Chapter 12. Byakugan Vision Range

Even though the police patrols had been taken over by the Hyuga clan, their approach to handling matters was noticeably less effective than that of the Uchiha.

Uchiha, indifferent to one's background, would take action as needed, arresting and detaining individuals without prejudice. On the contrary, the Hyuga branch, constrained by the main family, struggled to navigate these situations, leading to increased challenges and exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Natsuki quietly identified civilians within the Uchiha clan who possessed business acumen. Taking advantage of Konoha's lax monitoring of civilians leaving the village, he began mobilizing these individuals.

Within the Uchiha clan, there were many civilians lacking ninja talent. Their lives mirrored those of ordinary people outside the clan. Despite carrying the Uchiha's surname, their day-to-day experiences didn't differ much from the average person.

Natsuki, who had a culinary background in his previous life, spent his days writing food recipes and planning culinary projects. The delicacies he envisioned were unlike anything that existed in this world.

...

Outside the Konoha barrier, Ao led seven elite members from Kirigakure, rapidly approaching Konoha.

"Activate your Byakugan!"

Ao's right eye revealed bulging blood vessels. Through his investigation, he discovered that Konoha's security team was not from the Uchiha clan but the Hyuga clan.

"The Uchiha clan seems to be at odds with Konoha. This is our opportunity! Let's move!"

Ao felt a surge of excitement. Although the Hyuga family was also a kekkei genkai clan with their Byakugan, their threat level was considered lower than that of the Uchiha clan.

The visual range of the Byakugan is influenced by factors such as purity, training, and strength of the eyes. Ao, having obtained the Byakugan, dedicated himself to rigorous exercises day and night. Furthermore, the purity of the Byakugan allowed for an extended visual range.

He was well aware from long-term use that focusing on a 360-degree range would result in a shorter visual distance.

If he focused in one direction, the viewing distance would extend significantly. People typically concentrate their attention on the 180 degrees in front of them, and the habit of using the Byakugan to observe would also be to look farther ahead.

While his Byakugan had a more limited range, its visual distance surpassed what these people could achieve through training.

As long as the Hyuga clan members on patrol didn't use their Byakugan to look in the direction behind them before he approached, there would be a chance.

"Follow my steps, there are Hyuga clan members patrolling ahead."

"Yes! Master Ao."

Activate the Byakugan!

Unable to use ninjutsu, Ao led the Kirigakure, cautiously maneuvering around. Hyuga Morisuke patrolled with his teammates, occasionally activating his Byakugan.

Everything appeared normal, with no signs of anything unusual in the distance. Little did he know that a group of individuals was surrounding him from behind. When he turned, Kirigakure also adjusted their positions accordingly.

Although Ao couldn't comprehend why this Hyuga didn't use his Byakugan to inspect what was happening behind him, he noticed that Morisuke's attention was directed forward when he turned.

Closing in on their target, the Kirigakure operatives swiftly advanced. The crucial aspect was reaching striking distance before the Byakugan could survey the surroundings.

Morisuke's expression tensed.

"Be careful!"

From behind him, a flash of a sword descended.

The target was Kobayashi Yusuke.

"Ugh..."

Morisuke reacted a bit too slowly, and before he could intervene, Kobayashi Yusuke crumpled to the ground, clutching his neck.

"Detestable!"

A figure emerged from the mist, wielding a large sword with bandages covering his face and neck.

"It's Zabuza!"

"Silent Killing Technique!"

Morisuke immediately activated his Byakugan, expanding his field of view to its maximum. He detected several chakra signatures within the surrounding mist and leaped toward his team with determination.

Before the remaining two chunin could fire the signal flares, they met a brutal demise, falling into a pool of blood.

As the assailants revealed themselves, they were dressed in the attire of Kirigakure assassination troops, led by Ao, sporting an eyepatch over his right eye.

"I never expected it to be you! How dare you come to Konoha and cause trouble!"

Morisuke made a Gentle Fist stance, though a sinking feeling settled in his heart.

Ao had acquired a Byakugan during the Third Ninja War and was considered a mortal enemy by the Hyuga clan. He was even featured on Konoha's wanted poster.

