Naruto: Starting from the Reincarnation of the Otsutsuki.

As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed in the distance.

That was the very spot where Hyuga Seiran had originally hidden.

"The seal is very well hidden, but the chakra flow is very stable. It doesn't seem like a simple temporary blockade. Instead, it's more like a barrier specifically designed to isolate something."

Qing paused, then added, "Moreover, there seems to be something else inside the seal... I can't see it clearly."

After hearing his report, the expressions of the several Hidden Mist ninjas around him became more serious.

The two younger members of the Kirigakure squad, in particular, instinctively moved closer to Juzo Biwa, waiting for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to give their next order.

Pipa Juzo silently looked in the direction Ao pointed.

If Qing hadn't seen it with his white eye, he wouldn't have noticed that there was another seal there.

This made him hesitate.

In the past, no...

It should be said that this was last year, before that Konoha genin with the watermelon-shaped haircut single-handedly stopped the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

He might still be defiant of everyone, fearless of heaven and earth.

But ever since that man emitting red steam punched and kicked Kushimaru, turning the once-powerful Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist into a "lucky trio," Juzo Biwa has suffered from a severe psychological trauma.

It's not that he's timid.

Instead, he finally understood that some seemingly insignificant places often hide the most troublesome things, and that the price of "meddling" might be losing one's life.

Thinking of this, Juzo Biwa let out a soft breath, his face remaining calm.

"No, our current goal is to infiltrate the Land of Fire, gather information on Konoha, and seize the opportunity to attack Konoha." Biwa Juzo said without changing his expression, and then began to instruct the juniors behind him.

"Although I don't know why the Mizukage would issue such an order at this time, as your senior, I still have to give you a piece of advice."

"In the wild, in other countries, you must be extremely careful. Don't lose your life because of carelessness or meddling in other people's business."

"Since there are no traces of Konoha here, then we shouldn't meddle in other people's business."

As Pipa Juzo spoke, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

"The bloody lesson is still fresh in our minds..."

He glanced at Qing, who was listening attentively behind him, and the other two kids from the Hidden Mist Village, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

I hope the Mizukage will end the Blood Mist Village soon...

He glanced one last time at the seal in the distance, then led the others away silently from the small village.

"They actually ran away?"

Through Ao's perspective, Hyuga Aoran watched as the Kirigakure squad silently retreated into the village, his feelings becoming quite complex.

I thought that since the Hidden Mist ninjas had already detected the seal, they would at least send someone to investigate.

After all, as is the habit of ninjas, they would instinctively take a second look at anything with "abnormal chakra", "seal marks", or "underground cave of unknown origin".

But now it seems that the leader, Juzo Biwa, is more cautious than expected.

Or perhaps, it's being overly cautious.

"It seems that the fact that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were traumatized by the beatings is not an exaggeration."

Those dark blue, standard-issue eyes gleamed faintly.

He didn't intend to judge whether the other party was cowardly or cautious.

In this world, those who live long lives are often very clear about when to advance, when to retreat, and when to pretend they didn't see anything.

Those who can see the situation clearly and know how to avoid risks are the ones who deserve to be looked up to.

At least, such people won't easily die from pointless trials.

"Since you don't intend to come here to die... then let's go." Hinata Seiran slowly pulled himself out of his thoughts.

Now, the most important thing is more than half done.

Next, all we need to do is wait for the right opportunity to fuse these Byakugan of the Hyuga clan together to form a "giant Tenseigan"... and that will be it.

As for the seal before us, and the group of people deep inside the cave who are performing an evil ritual...

There's no need for him to take action personally for the time being.

Hinata Seiran's thoughts shifted, and he immediately gave Seiran a new order.

Let Qing continue acting alone, and while she's at it, check if there are any other noteworthy targets around.

As for myself, I need to make the follow-up arrangements here first.

After all, the real trouble is never discovering the problem.

The key is to clean everything up before problems even arise.

“…”

My thoughts returned to Konoha Village.

Hinata Seiran basked in the long-awaited sunlight, listening calmly to the whispers coming from inside the mansion.

Hidden Mist Village investigates Konoha...

It seems that Madara is already preparing to make his move.

-

The sun was setting in the west, but it had not yet completely disappeared.

A few traces of red still lingered on the horizon, but everything was shrouded in gray at this moment.

Looking out through Fire Shadow Rock, you can see the distant mountains slowly sinking into heavy darkness.

Inside the Hyuga Hiashi mansion, the light was somewhat dim.

Two figures, one in yellow and one in black, sat facing each other, but their auras were completely different.

A shadow fell over Hiashi Hyuga's face, making it difficult to see clearly.

On the other side, Minato Namikaze remained bathed in sunlight and scorching heat.

"Clan Chief Hiashi, I will report everything truthfully to the Hokage." Minato Namikaze finished his tea on the wooden table in one gulp, then looked out the window at the darkening sky.

"It's getting late. As for other things, let's talk about them next time."

Hiashi Hyuga nodded in understanding.

"Minato, you don't need to worry. Since the village needs the Hyuga clan's strength to stabilize the situation on the battlefield, I, as the head of the Hyuga clan, will naturally fully cooperate with the Hokage's will."

"However, since the Hyuga clan is cooperating with the village, I also hope that the Hokage will give us an explanation."

Having said that, Hiashi Hyuga took a heavy scroll from a wooden tray held by a servant who had been waiting for a long time, and gently pushed it in front of Minato Namikaze.

"The specific selection will have to be left to Minato to decide," Hiashi Hyuga said, picking up the scroll and circling a few names. "These are all excellent clan members. Qinglan is quite good; it's just that he came to pick you up this morning..."

Hiashi Hyuga introduced the branch family members without reservation, trying to use this small amount of help to let Minato see the determination of the Hyuga clan.

"If it's on the battlefield and we need to search... Qinglan has the most experience."

"I understand."

Looking at the list, Minato Namikaze hesitated for a moment, but still accepted it.

The attitude of the Hyuga clan head...

It seems they still favor the village.

Although there was some doubt about the Third Hokage in his words, there was still hope.

And this list...

Hyuga Seiran, Hyuga Tokuma, Hyuga Iroha, Hyuga Hido, etc...

Minato recalled the personalities and traits of each member that Hiashi Hyuga had described...

After hesitating for a while, he finally picked up his pen and crossed out Hinata Seiran's name.

Chapter 63: No Progress

Hokage Building.

The midday sun slanted in through the window at ten o'clock, illuminating the entire Hokage's office.

Fine dust particles floated slowly in the beam of light, like a group of lazy, tiny creatures, rising and falling silently in the air.

Hiruzen Sarutobi opened the window, took a deep breath of the fresh air outside, and a long-lost look of relaxation appeared on his face.

After years of war and turmoil, such peace is all the more precious.

He closed his eyes, quietly savoring the tranquility of the moment. The lingering gloom in his heart seemed to dissipate somewhat with the warmth of the sunlight.

"If only the village could stay peaceful and quiet like this forever..."

Before his low sigh had even faded, a familiar female voice from the street below pulled him back to reality.

"Don't go! I have something to ask you!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly opened his eyes and looked downstairs.