But if the Hyūga clan took over the Police Force and Hiruzen still refused to implement reforms, then the Hyūga Clan wouldn't have it easy either. Because that would mean they would soon go through everything the Uchiha clan went through.

Do you really think the people of Konoha resented the Uchiha just because of our bad attitude during law enforcement?

Do you really believe that the Uchiha were disliked just because we were brainless and arrogant?

If we're talking about arrogance, how much better is the Hyūga clan? And how much better is the Hyūga clan's attitude toward commoners compared to the Uchiha?

And according to Shin's plan, the Hyūga clan's misfortunes were only just beginning. Although he hadn't revealed the details of his plan, as long as the Hyūga suffer, Fukuyama was happy to see it happen.

---

At the Hyūga clan compound, Ryohei was instructing his son, Hiashi, in the use of the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven.

Strict as always, he couldn't help nodding in approval.

His son truly had exceptional talent, he was already more proficient in the technique than he had been at the same age, which greatly satisfied him. But the moment he thought of his younger son, Hizashi, who was even more talented, he frowned.

He hoped the boy would obediently support Hiashi in the future, without harboring any inappropriate thoughts. Otherwise, he would make him understand the meaning of unbearable pain.

Just then, a branch house ninja appeared in the courtyard. Upon seeing Ryohei, the ninja quickly stepped forward and bowed, then whispered something in his ear. After signaling the branch member to leave, Ryohei's expression flickered with contemplation as he quickly analyzed the information.

As expected, Fukuyama had resigned from his position as Head of the Police Force.

Ryohei wasn't surprised in the slightest.

After all, he had secretly helped spread those recent rumors in Konoha, that was all to prepare for today. The Police Force was a lucrative post, and it provided an excellent opportunity to monitor all of Konoha. For the Hyūga, with their Byakugan, it was the perfect fit. But what puzzled him was that Fukuyama not only resigned but actively recommended the Hyūga clan take over the department, something that didn't make much sense.

However, he was no fool, and he quickly grasped Fukuyama's intent. He simply sneered at it.

The Hyūga clan had an advantage that the Uchiha didn't: all the dirty work could be handed over to the branch house.

If the branch house mishandled law enforcement and drew public outrage, the main house could step in, punish the branch members, soothe public anger, and gain favor among the Konoha citizens.

The branch house would take the blame while the main house reaped the benefits. Perfect!

After all, wasn't the branch house meant exactly for things like this?

If Orochimaru knew what Ryohei was thinking, he would've called him a true expert.

Here he was, just starting a project with Shin to study how to break the Caged Bird, and Ryohei was already tearing his clan apart from the inside.

Once they figured out how to remove the Caged Bird, the Hyūga Clan was bound to split in two. At that point, the entire branch house would give their lives to protect Tsunade's rule.

As for the main house?

No one would care whether the head of the main house lived or died. If he behaved, you would have a place.

But if he gets any funny ideas, don't blame anyone but yourself.

Itachi wiped out his entire clan in a single night. So why couldn't the Hyūga branch house do the same?

Ok, Itachi had Obito's help. But couldn't the branch house turn to Shin for help too?

Perfect!

At the same time that Fukuyama walked out of the Hokage's office, a meeting was underway at Suna's camp in the Land of Rivers.

---

"How much of what that Uchiha guy told you do you think was true?" Chiyo, seated at the head of the room, asked while pondering the information she had just received.

"I think there's a pretty good chance it's true," Pakura replied.

All she remembered was that someone suspected to be from the Uchiha clan had saved them. It was strange, almost like a memory had been erased. Something felt off, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what. So, she simply reported what she did remember to Chiyo.

"Oh? Then tell me your reasoning."

"Based on the method of analysis you taught me, there are four possibilities," Pakura began.

"The first possibility: both the Uchiha ninja and the ones who attacked us are not from Konoha. But that doesn't make sense. If they weren't from Konoha and were instead sent by another village, they'd be trying to start a war between our two nations. Why would they fight among themselves, suffer heavy losses, and then come forward to resolve the misunderstanding? And if they weren't on the same side, why would a ninja from another village help Konoha? It'd be generous enough if they didn't kick us while we were down."

"The second possibility: the Uchiha ninja isn't from Konoha, but the ones who attacked us are. That still doesn't make sense. Same logic again: if Konoha ninjas are trying hard to provoke war, why would someone from outside Konoha go all out to stop it? That's just illogical."

Chiyo nodded solemnly in agreement, signaling Pakura to continue.

"The third possibility: both the Uchiha ninja and the ones who attacked us are from Konoha. This is possible. If that's the case, it means Konoha's internal conflicts have become very serious, irreconcilable, even. But although this scenario is possible, I don't think it's very likely. Hiruzen has a solid reputation. I don't think he'd go so far as to risk war just to suppress his political opponents."

"And the final possibility: the Uchiha ninja is from Konoha, but the attackers were actually disguised operatives from another village, with the goal of stirring up conflict between Konoha and us. Personally, I lean toward the last possibility. Because when that Uchiha ninja slaughtered the attackers, the brutality was so extreme that it sent chills down my spine just watching. Would a ninja from the same village really go that far?"

After hearing Pakura's analysis, Chiyo nodded in satisfaction and said, "I understand the situation now. Focus on recovering from your injuries. I'll send this intel back to the village and let the Kazekage decide. I'll also make sure your contribution is properly reported."

Although she said that, she hadn't fully accepted Pakura's conclusions. After all, Pakura was still young and didn't yet understand the cruelty of political power struggles. But Chiyo had grown up surrounded by such struggles and knew all too well, some people were far more ruthless to their own than to their enemies.

So she was actually leaning toward the third possibility: That this entire incident was the result of Konoha's internal power struggle.

Even so, she was genuinely impressed with Pakura. The girl had just come of age, yet already had such clear and structured thinking. A truly promising talent.

This child could be taught!

At that moment, she began to feel a deep sense of appreciation for Pakura and considered personally taking her under her wing for training.

She knew better than anyone that the Third Kazekage had already privately chosen Rasa as his successor. If things weren't handled properly, Pakura could very well become a casualty of the coming political struggle.

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200 = +1 bonus chapter

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Completed at Chapter 278!