Naruto: Escape From Konoha-Chapter 152: 148: The Blood Mist

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"The Byakugan..."

What lay before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, was a comprehensive report containing detailed information about the battle.

The report included intelligence about the combat capabilities of the S-Rank rogue nin, Hyuga Ayane, which had been relayed from the front lines by the Anbu operatives.

It wouldn't be fair to call this operation entirely fruitless, but it had come at the cost of twelve Root ninja lives in exchange for informations about the enemy's evolving strength, making it seem somewhat less worthwhile at present.

Additionally, this operation exposed the core support tactics utilizing the Flying Thunder God jutsu, making Konoha's strategies vulnerable to enemy awareness and potentially subject to countering the jutsu in the future. They could only hope for another stroke of luck to encounter such a favorable opportunity.

And most importantly, it was just one person.

The most significant concern, however, was that there were two other individuals involved. Considering these three as a collective enemy, any intelligence gathered may have may not be of any use.

"So, Hiruzen, how do you plan to address the repercussions of this situation?" asked advisors Koharu and Homura, who stood in front of Hiruzen's desk, looking determined.

"Danzo took away half of Root's manpower for this operation, but only a few survivors remain from the personnel who executed it. We need to urgently replenish our ranks."

During the ongoing war, Danzo's Root played a crucial role. Whether it involved harassment or intelligence gathering from the enemy, Root's contributions were invaluable to Konoha. Without them, the regular Anbu forces alone couldn't handle all aspects of the battlefield.

The division of roles was clear: Anbu controlled the interior, while Root maintained command over the exterior, a mutual understanding cultivated over years by the village's leadership.

Now, with Root suffering heavy losses and its leadership group incapacitated, even if they recovered, their strength wouldn't be the same. This was a considerable headache for Hiruzen.

"However, we don't have many exceptional ninjas remaining in the village. Most are highly critical of Root's existence. It may take some time to replenish our ranks." Koharu said, elaborating on the village's internal situation.

"No need to worry at the moment. Danzo took only half of Root's power this time, leaving the other half in the village, ensuring some continuity in our operations for now." said Homura.

"Danzo is currently incapacitated, and the Root is temporarily under the management of Jonin from the Aburame clan, Ryoma. I will establish contact with her as soon as possible."

Aburame Ryoma, a prominent Jonin of the Aburame clan, had a remarkable track record in battle. She joined the Root during the Second Ninja World War and became Danzo's right-hand woman.

With Danzo unable to lead, the Root couldn't simply stagnate. Appointing a temporary leader was necessary to stabilize the situation.

In terms of strength, leadership skills, and most importantly, loyalty, Aburame Ryoma was undoubtedly a stellar Konoha Jonin.

"Now, Hiruzen..., what are your thoughts on the matter of the Hyuga clan's Byakugan?" asked Homura as he turned his gaze toward Hiruzen.

Hiruzen remained silent.

"Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan is a type we have never seen before. It fundamentally differs from the traditional Byakugan ability of the Hyuga clan, including the Gentle Fist."

As advisors, they were well-versed in the battle's intelligence.

"The pupil releasing justu of her Byakugan she used which can silently subdue an opponent. Even a Jonin not paying attention might be instantly killed. What's even more terrifying is the terrifying nature of her Gentle Fist, leaving no escape for the target. Even if one didn't witness it in person, it's easy to imagine the desperation Danzo faced."

Homura took a deep breath after sharing these details, caution evident in his eyes.

"Do you think the Hyuga clan is deliberately concealing their abilities? I don't believe so. The Hyuga clan has been an integral part of Konoha for decades. If they were hiding something of such significance, Hashirama-sensei and Tobirama-sensei wouldn't have missed it."

Hiruzen's response indicated that he couldn't fathom the Hyuga clan deliberately withholding crucial information from the village.

If that were the case, their sensei, the former Hokage would have left behind a warning in the scrolls to be vigilant regarding the Hyuga clan's eyes.

"The role of the Byakugan on the battlefield is vital, but it's just in terms of function. If a formidable outsider like Hyuga Ayane is born from the clan, it might disrupt the village's balance."

For the Kekkei Genkai ninja, a powerful Uchiha is enough to give them a headache. If the Hyuga Clan faces instability once again, their strategy against them must adapt.

Currently, they were in a crucial wartime period, and Konoha couldn't afford any disruptions.

As concerned consultants, their worries weren't unfounded.

Hyuga Ayane's unique Byakugan and her extraordinary display of the Gentle Fist had surpassed their common understanding of the Hyuga clan's abilities.

"I disagree with this."

"Hiruzen, we must ask about this matter. Understanding whether this Kekkei Genkai has undiscovered abilities is crucial. I suspect that Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan has undergone some transformation that surpasses the limits of ordinary Hyuga clan members. It's like..."

At this point, Homura paused briefly, looking directly at Hiruzen with a serious expression, and he continued,

"The difference between the Sharingan and Mangekyou Sharingan."

Upon hearing these words, Hiruzen showed signs of hesitation.

