Hyūga Affair

The, as the incident is known nowadays in Kumogakure, happened nine years prior to the start of the series, while Kumogakure and Konohagakure were at war. To end it, they agreed to a peace treaty on the day of Hinata Hyūga's third birthday. The treaty was soon revealed to be nothing more than a cover when the Head Ninja of Kumogakure at the time, who was in Konoha to sign the treaty, attempted to kidnap Hinata in order to obtain the Byakugan and its secrets. The Head Ninja was killed in his attempt by Hinata's father, Hiashi Hyūga.

Kumogakure denied all accusations, and demanded the body of Hiashi as compensation for the death of their Head Ninja. At the request of Hiashi's brother, Hizashi Hyūga decided to go in his brother's place as they were twins and Kumogakure would not be able to tell the difference. This had another advantage, besides saving the life of the head of the clan; Hizashi's Cursed Seal would seal his Byakugan upon his death, safeguarding its secrets.

The details surrounding Hizashi's death are quite well-known among the high-ranking ninja of Konohagakure, most of them taking it as a serious infraction on Kumogakure's part. This was shown when Yamato called out the Fourth Raikage for his relentless pursuit of Sasuke Uchiha, comparing the latter's supposed theft of Killer Bee to their attempted theft of the Byakugan and noting that Konohagakure remained magnanimous while they were vindictive. While they are not allies, Konohagakure and Kumogakure seem to have come to friendly terms.