Chapter 95: Hyuga Clan Members? Let the Hyuga Clan Handle It.

Walking out of the command center, Sarutobi Matsu stood in the pouring rain, rubbing his face hard until his tanned complexion turned red.

How did I get stuck with such a mess of a case?

What he initially thought was a decent assignment turned out to be a nightmare—a pitfall of a task that left him stuck between powerful figures, unable to satisfy anyone.

Sigh...

Standing in the rain, Sarutobi Matsu exhaled heavily, trying to calm himself and keep his mind clear.

After standing in the rain for a long time, Sarutobi Matsu finally decided to head to the medical unit alone.

He planned to meet Takashi privately and have a proper discussion.

"We have a guest," Orochimaru remarked with a faint smile as he glanced at the soaked Sarutobi Matsu, then mused thoughtfully, "I remember you're one of the guards for the old man's clan. I didn't expect him to send you to the frontlines."

"..."

Sarutobi Matsu felt awkward. He hadn't expected Takashi to meet him immediately after being notified, nor had he anticipated Orochimaru's presence.

Even though their cooperation had ended, Orochimaru still liked to spend his downtime at Takashi's place.

"What brings you here, Senior?"

Takashi glanced at the list in his hands, showing no intention of offering Sarutobi Matsu a seat.

The reason for his visit was obvious.

Given their previous differences, there was no need for pleasantries, especially after Orochimaru bluntly revealed his identity.

A member of the Sarutobi Clan responsible for the clan's security. Clearly, this was the clan's private force.

How amusing. The Third Hokage, unable to deploy the Anbu, had sent his clan's ninjas instead, and now one of them was coming to Takashi privately.

It seemed he was getting a taste of being stuck between conflicting pressures.

Sarutobi Matsu sighed inwardly, vowing never to take on such a troublesome task again.

"A Hyuga Clan team has disappeared from the camp, including a member of the main family. Lord Hokage needs to provide the Hyuga Clan with an explanation, so he sent me to investigate."

Not bad.

Takashi raised an eyebrow. Sarutobi Matsu was straightforward about his purpose, likely hoping Takashi wouldn't make things too difficult for him.

The Hyuga Clan members disappeared, including a main family member?

Orochimaru found this development intriguing.

If the Hokage had sent someone to the camp, it clearly meant the matter involved Takashi.

"Is that so?" Takashi replied in surprise. "There are plenty of branch family members in the camp. Perhaps, Senior, you could inquire with them and see if they have any valuable information."

Sarutobi Matsu gave Takashi a long look before saying, "Then I'll take my leave."

Sarutobi Matsu quickly retreated, and Orochimaru chuckled.

"He's a smart man. I imagine he'll leave the camp soon and return to the village to report."

"Indeed, he's smart."

Takashi nodded, agreeing with Orochimaru's assessment.

If every path leads to a dead end and the pressure is insurmountable, why bother investigating at all? Nara Shikashin was feigning ignorance—why couldn't he?

"Takashi-kun, the Byakugan seems to have significant research value," Orochimaru ventured, probing for a reaction.

The disappearance of Hyuga members within the camp strongly pointed to Takashi's involvement. He likely had a pair of Byakugan in his possession, and high-purity ones at that.

Such an artifact had immense research potential.

Previously, Orochimaru had been eager to study the Sharingan. Now, he had lost all interest in it. The Byakugan, linked to Takashi's many secrets, was what fascinated him.

Unfortunately, obtaining a Byakugan was far more difficult than acquiring a Sharingan. Due to the Caged Bird Curse Seal, removing a Byakugan from a branch member was almost impossible. Only targeting very young children could bypass this restriction.

"Perhaps," Takashi replied without lifting his head, focusing instead on the medical supply list. Any shortages needed to be reported to the village immediately for resupply.

Both Nara Shikashin and Takashi were busy.

As for Orochimaru's probing, Takashi neither confirmed nor denied it.

If you want to research the Byakugan, find your own way—don't bother me.

Back in the lodging cabin, Sarutobi Matsu addressed his team: "Rest up. We'll resume the investigation tomorrow."

At this point, he had no real intention of solving the case. His plan was to continue the investigation superficially for a few days, then return to the village and report it as an unresolved case.

With no cooperation, no authority to arrest, and constant pressure from all sides, this case was impossible to solve.

Even if he knew Takashi was responsible, without concrete evidence, it was all meaningless.

Suspicion?

What's the point?

Sarutobi Matsu had resigned himself to the situation. His goal now was to wait a few days and head back to the village. Taking a punishment would be better than wasting time in the camp.

After a few days of half-hearted investigation, Sarutobi Matsu returned to the village and reported to the Third Hokage.

"All the evidence points to the medical unit, but we couldn't find any concrete proof, nor do we have the authority to arrest or interrogate anyone."

He kept his report straightforward, free of embellishments, adding a final note:

"It's not a matter of competence, but of authority."

"I see. Thank you for your efforts. You may rest now," the Third Hokage said, not pressing Sarutobi Matsu further.

The Third Hokage understood that the task was indeed impossible without special privileges, and any investigator would have faced the same outcome.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Relieved not to face reprimands or punishment, Sarutobi Matsu sighed in relief. This nightmare of a case is finally over.

Never again will I take on such an assignment.

"By the way, send someone to the Hyuga Clan grounds and ask the Clan Leader to visit my office."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

As soon as he left the Hokage's building, Sarutobi Matsu dispatched someone to summon the Hyuga Clan Leader.

The Hyuga Clan Leader soon arrived at the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage sighed and said, "Tennin, my condolences."

"…"

The Hyuga Clan Leader's face darkened, and the muscles in his jaw twitched. "So they're dead?"

"More or less."

The Third Hokage's expression was deeply conflicted as he explained:

"Tsunade wouldn't allow the Anbu to act, so I sent someone to investigate discreetly. All the evidence points to Hyuga Takashi, but my people didn't have the authority to arrest or interrogate him."

You wanted an explanation? Here it is. All the evidence points to Hyuga Takashi. You deal with him.

After all, he's one of your clan. Go ahead and take action if you can get past Tsunade. Just don't come crying to me if things go wrong.