(PS: Be sure to read this chapter together with the next one. It starts low before rising—this isn't poison!)
After Tenten left, Hiashi and Neji led the two hundred ninjas behind them back toward the Hyuga clan compound.
The streets near the Hyuga clan compound were now devoid of villagers. The surrounding shops had all closed, and notices had been posted everywhere.
Road construction in progress. Please keep away.
The only people visible nearby were Police Force ninjas patrolling from time to time.
Only the last few roads leading to the Hyuga clan compound had yet to be sealed off, but villagers would not set foot in this area anyway.
After all, civilians would never enter a ninja clan's compound.
When he returned to the gates of the compound, Hiashi spotted someone he had not expected to see and could not help crying out.
"Uncle, why are you here so late?" Hiashi sounded flustered. Even Neji beside him and the branch family ninjas behind him tensed up.
That was because the veins at the corners of Hyuga Tengen's eyes had bulged as he activated his Byakugan.
Under the Byakugan's vision, headbands and bandages were meaningless concealment. He stood there silently for several seconds without saying a word.
Then, he quietly brushed past Hiashi.
"I finally know what you've been worried about these past few days."
"You are the clan head. I won't interfere with whatever you want to do, but you must ensure that the Hyuga clan remains Konoha's Hyuga clan."
"I won't join you, but neither will I stop you."
"The Great Elder and the others have already noticed something. Prepare yourself."
With that, he continued forward. The Hyuga ninjas silently parted down the middle, allowing the elderly man with white hair at his temples to pass through.