His brows were furrowed, and his tone was grave.
"How are things on the Hyūga side?"
"Reporting, Hokage-sama—there is no progress."
The Anbu spoke calmly, summarizing the investigation before hesitating. "None of the patrol Anbu, the Uchiha Police Force, or the barrier team noticed anything abnormal."
"The Sealing Division also confirmed that Konoha's barrier formation is intact, with no recorded chakra disturbances."
"Based on Anbu analysis, this may have been carried out by an insider. Without internal involvement, breaching Konoha's defenses without a trace would be impossible."
"The Hyūga compound is monitored constantly by dozens of Byakugan. Without a traitor providing guidance, even an elite assassin couldn't bypass every vantage point and eliminate nine clan members with such precision."
"Even if a Kage-level shinobi acted, they could kill them…" The Anbu paused. "But hiding their presence completely? Leaving no chakra signature? That would be impossible."
Finishing the report, he bowed deeply.
His job ended at reporting. The decision belonged to the Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, leaning back in his chair. After a moment, he dismissed the Anbu with a wave—and sighed.
"…Danzo. Was it you?"
"In all of Konoha, I can't think of anyone capable of this besides you."
"But why? Our primary focus is still the Uchiha. Why antagonize the Hyūga?"
"If other clans start feeling threatened, they could unite against us…"
He muttered to himself, rubbing his temples.
Given his history, when something suspicious happened in Konoha, most roads pointed toward Danzo. And this… reeked of Root.
Suddenly—
Bang!
The office door crashed open. Danzo stormed in, face twisted with fury.
"Hiruzen, I know exactly what you're thinking."
"I've seen the Anbu report. On the surface, yes—it matches my methods."
"I don't blame you for doubting me."
"But listen well: I did not do this."
"I was framed."
"Whoever it is—if I catch him, I'll show him what true cruelty means!"
Danzo's voice echoed off the walls.
And he wasn't lying—this time.
When he received the report, his face went black; he smashed the nearest table in rage. It would've been easier if he had done it. But to be blamed falsely?
Unacceptable.
The Byakugan? Replaceable. Valuable on a battlefield, yes—but limited growth potential. Unlike the Sharingan, which evolved and granted overwhelming power.
Three tomoe. Mangekyō. Eternal Mangekyō.
That was worth stealing.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Danzo Shimura had spent a lifetime framing others—being framed himself was intolerable.
He wouldn't carry this blame.
Breathing sharply, he rushed to confront Hiruzen.
Unfortunately…
Hiruzen barely looked up.
"Enough, Danzo."
"I never said I was going to punish you. The Hyūga don't have the backbone to start trouble; they're not like the Uchiha."
"If we never find the culprit, the Hyūga will simply endure it."
"But I'll remind you: our priority remains the Uchiha."
"I don't want you provoking other clans before they're dealt with."
His tone was stern.
In truth, the loss of several branch-family Byakugan wasn't a crisis. Outside of the Hyūga elders, few cared. War demanded focus elsewhere.
Danzo's expression darkened further.
It wasn't him—and being lectured only worsened the sting.
And worst of all, he knew the truth:
When something dirty happened in Konoha, everyone assumed it was him.
That reputation would crush his Hokage ambitions.
He inhaled slowly to calm himself.
"No matter what you think, I gain nothing by lying. Believe me or don't—your choice."
He turned and strode out.
Hiruzen remained silent long after he left.
"…Could it really not be Danzo?"
But he shook his head.
In the end—
Some questions in Konoha were never answered.