It was all so sudden.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had shown mercy and let Orochimaru go, never imagining it would lead to so much trouble. While Jiraiya was pursuing Orochimaru, he encountered the returning Hyuga clan. Orochimaru crushed a piece of purple snake scale, and then, Hyuga Mirai immediately defected, killing a member of the Hyuga main family, severely wounding two branch family guards, Kiyo Hyuga, and ANBU's Kakashi. He had the summoned toad, Gmakichi, devoured, and even severed Jiraiya's arm. Had Minato not arrived in time, Jiraiya likely would have perished.
Upon hearing the news, Sarutobi Hiruzen's first reaction was disbelief. How could Hyuga Mirai be so powerful? He had always thought that Mirai had risen to the rank of Jonin primarily due to his medical ninjutsu skills.
But whether from the surviving branch family guards, ANBU members, or Minato, all accounts matched. Only then did Sarutobi Hiruzen have no choice but to believe—Hyuga Mirai was the one who had committed these deeds.
"What should we do about this, Hiruzen?" Homura, Koharu, and Danzo arrived together, and it seemed that the Hyuga clan's leader would soon come to visit the Hokage as well.
This was not a trivial matter. Two ninja had defected, and though a fierce battle had ensued, only one member of the Hyuga main family and Jiraiya's summoned toad had died. While others had suffered severe injuries, they would recover after being treated at Konoha Hospital.
However, the loss of a ninja as skilled as Mirai, who was near Tsunade in medical expertise, was a significant blow. Not only had he shown medical prowess comparable to Tsunade's, but unlike Tsunade who used the special slug summon for large-scale healing, both Mirai and Tsunade were equals in their medical abilities. No toxin or grave injury had ever been beyond their reach.
The question remained—why did Hyuga Mirai defect?
Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a long time, but still couldn't make sense of it. How did Mirai gain this power? If it was from Orochimaru, Hiruzen couldn't believe it. Jiraiya, who used Sage Mode, had surpassed Orochimaru in strength, and only Hiruzen knew this within Konoha.
"We need to implement a gag order for now," Sarutobi Hiruzen said. "No one who knows about this incident is allowed to discuss it. Hyuga Mirai and Orochimaru will be classified as S-rank rogue ninjas."
A gag order? How could they possibly silence the truth? Danzo couldn't help but sneer internally at Hiruzen's words. Despite the significant loss of two crucial ninjas from Konoha, seeing Hiruzen troubled brought him some measure of joy.
"The defection of Orochimaru... and Hyuga Mirai?" Homura hesitated briefly before continuing, "How do we respond to the Hyuga main family? According to the ANBU reports, Hyuga Mirai has already undone the Caged Bird seal. With that alone, the Hyuga main family will not let him go."
The Hyuga clan had endured for so long, in part because of the Caged Bird seal. This curse seal was essential in protecting the Byakugan, ensuring that the eyes didn't fall into the hands of those with ill intent. When used properly, it had served to protect family secrets. However, over time, the seal's purpose had become distorted, shifting from protection to a means of tormenting the branch family.
"Even if the Hyuga clan has been split into two tiers," Homura continued, "the main family will certainly retaliate. And don't forget, Orochimaru was a candidate for the Fourth Hokage. We can't keep this quiet for long."
Hyuga Mirai's reputation in Konoha wasn't small. If they labeled both him and Orochimaru as S-rank rogue ninjas, they would have to explain why, giving a reasonable justification. During the recent war, both Orochimaru and Hyuga Mirai contributed significantly—one repelling invaders from the Land of Rivers and the Land of Hot Water, the other saving countless wounded across three battlefields.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen labeled them as rogue ninjas without an explanation, the angry shinobi of Konoha might surround the Hokage's office. The contributions of these two were too widely known to be covered up easily, unlike confidential missions like that of Hatake Sakumo.
"I understand," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his expression grim. "I will convene a meeting with the Jonin to explain the situation."
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew this was no simple matter. With Hyuga Mirai's defection and the Hyuga clan involved, things were far from over. He would have to give answers to the other clans and Jonin, as the Hyuga would not rest until they got their justice.
"Please treat them as quickly as possible."
After the ANBU members delivered Kakashi and the two branch family guards to Konoha Hospital, they spoke to the remaining medical ninjas.
"Understood. These are serious injuries—broken arm and part of the shoulder, three fractured ribs. Fortunately, there are no internal injuries, but immediate surgery is necessary."
