With their lives potentially forfeit at any moment, and the power of life and death held by an unpredictable individual, who wouldn't harbor resentment toward the instigator of their plight?
If not for the lingering prestige of the Hyuga main family, the branch family members might have already erupted in revolt.
In fact, even before being summoned, some had conspired to force an abdication—knowing full well it could mean death, but reasoning that all deaths are equal. These individuals had already resigned themselves to their fate.
However, they had not anticipated that the Second Elder would possess such resolve, directly offering a position within the main family.
For any branch family member, being granted status in the main family was an irresistible lure.
It could be said that their hatred for the main family was matched only by their desire to become part of it.
Thus, a potential rebellion against the main family was averted. Instead, these individuals were even motivated to risk their lives.
The Second Elder's political maneuvering was so deft, it could rival even Hiruzen Sarutobi's famed diplomacy.
Subsequently, the Second Elder divided the conspirators into two teams. One team stealthily infiltrated the weakest point of the Konoha barrier to slip out undetected.
The other exited through a hidden underground passage known only to a few among the Hyuga elders.
"Even a cunning rabbit has three burrows. Do you really think our Hyuga clan wouldn't have contingency plans? Hizashi, did you discern anything from my arrangements?" the Hyuga Second Elder asked—not so much as a question, but a subtle warning.
Hizashi Hyuga understood perfectly. After a moment of contemplation, he responded, "Koharu Utatane is problematic; she cannot be trusted."
The Second Elder smiled faintly, first nodding, then shaking his head.
"Koharu Utatane is indeed untrustworthy. But in truth, at this point, we can't even place absolute trust in ourselves—let alone in an outsider.
Whether she is problematic is irrelevant. What matters is that the task we set her to has been accomplished. That alone is enough.
Hizashi, you must learn this: sometimes, certain people—regardless of their background—can still be useful tools to achieve your goals."
Hizashi Hyuga bowed his head respectfully. "Understood, Second Elder. I will engrave this wisdom in my heart and never forget it."
Meanwhile, Kawaki Aoba, waiting at home, sipped lightly from the teacup before him.
Your tactics are clever. The art of misdirection is well-practiced. But unfortunately for you, I'm a player with cheats.
Soon after, Koharu Utatane delivered eleven pairs of Byakugan, along with the Hyuga clan's intention to reconcile with Kawaki Aoba.
Kawaki Aoba, already anticipating this, remained unmoved.
Only when disaster strikes do they come bearing olive branches. Where were they before?
To him, it was a pathetic display—arrogance unraveling into cowardice when faced with a real crisis.
For the first time, Kawaki Aoba somewhat understood Tobirama Senju's deep-seated distrust of the Uchiha. Beyond personal grudges, perhaps overly powerful clans did need to be restrained.
After seeing off Koharu Utatane, Kawaki Aoba examined the eleven pairs of Byakugan before him. If he wanted to, he could select the most exceptional pair and regain his sight.
But that would be meaningless.
If he were to accept these as a gift, as a gesture of peace, what would that make him?
No. Even if he did one day replace his eyes with Byakugan, it would only be after he had completely dismantled the Hyuga clan—on his terms.
As for the Byakugan, he already had a plan.
Kawaki Aoba waved his hand. Ten of the eleven pairs were sent to the sacrificial altar.
Why only ten? Because they were spoils of war. The remaining pair was a token of reconciliation—a gift. Accepting it would make him no better than those he despised.
Thus, peace was impossible.
When the ritual ended, the resulting offering made Kawaki Aoba's world go black—though he lacked eyes, the sensation was unmistakable.
A new pair of Byakugan had been formed—undeniably pure, in both appearance and aura. The information transmitted to him confirmed their origin.
These were no ordinary eyes.
The altar revealed that this pair of Byakugan had reached the absolute pinnacle of purity—no other pair in the world could surpass it.
Though it might seem a poor exchange—ten pairs for one—Kawaki Aoba was satisfied.
These were not someone else's eyes. They were his—earned, not received.
Although Byakugan abilities were not known for significantly enhancing combat power, Kawaki Aoba didn't care.
He liked them. That was enough.
Besides, at his level, even a pair of Rinnegan would amount to little more than a flourish.
Afterward, he summoned Qingke, handed him the sacred Byakugan, and issued instructions.
Qingke accepted the mission without question and left immediately.
Under the cover of night—and with the Byakugan's exceptional detection capabilities—a team of Hyuga ninjas quietly approached Konoha's barrier.
There were several Hyuga clan members assigned to the barrier team, making it relatively easy for them to discreetly manipulate the village's defenses. Although changes in the barrier would inevitably be discovered, it wouldn't be until the next shift rotation—by then, it would be too late.
Sacrificing one individual to take the blame was a small price to pay for allowing numerous branch family members to escape Konoha.
