Naruto: Reborn with the Tenseigan

What nonsense about having no special privileges? You, Hiruzen Sarutobi, are the village's biggest privilege!

The Hyuga Clan Leader knew full well that the Third Hokage's so-called "explanation" was nothing but a perfunctory response, sprinkled with a subtle attempt to shift the pressure onto Tsunade.

When he needed help, he made all kinds of promises, but when things went wrong, he brushed it off.

The Third Hokage hadn't intended to shirk responsibility initially, but that wasn't how the Hyuga Clan Leader saw it. To him, it seemed deliberate.

After all, the Hyuga Clan had botched the mission.

Seething with anger, the Hyuga Clan Leader left the Hokage's office with an expressionless face.

Sigh~~~

The Third Hokage let out a long sigh. He couldn't understand why things kept getting more complicated.

All the village wanted were some puppets and their secrets.

Instead, it had turned into a complete mess, with tensions growing ever worse.

Looking out the window, the Third Hokage questioned himself: Did I make a mistake?

No!

I didn't make a mistake. Everything I've done has been for the village!

"Someone, summon the two representatives of the Council of Elders."

Since the Hyuga Clan's path wasn't yielding results, it was time to explore other options.

At the Hyuga Clan grounds, the main family's estate was in utter chaos.

"How could Lord Hokage do this? This is outright betrayal!"

"Hyuga Takashi is clearly the prime suspect. He should be arrested and interrogated immediately!"

"Hyuga Seishi, that useless fool, couldn't even control a branch family member!"

The main family elders were enraged, cursing loudly. They felt that Hyuga Seishi had thoroughly embarrassed the main family.

A member of the main family, entrusted with the Caged Bird Curse Seal, couldn't even manage a branch family member and ultimately got himself killed. It was an absolute disgrace.

What angered them even more was that Takashi, a mere branch family member, dared to resist—and even killed a member of the main family. It was a blatant disregard for them and for the clan's rules.

Naturally, they were also furious about the Third Hokage's lackluster explanation and dismissive attitude, which they saw as a betrayal.

"Clan Leader, I suggest we arrest Hyuga Takashi immediately. The honor and dignity of the main family cannot be trampled upon!"

"Yes, and we must retrieve the Byakugan. We absolutely cannot allow it to fall into the wrong hands."

The main family elders clamored, their emotions running high—especially Hyuga Seishi's father.

If the village had offered sufficient compensation for the loss of a main family member, they might not have been so outraged. But the Third Hokage's compensation was little more than a token gesture, which infuriated the main family.

Fine, so this is how it's going to be?

Do you really think the Hyuga Clan is made of mud?

"Enough. I will handle this personally. While the clan has suffered a heavy loss, it has also opened our eyes to certain people and situations."

The Hyuga Clan Leader's gaze swept over the faces of the main family elders.

"Clan Leader, are we just going to let this go?"

"What else can we do?"

The Hyuga Clan Leader replied expressionlessly: "Are you going to demand an explanation from Lord Hokage? Or do you want this disgraceful matter to spread and tarnish the clan's reputation?"

Can you?

"..."

Faced with the Clan Leader's question, the elders fell silent.

Even Seishi's father had no response. Although he was grieving the loss of his son, he knew this matter couldn't be made public. If it did, it would not only bring shame to the main family but might also provoke a backlash from the branch family.

Bringing shame to the clan was one thing, but the main family elders feared most that this incident would stir up rebellious sentiments among branch family members.

They were all branch members. If Takashi could kill a main family member, why couldn't others?

There were plenty of people within the branch family harboring resentment toward the main family.

Seeing that the elders had quieted down, the Clan Leader continued:

"Don't forget the deep-seated grievances and conflicts between the main family and the branch family. If anyone starts imitating this behavior, it will bring us endless trouble."

Then how should this matter be handled?

Nothing could be done about this, nor could that. It was suffocating.

"Tomorrow."

The Hyuga Clan Leader paused before continuing: "I will personally go to the frontline camp to talk to Takashi. I hope the Byakugan has not been lost. No matter what, it belongs to the clan, and this precedent cannot be set."

"..."

The elders felt stifled.

The Clan Leader's intent was not to cause trouble for Takashi but to resolve the matter peacefully and retrieve the Byakugan.

For a branch member to kill a main family member was unforgivable, yet they didn't dare to retaliate or take public revenge. It was maddening.

If anything happened to Takashi, Tsunade would be the first to cause trouble for them. Even the Third Hokage and others might get involved.

Plenty of people wanted to step on the Hyuga Clan; they just hadn't found an opportunity yet.

The Hyuga Clan Leader's decision to personally visit the frontline camp was no small matter.

The Anbu immediately reported the news to both Tsunade and the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage made no comment.

But Tsunade?

Do you really think I have no temper?

If this were before, Tsunade would have immediately stormed into the Hyuga Clan grounds. Now, there was no need for such trouble.

"Summon the Hyuga Clan elders and tell them we need their cooperation in an investigation."

The Hyuga Clan had always been orderly, unlike the Uchiha. However, their "order" was relative; the Anbu had sealed several cases related to the Hyuga Clan.

These cases stemmed from the conflicts and grievances between the main family and the branch family.

"Yes, Commander."

The Anbu promptly acted on Tsunade's orders, while she searched through the archives for the sealed case files.

If your Hyuga Clan won't stay in line, I'll help you cool off.

Soon, the Anbu delivered the message to the Hyuga Clan, informing them that their elders needed to cooperate with an investigation.

After delivering the message, the Anbu left. The Hyuga Clan, however, was thrown into chaos.

"Send someone to notify the Clan Leader immediately! Tell him to return to the village at once!!"

The Clan Leader had just left, and now the Anbu were calling for the elders to cooperate with an investigation. This was no coincidence.

It was clearly a move against them.

Barely two hours after leaving the village, the Hyuga Clan Leader was bombarded with urgent messages, forcing him to return.

He had no choice. Every elder, whether from the branch or main family, had been taken to the Anbu for questioning. The entire clan was in turmoil. How could he still think about going to the frontline camp?

"Commander, the elders have been brought in."

"Good. Take them to the interrogation room, but there's no need to question them. Just keep them there."

Tsunade, engrossed in reading her files, didn't even look up as she gave the order.