Five Stooges

The five children hid in a quiet alley not far from the Hyuga Clan Compound, huddled together, and whispered to each other about their plan.

As the oldest among them, Senju Yūki instinctively took on the role of summarizing. "In short, Harukawa is responsible for creating a commotion at the main gate to attract the attention of most of the guards. Hinata and Takuma will take the opportunity to sneak in, and their primary objective is to check on Rei's safety."

"If she's just being restricted in her freedom, that's fine. We'll evacuate first and then discuss the matter further. If she's in danger, or if she's willing, we'll find a way to get her out."

"Huh?" The youngest, Yamanaka Harukawa, blinked, a hint of confusion on his face. "Weren't we just brought along?"

"This was a decision I made after discussing it with Ichiyo," Yūki explained, his face serious. "Actually, I thought about it. Taking everyone away directly would be too drastic. If we fail, it might harm Rei and strain our relationship with the Hyuga Clan. We need to assess the situation first before deciding on the safest next step."

Uchiha Takuma calmly nodded. "Understood. Prioritize reconnaissance and confirmation."

Uchiha Hinata had been silent to the side, did not say anything.

Senju Ichiyo glanced at Hinata, sighed softly, and advised, "Hinata, you'll do this, won't you? We all know you like Rei. But this is Hyuga family matter. As outsiders, especially Ninjas from other clans, interfering rashly or even taking people away would be a completely different matter. It might cause unnecessary trouble."

Yūki looked at Hinata with concern. "Hinata? What do you think? Don't you agree?"

Hinata lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting a shadow beneath them. He remained silent for a few seconds, then finally nodded slowly. "... I understand."

Yamanaka Harukawa stared Dead-Fish Eyes, muttering under his breath, "Tsk, Uchiha..." His tone carried a hint of helplessness, as if to say, "I knew this would happen."

Uchiha Takuma nearby, quietly defended himself. "Actually... not all Uchiha are like Hinata... uh..."

Hinata: "..."

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.

But time was of the essence, and they didn't have time to dwell on it any longer.

"Alright, proceed according to plan!" Yūki gave the final decision.

The group dispersed and went to their designated locations.

Yamanaka Harukawa took a deep breath and quietly approached the vicinity of the main gate of the Hyuga Clan Compound. He crouched behind a large, leafy tree, concentrated his mind, and formed hand seals.

"The Mind Body Switch Technique!"

His consciousness instantly left his body, like an invisible thread, silently connecting with a Hyuga Branch Family Ninja who was patrolling alone not far away and whose mind seemed to be not very focused.

Possession successful!

Harukawa was overjoyed and immediately prepared to take control of the body and begin the operation according to plan.

For example, suddenly shout "Enemy attack!" or pretend to have discovered something unusual and stumble towards the tribe's territory to report the news; in short, make a big enough commotion.

However, just as he turned the body around, before he could even take a step...

At the edge of his vision, he saw two figures Earth Flow from a street corner not far away, toward the main gate of the Hyuga Clan Compound.

One of them was tall with black hair tied back, wearing a green Haori, and had his usual cheerful smile on his face—it was Hashirama Senju!

The man walking beside him, half a head shorter, wearing a dark blue Uchiha Clan Attire, with his hands tucked into his sleeves and a relaxed expression, was talking to Hashirama with his head tilted to the Hashirama —who else could it be but Uchiha Izuna?!

Hyuga Ninja possessed by Harukawa suddenly stiffened, almost tripping over himself.

Lord Hashirama and Lord Izuna?! What are they doing here?!

But then I thought about it again, and it made sense. How could the Hyuga Clan's unusually secluded state have escaped the notice of the Hokage and high-ranking Lord Izuna? They must have sensed something was wrong and come to investigate in person!

That's great! He doesn't need to create any trouble! The appearance of these two big shots is the biggest source of unrest themselves!

Sure enough, almost the instant Hashirama and Izuna appeared in the sight of the guards at the main gate, the atmosphere around the main gate of the Hyuga Clan Compound instantly tensed up!

The guards, who had been relatively orderly, became visibly agitated and tense. Some immediately turned and ran inside, clearly to report the situation.

The plans have changed! Huge changes!

Harukawa's mind went blank, and cold sweat broke out instantly.

If it were just a few children, even if the infiltration failed or they were caught, they could probably get away with it by saying "the children were being naughty" or "they were worried about their companions," and the punishment wouldn't be too severe.

But now that Lord Hashirama and Lord Izuna are here in person, the situation is completely different!

If their infiltration is discovered, it could very well be interpreted as "other clan Ninjas sneaking in with malicious intent during the sensitive time when the Hokage and Uchiha high-ranking officials are Hyuga the Hyuga clan!"

That would be a huge problem!

Not only will they themselves be severely punished, but it could also implicate their respective families and even affect the unity within Konoha!

We must immediately notify Takuma and Hinata! The plan is canceled! Evacuate!

Harukawa was extremely anxious. He immediately released the Mind Body Switch Technique and returned to his own body. Then he tried to contact Yūki and Ichiyo outside, and Yūki Yuuki and Ichiyo to stop Hinata and Takuma, who might have already infiltrated.

But he was too far away from them.

"Damn it!" Harukawa cursed inwardly.

He's still too young. At present, he can only possess others and control simple actions using the Mind Body Switch Technique. He hasn't mastered more advanced techniques like telepathy or telepathy yet!

Although he can see the current situation from here, he cannot convey his warning!

Ah! So why would Lord Hashirama and Lord Izuna Hyuga Clan at a time like this?! Don't they have time during the day?!

Hateful!

Below the side wall of the Hyuga Clan Compound.

Uchiha Takuma and Uchiha Hinata the shadows, silently evaded several Hyuga patrol teams that were rushing towards the main gate.

They naturally noticed the sudden tension within the clan's territory and the unusual movement of people.

"It seems the guards have all headed towards the main gate." Takuma lowered his voice, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. "Why is Harukawa making such a big fuss?"

Hinata frowned slightly, also sensing that something was amiss. They had all prepared to Harukawa from causing a disturbance and to force their way in, but now the entire clan's security focus seemed to have shifted.

Is this really something that child could do?

But they didn't have time to think it through.

With the defenses currently weak, this is the perfect opportunity to infiltrate! Perhaps Harukawa is playing exceptionally well?

"This is a rare opportunity." Hinata made a quick decision, giving Takuma a wink. "Proceed with the original plan, quick!"

Without further hesitation, the two nimbly vaulted over the wall and landed inside the Hyuga Clan Compound like night birds, quickly stealthily heading towards the courtyard where Rei might be placed, according to their memories.

They had no idea that Hashirama and Izuna had already arrived outside the main gate.

Unbeknownst to them, their trusted comrade, Harukawa, was frantic with worry but unable to deliver the warning. "The plan has changed, the Hokage is coming, retreat immediately!"

Senju Yūki and Senju Ichiyo, who remained on the perimeter to provide backup, hid in a more secluded corner further away.

Although he vaguely sensed some commotion from the direction of the main gate of the Hyuga Clan Compound, he was too far away to see the specific situation clearly, so he assumed that Harukawa's plan had succeeded and was cheering his companions on in his heart.