Clues

Konoha Village, Eighth Street

It was another new day.

Since the Root members had left the police force, the Hyuga clan had recalled some of their Chunin from missions, and Hizashi Hyuga had returned to the police force. Now, the police force is comprised primarily of Hyuga clan members, with only a few remaining Uchiha clan members.

Today, Hizashi received a request from the fourth elder to have some Hyuga members patrol with the Uchiha to learn better ways to maintain public order. Hizashi agreed, as he already felt that the Hyuga were somewhat lacking in maintaining public order compared to the Uchiha police force.

Given the excellent relationship between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, the Uchiha police force had no objections. Hyuga Daisuke and Kaizaki volunteered eagerly, requesting to join the patrol to learn more.

Hizashi assigned them to patrol with the Uchiha. Additionally, he included four more Hyuga members to patrol Konoha Eighth Street with the Uchiha police force. Among them was an acquaintance of Natsuki, Hyuga Yuto.

...

"Daisuke, Kaizaki, Yuto, you three will patrol Eighth Street with the Uchiha."

The three Hyuga members joined a team with the Uchiha and began their daily patrol.

The popularity of Chinese cuisine in Konoha Eighth Street attracted many villagers. Even those coming to Konoha to commission missions would visit Eighth Street to enjoy its unique food, leading to a bustling, crowded area with people shoulder to shoulder.

The Hyuga squad followed the Uchiha squad, patrolling the street. Within an hour, they encountered three quarrels due to the crowd. Most of these were caused by outsiders, as the locals were used to the crowded conditions of Eighth Street.

Hyuga Daisuke and Kaizaki frequently activated their Byakugan to observe the surroundings. Initially, Yuto thought they were diligently monitoring the street, impressed by their dedication. Activating the Byakugan consumes chakra, and doing so frequently taxes both physical and chakra reserves.

However, Yuto noticed that on several occasions, Daisuke and Kaizaki ignored disputes ahead and instead focused their gaze beyond the crowd, directly observing the Uchiha shops.

Yuto frowned, confused by their behaviour. Suppressing his suspicions, he continued patrolling as usual.

The next day, Daisuke and Kaizaki did not patrol Eighth Street but went elsewhere. Yuto dismissed the previous day's events.

After seven days, Yuto noticed that when Daisuke and Kaizaki were not patrolling, they instructed their close associates, friends or team members to activate their Byakugan and observe the Uchiha shops. During his break, Yuto visited Eighth Street and noticed these team members frequently using their Byakugan to monitor the Uchiha shops.

Feeling uneasy, Yuto decided to act. During another patrol, he was paired with Daisuke. Yuto deliberately led Daisuke to a stinky tofu stall, expressing interest, "Daisuke, I've heard this stinky tofu smells bad but tastes delicious. Would you like to try some?"

Though repulsed by the smell, Daisuke saw an opportunity to gather information and agreed. "You go buy it. I'll use my Byakugan to watch the surroundings."

While buying the tofu, Yuto saw Daisuke scanning the area with his Byakugan but focusing more on the preparation area. Yuto, pretending to enjoy his food, casually asked, "Why does this tofu smell so bad? Is it because of the seasoning?"

Daisuke, offhandedly, replied, "It's because of the marinade..." Realising his slip, he quickly turned to Yuto, who seemed uninterested and was engrossed in his food. Relieved, Daisuke thought to be more careful next time.

...

After a day's patrol, Yuto hid outside the police force building after submitting his report. Soon, Hizashi emerged from the building.

"Hizashi-sama." Yuto, seeing no one around, revealed himself and approached Hizashi.

Hizashi recognized Yuto and recalled his commendable efforts during Jiraiya's return, which ended in a fiasco thanks to Natsuki. "What is it, Yuto? Did you wait here specifically for me?"

Yuto nodded, then activated his Byakugan to check their surroundings before whispering, "Hizashi-sama, I suspect we have a traitor among the Hyuga."

"A traitor?" Hizashi's brow furrowed.

Yuto was reliable and wouldn't make baseless accusations. Hizashi halted Yuto's words. "Follow me."

Leading the way, Hizashi took Yuto to the branch family's estate, specifically to his own home. Inside his study, Hizashi assured Yuto of the security, "This room is surrounded by sealing techniques. You can speak freely now."

Yuto, impressed by Hizashi's caution, felt he had been naive to think of speaking outside the police force. He recounted his observations over the past few days, including his test with Daisuke earlier that day.

Hizashi pondered for a moment before retrieving a roster from a shelf. Flipping through it, he noticed these Hyuga members were closely associated with the fourth elder, Haito Hyuga.

"Summon."

A servant arrived promptly. "Yes, master, what are your orders?"

"Have there been any visitors to the main house recently?" Hizashi asked.

Given the relative isolation of the Hyuga clan, a visitor would not go unnoticed.

"No, master. But a few days ago, the fourth elder, Haito Hyuga, went out."

Hizashi waved the servant away.

As suspected, it was Haito. But was he acting alone or...

Hizashi quickly wrote a letter and handed it to Yuto. "Yuto, deliver this letter personally to Fugaku. Ensure it reaches him directly."

Remembering Natsuki's lifesaving deed, Hizashi and Hiashi had a unified stance towards the Uchiha. However, Hiashi, as the head of the clan, was often restrained by the elders. Hizashi decided it was best not to involve his brother to avoid complications.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Yuto took the letter and set off immediately.