bothering to acknowledge his admonishments about proper respect.
Fugaku’s just glad it’s over and he can finally go home.
The children should all be asleep by now. Mikoto won’t be. Fugaku hopes she’s not pacing with worry, and instead maybe reading the comics Mikoto pretends she doesn’t have. She would’ve put the futon out. She’s probably cooled off quite a bit now.
Shikaku catches him before he can leave. The Hyuuga twins block his way out as they try to reach the Hokage before he leaves the meeting room. It’s unavoidable.
“I’m glad I could catch you. How’ve you been?”
He makes it seem so casual considering neither had really spoken in years.
He is broader now, taller, and there’s spots of white hairs appearing in his beard. Two new scares line his face. Fugaku heard they came from an Iwa ambush.
Shikaku moves closer to him than what should be polite. He’s being too familiar. Fugaku can smell the sourness of sake on his breath. Ino-Shika-Cho must’ve started their night out early without remembering the scheduled meeting.
“I’m well all things considered, thank you for asking,” Fugaku replies.
Shikaku should have a son now, about Sasuke’s age too.
He says, “that’s good, really good, Gaku”
“Please don’t address me so informally here.”
“Sorry…sorry, just wasn’t thinking.”
Even if he hadn’t gone to the wedding, Fugaku knew Shikaku married Yoshio.
He and Yoshino had been on the same genin team. He hadn’t spoken to her in years either. Their separation was more understandable. Genin teams grow apart, especially after most of the team dies.
“Your suggestion at the last meeting was strategically sound.” Shikaku continues. “I think the Hokage will find the best solution, but you’ve made really beneficial suggestions.”
Fugaku figures a polite reply wouldn't hurt.
“I appreciate it. If you’ll excuse me…” He hastily looks around for the right spot to slip away. Shikaku doesn’t seem bothered. If he notices Fugaku’s desire to leave, he ignores it.
“You and I have not spoken informally in a long time. I'd like to rectify that. You seem…” Shikaku pauses to find the right word, “Different.”
Fugaku asks, “How so?”
“More willing to speak your mind.” Shikaku replies, “I suppose many have pressed you on the subject of the Hyuuga and your son. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to share more about it with me?”
He says, “You suppose correctly.”
Whatever Shikaku is about to say is interrupted by Choza bumping into his best friend. Shibi had finally snuck away from Choza’s polite family questions. Fugaku himself hadn’t spoken to Choza in years either. He had always liked going to their restaurant when he was younger. The sauce they marinate their beef in has unmatched flavor.
“You should come to dinner with all of us sometime, Fugaku!” Choza chuckles.
“Another time perhaps.”
It might be good to get in touch with old friends again; just not tonight.
Right now, his wife is waiting for him.