Yes, the Hokage

Just as rumored, the Fourth Hokage trusts him completely.

Because he had been staying in the Root organization, Inuzuka Tetsuya's understanding of Fuuran was limited to what he had heard. During their brief meeting, he hadn't been able to glean much useful information, and he didn't fully believe Fuuran's statement that "Minato trusts me completely."

After returning to the village and making inquiries from various sources, and after witnessing it firsthand today, he finally believed that Feng Lan indeed wielded considerable power, able to finalize matters like the Hokage Guard with just a word.

"Yes, I will certainly do my duty and will never let down the trust of you two!"

"Well, then you'd better do your job properly." Feng Lan smiled meaningfully, and for some reason, seeing his smile made Inuzuka Tetsu feel a chill down his spine.

"Oh, by the way," Feng Lan said before going upstairs, "Minato is planning to hold a victory celebration banquet tonight. I would appreciate it if you could invite the heads of the Uchiha, Hyuga branch families, Aburame, Nara, and Inuzuka clans, as well as Shizune and Might Guy and his son... Tell each guest that they can bring as many people as they want to freeload. Of course, you yourself will also be a guest."

"Yes, yes!" No matter how hard Inuzuka Tetsu tried to restrain himself, he couldn't help but reveal a look of wild joy on his face. Wasn't this the perfect opportunity for him to join the upper echelons? Lord Fenglan really values ​​me!

"Uh, are we going to have a celebration party?" Minato looked disappointed. His original plan was to drink with Fenglan tonight, but you left without me and now you're bringing a whole bunch of people back, huh?

"What else could it be?" Feng Lan rolled her eyes at him. "If they hadn't been helping me when I wasn't around, you probably would have had it torn down."

"Oh."

Minato: Feeling wronged.jpg

"Alright, let's go up and check on the general situation of government affairs first. I need to deal with the mess before heading to the Five Kage Summit."

……

Because the Hyuga branch family's manor is closest to the Hokage's office, Inuzuka Tetsuya came here first.

His feelings were very complicated. Rationally speaking, Inuzuka Tetsuya knew that his father had left him and his mother for his own good—even though he was bullied in the Inuzuka clan, it was still better than being a slave in the branch family, right?

But emotionally, having spent his entire childhood without a father and being called a "bastard without a father" by those around him, how could he not feel resentment and hatred?

However, Inuzuka Tetsu was a person with strong self-control. He took a deep breath, suppressed these surging emotions, and began to think about how he could get some benefits from Hyuga.

After all, the Inuzuka clan is too weak. If he could learn Hyuga's skills, it would be a great benefit to him.

He knocked on the door, and soon a young man from the Hyuga clan answered. Upon seeing him, he was slightly taken aback: "Who are you?"

Inuzuka Tetsu's gaze first fell on the other's forehead. The caged bird was now just a tiny bit, having lost its ability to restrain people and their lives.

"I was sent by Lord Fenglan to invite Lord Rishiya to a banquet tonight."

"So that's how it is." Upon hearing Feng Lan's name, the young man who had split off from the family that day immediately showed joy and respect. "Please come with me!"

Inuzuka Tetsu followed the other into the branch family's manor, his eyes involuntarily scanning the surroundings. This place was much more impressive than the Inuzuka clan's old house, after all, it was Fenglan's private property. The houses were neatly repaired, and there were several newly planted trees in the yard, their tender leaves gleaming green in the sunlight.

If my father had been braver back then, maybe my mother and I could be living here now, as Hyuga Tetsuya, enjoying a family reunion...

He shook his head, banishing these unrealistic thoughts from his mind, and soon met Rizashi in the reception room of the clan chief's room, delivering Fenglan's message.

"I understand." Riza nodded. "Please tell Lord Fenglan that Riza will arrive on time."

"Ok."

Then the atmosphere became strangely heavy. Inuzuka Tetsu slowly sipped his tea, searching his mind for an opportunity to speak, while Hizashi simply watched him calmly until he couldn't help but put down his cup and was about to speak when he suddenly asked, "Tetsu-kun, is your mother's back injury any better?"

Inuzuka Tetsuya paused slightly, his prepared words suddenly falling flat.