Ao casually stepped onto a branch, remarking, "It's a shame he's from the Hyuga branch; otherwise, he'd get a taste of our condescending glares."

Morisuke was left speechless. Why would the main clan come to patrol the outskirts of Konoha?

Observing the eight fog ninjas surrounding him, Morisuke recognized their chakra levels, all of them being jounin. The one with the lowest chakra was Zabuza. It seemed an inevitable struggle awaited him.

Morisuke made a Gentle Fist stance as Zabuza's muffled voice emerged from the bandages, "Let me test his spirit."

Ao nodded, urging, "Hurry up."

Morisuke, infuriated by the situation, decided to take the initiative.

Zabuza activated the Silent Killing Technique, vanishing once more into the mist. Unfortunately for him, Morisuke had already activated his Byakugan, maintaining a vigilant gaze on his movements.

Recognizing he couldn't capitalize on the element of surprise, Zabuza charged towards him, wielding his sword.

His foundation in the Gentle Fist technique was strong, allowing him to skillfully parry Zabuza's aggressive strikes. The two engaged in fierce combat.

In line with the Hyuga clan's tradition, Morisuke preferred setting up his stance before launching counterattacks. He calmly responded to Zabuza's powerful assaults.

Zabuza, confident in his sword skills, showed no fear of close-quarters combat. He swung his sword skillfully, clashing with him in a display of intense martial prowess.

Though Zabuza had gained some recognition and was on the verge of joining the elite Seven Ninja Swordsmen, he faced a challenging adversary in Morisuke. The latter, being a member of the Hyuga clan, possessed techniques that countered Zabuza's abilities.

Despite having opportunities to deal a decisive blow, Morisuke held back. He understood his responsibilities—primarily, to disseminate the intelligence alert. The Hyuga clan had finally gained entry into the Konoha police force, and any misstep could lead to severe criticism.

The swift movements of the combatants led them to a corner, where Morisuke seized an opening and delivered a powerful palm strike to Zabuza's side.

A harsh grinding of teeth echoed as Zabuza, caught off guard by the unexpected force, had his sword knocked out of his hand.

Morisuke, now with a severed hand, retrieved the warning fireworks from his pocket as a signal for help.

However, before he could ignite the fireworks, several shurikens blocked his movements, thrown by Kirigakure ninjas who had caught up. Unfazed, Morisuke used his own body to deflect the shurikens and ignited the warning fireworks.

Just as he managed to signal for help, a swift kick from a Kirigakure ninja struck his waist, sending him tumbling to the ground. His body rolled several times, blood pouring from his mouth.

The shurikens had found their mark, piercing Morisuke's chest, neck, and head. The caged bird on his forehead glowed, and the once-potent white eyes lost their luster, sealed in their final moment.

In the nearby forest, the emergency signal was swiftly received, triggering a series of signal bombs exploding in the sky.

Ao glared at Morisuke with deep-seated hatred and then directed his gaze toward Zabuza.

"Nothing can be done! Withdraw!" Ao commanded.

Quickly acknowledging the situation, the Kirigakure ninjas retreated from the scene, leaving behind the lifeless body of Morisuke.

...

There was a swift rustling sound as three ANBU swiftly descended onto the scene.

Among them was a figure adorned with a fox mask, sporting silver hair and a kunai holstered at the back—none other than Hatake Kakashi. As Kakashi landed, he promptly raised his forehead protector to reveal a Sharingan. After a quick survey of the area, he signaled to his two comrades.

The other ANBU swiftly examined the bodies of the fallen individuals.

Addressing Kakashi, one of them reported, "Taijutsu injuries, dense fog."

"Knife wounds, assassination techniques; chances are high that it's Kirigakure," remarked another.

Kakashi nodded in acknowledgment. "Now that they've retreated, we can't rule out the possibility of them returning. I'll report to the Third Hokage immediately."

In the aftermath of the Third Ninja War, Kirigakure had persistently attempted to stir trouble in Konoha. However, previous attempts were thwarted, mainly due to the efforts of the Uchiha clan.

The current situation, with four Konoha ninjas dead and, among them, members of the Hyuga clan—the clan known for its powerful investigative abilities—spelled significant trouble for Konoha.