Despite the extensive search conducted with the Byakugan, Hyūga Shinichi found no suspicious individuals. However, this large-scale perimeter check made Shinichi acutely aware of some defensive issues within the Hyūga clan.
The Hyūga lineage was ancient, and this historical weight affected all aspects of their clan. For instance, in an era where most other villagers used steel-reinforced concrete, the Hyūga compound was still constructed entirely of wood.
Their complex, comprised of courtyard-style bungalows, was the lowest-altitude architectural group in central Konoha.
Outside the compound was the core area of Konoha. In recent years, countless buildings have been renovated and constructed, resulting in many new six or seven-story buildings. Since it was a ninja village, water towers were often placed atop these tall buildings to collect rainwater and prepare for emergencies.
The height of these water towers and the buildings allowed enemies to easily overlook the entire Hyūga compound from certain vantage points.
Anyone with bad intentions could easily monitor the entire Hyūga clan. Even after the Nine-Tails attack, the Hyūga compound was never moved, but without their knowledge, the compound had become surrounded by tall buildings, making it vulnerable from all sides.
Although he hadn't found the enemy, the current state of the surrounding environment caused Shinichi to frown slightly. He glanced at Hyūga Kazutaka, who was unconscious and slumped on the ground, touched his chin, and suddenly spoke:
"Keisuke, guard Kazutaka carefully."
"We don't know yet if the jutsu on him has been dispelled. Make sure the clan members are cautious."
"Investigate the people and objects he has recently come into contact with, and see if we can find anything."
"Tomorrow morning, use my name tag to invite the Third Hokage to be a guest at the Hyūga compound. Tell him we have encountered some peculiar Ninjutsu and need the help of the 'Professor' of Ninjutsu to identify it."
Even without finding the enemy, Shinichi already had a clear suspect in mind.
Looking across the ninja world, countless ninja held hostility toward the Hyūga clan, and facing assassination attempts was common for the scions of a major clan like his. However, within Konoha... any incident that occurred was inevitably linked to those few familiar faces.
Danzō Shimura and Orochimaru had formed a political alliance, operating in concert on major decisions.
The Hyūga clan was closely aligned with the Fourth Hokage. While not entirely unified, they were undoubtedly a crucial source of support for Minato. Shinichi had a fixed perception of Danzō Shimura.
Though he constantly claimed to act for Konoha, he would spare no effort for the sake of political power whenever possible. He was a man who dared to attempt the assassination of a Hokage; in his eyes, no one was untouchable. As long as there was a political return, he would attack anyone.
While Shinichi couldn't definitively prove that Danzō was behind this, there was no harm in testing the waters, as he had nothing to lose. If it truly was connected to Danzō, surely the Third Hokage would recognize the manipulation technique used on Kazutaka. As the "Professor" of Ninjutsu, he must possess that ability.
"Yes, I understand."
Hyūga Keisuke nodded, lifted the unconscious Hyūga Kazutaka, and left.
Kakashi Hatake pondered for a moment. Carefully choosing his words, he said to Shinichi:
"I will report this assassination attempt to the Fourth Hokage. If you need it, I can ask my teacher to assign you more guards."
Kakashi had personally witnessed Shinichi's difficulties during this time. It wasn't about the severity of the assassination attempts, but the sheer variety of methods used that made things exhausting. It would be far more straightforward to fight an enemy head-on on the battlefield than to constantly respond defensively.
"There's no need to assign more guards. With the threat of war with Kumogakure looming, the Fourth Hokage is likely short on available personnel."
"I believe I have a solution for the current trouble."
While talking with Kakashi, a plan was forming in Hyūga Shinichi's mind. Sometimes, a person cannot rely entirely on their own ability; they must learn to mobilize all available resources. The Hyūga Main House elders had gone to the battlefield for the village; therefore, the village was naturally responsible for the security of the Main House.
Although Minato Namikaze held the position of Hokage, the power he could mobilize was far less than the Third Hokage's. Shinichi knew the Third Hokage's eldest son was an Anbu Captain. Why not "request" his help? Surely the benevolent Third Hokage wouldn't refuse.
Just as Hyūga Shinichi predicted, the Third Hokage arrived at the Hyūga compound early the next morning, accepting the invitation.
Konoha was actively preparing for war, but the former Hokage was not busy. Had the Hyūga not invited him, he had planned to use his free time to visit the Ninja Academy, showcase his presence, and passionately lecture the young generation about the Will of Fire!
Hyūga Keisuke hadn't fully explained the events of the previous night, merely stating that someone in the clan seemed to have been subjected to a Ninjutsu and needed the "Professor" of Ninjutsu to assess it. Flattered by the Hyūga clan's intentional deference, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately rushed over.
