Due to the previous requests for aid going unanswered, Shikaku had dispatched this Anbu to investigate the Hyuga clan’s situation directly. The news he brought back sent chills down the Konoha higher-ups’ spines.
It was even worse than their previous speculation that the Hyuga clan had sided with the Uchiha and refused to help Konoha.
Upon confirming that the Nine-Tails had been subdued and the Hokage was still alive, Shikaku and the other advisors were initially relieved. This indicated that the Uchiha rebellion was nearing its end.
However, a new disaster struck like a meteorite, leaving everyone stunned.
The news that the Hyuga clan had been massacred was overwhelmingly shocking. Shikaku and two senior advisors visited the Hyuga main house to confirm the situation.
The scene was gruesome. The Hyuga clan, who should have been in a clan meeting, were reduced to corpses, with only Neji and Hinata sitting dazed amidst the carnage.
“He had been imprisoned for at least a month,” Koharu said, her voice trembling as she looked at the body of Hiashi Hyuga being carried out.
The chains had left visible rust marks on his body. Even without being beheaded, the accumulated metal toxins in his system would have killed him soon. This meant that the massacre of the Hyuga clan had begun at least a month ago, yet no one in Konoha had noticed anything.
Someone had quietly wiped out a top-tier ninja clan under everyone’s noses.
The Hyuga were not like the Uchiha; they had no tradition of rebellion and had always maintained a good relationship with Konoha. The Byakugan was an excellent sensory Kekkei Genkai, making the Hyuga comparable to Konoha’s “eyes.” They had long been active on the frontlines, contributing greatly to Konoha. Now, they had suddenly been wiped out. For advisors like Homura and Koharu, this was nothing short of catastrophic.
“The wounds are fresh. The culprit left not long ago,” Homura said, clenching his fists and shaking his head.
“Half a month ago, I visited Hiashi. I didn’t notice anything wrong, just that his movements seemed a bit off and disrespectful… Looking back, I must have been under a genjutsu without realizing it.”
“Hiashi… He was asking for help…”
Sigh.
Since becoming Konoha advisors, Homura and Koharu had never been so distressed.
Losing the Uchiha was seen as removing a hidden threat. While it weakened Konoha, it was deemed worth it if handled properly.
But losing the Hyuga was like suddenly losing one’s eyesight. It was an immense loss for Konoha.
Losing both the Uchiha and Hyuga simultaneously was akin to cutting off an arm due to gangrene—necessary for survival but regrettable. However, if the Hyuga were lost while the Uchiha were being dealt with, it felt like discovering the healthier arm had already been severed long ago.
Had they known about the Hyuga’s fate earlier, the advisors believed they might have been able to save the Uchiha arm.
Unfortunately, the Uchiha rebellion, marked by the summoning of the Nine-Tails, was nearly over.
Everything was beyond repair.
“A war is about to start…” Koharu suddenly said.
The three stood silently in the courtyard.
Only the evening wind and cicadas broke the silence.
The surrounding trees were lush, a kite tangled in their branches, and a woman’s body, trapped by the kite string, swung like a macabre swing.
Shikaku looked away from the woman’s body, struggling to maintain clear thoughts.
Now wasn’t the time to worry about war but to find the culprit and prevent similar incidents.
He analyzed:
“The expressions and movements of the deceased suggest the perpetrator was someone familiar.”
“The wounds are all fatal strikes. The swordsmanship is excellent, and there’s chakra residue around. The culprit didn’t bother to hide their tracks.”
“Should we inform other ninja clans to be cautious?”
“Although I doubt the culprit will stay in Konoha much longer.”
Koharu shook her head:
“There’s no need to be subtle. It’s clear this was done by someone within Konoha.”
“As for informing the other clans, it’s unnecessary for now. Homura and I will visit each one personally.”
The Uchiha rebellion wasn’t fully resolved. The Hyuga massacre must be kept secret to maintain stability, and other clans mustn’t be alerted to avoid unnecessary panic and trouble.
The advisors would check on the other clans to see if they had been targeted.
Surely, they wouldn’t fall for the same genjutsu twice?
“How many Hyuga clan members are still alive?” Homura asked.
“We need to cross-check the records and identify the deceased. It’s a complex task,” Shikaku paused, “But excluding the branch members without Byakugan, I’d estimate fewer than ten survivors…”
A clan of hundreds reduced to less than ten…
Koharu and Homura remained silent.
Shikaku continued, “Yamanaka Inoichi is on his way. Unlike previous incidents involving the murder of branch members, this time, there are many fresh bodies. The perpetrator couldn’t have cleaned up everything. We should be able to extract information directly.”
Inoichi could extract memories from the dead, provided they hadn’t been dead for too long.
“I suggest we detain all surviving Hyuga members,” Shikaku said. “Whether for protection or to clear suspicions, it’s necessary.”
“Do you have any suspects?” Homura asked.
“Yes.” Shikaku glanced at the vacant-eyed Neji and nodded.
“Then proceed as you suggest,” Koharu said weakly.
“Understood.” With authorization, Shikaku called over an Anbu and began issuing orders.
“Inform all Konoha shinobi to bring any Hyuga clan members they find to the interrogation room.”
“Notify Kakashi and other elite squads to find Hyuga Neji after dealing with the Uchiha.”
“If he resists, bring his body.”
“And…” Shikaku paused, “Tell them to be careful. This Neji… might be more dangerous than Fugaku.”
Neji was the only Hyuga still active in Konoha, making him the prime suspect.
…
Hearing the familiar name, Neji in the corner looked up, wanting to speak, but Shikaku placed a hand on his shoulder, signaling him to stay quiet.
The advisors knew about Neji and had deduced his high level of suspicion, but they were unaware that Neji and Neji were brothers.
Shikaku believed Neji was innocent.
But the advisors, in their anger, might not share that view.
Better not to stir up trouble for now.
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