Cloud Village's Outburst

Indeed.

Chuan Yu understood the Hyuga Clan quite well.

The Main House had always maintained a lofty, superior stance, while the Branch House possessed no power to speak of.

In the eyes of the Main House, the Branch House was nothing more than a ladder to the attic.

As long as they stepped upon it, they could ascend to the summit without a single care.

Once a Branch House member was identified, they would be branded with the Caged Bird seal upon reaching the age of three.

The will to soar high and spread one's wings would wither away with time.

Eventually, they would become mere puppets for the Main House.

Chuan Yu paused for a moment, then withdrew the long blade from his hand.

"If you still refuse to tell me the truth, then bear the risks you face now all on your own."

With a leap, Chuan Yu vanished into the thick moonlight.

"Who goes there!"

Numerous torches flared to life as a large number of Hyuga clansmen surrounded Hizashi within the Main House Shrine.

"Hizashi? Why is it you!"

The leading elder followed the light of the torches, noting that Hizashi's expression was quite poor.

"The Clan Head is here! Everyone, make way!"

The crowd parted, and Hiashi Hyuga approached, holding a torch.

On the ground lay four heads from the Cloud Village, the corpse of their leader, and beside them, the unconscious Hinata.

"Hinata!"

Hiashi was struck with alarm, rushing over to scoop Hinata into his arms to check for injuries.

Fortunately, she had only fainted.

"Take Hinata back, and the rest of you go back to sleep."

Hiashi handed Hinata to one of the servants and waved his hand, prompting the clansmen to disperse.

"Now that it's just the two of us, do you still not intend to tell me the truth about what happened?"

Hiashi stood with his hands behind his back, walking up to Hizashi to ask with a stern expression.

Hizashi knew exactly what Hiashi was referring to.

For the Hyuga Clan, palm techniques were the foundation.

Yet, the five Cloud Village ninjas killed here had died in a gruesome, blood-soaked manner.

There was no need to think twice.

It had nothing to do with Hizashi.

However, Hizashi offered a bitter smile to himself.

"At this point... what other choice is there..."

"These people were indeed killed by me..."

Hearing this, Hiashi's brows furrowed tightly as he turned and struck a nearby support beam with a palm.

The building collapsed instantly.

"Do you not realize that the Cloud Village just signed a peace treaty with Konoha?!"

"To commit such a mistake at a time like this! How am I supposed to answer to Konoha!"

High in the treetops nearby.

Chuan Yu watched Hizashi and Hiashi calmly.

Even though Hizashi had once taken care of him, he had never intended to let him go.

Because, in his possession, there likely existed secrets regarding his mother, Hyuga Natsu.

And this secret was likely closely linked to Chuan Yu himself.

Having become well-versed in the laws of the ninja world, Chuan Yu understood that secrets could only be permanently sealed within the mouths of the dead.

However, now that a grudge had been forged between Konoha and the Cloud Village.

It might just help alleviate the recent pressure Konoha had been placing on the Uchiha.

The next day.

The security around the Hokage Building suddenly tightened.

Furthermore, Cloud Village ninjas began appearing around the perimeter of the village.

After dropping Nichuzi off at the academy, Chuan Yu slipped into the forest beside the Hokage Building.

Hizashi would certainly be pushed out as a scapegoat by the Main House.

Before he died, Chuan Yu had to know the secret regarding his mother.

"Speak..."

"To slaughter my Cloud Village ninja so cruelly—just how dissatisfied is your Konoha with this treaty!"

The representative from the Cloud Village took the stage and launched a direct attack.

The Konoha side seemed somewhat reticent.

Because that treaty limited how Konoha could respond.

It was a peace treaty, and at this time, the Cloud Village was arranging for ninjas to come to Konoha to visit and study.

Even if they appeared near the Hyuga Clan, it was considered normal.

But as for the claim that they had kidnapped Hinata, no one had seen it.

The only person involved was Hyuga Hizashi, the head of a Branch House, yet he could not explain the situation clearly no matter what.

"With such tight security, it seems the Cloud Village still harbors some misgivings about Konoha."

Hidden in the treetops, Chuan Yu prepared to use his Byakugan to observe the situation inside.

"Little one..."

"Your body seems quite excellent..."

Suddenly, a hoarse voice came from behind him.

He whipped his head around, and a long, thin tongue nearly brushed against his eyes.

Snake-like pupils stared at him, filled with greed.

Orochimaru.

"I have been observing you for a long time..."

"You seem quite different from those members of the Uchiha clan..."

"Let me tell you..."

"In my laboratory..."

"I have kept many geniuses just like you... Heh heh..."

Orochimaru let out a chilling laugh.

When had he snuck up behind him? He hadn't noticed at all!

For the first time, Chuan Yu felt danger, and he immediately pulled away from Orochimaru with a wary expression.

"Interest and greed are two completely different concepts. Do you really think I'm the same as those geniuses?"

Chuan Yu spoke calmly, his Sharingan already locked onto Orochimaru.

Even if he couldn't win, escaping wouldn't be a problem.

He just wanted to know Orochimaru's purpose in targeting him.

"Your body is indeed excellent..."

"But the way you speak..."

"I truly do not like it..."

"Whether you are the same or not... we shall see once we try... Heh heh..."

Orochimaru's body suddenly transformed into a mass of snakes.

The treetops were all snapped in an instant.

The speed was too fast; Chuan Yu had been completely caught off guard.

Losing his balance, his body plummeted downward.

"Let me see your... potential."

Chuan Yu firmly caught the mask that Orochimaru had tossed at him.

It was meant to hide his identity.

Because in the forest below, the Cloud Village guards were gathering.

Hearing the commotion in the trees, the Cloud Village ninjas present looked up in alarm.

The masked Chuan Yu drew his long blade the moment he hit the ground.

"Body Flicker Technique!"

Seven or eight Chuan Yus scattered simultaneously, startling the Cloud Village guards.

"Enemy attack! Stay alert!"

All the guards beneath the Hokage Building were now on high alert.

Hearing the news of an enemy attack outside, the representative of the Cloud Village roared in anger.

"Is this your Konoha's way of treating guests? A premeditated setup!"

On the Konoha side, before Hiruzen Sarutobi could even speak, Danzō clapped his hands to have his subordinates bring over a few cups of hot tea.

"There is no need for alarm; it will be over soon."

With that, Danzō rose and departed.

In the forest.

Chuan Yu was locked in a fierce battle with the Anbu from the Cloud Village, and at this moment, he loathed Orochimaru to the core.

If things continued like this, reinforcements from both Konoha and the Cloud Village would arrive in no time.

Once that happened, leaving would not be so easy.

As the blade's tip sliced across his palm, every one of Chuan Yu's shadows gained a physical body.

This was not the concept of a Shadow Clone; that was precisely what made the Body Flicker Technique so monstrous.

Possessing such an ability meant that even if the opposition had superior numbers, he would not be at a disadvantage.

"Lord Danzō!"

Just as Danzō stepped out onto the rooftop, two Root ninjas quickly appeared before him and knelt.

"Capture that intruder..."

"And send men to keep a close watch on Hyuga Hizashi..."