Fleeing from Konoha

Combining today's decision by the Hokage to select a Jonin from the Hyuga Clan to cooperate with Anbu members on the so-called S-Class mission, the speculation in everyone's hearts seems to be more credible.

The affairs in the Land of Demons have Konoha far more anxious than the Hidden Sand.

Whether indirectly or directly, the impact on Konoha is very vile.

Yet who would have thought that the three renegade ninjas who left the village would rise to prominence at this time.

Understanding the worries and panic of the higher-ups is not difficult for the elders of the Hyuga Main Family and Branch Family.

"No matter what, we are part of the village, and at times like this, we should contribute our own share of strength."

An elder of the clan spoke.

In fact, even a meeting won't bring any changes in such matters.

Because they cannot refuse the orders from the higher-ups, and there's no reason to refuse.

After all, the three behind-the-scenes figures in the Land of Demons include a share of 'credit' to the Hyuga Clan.

At this moment, it's more important to sever ties with them and prove our stance to the village.

"Then, let's select personnel from the Branch Family, and Hizashi, this matter is entrusted to you."

An elder from the Main Family addressed Hizashi sitting on the Branch Family's side.

"Yes."

Hizashi nodded, indicating acceptance.

Such matters don't need to be discussed; as a member of the Branch Family, they are ready to fight for the Main Family at any time.

What's more, the upcoming task is dangerous, following Anbu to execute an S-Class mission, something the Main Family won't delegate personnel to. Even if the Main Family wishes to, the village higher-ups wouldn't agree.

The meeting lasted an hour and ended with the decision to dispatch a Branch Family Jonin to assist Anbu operations, serving as an explanation to the higher-ups.

"The atmosphere in the village has felt odd recently. Regarding the Uchiha..."

Walking in the outside corridor, Hizashi spoke softly, following behind Hiashi.

Previously, the Uchiha massacre left the Hyuga Clan shocked for quite a while.

As one of Konoha's prestigious Ninja Clans, the Uchiha Clan always overshadowed the Hyuga Clan.

But as the Uchiha Clan faced extinction, the once-glorious Uchiha Security Team crumbled overnight.

The village's higher-ups have no intention of reconstructing the Security Team, instead transferring the former Uchiha Security Team's duties to Anbu.

This undoubtedly increases Anbu's powers, directly expanding the Hokage's influence.

Previously inaccessible areas are now dominated by the higher-ups.

Hiashi glanced sideways at Hizashi.

"Such issues are irrelevant to us; just fulfill our clan's duties well."

Hizashi remained silent but felt sorrow in his heart.

The Uchiha were wiped away so quickly, annihilated by their own kin, leaving the Hyuga Clan wondering how to position itself within the village now.

He vividly recalls nearly becoming a sacrificial victim years ago due to the Hidden Cloud's framing incident.

Though the Root's actions eventually thwarted Hidden Cloud's plot, it left a lasting impression on Hizashi.

Within the Hyuga Clan, someone is in contact with the Root's leader, Danzo.

According to the Main Family elder's speculation, the Hyuga clan member communicating with Danzo is likely from the Branch Family.

However, despite years of investigation, Hizashi hasn't found any useful information within the Branch Family.

Perhaps, back then, Danzo assisting the Hyuga Clan through difficulties was merely an act of protecting ninjas from the same village.

After all, he is someone rarely seen as a hardliner in Konoha, and naturally wouldn't allow ninjas from the same village to be bullied by outsiders.

Turning the corridor, suddenly a small figure appeared at the corner.

The person hesitated briefly, immediately bowing respectfully.

"Clan Leader, Father."

It was a boy about nine years old, with long straight black hair, a delicate appearance, and the white eyes symbolic of the Hyuga Clan.

The name of the boy is Hyuga Neji.

He is Hizashi's son, an outstanding prodigy from the Hyuga Branch Family, held in high expectation by the clan members.

Noticing the direction Neji was heading, indicating not towards the training grounds but back home, Hiashi slightly furrowed his brows.

"Returning so soon?"

He remembered instructing Neji to train alongside his eldest daughter Hinata; normally, sparring shouldn't end so quickly.

Neji calmly replied: "Yes. Because Lady Hinata seemed somewhat unwell, when I went, Miss Hanabi was taking care of her."

"Unwell?"

Upon hearing Neji's words, Hiashi's brows furrowed even tighter.

He recalls Hinata not seeming weak, being fine both yesterday and this morning. Alongside Hinata receiving good training from the Hyuga Clan, there's no way she would eat something strange leading to health issues.

Was it feigning sickness on purpose? Or neglecting training?

Or was it truly sudden discomfort?

"Yes."

Neji affirmed once again.

"I see, if that's the case, then today's training will be canceled."

Hiashi nodded, then turned to Hizashi.

"We will stop here today; Hizashi, take Neji back home first, I'll check on Hinata."

Hizashi nodded, leading Neji away from the Main Family's territory.

Hiashi paused for a moment in the corridor before leaving, heading towards Hinata's room.

Thinking of his eldest daughter Hinata, always appearing soft and timid, Hiashi sighed gently.