"She had a few missions when she was young and injured her lumbar spine. It would flare up whenever it was rainy."

Richa's expression was somewhat sorrowful: "Your father always thought about this before he passed away, and he even asked someone to bring back a few doses of medicine from outside. However, at that time, there was not much money left after the family division, so the medicine was bought intermittently."

Inuzuka Tetsuya's lips tightened into a line. He didn't reply, but his gaze had already changed.

Hizashi took a palm-sized wooden box from the cabinet behind him, placed it on the table, and pushed it in front of Inuzuka Tetsuya.

"These are things left behind by your father. After he died in battle, I put them away for him. However, being in the branch family, I didn't have many opportunities to find your mother. Later, when the branch family became independent, I went to Amegakure with Lord Fenglan."

He sighed: "You are his son, you should be in charge of keeping this."

Inuzuka Tetsuya eagerly opened the box, his movements revealing undisguised urgency. What could be inside? A secret technique of the Hyuga clan? Some kind of powerful ninja tool? Or perhaps classified information gleaned through his Byakugan?

However, inside the box lay only a headband, which looked quite old and worn. The scratches on the metal plate were somewhat blurred, but the Konoha symbol could still be vaguely discerned. Two small characters were engraved on the inside of the headband: Iron Arrow.

There were no secret techniques, no ninja tools... His father was just an ordinary member of the branch family, so ordinary that he didn't even have time to leave a last word when he died in battle. The only thing that could prove he existed was this piece of junk.

Inuzuka Tetsu's fingertips traced the surface of his headband, his fingertips touching the tiny dents, some left from battle, others more like they had been repeatedly stroked.

He recognized the handwriting of the two small characters engraved on it; it was his mother's handwriting. In other words, it was a token of love that his mother had given to his father. He couldn't imagine his father's expression when he touched the headband, or even remember what his father looked like. He only knew that his mother never mentioned it, and he never asked.

"Is that all?" He closed the wooden box, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"And this too." Hizashi seemed to have been prepared, taking out a scroll. "This records all the secret techniques that the Hyuga clan's branch family can learn. As for the more advanced ones, I don't have them either... They're all guarded closely by the old guys in the main family."

Inuzuka Tetsuya's expression hardened. He had indeed been planning to get something from this place, but he hadn't expected that before he could coerce or bribe them, before he could play the family card, or even before he could ask for it, the other party had handed it all over.

"This is Lord Fenglan's intention."

The next sentence made his gaze freeze.

Inuzuka Tetsuya was already prepared for Fenglan to ask Hizashi about him, since given that person's personality, it was impossible for him not to investigate him. However, it was still surprising that he gave such an order.

"My lord... do you think highly of me?"

No, it's probably not that simple. While Fenglan's actions certainly had the intention of rewarding him and making him stronger so he could serve better, they also undoubtedly conveyed the message that "everything you do is within my expectations."

[Since he's calculated things to this extent, he probably already knows that I withheld information and informed the Third Hokage.]

At this moment, Inuzuka Tetsu realized that he was too young. This was such a small matter. As long as Feng Lan returned and paired up with Minato, he would immediately discover that he had concealed information. With the other party's intelligence, there was no reason why he would not have thought that he had sold this information for a good price.

Oh no, I'm in a really bad situation.

With his mind filled with thoughts of how Fenglan would treat him, Inuzuka Tetsu didn't even know how he walked out of the Hyuga branch family's gate until the warm sun shone on him, and he was surprised to find that he was covered in sweat.

Coming to his senses, he looked down at the tattered headband in his hand.

"Iron pellets".

"Huh?"

Although he was forcibly taken away, Tessou had spent his childhood with him and was willing to follow Inuzuka Tessou. However, he was timid in his every move and did not have the liveliness and enthusiasm of other ninja dogs in front of their masters.

"Do you think my mother would cry if she saw this thing?"

Tiewan tilted his head, seemingly not quite understanding the meaning of those words.

He fiddled with the headband in his hand, looking at it several times as if he wanted to throw it away, but in the end he kicked it into his clothes and left.

Meanwhile, in the branch family manor behind them, Hizashi activated his Byakugan and watched everything from beginning to end: "Lord Fenglan, everything... is exactly as you predicted."

