Chapter 134: The Cause of a Certain Event

The day Yuto returned to the village was very cold.

The village didn't organize a public welcome. The shinobi returning from the western front directly went to the Hokage's office to report, were reassigned, and then rested, preparing for the New Year.

As the vice commander, Yuto naturally had to meet the Hokage first.

In the office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window, his figure surprisingly stooped.

Time had finally begun to take its toll on this Ninjutsu Professor. His beloved student's departure from the village, the successive battles, and the pressure to suppress the unruly shinobi clans... By the second year of the Shinobi World War, Hiruzen's hair had turned significantly gray.

"Yuto," the Hokage said without turning, taking a drag from his pipe, "How's the front line?"

Yuto relayed the message from Shin Uchiha, "Hokage-sama, the troops in the Land of Rain are fine, but Uchiha seems very worried about The Moon God."

"The Moon God, huh? He's indeed a troublesome fellow. First the Byakugan, then the Wood Release. One day, he'll probably target the Sharingan too. Uchiha's concern isn't unfounded."

"Hokage-sama, because of The Moon God, the kekkei genkai families on the front line are in a state of anxiety. My eyes see fear in the warriors facing imminent death... They might not fear death, but no one can calmly face the executioner's blade hanging over them."

Hearing Yuto's words, Hiruzen fell silent for a moment before asking a strange question, "Yuto, you haven't returned to the clan compound, have you?"

"No, Hokage-sama. I came here first."

"You can go back now."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Yuto left the Hokage's office, a bit puzzled—'was Hiruzen angry? What did I say wrong? That shouldn't be...'

However, just as he was turning to leave, the Hokage's voice suddenly echoed in his ear, "Come back here at three in the morning. Avoid everyone. Maybe then you'll understand why I called you."

Though confused, Yuto still left the Hokage's office after bowing.

He first went to greet Tsunade and then returned to the Hyuga clan compound.

The compound was still orderly.

With the clan's strict hierarchy, there was no chance for it to be "lively."

Strict and ancient, like a decaying old tree, most of the time, the compound was eerily quiet, as if no one lived there.

However, because of Hiruzen's words, Yuto carefully observed his clan members and noticed an undercurrent of excitement beneath the oppressive atmosphere.

Excitement?

Yuto frowned. Was it because of the village's intensified "Byakugan Protection Policy"?

The thought crossed his mind, but he dismissed it as unlikely.

Overthinking was useless. Yuto shook his head and returned home, planning to ask the Third Hokage for clarification at three in the morning.

However, as the sun set, Hiashi Hyuga sent someone to tell him to meet.

With thoughts of "I'll gouge out your eyes in a couple of years," Yuto respectfully followed the messenger to the clan leader's room.

"Come closer, Yuto-kun." Hiashi gestured to the tatami in front of him, "I have something to ask you."

"Yes, clan leader." Yuto sat down near Hiashi, hearing the heavy wooden door being shut tightly behind him.

Inside, Hiashi, wearing a white cloak, looked at Yuto with something burning deep in his eyes, "Have you fought The Moon God?"

"Yes, but I was no match for him and was defeated almost instantly."

"Does The Moon God's style really have traces of Gentle Fist?"

"Yes." Yuto knew this couldn't be hidden, "He habitually relaxes the joints in his fingers when he speaks, starting with the ring finger and ending with the thumb and pinky. This is a habit formed from years of practicing Gentle Fist."

Hiashi's clenched hand tightened, his gaze growing hotter, "Yuto-kun, do you think Meiko is dead?"

"Clan leader, I'm not familiar with Meiko-sama..."

"Just tell me your thoughts."

"I believe Meiko-sama is not dead. If he wanted to kill, The Moon God could have killed any of us in that forest. But Meiko-sama just disappeared, and there were no signs of a battle at the disappearance site."

"Just as I thought, The Moon God is a Hyuga clan member and captured Meiko... Could he really be Shinosuke?" Hiashi closed his eyes, saying something that shocked Yuto, "There's over a ninety percent chance he is Shinosuke."

"The clan will contact him... solely representing the will of the Hyuga."

Yuto narrowed his eyes, reacting as befitting his position, "Clan leader!" He stood up, looking at Hiashi in disbelief, "Collaborating with the enemy... Are you planning to defect?"

"Don't put it so harshly. The Hyuga will always be loyal to Konoha and the Hokage. We won't betray the alliance formed at the village's founding. However, contacting a lost child is also my duty as clan leader."

The two pairs of pure white eyes stared at each other. Slowly, Yuto lowered his head, "But, clan leader, The Moon God is an enemy the village wants to kill."

"Shinosuke is a Hyuga, and a member of the main family." Hiashi's tone suddenly turned serious, "Clan first, then the village."

Yuto took a deep breath and said no more.

He understood the reason behind the excitement in the compound.

After capturing Meiko, the idea that "The Moon God is Shinosuke" was almost certain. For the Hyuga clan, this was undoubtedly good news:

—Byakugan could gain new power in some way, just like the Sharingan!

"Yuto, even if we don't act, the village will." Hiashi softened, "Shinosuke didn't kill Meiko, proving he hasn't severed his past ties. That means there's room for negotiation."

"If there's room for negotiation and a deal to be made, the village's bargaining chips will always be greater than the clan's."

"After all, if Shinosuke wants the Sharingan... it would be hard to get from within the clan."

"Yuto, you're smart. For yourself and for the clan, from now on, you must monitor the actions of the Hokage's office."

"After all, you are a trusted member of the teacher-student line. They trust you."

...

At three in the morning, the temperature in the snowy night was lower than during the day. Yuto put on another layer of clothing before heading to the office as agreed.

Inside, Hiruzen stood by the window, seemingly unmoved all day.

"Yuto, unlike other young shinobi, you always manage to think on a higher level."

He got straight to the point, "I know deep down, you prioritize the village over the clan."

"And once called the 'Jewel of the Hyuga,' you are deeply trusted by the main family."

"So... from now on, you must monitor the actions of the Hyuga clan."

(End of Chapter)