After confirming the Third Hokage's arrival, Shinichi specifically arranged for Hyūga Hizashi to wait at the compound entrance. Giving Hiruzen full respect, they exchanged brief pleasantries, and Shinichi and Hiashi then led Hiruzen to Kazutaka's residence.
After a night of rest, Kazutaka had returned to normal that morning. He had no memory of what he did the previous night, only recalling the scene of fighting alongside his crush in his dream.
After getting up, still savoring the memory, he discovered he was being monitored by clan members. After some inquiry, the guards informed him of the events of the previous night. Upon learning the truth, his face immediately turned pale. Sitting stunned in his home, he awaited the Main House's judgment.
However, Kazutaka was not foolish. Realizing he had unknowingly become someone's pawn, he desperately tried to recall the people and events he had encountered recently, hoping to find clues.
Before he could recall anything useful, Hyūga Shinichi and Hyūga Hizashi arrived with the Third Hokage.
Based solely on Kazutaka's current state, there were no clues. However, when the armor and battle-axe he used the previous night were brought into the room, and Hyūga Keisuke carefully recounted the events of the battle, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression became solemn.
The title "Professor" was not given lightly. From Keisuke's sparse words, Hiruzen Sarutobi already had an answer in his mind. If there was one skill that stood out in Hiruzen's long tenure as Hokage, it was his comprehensive understanding of the village's various ninja clans.
Kazutaka was used as a puppet, yet felt no abnormality himself. This type of ability was something even the Uchiha's Sharingan Genjutsu couldn't achieve. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew of one clan in the village whose Bloodline Limit could produce this effect.
"The Kurama clan, I see..."
"I recall a child born in their clan some years ago who inherited the Kurama clan's Bloodline Limit."
"I remember that child was..."
Danzō Shimura's face flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind. Realizing this, Hiruzen remained expressionless. When the Hyūga asked him, he simply shook his head, feigning deep thought, and said:
"Based solely on his current condition, I cannot immediately discern anything."
"As for the other things you mentioned, I believe they must be Summoning Jutsu, Object Summoning, and Summoning Beasts."
"I will need to observe him for a few more days to reach a conclusion."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words caused the people present to show disappointment. Only Hyūga Shinichi looked thoughtfully at Hiruzen, then spoke with earnest sincerity:
"Lord Third Hokage, this matter is beyond the capacity of our Hyūga clan."
"As you know, our clan's elites are all on the battlefield. Facing an opponent with such peculiar abilities, we truly have no means to cope."
"Could we request your Anbu to help investigate the culprit?!"
"As long as the culprit is found, the Hyūga clan is willing to offer the reward for an S-rank difficulty mission to thank the Anbu for their assistance."
Hyūga Shinichi revealed the true purpose of inviting Hiruzen to the compound. The offered reward was merely a formality; the most important phrase in Shinichi's speech was "the clan's elites are all on the battlefield." This was explicitly telling Hiruzen: The Hyūga have given everything for the village; now, the village must show its support.
Hiruzen could certainly refuse with various excuses. However... could Hiruzen Sarutobi refuse the request of a child of Shinichi's age? If he refused, how could the benevolent reputation he had painstakingly built over the years possibly remain intact?!
"What reward are you talking about?"
"If an enemy has appeared in the village, they must naturally be pursued. This is part of the Anbu's duty."
"I accept this request!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed immediately, showing no sign of refusal.
Just as Hyūga Shinichi and Hiruzen Sarutobi were talking, a clan member entered to report:
"Lord Shinichi, Uchiha Fugaku, the clan head, has arrived."
Hearing the arrival of the Uchiha clan head, Shinichi looked pleased. He bowed to Hiruzen, excused himself, and had Hyūga Hiashi go out to meet him.
"Uchiha Fugaku? Why would your Hyūga clan seek him out?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sank slightly, and he looked at Shinichi with some confusion.
"Hmm?"
"The Uchiha clan is the Konoha Military Police Force. Clan Head Fugaku is the captain of the Force. When an unknown enemy appears in the village, is it not logical to invite them and entrust them with the investigation?"
"Unlike our currently understaffed Hyūga, the Uchiha's elite forces will surely make the culprit have nowhere to hide."
Shinichi used his youth as a shield, speaking and acting without much restraint in front of Hiruzen. After subtly mocking Hiruzen's reluctance, Shinichi smiled and looked toward the entrance.
First the Third Hokage, and now the Uchiha.
Hyūga Shinichi's method of dealing with the problem was simple: he didn't want to exert too much effort himself. He planned to let the heroes investigate the heroes—let the capable ones investigate the capable ones.
Surely... this matter would soon conclude.
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