News spread quickly through the Konoha front lines.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke's impending arrival to take over command of the Lightning Country defense unsettled many. The victories on this front had been earned under Orochimaru's command, paid for with blood and time. Now that the situation had stabilized, someone was stepping in to claim the credit.
If one person could arrive empty-handed and take command, then others would follow. New commanders would bring their own people. Existing units would be sidelined. Credit would be diluted.
Resentment was inevitable.
Inside a wooden command structure near the front, Uchiha Yoru was escorted in to meet the Hyūga clan's representative.
"Hyūga Hizashi," Yoru greeted respectfully, bowing slightly.
Hizashi returned the gesture with measured courtesy. "Yoru-kun. You're too polite."
Despite Yoru holding only a chūnin rank, courtesy flowed both ways. Orochimaru's student carried weight, and Hizashi understood that well.
"I'm here on Orochimaru-sensei's behalf," Yoru said calmly. "With the front being restructured, he asked me to confirm the Hyūga clan's personnel assignments."
The Lightning and Water Country fronts were being split between two commanders. That meant redeployment, especially for the major clans.
Hizashi nodded. "The Hyūga have already prepared."
He handed over a sealed scroll.
Yoru read through it and smiled.
The Lightning Country front would be staffed almost entirely by branch family members. The Water Country front, however, included Hizashi himself and several main family shinobi scheduled to arrive from the rear.
The message was clear.
The Hyūga were placing their bet.
"Thank you, Hizashi-taichō," Yoru said sincerely.
Hizashi's rigid expression softened slightly. Titles mattered in the shinobi world. "Taichō" acknowledged rank without creating distance. It was a subtle courtesy, and Hizashi noticed.
"Think nothing of it."
This kind of advance coordination was a privilege reserved for major clans. Civilian shinobi received orders. Clans negotiated placements.
Power had many forms.
Yoru closed the scroll, then hesitated.
"Hizashi-taichō… there's something I'm unsure whether I should raise."
Hizashi's eyes sharpened, though his voice remained steady. "Please speak freely. If the Hyūga can assist, we will."
Yoru nodded. "You're familiar with the village's ANBU structure."
That single sentence raised alarms.
Yoru continued lightly, "When Orochimaru-sensei becomes Fifth Hokage, he'll face the same issue the Fourth did."
Hizashi understood immediately.
No village had ever seen a Hokage succeed another while the predecessor still lived until Konoha set the precedent. When Minato took office, Hiruzen retained control over his ANBU. The result had been a divided intelligence structure.
If Orochimaru took the seat, history would repeat itself.
"You mean," Hizashi said carefully, "a new ANBU division."
"Yes," Yoru replied. "Orochimaru-sensei will need one."
The implication hung in the air.
ANBU were the Hokage's personal blade. Loyalty, authority, and influence flowed through them.
"What would Orochimaru-sensei require?" Hizashi asked, voice restrained.
"Funding," Yoru answered without hesitation. "Preferably gold. In return, both the Hyūga and Uchiha would each receive two placements."
Only two.
But from a great clan, those two would be elite jōnin. Field leaders. Future commanders.
Real power.
Hizashi inhaled slowly.
"I'll report this to the clan council," he said after a moment. "You'll have an answer soon."
Yoru smiled faintly.
He was borrowing Orochimaru's future to fund his present.
And now was the only time it would work.