Unlike the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere on Hinata's side, other places remained solemn.
Hyuga Hiashi sat upright in the primary seat of the Main Family's hall, his expression as heavy as water.
Several clansmen below were reporting the latest investigation results.
"Clan Chief, the northeast area has been searched three times. Aside from the initial residues and some Chakra traces found at the start, no clues regarding the missing clansmen have been found, nor were any signs of battle discovered. The opponent's methods were very clean."
Another person added.
"All sentry posts around the clan grounds have been doubled, the patrol crossover interval has been shortened to fifteen minutes, and all Branch Family members performing missions outside have received emergency recall orders and are returning one after another."
Hiashi nodded slightly, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the table. Clean, too clean.
This instead further confirmed his suspicion that the opponent was an extremely professional organization with an intimate understanding of Konoha's internal workings.
The suspicion toward 'Root' had already risen to ninety percent in his heart. However, without evidence, he could not move against a Konoha Elder and high-level official.
"Continue to strengthen security, especially the Main Family Residence and training grounds. Until the truth is revealed, no one is allowed to slack off." Hiashi's voice carried an unquestionable authority.
"Additionally, pay close attention to any movement within the Village."
...Meanwhile, inside the Hokage Office.
A masked Anbu knelt on one knee, his voice coming through the mask with a trace of imperceptible trembling.
"Sandaime-sama, emergency intelligence. According to the squad's patrol report outside the Village, the scene... the scene has traces of a large-scale battle, the terrain is severely damaged, and... and the remains of Elder Danzo Shimura and his accompanying Root members have been discovered..."
"Clatter!"
The pipe that had accompanied Hiruzen Sarutobi for decades slipped from his hand and fell, breaking into two pieces on the hard floor, spilling ash everywhere.
He suddenly sat bolt upright, his face appearing exceptionally pale and aged under the light.
"You... what did you say?" His voice was dry and raspy, almost unable to believe his ears.
"Danzo... is dead? Are you sure it's Danzo?"
"Yes, Sandaime-sama. Appearance, clothing, and residual Chakra characteristics have all been confirmed without error. A few Root members were only unconscious... we have already questioned them about the specific situation... they... they said..."
The Sandaime impatiently urged him with a look.
"It's... Hyuga Hinata. According to their statement, they were led by Danzo to surround and suppress Hyuga Hinata. Orochimaru and his subordinates were also present. After Orochimaru and Hinata clashed, Elder Danzo intervened, but later they were knocked unconscious by Hinata using an unknown ability..."
The Anbu lowered his head to report, not daring to look at the Hokage's expression at this moment.
After hearing this, the Sandaime leaned back in his chair, his face showing total exhaustion as he muttered.
"Sigh... you, oh you, Danzo, Danzo..."
He had warned Danzo long ago not to take action against Hinata and not to try to touch Hinata with Root, but he simply wouldn't listen.
Now look what happened; not only is he dead himself, but the Root members have also suffered heavy losses, and Konoha is in danger again.
The most critical point was that he wanted to retire! To have this happen right before he stepped down—damn it, it was just unbelievable, truly one of a kind.
A sense of panic over the situation being completely out of control instantly overwhelmed the old man. He waved his hand, signaling the Anbu to withdraw.
When the office door closed again, leaving him alone, the Sandaime seemed to age another ten years in an instant, looking as if he might pass away at any moment.
He tiredly closed his eyes and pressed his fingers hard against his throbbing temples.
Danzo was dead, 'Root' was leaderless, and Konoha's greatest shadow force hidden beneath the light had collapsed overnight. This brought not just grief, but a massive power vacuum and unpredictable chain reactions.
Crucially, now that he had moved against Hinata, how would Hinata view the Village? Would she hate the Village, defect directly, or do something even more extreme?
The Sandaime felt like he was going to die of worry. He could only silently pick up his pipe, piece it back together, and continue smoking... The news spread like a plague, reaching the ears of the two Elder Advisors, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado, with the utmost speed.
They called an emergency meeting.
"Surround and suppress Hyuga Hinata?!" Utatane Koharu's voice suddenly rose, filled with shock.
