Dusk.
Half the sky was tinged yellow by the setting sun, and the moon could be vaguely seen in the sky. Konoha Village, usually bustling with people, now had very few individuals in sight.
The Ninja Academy had suddenly added tests, and factories were rushing to complete large backlogs of orders.
Even the few idlers were drawn by the concert, having gone early to wait at the stage set up on the Village's outskirts.
The Ninja were the same; a rare large gathering of the Military Police Force had them toasting each other. The arrival of Yuuki, who held both the Hokage of Konoha and Head of the Military Police Force positions, made the atmosphere even more lively.
After a few toasts, Yuuki left with some Ninja, and most of them didn't notice anything amiss.
The Ninja who did notice something was wrong were almost all clever people, and clever people knew when to stay silent. They subtly blended into the group, no longer dwelling on things beyond their control.
As the sun completely vanished from the horizon and Konoha plunged into darkness.
Outside the Council Hall, a purple barrier quickly rose, the Four Violet Flames Formation.
Such obvious Chakra fluctuations, combined with the striking color, would normally alert the Sealing Team and the Sensory Team.
However, most of the personnel were on leave today, and the few on duty were all trusted individuals, who ignored this strange scene as if blind.
Outside the Four Violet Flames Formation, Yuuki looked at the barrier and said softly.
"Elder Hiashi is truly careless. This kind of barrier is so obvious; how can it protect the Advisors? Everyone, please help our Elder Hiashi."
Several Ninja responded and dispersed, quickly forming hand signs after taking their positions. Afterwards, the striking light and Chakra fluctuations of the Four Violet Flames Formation disappeared.
Yuuki then stood quietly in place, waiting for the outcome.
Any outcome would be fine!
Inside the Council Hall, the moment the Four Violet Flames Formation rose, the two people in the courtyard reacted.
"Hiruzen, what's going on?"
Advisor Koharu asked with some surprise, but the sight that met her eyes when she turned around made her pause again.
"Hiruzen, you..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi had already shed his robes, revealing a black combat uniform beneath, with scrolls and a Ninja tool pouch at his waist, and arm guards tightly fastened to his arms.
As long-time teammates for decades, how could she not know what Hiruzen Sarutobi's attire was for?
He was only missing a helmet.
Hiruzen, you truly tell me nothing!
"Koharu, don't worry, they should be after me. You should retreat first!"
Advisor Koharu looked resentful. We see each other every day, yet you tell me nothing, while you interact so happily with others.
However, she was a Ninja after all, and Hiruzen Sarutobi was a good friend for many years. Selling him out immediately didn't seem right, so Advisor Koharu didn't just run away.
She decided to see what was happening first. After all, Hiruzen was stronger than her, so staying by his side was always better.
"Hiruzen, abandoning teammates and running away is not my style. You don't need to be too nervous; after all, you are the Third Hokage of Konoha, so nothing major should happen!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a bitter tone.
"I am indeed the Sandaime, but I am no longer the Hokage. It's dangerous to stay here. You should leave first, Koharu."
Advisor Koharu tried to say something more, but she was interrupted by a voice.
"He's right, Advisor Koharu, this has nothing to do with you. It's better if you leave!"
Hiashi appeared at the doorway with a large group of Ninja, speaking to the two with a calm expression.
"It's you, Clan Head Hiashi. What? Does the Hyuga Clan want to stage a coup? This is the Council Hall, not a place for your Hyuga Clan to run wild!"
Upon seeing that the newcomer was Hyuga Hiashi, Advisor Koharu immediately became assertive. You, Hyuga Hiashi, are not an Uchiha; what are you so arrogant about?
Hiashi's expression did not change at all due to Advisor Koharu's words; he still said calmly.
"Advisor Koharu, it seems you've been living quite comfortably in the Council Hall, truly oblivious to the outside world. I am now a Konoha Elder, and I have matters I need to discuss with Advisor Hiruzen. As for what they are, that's not for you to know. Will you leave on your own, or...?"
When did Hiashi become an Elder?
Advisor Koharu truly didn't know, but she had already confirmed that they seemed to genuinely be looking for Hiruzen Sarutobi, and it had nothing to do with her.
So, she didn't hesitate to take the out Hiashi offered. Then, remembering her words about never abandoning a teammate, she felt she should explain and said.
"Hiruzen, since they're here to discuss something with you, I'll be leaving first. I won't disturb you."
She then quickly left without looking back.
As for whether Hyuga Hiashi was truly there to discuss matters with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Advisor Koharu indicated that she didn't want to ask or know.
If you say so, then it is so!
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