Momoshiki stayed hidden behind the group, quietly listening to their conversation. Piece by piece, he pieced together what was happening. It turned out that the Second Elder believed the reforms to the main family system had undermined the interests of those who had benefited under the old system. In response, the main family secretly formed an organization intending to overthrow the current Hyuga leadership.
Previously, because Hinata was connected to Naruto, they couldn't take any major action. Now, with Hiashi's age advancing, a new clan head needed to be chosen. They were determined to remove Hiashi and prevent the reformist leader, Hizashi Hyuga, from becoming the next head. Seeing Boruto heading to the shrine, they planned to have him access the underground passage. If Boruto took the Byakugan inside, they could force Hiashi to return it while simultaneously ousting Hiashi from his position. If he didn't, they would secretly relocate it. Without proof, the crime would only grow more severe they could even seize the clan treasure. The purpose of the people here was to document evidence of Boruto's actions, to use it against Hiashi.
Momoshiki carefully studied the information and noted that the people of the ninja world were remarkably straightforward and honest, speaking openly even about matters of such importance. If these two hadn't been lying in wait here, he might have suspected they were being sent to secretly deliver information.
"Look, he's out," one observer suddenly said.
"Quick, record it," another added.
"I've been recording since his debut," the first one said.
"He's gone. Come on, let's check the shrine."
The two hurried toward the shrine with their cameras. Seeing them move, Momoshiki activated his Shadow Concealment Technique, merging with one of their shadows, and followed them inside.
"He really went down there. Let's see if the clan treasure is gone," one whispered.
"Okay," the other agreed.
With the camera lights on, they moved toward the underground entrance. Upon reaching it, they couldn't hide their awe.
"I didn't expect there'd be such a place beneath the Hyuga main hall."
"Perhaps one of our ancestors started building it."
"What about our mission target?"
"The kid probably took it. I searched around but couldn't find anything."
"Then we'll have to go to Hiashi and have his grandson return it to us."
"That's the only option."
"Now that the mission's done, we can report back."
As they started to leave the shrine, a voice rang out suddenly:
"You're not leaving, not both of you!"
Startled, they spun around. Being ninja, they immediately reacted, drawing kunai and scanning the area.
"I'm… right… under… your… feet," a voice replied.
Slowly, they looked down at the floor. The shadows there formed a pattern resembling a human face, grinning with sharp teeth at them.
"A ghost!" they screamed.
Seizing their panic, Momoshiki emerged from the shadows, snatching the camera from them.
The two were terrified, failing to realize that it was Momoshiki who had appeared. They thought a malevolent spirit had materialized to kill them all.
"Run!" they shouted as they bolted.
Momoshiki couldn't help but wonder, "Is this really that effective?" Ninja were supposed to have extraordinary mental strength. Couldn't they withstand even a little scare?
As long as the recordings were destroyed, no one could cause trouble. With a powerful squeeze, he crushed the camera into pieces.
"That's enough. When I get back, Boruto will have to thank me. I cleaned up so much mess for him; if he doesn't show gratitude, I won't be gentle with him," Momoshiki said, taking out a small item the other half of the Byakugan aggregate.
"This counts as a small reward. But you still owe me plenty," he added. Using Takamagahara, he absorbed the item into his own space and left the shrine to attend to his next task.