……

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Inuzuka Tetsu arrived at the Uchiha clan's encampment. Looking at the two cold-faced, arrogant guards, he felt a chill run down his spine. These were the Uchiha, after all; in their presence, the Inuzuka clan was utterly insignificant.

If it weren't for Lord Fenglan's message, I wouldn't have been qualified to approach this place under normal circumstances.

Upon seeing someone approach, the two Uchiha spoke calmly: "This is the gathering place of the Uchiha. What brings you here?"

Thanks to Fenglan's support, the Uchiha clan has been thriving recently, and therefore has become less aggressive, though their arrogance remains undiminished.

Inuzuka Tetsuya composed himself: "I brought Lord Fuyuki's password, inviting Clan Chief Fugaku to the banquet."

Then he saw the two gatekeepers perform a Sichuan opera face-changing act, smiling like flowers: "So you are Lord Fenglan's subordinates. Please come in. Do you need us to show you the way?"

"Um... thank you for your trouble."

Inuzuka Tetsuichi was also somewhat bewildered until he actually followed one of the guards into the compound, at which point he came to his senses: [Is this... Lord Fenglan's influence?]

……

After delivering the message, Inuzuka Tetsu returned to the Inuzuka clan's residence. This time, no one dared to look at him with disdain or disgust. Everyone stared at him expectantly, as if waiting for a judge to pronounce his verdict.

Before setting off, Inuzuka Tetsu might have enjoyed the gaze, but now he felt utterly bored.

His ambition was boiling. Yes, what kind of skill was it to only make a mere Inuzuka bow his head? He wanted to continue climbing up the ladder. One day, he would make the Uchiha and Hyuga clans treat him the same way!

"Clan leader," Inuzuka Tetsu said calmly, "The Fourth Hokage and Lord Furan are preparing to hold a victory celebration banquet tonight, and they have specially sent me to invite you to the banquet."

"Attend...attend a banquet?" Inuzuka Tsurugi was clearly not good at scheming and seemed a little flustered. "But we didn't do anything..."

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t contribute now, what matters is that you attend.” Inuzuka Tetsu sneered, “And… contribute well in the future.”

Inuzuka Tsurugi's expression froze instantly. She realized that Feng Lan was asking her to take a side. Attending the banquet would be tantamount to declaring that she had joined the Fourth Hokage's side, while not going would make her an enemy.

Moreover, they are enemies constantly monitored by Inuzuka Tetsu.

"I understand." She took a deep breath. Although she wasn't good at scheming, this woman was definitely decisive. "Please tell Lord Fenglan that I will go. As for who will accompany me... choose Kui."

Chapter 108 The Feast at Hongmen?

Inuzuka Tetsu's original plan was to arrive at the banquet venue early to help out or guide the guests, demonstrating his attentiveness and diligence, and also to observe the state of each guest.

Unfortunately, he changed his mind at the last minute before setting off.

"Boom--!"

Inuzuka Tetsu kicked open the door to the room where the younger generation lived, and pointed at Inuzuka Tsuyoshi, who had a look of astonishment on his face, and said, "You, come with me."

"What, what are you doing?" Inuzuka instinctively started trembling when he saw his cousin whom he used to bully when he was a child, and his ninja dog Aomaru whimpered and burrowed under the bed.

"You're in luck, kid." Inuzuka Tetsu sneered. "Lord Fenglan is holding a victory banquet tonight, and each invited guest can bring any number of attendants. You're honored to have been chosen by me as an attendant."

"Huh?" Inuzuka Tsuyoshi was slightly taken aback. "Why?"

I used to bully this guy when I was a kid, and the kick he gave me before still hurts. Why... why did he suddenly change his ways and come to take me to the Fourth Hokage's victory celebration?

"Enough with the nonsense!" A fierce glint flashed in Inuzuka Tetsuya's eyes. "Are you coming or not?"

"Come on, come on!"

Inuzuka hurriedly got up, feeling a mix of fear, confusion, and a bit of smugness. Someone like him, who hadn't even passed the Chunin Selection Exams, should theoretically never be able to participate in a banquet of this caliber in his entire life. Even if he didn't get a sip of water today, just sitting there would be something for him to brag about to his friends when he got back.

