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The great hall fell into complete silence.
Like Tokuma, Hiashi understood all too well that even if they were to reapply the Caged Bird Seal to their clansmen now, it would no longer guarantee absolute safety should the information leak.
He couldn't help but glance at Kaito.
After all, it was this man before him who had researched and devised a method to remove the Caged Bird Seal, which he had then handed over to Tsunade.
What worried him even more was the possibility that Tsunade might not have implemented strict confidentiality measures regarding this technique.
If someone were to learn both the method to remove the Caged Bird Seal and the secret of gathering Byakugan to create the Tenseigan, the Hyūga clan would face the greatest crisis in its history.
"There's no need for you all to be so alarmed."
Seeing the three of them in such a state of disarray, Kaito couldn't help but feel surprised.
"Many of the events that took place on the moon were witnessed by Hinata, Ruka, and Tōka, who also participated in the mission. Surely they must have reported to you?"
"Kaito," Hiashi's expression darkened. "They never mentioned anything about the Tenseigan!"
Kaito paused, then said, "I see. I had assumed you were already prepared and were merely confirming the details with me."
"It seems Tōka and the others anticipated the danger this information could bring. If it were me, I'd understand their decision. After all, if word of the Tenseigan were to spread, many would be unable to suppress their greed—even within our own clan," Tokuma said dejectedly. "The temptation of such power… could corrupt even our own."
"Hmm…"
Kaito found himself at a loss.
Until now, he had been preoccupied with his plans against Kaguya, the affairs of the Yellow Spring Hell, and his own pursuit of strength.
Though his mind was always occupied with countless matters…
In truth, he had never given much thought to the Hyūga clan or the Tenseigan.
Or rather, he had subconsciously dismissed it as unimportant.
But now, he realized that if mishandled, this situation could bring catastrophic consequences to the Hyūga.
Even if the Hyūga clan were to fall, it wouldn't directly affect him.
Yet, this crisis had ultimately arisen because of him.
Kaito closed his eyes in contemplation.
He was not so cold-blooded as to stand by and do nothing.
Fortunately, the Hyūga members present during the moon mission had likely reached a consensus to keep the information hidden.
And given Sasuke's personality, if Neji were to ask, he would surely persuade his teammates to keep the secret as well.
With that in mind… while the risk of the information leaking still existed, it wasn't overwhelmingly high.
There was still room for remedy.
It seemed he had no choice but to intervene.
With that thought, the paper clone transmitted the information to his main body.
---
Mount Ōeyama.
Kaito's true self had already calmed his emotions after sending off Seimei and was still mechanically operating the formation in the secret chamber to condense the dragon vein crystals.
Upon receiving the message from his clone, he immediately halted his actions.
"What is it?"
Enma, observing from the alternate dimension, sensed his movement and spoke up.
"A matter concerning the Hyūga clan." Kaito replied.
"I see."
After a brief moment of consideration, Enma understood the situation.
"Is this the consequence of acting on a whim?" Kaito pressed a hand to his forehead. "Now I must take responsibility."
"You could also choose not to interfere." Enma stated it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Is this another difference in perspective between gods and humans?"
"Of course," Enma replied. "Gods do not concern themselves with human affairs."
"Even if humanity were to go extinct?" Kaito deliberately pressed.
"That… would not do," Enma admitted. "Without humans, the Yellow Spring Hell would cease to function, and this king would lose his power."
"Well, we've digressed… Do you have any suggestions regarding the Hyūga matter?" Kaito asked again.
Enma remained indifferent. "This king's advice remains the same—do nothing. While you may have played a part in this, both the Caged Bird Seal and the Tenseigan were pre-existing issues within the Hyūga clan. Even without you, they would have had to confront these problems eventually. This is simply the fate their clan must face."
"You say that so confidently?" Kaito was somewhat taken aback.
"This king is not some benevolent deity who doles out mercy from on high—this king is a god of hell!"
Enma sounded almost surprised that Kaito would question it.
"Very well, I understand."
At the same time, Kaito made his decision.
---
Konoha, Hyūga Main Residence.
Kaito broke the silence once more.
"Regarding this matter, I can only guarantee that those outside the Hyūga clan will not leak the information," he said solemnly. "As for the internal affairs of the Hyūga clan… I'm afraid I can offer no further assistance."
At this point, the three Hyūga had no choice but to accept.
After all, the man before them possessed power and connections far beyond what the Hyūga clan could contend with.
Having said his piece, Kaito knew they would need to convene internally, so he excused himself under the pretext of other business.
"Ah, one more thing."
As he reached the door, he turned back.
"Should you ever face a crisis beyond your means, I pledge to assist the Hyūga clan unconditionally—once."
With those words, he strode out of the estate under the watchful eyes of the guards.
"Father… Uncle Tokuma…"
Hanabi watched Kaito's retreating figure.
"Can we… really trust Lord Kaito's promise?"
"I believe we can," Tokuma said, a glimmer of hope in his voice. "Given the vast difference in power between him and us, I can't think of any reason he would deceive us."
"We have no other choice," Hiashi said, regaining his composure as clan head. "For now, our priority is to devise a plan to ensure this information remains hidden."
He issued orders without hesitation. "Hanabi, summon your sister. Tokuma, fetch Ruka and Tōka."
Flustered, Hanabi instinctively obeyed and hurried out of the hall.
Tokuma locked eyes with Hiashi for a few seconds before finally relenting.
"Understood."
---
Mount Ōeyama.
After receiving another update from his paper clone, Kaito quickly set the matter aside and refocused on reshaping the alternate dimension.
"This is for the best." Enma commented upon hearing his decision.
"After all, the time for the Yellow Spring Hell to make its presence known in the living world is approaching. With the deterrence of hell's punishments, this king believes fewer will dare to commit evil henceforth."
Kaito nodded in understanding. "Indeed. The Eight Great Hells, the Eight Cold Hells, and the countless lesser hells are all waiting to receive their due."
"Precisely."
Enma's tone carried a hint of eagerness.
"Now that the Yellow Spring Hell has been reopened, this king is offering amnesty to recruit enough staff. But once this opportunity passes… Every sinner who arrives in the Yellow Spring will be cast into hell!!"