"I deeply apologize for alarming Lord Hokage."
"However, this matter is too serious. The Hyuga Clan must investigate thoroughly."
"If we cannot understand the opponent's methods, then the Hyuga Clan could lose a first time, and then, more frighteningly, there could be a second, a third, or even countless times."
"Therefore, I ask for Lord Hokage's forgiveness!"
Hiss!
Upon hearing Hiashi Hyuga's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others were stunned.
(bjfg) Good heavens.
Losing nine Byakugan is a huge matter!
If these Byakugan were to fall into the hands of other Ninja Villages, it would not be good for the Hidden Leaf.
No wonder!
Before arriving, Sarutobi Hiruzen had heard reports from the Anbu that the entire Hyuga Clan was acting like they had gone mad, frantically searching all over the Hidden Leaf.
Now, he understood.
Losing nine Byakugan—he would probably go mad too.
"Hiruzen, this matter must be thoroughly investigated," Mitokado Homura said. "We must catch this person and interrogate them to find out their infiltration method."
"Yes, Hiruzen, otherwise other Ninja Clans will also live in fear," Koharu Utatane quickly added.
Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a moment.
After a long while.
He finally took a deep breath and spoke directly.
"So, that's how it is."
"I truly didn't expect someone could infiltrate the Hidden Leaf and even steal nine Byakugan."
"The two elders are right; this matter must be thoroughly investigated."
"I will have the Anbu cooperate with the Hyuga and provide any necessary assistance."
"By the way, Hiashi."
"Do you have any leads on the Hyuga side?"
Hiashi Hyuga let out a sigh of relief.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's willingness to let the Anbu help was definitely good news for the Hyuga Clan.
As for leads...
After much thought, he still shook his head.
"None at all!"
"Throughout the Shinobi World, too many factions are eyeing the Byakugan."
"Anyone could be responsible!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was silent.
This was indeed the most troublesome aspect.
If there were leads, they could investigate specifically.
But with absolutely no leads like this, it was highly probable that nothing would be found in the end.
But, never mind.
Do what you can, and leave the rest to fate!
After shaking his head helplessly, Sarutobi Hiruzen directly took his leave.
Yes.
The Hyuga's loss of the Byakugan, while serious, was also not that serious.
Compared to the battlefields in Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Cloud Village, the Hyuga Clan's matter was much smaller.
In fact, one could say.
In Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart, it wasn't even as important as dealing with the Uchiha!
He had too many things to busy himself with every day; he had no time to waste on such a minor matter.
Being willing to let the Anbu cooperate was already quite good... Time slowly passed.
Things turned out as Sarutobi Hiruzen had thought. A full week had passed, and the matter of the Hyuga losing their Byakugan was now widely rumored throughout the Hidden Leaf.
But, there was nothing to be done.
No matter how the Hyuga Clan and the Anbu investigated, they couldn't find a single clue.
Moreover, with the ongoing war, almost all departments in the Hidden Leaf were dedicating most of their energy to the war.
Therefore.
The matter of the Hyuga losing their Byakugan eventually remained unresolved.
The Hidden Leaf returned to peace once more.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
In the Land of Grass, at Kannabi Bridge.
Within a massive underground cavern.
An old man with white hair, despite his advanced age, still exuded an aura of immense power.
He was covered in various tubes, which connected to a giant Gedo Statue behind him.
Yes.
The old man was Uchiha Madara, and behind him was the Gedo Statue.
Just then.
A muddy substance emerged from the ground, gradually forming a humanoid creature.
This was White Zetsu.
"Lord Madara, good news!"
"I found another Uchiha in the Hidden Leaf. This person is much stronger than Obito; he has already awakened his Mangekyo."
"Truly worthy of being Lord Madara's clansman. Does Lord Madara want to meet him?"
"I've earned another merit! Lord Madara, can I watch you poop?"
Uchiha Madara opened his eyes.
A glint of coldness flashed, and a ferocious smile appeared on his lips.
"Oh, Mangekyo, is it?" Uchiha Madara said with disdain. "I truly didn't expect that Mangekyo could still be born in such a decaying village, in such a decaying clan."
"Let me see his information."
White Zetsu dared not delay.
He quickly handed over Uchiha Jin's information. After Uchiha Madara skimmed through it, he fell into deep thought.
After a long while, he spoke softly.
"An Uchiha like a Nara, huh!"
"And they even commented that Uchiha Jin doesn't seem like an Uchiha?"
"Nonsense!"
"Who says an Uchiha can't use their brain?"
"However, he truly resembles Izuna!"
"But none of that matters. As long as my plan is completed, I will eventually see Izuna again!"
"There's no need to contact this Uchiha Jin; we can't deceive such a smart fellow!"
"Let's stick with Obito and proceed according to the original plan!"
Chapter 65: After Anbu Investigation, Danzo Is the Biggest Suspect!
Hidden Leaf, Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his office, with an Anbu kneeling on one knee before him.
He was expressionless.