He embodies the typical Inuzuka clan personality, just like the clan leader, he is not good at scheming and intrigue, which is the only reason Inuzuka Tetsu brought him along.

Although he was once frightened by Feng Lan's reprimand, after careful consideration, Inuzuka Tetsu decided to pretend that nothing was wrong. Since Lord Feng Lan was willing to let him serve as the captain of the Hokage's guard and even arranged for Hizashi to give him a secret technique in advance, it meant that he was still useful!

As long as it still has value, it won't be easily disposed of, and what I need to do is find a scapegoat.

Indeed, no one would consider someone like Takeshi Inuzuka, who lacks intelligence and cunning, to be a traitor who leaked important information. But sometimes, what important figures need is not the truth, but a way out.

Inuzuka Tsuyoshi, this is the perfect opportunity. It would be better if Lord Fenglan didn't bring this up. If he were to pursue the matter... he could then conveniently throw this guy out and express his willingness to be a double agent for the Third Hokage. Although the risks are still considerable, it's better than sitting idly by and waiting to die.

With this in mind, he abandoned his initial plan and brought along the big guy who had bullied him since childhood.

Because they needed to give Inuzuka a heads-up, telling him not to act without thinking and to behave himself when he got there, the four members of the Inuzuka family arrived at the banquet venue just as most of the guests had arrived and were about to get into character.

"Isn't this Chief Inuzuka?"

A voice greeted him from the side. Inuzuka Tetsu glanced over and saw Nara Shikaku striding towards him, followed by Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza.

"Mr. Shikaku, Mr. Inoichi, Mr. Choza." Inuzuka Tsuru forced a smile, looking as if he were also preoccupied.

Lu Jiu sighed understandingly, "Since you've already made the decision, don't regret it."

He brought Haiyi and Dingzuo with him, which means that he had already made up his mind after discussing and deliberating.

“Yes, since we have no other choice, let’s just go all the way.” Inuzuka Tsuru nodded and then introduced the people behind him.

Shikaku greeted them one by one, pausing for a moment when he looked at Inuzuka Tetsu.

The latter's cheek twitched slightly as he involuntarily recalled the scene when he went to deliver a message to the Nara clan that afternoon.

After hearing the message, Shikaku did not rush to respond. Instead, he looked at Inuzuka Tetsu with a meaningful expression and said, "Mr. Inuzuka, I heard you just returned from Amegakure? The rain there must have been heavier than in Konoha, right?"

Inuzuka Tetsu: "...much bigger."

Lu Jiu smiled and said, "That's right. In places where it rains heavily, the roads are difficult to walk on. If you take the wrong path, you won't be able to find your footprints if you want to turn back."

She was already worried about what Feng Lan had seen through, and then Lu Jiu poked her in the head, making her as anxious as an ant on a hot pan all afternoon.

Inuzuka Tetsuya took a deep breath, banishing these unpleasant memories. Unlike his mother and Inuzuka Tsuyoshi, he did not bow, but simply nodded slightly: "Mr. Shikaku."

"Yes." Shikaku nodded in acknowledgment. "Please."

The hall was already quite full, with long tables arranged in a U-shape, and warm yellow lights illuminating the entire space. Inuzuka Tetsu's eyes quickly swept around; he had a habit of checking for exits, windows, and hiding places before entering any room, like a rat on the ground—an instinct instilled in him by the organization.

Then he saw the seating arrangement.

While the Naruto world may not have the complicated concept of who the fish head should be pointed at at a banquet, there is still the concept of the head seat. Obviously, the person sitting in the head seat at a banquet is the one with the highest status.

But the moment they entered, the group clearly saw Minato forcefully press Fenglan down and push him into the main seat. The latter rolled his eyes, laughed and cursed a few times, and sat there calmly!

Seeing this scene, countless people had their own thoughts running through their minds, and Inuzuka Tetsu was no exception.

His gaze swept over the guests again, and he saw Hizashi inside. This meant that Lord Fenglan already knew about what happened to him at the Hyuga clan that afternoon.

Although he had mentally prepared himself, Inuzuka Tetsu couldn't help but stiffen slightly, and his hands involuntarily clenched.