"What's your meaning?"

  "This guy infiltrated my Hyuga cn's grounds and abducted my daughter. Shouldn't it be your Kumogakure giving me an expnation?"

  Samui coldly looked at Hyuga Hiashi.

  "Nonsense. Dodoi was merely out for a walk. When did he ever enter your Hyuga cn?"

  "Is this your Hyuga cn's grounds? You're sndering without evidence. Third Hokage, please hand over the culprit to us. Otherwise, this peace negotiation cannot proceed."

  At this moment, how could they possibly admit that Kumogakure was responsible?

  The Third Hokage, hearing her words, felt a headache. He thought about how to resolve this matter.

  At this moment, Ryosuke spoke. "Going for a walk in a bck night suit? Your Kumogakure shinobi sure are interesting."

  But Samui remained unfazed and retorted.

  "Wearing a night suit is merely Dodoi's personal hobby. He definitely never entered the Hyuga cn, let alone abducted the Hyuga family's daughter."

  "Konoha must give us an expnation. Don't think Kumogakure is easy to bully. I will report this matter to the Fourth Raikage as well. The peace treaty can forget about being signed."

  Ryosuke smirked slightly. 'This woman, not only well-endowed but also brainless.'

  Her ability to lie with a straight face was quite impressive.

  Hyuga Hiashi, hearing this, did not want to argue further. The other side was clearly being unreasonable; arguing with such people was pointless. The Third Hokage was even less likely to believe their nonsense.

  At this moment, the Third Hokage was deeply concerned. If this matter was not handled properly, it might reignite the fmes of war.

  Konoha could neither afford nor desire another war.

  Helplessly, he said, "Rest assured. After our discussion, we will give your Kumogakure an expnation."

  Samui was somewhat pleased internally but maintained a calm demeanor. "Just make sure to give us an expnation by tomorrow and not affect the peace between our vilges."

  It seemed the Third Hokage was too eager for peace. Applying pressure would likely result in favorable outcomes for Kumogakure.

  After saying this, she led her group to retrieve Dodoi's body and departed.

  Hyuga Hiashi's face darkened.

  He questioned, "Third Hokage, what does this mean? What kind of expnation are you pnning to give them? Are you suggesting that my daughter was abducted and yet we must compensate this man with a life?"

  The Third Hokage replied helplessly, "Of course, that's not what I mean. Let's return to the Hyuga cn to discuss further."

  Hyuga Hiashi could only reluctantly agree.

  He gnced at Ryosuke.

  "Please, come along as well. After all, you are a witness to tonight's events."

  "No problem."

  Ryosuke was also curious about how the Third Hokage would handle this situation of compromise.

  The Third Hokage had long recognized this Uchiha, Ryosuke, known for frequently opposing him. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be a witness to tonight's events.

  Although he didn't want this guy to be involved in the subsequent decisions, he couldn't very well send him away now.

  ———

  Inside the Hyuga cn's main hall.

  Uchiha Ryosuke sat quietly in a corner, observing the Hyuga cn members and the Third Hokage discuss the matter.

  Among these Hyuga members, there was one who appeared to resemble Hyuga Hiashi but seemed slightly weaker in stature—likely Hyuga Hizashi.

  The Hyuga members all wore stern expressions, as the matter at hand was exceedingly troublesome.

  The cn head, Hyuga Hiashi, also felt a foreboding sense of unease. Could it be that Ryosuke's earlier words were correct? That killing the Kumogakure emissary would bring trouble to the Hyuga cn?

  He waited to see how the Hokage would address the matter.

  The Third Hokage sighed inwardly. This incident was undoubtedly Kumogakure's fault. But the war with Kumogakure had to end. Too many lives had been lost, and the vilge's strength had greatly diminished.

  He needed to reassure the Hyuga cn while prioritizing the greater good.

  He looked at Hyuga Hiashi and began to speak. "Cn Head Hiashi, you should know how many years the war with Kumogakure has dragged on. The vilge has lost many shinobi, and your Hyuga cn has not been spared. Do you think this war should continue?"

  "It shouldn't," Hyuga Hiashi admitted.

  After all, his cn had also suffered losses in the war with Kumogakure.

  But what did the Third Hokage mean by this? Was he suggesting the Hyuga cn should take responsibility for this incident?

  The Third Hokage continued. "Since Kumogakure is demanding the culprit, let's satisfy their request. This way, the peace negotiations can proceed, and the treaty can be signed."

  "The vilge can regain stability."

  Hearing this, Hyuga Hiashi was furious.

  If the Hokage weren't present, he would have expelled him on the spot.

  He sternly replied, "Are you saying we should hand me over to secure peace for the vilge?"

  This statement caused an uproar among the Hyuga cn members.

  "Lord Hokage, is this a joke?"

  "How could we hand over the cn head to these despicable Kumogakure shinobi?"

  If they handed over the cn head, it would be a massive humiliation for the Hyuga cn.

  It would also mean the enemy succeeded in their scheme to steal the Byakugan.

  This was something they would never agree to.

  The Third Hokage coughed and said, "That's not what I meant. Instead, we need to find a scapegoat."

  Hyuga Hiashi, though slightly relieved, was still dissatisfied. Such a resolution was unacceptable.

  Hyuga Hiashi suppressed his anger and said, "Hokage-sama, this is clearly Kumogakure's fault. Why must our Hyuga cn pay with another life?"

  As the Hyuga cn head, he was responsible for protecting his people. Losing a cn member in such a disgraceful manner was unbearable.

  The Third Hokage sighed and said, "This is unavoidable. Without doing so, how can we quell their anger? How can we ensure peace for Konoha?"

  "If war resumes, your Hyuga cn would also suffer greater losses. This is for your cn's protection as well."

  "I know this is a grievance for your cn, but the vilge will compensate you in the future."

  Hyuga Hiashi was still dissatisfied, but since the Hokage had spoken to this extent,

  perhaps this matter could only end this way.

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