Konoha.
After leaving the hotel.
The Kumogakure group rendezvoused in a pitch-black alley.
The drunkenness in their eyes vanished without a trace.
"Follow the original route."
"Avoid the Anbu patrol points and infiltrate the Hyuga Compound directly."
"Move quickly!"
"Kill anyone who resists!"
Toroi pulled out Konoha's defense map from his robes.
More than a dozen dark figures darted swiftly across Konoha's rooftops like ghosts.
The night was especially dark.
Even the moonlight was concealed by thick clouds.
It was as though even heaven was helping them.
Soon.
The Main Branch residence of the Hyuga Clan appeared ahead.
Toroi gave a signal.
Everyone immediately scattered, vaulting over the high walls from different directions.
It was too smooth.
So smooth that it felt unreal.
After landing, Toroi began surveying the surroundings.
The vast Hyuga courtyard did not have a single patrolling guard. Even the lights inside the houses had gone out.
"Just as expected."
"They all drank themselves unconscious at the banquet."
The last trace of doubt in Toroi's heart completely vanished.
He pointed toward the largest main house.
"That is Hyuga Hiashi's room."
"His younger daughter, Hyuga Hanabi, just turned three this year. Her Byakugan bloodline is pure."
"Go capture that little brat!"
Two Kumogakure ninja drew their short blades and crept toward the main house.
They reached out, grabbed the door, and shoved it open.
Swish!
What greeted them was not a sleeping child.
It was a cold flash of blade light.
Blood erupted into the air like a fountain.
Two fine heads rolled across the wooden floor.
"An ambush!"
"Retreat!"
Every hair on Toroi's body stood on end.
He screamed madly and turned to leap over the wall.
But it was already too late.
Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!
From the darkness.
A cold voice rang