He frowned, his tone serious.
"How are things on the Hyuga side?"
"Reporting, Hokage-sama, there have been no findings."
The Anbu's tone was flat as he briefly recounted the process, then hesitated before speaking: "The Anbu guarding Konoha, the Uchiha Military Police Force, and the Anbu have not detected any abnormalities."
"The Sealing Team has also reported that the sealing array is intact, and no Chakra fluctuations have been detected."
"According to our Anbu's conjecture, this incident must be the work of an internal mole!"
"Otherwise, with Konoha's defenses, even other Ninja Clans wouldn't be able to act without a trace!"
"Especially the Hyuga Clan's defenses are even more stringent, with over fifty Byakugan users detecting 24 hours a day. If there wasn't an internal mole assisting, it would be absolutely impossible for an ordinary ninja to evade everyone and precisely kill nine members of the Hyuga Main Family."
"Even if a Kage-level expert acted, he might be able to kill these Hyuga Main Family members, but it would be impossible for him to conceal his presence and leave no trace!"
After the Anbu finished speaking, he bowed.
He was only responsible for reporting the Anbu's investigation findings; how to handle it next was a matter for the Hokage to consider.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent after listening.
A moment later.
He waved his hand, dismissing the Anbu, then let out a helpless sigh.
"Danzo, was it you?"
"In all of Konoha, besides you, I can't think of anyone else who could do these things."
"But, why?"
"Our main target right now is the Uchiha. Why would you provoke the Hyuga?"
"Aren't you afraid that other Ninja Clans will notice and rise up in rebellion together?"
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered to himself.
Clearly.
The Anbu's investigation had completely misled him.
But, it was understandable!
After all, when it came to trouble in Konoha, nine times out of ten, it was undoubtedly Danzo.
Bang!
Just then, the office door was kicked open.
A gloomy-faced Danzo walked straight in.
His face was sinister, radiating killing intent, and he spoke first upon entering.
"Hiruzen, I know what you're thinking."
"I've also seen the Anbu's investigation report. On the surface, it does have my style."
"I can understand why you suspect me."
"But what I want to say is, this really wasn't me."
"I've been wronged, I didn't lay a hand on the Hyuga!"
"That damned bastard, don't let me catch him, or I'll make him understand what true cruelty is!"
Shimura Danzo roared in anger.
Yes.
He wasn't stupid.
Upon receiving the Anbu's investigation report, his face immediately darkened, and he smashed his desk.
Good heavens!
Sitting at home, yet trouble comes from the sky.
If he had actually done it, it would be one thing, but the problem was he really hadn't!
The Byakugan was a good thing.
But the problem was, he had no use for it!
If he needed it on the battlefield, he could just ask the Hyuga Clan for personnel. Why would he have to go and kill people in the Hyuga Clan?
Was he that idle?
What he truly cared about and wanted was only the Uchiha's Sharingan.
Because that was something that could enhance his own strength!
In Shimura Danzo's view, the Byakugan was highly replaceable and didn't need to be personally controlled by him.
Moreover, the Byakugan was only useful on the battlefield; its actual combat strength was quite weak, and there was no possibility of further improvement.
This was unlike the Sharingan.
The Sharingan, on the other hand, had clear potential for advancement.
From One-Tomoe to Three-Tomoe, and then to the Mangekyo and Eternal Mangekyo... Compared to that, what was the Byakugan?
The more he thought, the angrier he got.
All his life, Shimura Danzo had only ever framed others; how could he accept being framed by someone else?
He wouldn't take the blame for this!
It was precisely because of this consideration that he rushed over, intending to explain to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But, unfortunately.
Although he said a lot, Sarutobi Hiruzen simply wouldn't listen.
"Enough, Danzo."
"I didn't say I was going to punish you. The Hyuga Clan doesn't have the guts to cause trouble; they don't have the Uchiha's backbone."
"If it was done, it was done. As long as it can't be traced, the Hyuga Clan can only swallow the bitter pill."
"However, I still want to remind you, our primary target is the Uchiha."
"Until the Uchiha are dealt with, I don't want you to lay a hand on other Ninja Clans!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was grave.
Yes.
A few members of the Hyuga Main Family were mere useless individuals.
Aside from the Hyuga's Main Family elders, no one cared about their lives.
Therefore.
He only offered Danzo a reminder.
But, on the other side.
It would have been better if Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't spoken; his persuasion only made Danzo's face even darker.
Damn it.
It really wasn't me!
But, there was nothing he could do.
--- Requesting Flowers --- He knew some things couldn't be explained; his image in Konoha was too poor.
In short, whenever something bad happened, most people's first thought was him.
This, sigh!
He thought about his future, still wanting to run for Hokage.
No, he had to change.
His image couldn't be ruined like this.
Thinking this, he took a deep breath.
He couldn't be bothered to argue with Sarutobi Hiruzen about this matter, and simply said in a cold tone: "Anyway, this really wasn't me. I have no reason to lie to you, whether you believe it or not is up to you."
After speaking, he turned and left.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat silent. Could it really not have been Danzo?
But, never mind.