At the post house, Kakashi's figure quietly appeared, placing Mimura in the room.
Kakashi touched his chin and muttered, "Now it's time to see the ugly faces of those from Kumogakure."
After setting Mimura down, Kakashi disappeared once more, reappearing near the residence of the Third Hokage.
"Flying Thunder God Technique really is convenient," he sighed.
With a flash of movement, Kakashi entered the home of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
At that moment, the Third Hokage was sitting in his courtyard, visibly troubled.
He knew Kumogakure's visit had a hidden motive, but the lack of clarity tormented him.
It was like knowing someone was planning to hit you—but still having to lean in and offer your cheek.
Just as Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh, a figure appeared.
"Lord Hokage!"
"Hm? Kakashi? Why are you here? Did something happen with the delegation from the Land of Lightning?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Mimura, the leader of their envoy, secretly infiltrated the Hyuga Clan compound and attempted to kidnap Hinata Hyuga. Hyuga Hiashi pursued him."
"What? Did Mimura die at Hiashi's hands?"
The Third Hokage's face darkened. If true, this could spark serious conflict.
In that instant, he realized Kumogakure's true objective.
The Byakugan.
He hadn't expected them to set their sights on the Hyuga clan's kekkei genkai.
His expression grew even more grim.
Unlike the ambitious Uchiha, the Hyuga clan had always remained composed and loyal.
To Hiruzen, they were an essential pillar of Konoha's strength.
If the secrets of the Byakugan were to be exposed, it could spell disaster for the village.
"No," Kakashi said, "I intervened in time and stopped Hiashi-san."
Hiruzen's face lit up. "Truly? That's excellent news. What's the current situation?"
"Kumogakure clearly came prepared. After I stopped Hiashi, more of their group arrived. But before they could see Mimura or me, I knocked him out and returned him to the post house."
"So Hiashi is likely dealing with them as we speak. Let's go."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Outside the Hyuga compound, Hyuga Hiashi was still shaken.
Who was that masked shinobi? He used the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique...
Since Minato's death, no one had been known to use it.
But Hiashi had no time to dwell—Kuze had arrived with more of the Kumogakure delegation.
"Hyuga Hiashi! Where is Lord Mimura?!"
Kuze didn't bother with pleasantries, launching straight into accusation.
Hiashi's face darkened, but he held his composure.
As clan head, he couldn't be easily provoked.
"Mr. Kuze, what are you implying? How should I know where Mimura is?"
"Hah! Don't play dumb! What have you done with Lord Mimura?"
Kuze found Mimura's absence deeply troubling, and an ominous feeling began to creep over him.
"Mr. Kuze, I respect your position, but if you continue to speak so rudely, don't expect Konoha to remain silent."
Hiashi's tone turned icy. As clan leader, his pride ran deep. To be interrogated like a criminal—it was unacceptable.
Kuze felt tension rising but had passed the point of retreat.
"Enough talk. Just tell me where you've hidden Lord Mimura!"
"I don't know what you're referring to. I was simply taking my daughter for a walk."
Hinata rested quietly in Hiashi's arms, as if nothing unusual had happened.
But Kuze knew better. Mimura had clearly tried to abduct Hinata—and failed. If he wasn't with them, had Hiashi killed him?
The commotion quickly drew the attention of ANBU.
In a flash, masked shinobi surrounded the area, eyes gleaming with silent menace.
Their killing intent made Kuze break into a cold sweat.
"What is this? Does Konoha intend to assassinate the delegation from the Land of Lightning? Is this your idea of hospitality? I'll report this to the Daimyo and the Raikage!"
At those words, the ANBU backed off slightly.
Aside from extremists like Danzo, no one desired war.
Kuze exhaled slowly.
Just then, Hiruzen and Kakashi arrived.
"Mr. Kuze, might I ask why you're causing such a stir in the middle of the night?"
"Lord Hokage, Lord Mimura has vanished. I believe Hyuga Hiashi is responsible. I demand that you hand him over so the Land of Lightning may see justice. We will not be bullied."
Kakashi scoffed. So, the Land of Lightning couldn't be bullied—but Konoha could?
The Third Hokage's brow furrowed.
"Mr. Kuze, accusations are serious things. Do you have any evidence?"
"This…" Kuze faltered. Without a body, without Mimura—what could he say?
He'd counted on finding the body at the scene, but now Mimura had vanished.
"If you have no proof," said Hiruzen, "please be more careful with your words. This is Konoha, not Kumogakure."
As he spoke, his chakra flared, making Kuze struggle to breathe under the pressure.
"Is this how Konoha responds? We'll see what you say when Mimura's body turns up!"
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. "Why are you so certain Mimura is dead?"
"Because… because…" Kuze stammered.
He had no answer.
"Mr. Kuze," Hiruzen continued, "if Mimura is missing, Konoha will help you find him."
Kuze snorted, but begrudgingly nodded.
Hiruzen turned to Hiashi. "Hiashi, please initiate a search."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Hiashi handed Hinata to an ANBU member and called out sharply, "Byakugan!"
The veins around his eyes bulged, and his pure white eyes radiated pressure. Nothing could escape his sight.
Kuze stared, barely able to contain his greed.
So this was the Byakugan—frightening, powerful. If only it belonged to Kumogakure.
Hiashi's eyes scanned the distance.
Moments later, he reported, "Lord Hokage, Mimura is currently resting at the post house."
Kuze gasped. "What?! Impossible!"
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