"Has Danzo gone mad? To lay a hand on the daughter of the Hyuga Main Family? This will cause a complete backlash from the Hyuga Clan!"
Homura Mitokado's face was grim.
"I didn't expect Danzo to be so impatient. Those missing people from the Hyuga Clan were likely Danzo's doing as well, and Orochimaru was even involved."
He looked toward the Sandaime.
"Hiruzen, according to this intelligence, it can be almost certainly concluded that Hinata was the one who killed Danzo."
The Third Hokage took a deep breath, his face appearing even more haggard amidst the swirling smoke. Danzo moving against Hinata had touched his bottom line.
"The matter is more complicated than we imagined," the Sandaime spoke slowly.
"Danzo's actions were... reckless. But things have come to this, and assigning blame is now meaningless. There are three current priorities."
"First, strictly block the news. Regarding Danzo's cause of death, the official story will be that he encountered a powerful enemy while on a secret mission and died a heroic death. We must not mention Hyuga Hinata or Orochimaru."
"Second, appease the Hyuga Clan. Communicate with Hiashi and stabilize them, at least on the surface."
"Third, I need to see Hinata and talk to her about what exactly happened."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over his two old friends, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
"Regarding the issue of Root, the Anbu will take over for now. Konoha cannot afford any more internal strife."
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado's eyes flickered. They didn't immediately argue, but the calculations in their hearts clearly hadn't stopped. The power vacuum left by Danzo and the legacy of 'Root' were simply too tempting.
Now that the primary suspicion had fallen on Hyuga Hinata and Orochimaru, it instead made them feel that the room for internal power manipulation had become even larger... In the kitchen, that ancient heaven and earth primordial qi pot was sitting quietly on a specially made stove.
Hinata took out ingredients and began to cook.
Hanabi followed behind Hinata like a little tail, curiously standing on her tiptoes, watching her sister handle the ingredients with fluid grace.
Hinata's knife work was as precise as art, with every slice of ingredient being perfectly uniform in size.
After a while, the ingredients were in the pot and had already begun to emit a fragrance.
"It smells so good..." Hanabi sniffed with her little nose, her big eyes fixed on the pot, her mouth nearly watering.
"Sister, this pot is amazing! Is it glowing?"
"Yes, because it's not an ordinary pot," Hinata explained patiently. "It can lock in the food's best flavor and nutrition, and make them even more delicious and better for the body."
Hinata estimated that the timing was right, and she gently lifted the pot lid.
"Hum——"
(BGM should play here)
An even richer fragrance, appearing almost as if it had condensed into substance, surged out along with a faint light. The ingredients inside were cooked just right, the meat tender and fresh, making one's appetite soar just by looking at it.
Hinata took out two exquisite porcelain bowls and first served a full bowl for Hanabi, with the meat, vegetables, and broth perfectly balanced.
"Be careful, it's hot," Hinata reminded her carefully.
Hanabi was already impatient. She picked up a small spoon, cautiously scooped up a spoonful of beef mixed with broth, blew on it, and then sent it into her mouth.
The next moment, Hanabi's eyes snapped wide open, as if stars were twinkling inside them!
"Mmm——! It's too delicious!!!"
She exclaimed indistinctly, her little face overflowing with incomparable happiness and satisfaction.
She felt as if her body were floating, and her mood became as bright as sunshine.
"Sister, you eat quickly too! It's really super, super delicious!" While devouring the food, Hanabi didn't forget to invite Hinata.
Seeing her younger sister eating so happily, a smile appeared on Hinata's face.
She also served herself a bowl and savored it slowly.
The two sisters sat at the small kitchen table, enjoying this extraordinary delicacy.
"Sister," Hanabi said after finishing the last bite, patting her round little belly contentedly and leaning dependently against Hinata, "I want to eat the food sister makes every day from now on!"
"Alright, as long as I have time, I'll cook for our little Hanabi." Hinata dotedly pinched her sister's little nose.
"Pinky swear!" Hanabi held out her little finger.
"Pinky swear." Hinata also smiled and extended her finger, making a promise with her sister.
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