"The patrol unit has moved on. Hurry—leave while there's still time before they circle back."
"Calm down. There's no need to rush," someone said with quiet confidence. "We may be many, but with the Byakugan watching our surroundings, splitting into smaller groups will ensure a safe departure."
The Hyuga clan placed great trust in their dojutsu.
Coincidentally, Kawaki Aoba had just as much faith in his Kenbunshoku Haki—a power foreign to the shinobi world, yet one he had mastered.
Still, Kawaki Aoba wasn't in a rush. Let the Hyuga gloat for now. Once they were far enough and their "betrayal of the village" was confirmed, that would be the perfect time to strike.
Aoba waited in silence, his senses extended far and wide, planning to spring a surprise attack when the moment was right. But suddenly, something disrupted his calm—his Haki picked up a fast-moving chakra signature heading directly toward the fleeing Hyuga.
His eyes narrowed.
It was none other than Yuhi Kurenai—his future wife.
Aoba was stunned. Why would Kurenai head toward the Hyuga group?
She wasn't reckless by nature. Could someone have tipped her off?
Aoba? Impossible. Aoba was the epitome of discretion—he wouldn't reveal anything to Kurenai without permission.
Then who? Yuhi Shinku?
It was plausible. His mentor had been helping him manage recent developments. Perhaps some details had slipped through.
But even if Shinku had said something, it didn't explain how Kurenai knew the exact time and place of the Hyuga clan's escape.
Confused and concerned, Aoba stood, prepared to investigate—and ready to intervene.
All the while, his Haki remained locked on Kurenai.
She was fast—faster than expected. Before the last Hyuga had crossed the barrier, she arrived.
She made no attempt to hide her approach. As a result, both the patrol unit and the Hyuga group quickly noticed her presence.
"We've been spotted!" someone shouted in alarm.
Seeing Kurenai approaching swiftly—and patrol shinobi not far behind—panic erupted among the Hyuga members who had yet to escape.
A voice suddenly called out from beyond the barrier:
"Quick! Hold them off and buy time for the rest to get out!"
It was a cruel request, but under the circumstances, the only realistic option.
In ordinary times, those asked to cover the retreat might comply without protest. But today was different.
These were branch family members—Hyuga born under a curse seal, subservient to the main house. Every one of them wanted freedom… and the opportunity to one day stand equal with the main family.
Staying behind meant losing that chance forever.
Even if they were resigned to their fate, they couldn't throw away this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—for themselves, and for their children.
So, teeth gritted, some began to force their way through the barrier.
One led the charge, and the others quickly followed.
"I won't be the main family's dog anymore! Even if I die, I'll die on the path to freedom!"
That voice spoke the hidden truth in many hearts.
The Second Elder's attempt to pacify dissent with the offer of main family status had indeed prevented rebellion—but only temporarily. It had also sown deep divisions, turning branch family members into desperate rivals.
And now, that hidden danger had exploded into chaos.
The once orderly retreat had disintegrated. Shinobi scrambled in all directions, every man for himself.
By the time Kurenai arrived, the scene was utter pandemonium. The Hyuga group scattered like startled birds. Were it not for their well-honed Shunshin no Jutsu, one might mistake them for undisciplined genin.
But their destination was clear—they were fleeing the village.
Kurenai raised her hand. Ethereal, colorful shadows unfurled from her palm, shimmering like a dream. The illusion drifted briefly, then vanished—almost as if the world itself had rejected such beauty.
Then, without warning, a dense white mist blanketed the area, spreading across Konoha and beyond.
"Genjutsu: Dreamlike Bubbles."
Kawaki Aoba's steps slowed. His Kenbunshoku Haki responded immediately.
Danger.
Despite his strength, even he felt its weight. That mist wasn't ordinary—it could confuse even a Jonin.
Sweeping the field with his Haki, he observed the Hyuga shinobi stumbling in place, trapped in a loop. Most were walking in circles. A few Jonin resisted the illusion by biting their tongues or holding their breath, but their clarity was short-lived.
Soon, even they became puppets, their senses hijacked.
Then a voice came through the mist.
"How is it, Aoba? Impressive, right? This is my ultimate illusion, created by fusing the Kurama clan's Kekkei Genkai with the residual energy of that fruit."
She smiled softly as she turned to face him.
"As long as you're in the mist, your five senses belong to me."
Kurenai's eyes sparkled with pride.
Aoba nodded slowly. "I can see that. To cast such a wide-range genjutsu and entrap so many at once… it's incredible. I understand how it works now."
His tone shifted.
"But Kurenai… what I don't understand is—who told you all this? How did you know the Hyuga would be escaping tonight?"
That was the one thing Kawaki Aoba couldn't comprehend.
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