Just then, a sudden voice rang out like thunder, shattering the tense silence.
Danzo Shimura was speaking. As a disciple of the Second Hokage, possessing Kage-level power, and leader of Root, he was arguably the most authoritative figure in Konoha. When he spoke, the crowd fell utterly silent even Kakashi and the others listened in hushed tension.
Not a sound could be heard not even a needle dropping so quiet was it.
Who dared interrupt?
Yet someone did. A shock ran through the crowd as the voice boldly cut Danzo off, showing no respect for the stage or decorum.
All eyes whipped toward the voice and froze.
It belonged to a young man with the Byakugan.
A member of the Hyūga clan.
For ordinary villagers and cannon-fodder shinobi, the interruption was startling. But for those who knew "Konoha's darker secrets," it felt like a thunderclap.
"What is Neji doing?!" Kurenai Yūhi frowned, alarmed.
"Does he not realize what this could mean for the Hyūga clan?!" Kakashi whispered, concerned.
Danzo is vindictive and ruthless. He never forgets or forgives. Neji's public opposition gave Danzo the perfect excuse to strike at the Hyūga.
"Hey, Guy Neji is" Kakashi began.
"I understand," Might Guy beamed, revealing his wide smile. Some light gleamed in his eyes.
"Guy, you-" Kakashi looked stunned.
"Do you think it's okay to hand the Hokage position to Danzo? You knew him better than anyone, Kakashi." Guy's voice grew serious.
The terrified hush around them wasn't just respect it was fear.
Kakashi fell silent. He knew Danzo's true character: cold, merciless, willing to assassinate even the Third Hokage to seize power. If Danzo took Root to new heights, Konoha would slip into darkness.
"Father, what about Neji?" Hinata stood by Hiashi Hyūga's side, timidly speaking up.
Hiashi fixed Neji with a sharp look, then quietly told Hinata, "Just watch."
His daughters hadn't shown Neji's talent, and the Hyūga had never allowed a woman to be clan head. He'd wrestled with the thought of bringing Neji into the family by marriage Hinata admired Neji, and he was already Hyūga by blood.
In the ninja world, strength matters above all. Neji had displayed extraordinary skill during the Chūnin Exams and in defending Konoha. More than that, he had tamed Shukaku the One-Tail. From every angle, Neji was clearly the best choice.
So Hiashi had decided to train Neji as potential heir. The elders could deal with Danzo. Danzo had taken revenge on the Uchiha. Why wouldn't he try to suppress the Hyūga next?
Neji, what will you do? Hiashi wondered silently.
It was a trial becoming clan head required more than strength.
Danzo turned his cold gaze toward Neji. He basked in the attention but now someone dared to challenge him in full view of everyone. This did not sit well.
Hyūga Neji, challenging me? You clearly have ulterior motives.
"Ha! The Hyūga clan is better dissolved," Danzo said harshly.
A clan with kekkei genkai is a tumor.
Ignorant fool don't you know Konoha's precarious state?! Other villages are eyeing us. We cannot waste time on hollow ideals. I seek the Hokage to protect Konoha not to see it implode because of your ambitions.
At once, many turned toward Neji with suspicion in their eyes.
What nerve.
Neji inwardly recoiled he had seen shameless before, but this was beyond anything he imagined from Danzo.
"Hyūga Neji, I hear the Third Hokage was with only you when he fell, and Orochimaru was nowhere to be found," Danzo continued, narrowing his eyes. "I cannot help but suspect collusion between you and Orochimaru."
So that's where this game is headed, Neji thought. Danzo would exploit any claim to trace Hyūga to Orochimaru and use that to eliminate them.
But Neji was not someone to be controlled.
"Because of that you suspect me? It's clear you're not fit to be Hokage, Danzo," Neji said bluntly, not even bothering with honorifics.
"What do you mean?" Danzo frowned.
"When the Third was trapped, I rushed to him out of urgency. How could a genin possibly hold back Orochimaru? If I did, that would be the real miracle."
Heads nodded among the crowd. Neji's power and especially his ability to control Shukaku were widely acknowledged. People were amazed.
But no one believed Neji could overpower Orochimaru. Everyone understood the demon-like snake-summoner was far more fearsome. Moreover, Neji and Orochimaru had no prior connection it was impossible they colluded.
"Neji has no reason to work with Orochimaru. Danzo, please investigate properly."
Danzo waved his hand. "Even so, detention is necessary during the inquiry." With that, several Root agents readied to move in toward Neji.
Neji watched them and anger flared So they really think I'm someone to be manhandled just because I might be Hokage?
As Root moved in, Neji acted swiftly. No words only action.
"Gentle Step Twin Lions Fist!"
The Root agents were stunned as Neji struck all flattened in an instant. His opponents couldn't even resist.
"Hyūga Neji, are you planning to defect from the village?!" Danzo's voice cut through the chaos.