Chapter 15: A Pause, Not the End

A secret division notification arrived, and the Yamanaka clan leader along with the Hyūga Second Elder’s bodyguard soon arrived at the Hokage’s office.

It was worth noting that the current Yamanaka clan leader was actually an acquaintance of Kawaki Aoba.

This was Yamanaka Ichi, father of the future Konoha Twelve Strong, Yamanaka Ino.

Yamanaka Ichi appeared to be just in his early twenties. Among his peers in the major ninja families, he might not have been the youngest, but close to it. Surprisingly, he was the earliest to become a clan leader.

After hearing the details and the reason for their summons, Yamanaka Ichi expressed no objection. He pledged full obedience to Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen’s arrangements, promising to uncover the truth thoroughly.

As for the Hyūga Second Elder’s bodyguard, his face had turned noticeably pale.

Through Kenbunshoku Haki perception, Kawaki Aoba could clearly sense the mixture of sorrow and hatred emanating from him.

Though his expression remained stern and respectfully composed, anyone present could see his nervousness.

Kawaki Aoba knew this was a man destined to be “sacrificed,” an innocent soul caught in unfortunate circumstances.

But what could be done? As a member of the Hyūga branch family, his very existence was meant to serve and protect the Hyūga main family. From Kawaki’s perspective, this man was a potential enemy, so all that could be done was to silently offer an apology within his heart.

The memory investigation began, and Kawaki Aoba witnessed the Yamanaka clan’s secret technique for the first time.

Yamanaka Ichi placed his hand atop the Hyūga bodyguard’s head, channeling a steady stream of yin chakra through his palm into the man’s mind.

“Ugh!” The bodyguard’s face twisted, as if enduring intense pain.

“Relax your body, ease your chakra, don’t resist,” Yamanaka Ichi advised aloud.

The others waited silently for the outcome. Sarutobi Asuma and Yugao Uzuki didn’t even dare to breathe, their eyes fixed intently.

But as time passed, the Hyūga Second Elder sensed something amiss.

He was familiar with the Yamanaka clan’s Mind Transfer Technique. Normally, probing shallow memories from recent days shouldn’t take so long, especially with the subject’s willing cooperation.

The Second Elder realized the situation was strange from start to finish.

At that moment, Yamanaka Ichi gradually retracted his yin chakra, signaling that his secret technique had been completed.

Merely probing shallow memories had left the Yamanaka clan leader sweating profusely.

“My lord Hokage, I have not yet fully mastered the clan’s secret technique, so it took more time than expected. However, I was fortunate to complete the task. According to the memories I accessed, the truth is indeed as described by the genin Kawaki,” Yamanaka Ichi reported.

Upon hearing this, the Hyūga Second Elder was stunned, staring blankly at Yamanaka Ichi.

At that moment, no matter how foolish, he realized he had been fooled—indeed, outwitted by a coordinated group.

No wonder everything felt strange as soon as he entered; it was clear that everyone had conspired to deceive him.

Very well.

The Hyūga Second Elder glared at everyone with clenched teeth and fury.

Yet Yamanaka Ichi struck again.

“Furthermore, my lord Hokage, I must apologize. I have been negligent in honing the clan secret techniques and have never before probed a jonin’s mind. In my carelessness during this procedure, I inadvertently caused some harm to this Hyūga ninja’s brain,” Yamanaka Ichi said, his face full of remorse and shame.

After apologizing to the Hokage, he also bowed deeply to the Hyūga Second Elder.

This only poured fuel on the fire, intensifying the elder’s anger. Yet it was a necessary gesture. Losing a Hyūga jonin so inexplicably demanded some form of explanation, even if only superficial.

“Do you take me for a fool? To play such tricks on me, do you think the Hyūga clan is an easy target?” the Hyūga Second Elder seethed, pointing at Kawaki Aoba.

“This damned brat, if he hasn’t activated the Byakugan, how dare he deserve my attention? You use such means to falsely accuse me, hoping to seize the bloodline of our Hyūga clan? Do you take everyone here for fools?”

At these words, the expressions of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, and Yamanaka Ichi changed instantly.

Though all three were fully aware of the truth and knew the Hyūga Second Elder was wrongly accused, to implicate him in a scheme to usurp the Hyūga bloodline was a matter of grave consequence.

Yamanaka Ichi quickly lowered his head, inwardly cursing his fate. This was not a matter he should have been involved in—yet with the Ino-Sai-Cho trio already pledged to the Hokage, he had no choice.

Shimura Danzo immediately stepped forward to reprimand, “Enough! Why assault a comrade within the village? This is a matter your Hyūga clan should explain to the village—not you questioning it.

You commit a grave mistake and remain unrepentant, further causing trouble for the village. Is this how the Hyūga clan treats the village?”

“You, you all...” The Hyūga Second Elder trembled with rage, pointing fingers from Danzo to the others.

He attempted to retort with harsh words, but Sarutobi Hiruzen cut him off.

“Enough. Continuing this stubbornness benefits neither you nor the Hyūga clan. Return and wait for Anko and Katsuki to come back—they will handle this matter.”

The Hyūga Second Elder understood the Hokage’s words but felt deeply humiliated, his face flushed with shame. Yet he wisely turned and left.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was right. Continuing this confrontation would only harm the Hyūga clan. Though a prestigious family, openly defying the village was clearly futile.

The elder was simply low in social grace, not a fool.

Watching the Hyūga Second Elder depart, Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head. Clearly, he held no respect for the elder. The Hyūga clan’s system made it difficult for the main family to produce truly outstanding members.

It was a mercy that none of them had developed the arrogance of believing the world revolved solely around themselves.