Chapter 46
In the forest outside Konoha.
"You did a splendid job," Shikaku said, genuinely praising Neiki as he watched him.
Neiki had brought Hanabi out of his house. When this happened, all the knowledgeable higher-ups in Konoha realized that Neiki's so-called search for Hanabi, under the orders of the Hyuga clan head, was just an excuse for him to move around Konoha and sow discord.
Neiki had known from the start that Hanabi was hidden in his house. He might have even been the one to hide her there himself.
Ten minutes wasn't enough for Konoha to evacuate tens of thousands of people. Still, it was enough for Neiki to spread the truth and shake the authority of Konoha's leadership, creating the first rift in the village's internal unity.
"You're too kind," Neiki said, tossing the remote control to Hanabi and motioning her to take it to Shikaku.
"Hanabi, do you know what great deeds your brother Neiki has done?" Shikaku asked, receiving the remote and carefully sealing it, then looking at the adorable long-haired girl before him.
"I don't know," Hanabi shook her head, confused.
Shikaku glanced at Neiki, asking, "Can I tell her?"