Darkness.
Overwhelming, all-encompassing darkness.
In an instant, it enveloped the entire Hyuga compound.
Viewed from above, the Hyuga estate had transformed into a massive black sphere.
"What is that!?"
Terrified onlookers stared at the black sphere that had appeared on the ground.
The sphere began to shrink, gradually vanishing from sight.
From its appearance to its disappearance, less than ten seconds had passed.
It was enough to make one question whether it had been an illusion.
Yet, it had drawn the attention of many.
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.
In the dimly lit Root laboratory, Danzo snorted coldly.
Both men had simultaneously realized that a certain troublemaker in the village was about to clash with the Hyuga clan. However, neither acted immediately, choosing instead to wait and observe.
Inside the Hyuga compound.
Thud!
Hyuga Yoshikata crashed into a roof beam, shattering it before tumbling to the ground, a clear shoe print stamped on his face.
Uchiha Kin appeared beside Hyuga Kiyoshi, casually slicing through the ropes binding him with a kunai.
Kin surveyed the surroundings, his lips curling into a grin.
"Who gave you the audacity to lay hands on my people?"
None of the Hyuga clan members moved. The suffocating killing intent radiating from Kin enveloped them all, freezing them in place.
It was as if they stood naked in the depths of winter, an unbearable cold seeping into their very bones.
Moreover, the branch family members were still processing Hyuga Kiyoshi's earlier words. Had he truly mentioned a method to nullify the Caged Bird Seal?
Was it possible? Could they really hope to break free from the seal's shackles?
The dual restraints of mind and body kept everyone rooted to the spot.
Hyuga Yoshikata rose to his feet, wiping the shoe print from his face with his sleeve.
His expression darkened as he addressed Kin. "Uchiha Minister, this is an internal matter of the Hyuga clan."
"I couldn't care less about your clan's affairs," Kin retorted. "But Hyuga Kiyoshi is my subordinate. So, what? You think you can kill my people and I'll just stand by?"
This time, it was Kin who was questioning him.
If Yoshikata wanted to target Kiyoshi, he'd have to answer to Kin first.
Yoshikata's face twisted with frustration. Kin's interference was justified, leaving him no room to argue.
As he replayed the events in his mind, a disturbing realization dawned on him.
"Uchiha Kin… you're targeting the Hyuga clan."
The Uchiha and Hyuga had always been at odds, their kekkei genkai too similar for comfort.
But that alone was a flimsy pretext.
Yet, Kin's fingerprints were all over this incident. It was impossible not to suspect him.
The method to undo the Caged Bird Seal…
In the entire shinobi world, perhaps only Uchiha Kin could achieve such a feat.
The thought turned Yoshikata's expression ashen.
Kin, however, had no intention of targeting the Hyuga clan. He scoffed.
"Overthinking it. What would I gain from going after your clan?"
The benefits were already on their way—and they had nothing to do with the Hyuga main family.
This was purely about securing Hyuga Kiyoshi's freedom.
As long as the stolen Byakugan wasn't traced back to him, the Hyuga had no leverage.
Yoshikata wasn't convinced. He could only resort to threats.
"Interfering in Hyuga affairs is something the Hokage won't tolerate."
Their authority to discipline their own members stemmed from their support in securing Hiruzen's position as Hokage. But that privilege was being revoked as Hiruzen consolidated his power.
Still, the final hour hadn't struck yet.
"Oh? The Hokage won't tolerate it?"
Kin smirked, amused. "But attacking an active-duty Konoha shinobi is something he'll allow? You Hyuga sure have some impressive authority."
He leaned forward, his voice dripping with menace.
"Tell me, does that authority extend to me? Am I next on your execution list?"
Yoshikata paled. That was a question he couldn't answer.
This matter had always been handled discreetly, confined to the Hyuga clan. If it were brought into the open, even Hiruzen wouldn't condone it.
After all, scrutiny would only expose the cracks in their system.
"...What do you want?"
Yoshikata's tone softened. With Kin backing Kiyoshi, the situation had spiraled beyond his control.
He could smell the conspiracy now.
Kin stroked his chin, feigning thoughtfulness.
"Honestly, if you hadn't touched my subordinate, I wouldn't have bothered."
"I've heard about the murder of your main family member and the theft of your clan's treasure. Serious matters, indeed. If Hyuga Kiyoshi is responsible, I'll personally deliver him to the Hokage. But if this is a frame-up… well, that's a different story."
His words carried an unmistakable threat.
Yoshikata took a deep breath, his eyes closing briefly. Involving the Hokage would expose the Hyuga's dirty laundry to the entire village.
"Hyuga internal affairs are not for outsiders to meddle in."
He had to expel Uchiha Kin—now.
His stance hardened, his intent clear.
Kin's grin widened.
"Ah, so you do want to spar with me."
Yoshikata shifted into a Hyuga combat stance, one hand behind his back, the other extended forward.
"Enlighten me."
"How interesting."
Kin grabbed Hyuga Kiyoshi and tossed him toward the branch family members, who hurriedly caught him.
Now, only Uchiha Kin and Hyuga Yoshikata remained in the center.
"Finally, a chance to witness the Hyuga's famed prowess."
One noticeable change in the Hyuga clan was their rapid adoption of the Basic Internal Energy technique. While the older generation, bound by tradition, largely avoided it, the younger members—especially those of the main family—had embraced it wholeheartedly.
Yoshikata was no exception.
Kin tilted his head, observing his opponent.
The tension was palpable.
In the next moment—
Yoshikata appeared beside Kin in a flash, his Gentle Fist striking with precision. Kin dodged with a slight tilt of his head.
Spinning low, Kin swung his leg like a battle-axe. Yoshikata crossed his arms to block, but the sheer force behind the kick made his pupils contract.
Bam!
His feet sank into the ground. Using Yoshikata's arms as a pivot, Kin twisted mid-air, his other foot aimed squarely at Yoshikata's face.
This time, Yoshikata was prepared. He shoved Kin's leg aside and leaped back, narrowly avoiding the strike.
Kin landed gracefully, brushing dust off his foot.
"The Hyuga clan head lives up to his reputation."
Yoshikata didn't acknowledge the praise. Instead, he settled into another stance.
"Byakugan!"
Veins bulged around his eyes as he activated his dojutsu, the chakra pathways in Kin's body becoming visible.
"Gentle Fist Technique!"
An invisible Eight Trigrams diagram materialized beneath his feet.
With a burst of speed, Yoshikata closed the distance.
"Iron Body! Sixty-Four Palms of the Eight Trigrams!"
His hands became a blur, striking toward Kin's vital points—only to meet an inky darkness that enveloped Kin's entire body.
Every palm strike was swallowed by the abyss.
(End of Chapter)