"I'm very sorry for alarming you, Hokage-sama," said Hyuga Hiashi, bowing respectfully.
"But this matter is far too serious. The Hyuga clan must conduct a thorough investigation.
If we cannot determine the enemy's methods, then this will not be the last time. We might lose the first, second, or even countless times after that. Please, Hokage-sama, forgive my insistence!"
Hiss—
Sarutobi Hiruzen and the elders froze at Hiashi's words.
Good heavens… nine pairs of Byakugan? That was no small matter.
If another village had obtained them, it would be disastrous for Konoha.
No wonder!
Before arriving, Hiruzen had already heard reports from the Anbu that the entire Hyuga clan had been in an uproar — searching frantically across the village.
Now, it all made sense.
Losing nine pairs of Byakugan… anyone would lose their composure.
"Hiruzen, this must be investigated thoroughly," Mitokado Homura said firmly.
"We must capture the intruder and interrogate him. We have to know how he infiltrated the village."
"Yes," Koharu Utatane added quickly. "Otherwise, the other clans could be targeted next."
Hiruzen pondered for a moment. After a long silence, he finally exhaled and spoke.
"I understand. I never imagined someone could sneak into Konoha and steal nine Byakugan right under our noses. You're both right — this matter must be investigated thoroughly."
"I'll assign the Anbu to cooperate with the Hyuga clan and provide any support necessary. By the way, Hiashi — do you have any leads on your end?"
Hiashi let out a quiet breath of relief. Having the Anbu's assistance was a blessing.
However, when it came to clues, he could only shake his head.
"None at all," he admitted grimly. "There are too many forces in the shinobi world that covet the Byakugan. It could be anyone."
Hiruzen fell silent again.
That was the most troublesome part.
If there were at least some leads, they could conduct a focused investigation.
But without a single clue… finding the culprit was nearly impossible.
Still, he thought, do your best and leave the rest to fate.
After a helpless sigh, Hiruzen rose and took his leave.
Yes — losing Byakugan was serious, but compared to the wars raging against Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure, the Hyuga's problem was… smaller.
In truth, in Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind, nothing was more urgent than dealing with the Uchiha Clan.
He had more than enough burdens already. Granting the Hyuga the Anbu's aid was, frankly, the best he could do.
---
A Week Later
Time passed quietly.
Just as Hiruzen predicted, even after a full week, there were no breakthroughs.
The loss of the Byakugan became the talk of the village, yet no progress was made.
The Hyuga clan and Anbu scoured every possible lead, but came up empty-handed.
And with the Third Great Ninja War in full swing, every department of Konoha was stretched thin.
In the end, the investigation simply faded away.
Konoha returned to its usual uneasy peace.
---
Meanwhile, in the Land of Grass
Deep beneath the earth, inside a vast underground cavern, a frail old man sat connected to a massive, nightmarish statue by a web of tubes.
Despite his age and gaunt body, he radiated an oppressive aura of power.
This was Uchiha Madara — and the statue looming behind him was the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
From the ground beside him, a lump of pale mud bubbled up, taking the shape of a humanoid being.
It was White Zetsu.
"Master Madara! Great news!" White Zetsu said cheerfully.
"I found another Uchiha in Konoha! He's much stronger than Obito — he's even awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"As expected of your clan, Madara-sama! Should we make contact?"
White Zetsu grinned mischievously. "I did good again, right? Master Madara, can I watch you poop?"
Madara's eyes snapped open — cold, piercing, ancient.
A cruel smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Oh? The Mangekyō, hm?" he said disdainfully.
"I didn't think that wretched village or that decayed clan could still give birth to such power."
"Let me see his information."
White Zetsu didn't dare delay. He quickly handed over the data on Uchiha Jin.
Madara scanned it, eyes narrowing. After a long moment, he murmured,
"An Uchiha who thinks like a Nara, huh? He doesn't seem like one of us…"
Then he chuckled darkly.
"Who said Uchiha can't use their brains? Still… he looks like Izuna."
He closed his eyes again.
"But it doesn't matter. Once my plan is complete, I'll see Izuna again — no need to contact this Uchiha Jin. He's too clever to be manipulated."
"Proceed with Obito. Stick to the plan."
---
Konoha — Hokage's Office
Back in the Hokage building, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at his desk, face expressionless.
Before him, an Anbu knelt silently on one knee, awaiting orders.