Konoha's streets teemed with people, presenting a scene of peace.
The Kumogakure delegation had been there for several days. Every day, they either held "friendly sparring matches" or engaged in "cultural exchanges," their every move steeped in formulaic hypocrisy.
Kamizuki Yu had little interest in any of it.
At that moment, he stood before the gates of the Hyuga Clan compound.
Hyuga Hiashi had come out personally to receive him, his expression even graver than it had been at their last meeting.
"Lord Kamizuki Yu."
"Clan Head Hiashi, it seemed you had already noticed that something was wrong," Kamizuki Yu said calmly.
Hyuga Hiashi's face darkened. "Over the past few days, the clan's patrols have indeed found traces of several suspicious observers. Though they were very cautious, the Byakugan's perceptive power is no mere decoration."
"As expected." Kamizuki Yu gave a slight nod. "I came today to borrow your grounds for a while."
Hyuga Hiashi frowned slightly. "You meant?"
"The Hyuga main family shrine."
The instant those words left his mouth, Hyuga Hiashi's expression changed.
It was not only a place where their ancestors were enshrined, but also a symbol of the Hyuga Clan's ocular power and bloodline inheritance. It was never casually opened to outsiders.
"Lord Kamizuki Yu, I'm afraid that..." Hyuga Hiashi hesitated.
"I need to confirm a few things—regarding Kumogakure's objective, as well as... possible internal dangers within the Hyuga Clan." Kamizuki Yu's tone allowed no dispute.
Naturally, he knew this request was excessive, but time waited for no one.
Hyuga Hiashi fell silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons.
Kamizuki Yu's intelligence-gathering abilities and methods during Orochimaru's defection remained fresh in his mind.
If not for Kamizuki Yu, Konoha's losses would have been incalculable, and the Hyuga Clan might have been dragged into even