"I'll notify the others."
The injuries of the three were severe, almost as if Tsunade herself had delivered a powerful punch. Shortly afterward, the medical ninja who had left called for four others, including the Jonin Aoki.
Aoki, upon briefly examining them, immediately recognized the gravity of their wounds. If surgery wasn't performed soon, it could severely impact their future careers as ninjas.
"Why did it all happen today?" Aoki sighed. In Konoha Hospital, there weren't many medical ninjas who could treat injuries of this severity. Only a few Medical Jonin had the experience and confidence to handle such cases, while the rest were less capable. Just earlier, Jiraiya had been brought in, and two Medical Jonin had already begun working on him.
Aoki turned his head and asked, "Has Mirai returned yet?"
Before one of the medical ninjas could respond, an ANBU member standing guard couldn't help but speak up. "This rogue ninja won't be coming back. My teammates and these two Hyuga clan members were injured by Hyuga Mirai."
The medical ninjas in the room froze for a moment before their faces twisted with anger.
"What did you say!?"
"How dare you call Mirai a rogue ninja? He was summoned back by the Hyuga clan to handle matters. You're just spouting nonsense!"
"Is it okay for the ANBU to slander medical ninjas like this?!"
All the medical ninjas present glared at the ANBU member. They had all served on the front lines in the Land of Rivers and Land of Grass, and from the start, they had admired Mirai. Over time, their admiration had turned into worship. Despite his young age, Mirai's maturity and almost perfect approach to handling situations made him seem faultless.
Hyuga Mirai had the highest reputation in Konoha Hospital. Many of the medical ninjas who had endured the most difficult times during the war, with almost no supply lines, had survived thanks to his help. Now, to hear an ANBU member call him a rogue ninja—someone who had saved countless lives—it was intolerable.
"Do you think the ANBU is untouchable? If you're so capable, don't come to us when you get injured!"
As the medical ninjas grew more agitated, the ANBU member placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Aoki quickly intervened, shouting, "Enough, we need to treat the injured first!"
After calming the situation, Aoki let out a breath, then turned to the ANBU member who had called Mirai a rogue ninja. "I hope you don't make such slanderous accusations again. Even a medical ninja can be dangerous when provoked."
The ANBU member said nothing. He hadn't expected his words to stir up so much emotion from the medical ninjas. He had even been prepared to draw his weapon in self-defense.
Inside the Konoha Hospital ward, a black-haired young woman lay quietly on the bed. Her brows were slightly furrowed, as though she was experiencing a terrible nightmare. If not for the bandages on her body, her peaceful rest by the window would have looked like a beautiful picture.
"Mirai…"
The girl suddenly awoke, and the scene before her shifted instantly from the nightmare to the reality of white walls and the figures standing beside her bed, confirming that what she had seen was merely a dream.
"You're awake, Kiyo," the elderly man by the bed said, speaking softly when he saw her wake up.
"Grandfather, you've come…" Kiyo Hyuga greeted him with a touch of melancholy before falling silent and staring at the white wall.
Zosuke Hyuga didn't speak either. The two remained silent in the room for a while.
After a while, Kiyo couldn't help but ask, "Grandfather, don't you have any questions for me?"
Zosuke Hyuga responded in his old voice, "There's no need. If you wish to tell me something, you'll do so in time. Kiyo, since the moment you were taught the Caged Bird seal, you've been a worthy successor in my eyes. How you handle the situation is for you to decide."
"Thank you, grandfather!"
"Since you're awake, I'll leave for now," Zosuke Hyuga said. He slowly began to leave the room but stopped at the door to say, "Don't worry about the clan's pressure. Do what you feel is right. However, Kiyo, remember that the First Hokage didn't bring peace through ideals of love and harmony."
With that, he left the room, and the door clicked shut, leaving Kiyo alone.
"…Grandfather, I won't give up," Kiyo whispered after a moment. Her eyes then shifted to the diagnostic report on the cabinet near the window. Reaching out, she picked it up and realized it was hers.
"Ha~" She exhaled slowly after reading it, then set the report aside.
The diagnosis was brief: Multiple abrasions, with daily changes to the bandages. Full recovery expected within five days.
(End of Chapter)
=========================================================
DROP THEM POWER STONES PLEASE
SUPPORT ME ON P@TREON IF YOU'D LIKE ACCESS ON ADVANCED CHAPTERS
PAT REON . COM / TurdTranslations (Just remove the space).