"There's no room for hesitation. Whether it's a mutation by chance or the result of an established evolutionary path, we need to verify this with the Hyuga clan. If this mutation is unique, it's one thing, but if other Byakugan can also experience mutation and evolution... I'm taking this precaution for good reason."

Both Byakugan and Sharingan are Kekkei Genkai Doujutsu.

It's possible that, like Sharingan, Byakugan possesses previously unknown mutation and evolution capabilities.

Just because it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it's impossible. If the Hyuga clan has made some secretive changes due to Hyuga Ayane's case, it could negatively impact the village's balance.

"I will think about it for a while."

At a time like this, Hiruzen didn't want to jeopardize the trust between the Hyuga clan and himself. Investigating the Hyuga Clan at this point could lead to unnecessary conflicts with the Hokage.

After all, the notion of the Byakugan's mutation is based solely on speculation without concrete evidence.

If they could study Hyuga Ayane's eyes, it would be acceptable to get accurate data, but based on their guess alone, it's necessary to investigate the Hyuga clan, but Hiruzen felt quite repulsive.

Although he voiced these concerns, Hiruzen was inclined to delegate the issue to his two close friends, Koharu and Homura.

Both the Byakugan and Sharingan have potential mutation and evolution capabilities. However, as Hokage, he couldn't rely on such speculation to endanger the strong relationship between Hyuga and the village.

"This opportunity can't be missed."

"Don't worry, I understand the gravity of the situation. We should pacify the Hyuga first, without coercion. This situation is different from the Uchiha problem. I will think it over again, and we will find a solution later."

Hiruzen reached for a cigarette on the table with a troubled expression, took a deep puff, and exhaled the smoke.

Seeing Hiruzen in this state, Kaharu and Homura realized they wouldn't get any further at the moment.

After going back, Kaharu turned to her partner and remarked, "I can't help but feel that Hiruzen is starting to resemble what Danzo mentioned. His recent decision-making seems more hesitant than before."

"Yes, he's shown hesitation before, but he wouldn't have delayed us like this. As for the Hyuga clan issue, it can't wait. If there's even a possibility of mutation and evolution within the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, we can't predict the future changes it might bring to the village."

The power of Kekkei Genkai of a ninja is incredibly formidable. The Hyuga clan is valued and trusted by the village's leadership due to the strategic importance of the Byakugan. However, in terms of combat effectiveness, they have been inferior to the Uchiha clan.

If the Byakugan potentially possesses the same mutation issue as the Sharingan and undergoes a more significant transformation, the Hyuga clan could rival the Uchiha clan's power within Konoha.

At that point, the Byakugan would hold more strategic significance than just being a trait of strategic importance.

"It's a shame that Tobirana-sensei didn't leave behind more information about the Byakugan."

"It's never too late to learn now. Hiruzen couldn't provide a breakthrough, so we'll have to rely on our own efforts."

"Your thoughts..."

Koharu looked at Homura in surprise.

"Danzo isn't around, so Hiruzen might not listen to us. We are also considering the village's future, and Hiruzen will appreciate our good intentions. The Hyuga clan issue can only be resolved by being honest with each other immediately."

Homura looked into the distance, which was the direction of the Hyuga clan.

....

"These are the ancient scrolls passed down by our Hyuga clan."

In the vast library of the Hyuga Clan, a clan elder led the way, guiding Kohary and Homura to the deepest corner of the library, where important records left by the Hyuga clan's ancestors were stored.

With the clan elder's approval, they received special access as high-ranking consultants.

"Please understand, this is a necessity."

Surprisingly, they obtained permission from the Hyuga clan quite smoothly, granting them access to read the materials within the clan's library.

Following them, there were also a few Jonin who were close associates, assisting in managing the intelligence.

After all, there was a huge amount of materials, and processing them solely with the two of them could take a considerable amount of time.

"You're welcome. Our clan's handling of the situation hasn't been perfect. It's only natural to address Hokage-sama's concerns. We have already received information about the frontline through Hizashi's reports, so we understand the concerns of our advisors. No matter what, the Hyuga clan will wholeheartedly support Hokage-sama's decisions." The clan elder said. freeweb(n)ovel

Not long after, he allowed Koharu, Homura, and their group of associates to remain, then walked out himself.

Outside the library, several clan elders were waiting.

Seeing someone emerge, they pulled him aside and asked in low tones, "Is it really acceptable to do this? This is our clans hard-earned collection. There can't be any accidents."

Opening the Hyuga Clan's library and granting the advisors access to the clan's centuries old records has left many clan elders uneasy.

"After all, this is a orders from Hokage-sama. By doing this, we can also eliminate Hokage-sama's concerns about our clan. We're different from the Uchiha."

"I'm afraid this isn't an order personally issued by Hokage-sama."

One of the clan elders made a surprising remark.

The other clan elders were initially startled, but they understood the truth after some thought.

In other words, the two advisorss arrived here for an inspection, and this didn't originate from Hokage's direct command but instead they bypassed his authority, allowing them to intervene directly with the Hyuga clan?

"Hokage-sama is the leader of the moderate faction in the village. Considering our clan's significance to the village, he would never issue such an unreasonable order." The clan elder said in a low voice.

"Forget it, let's not dwell on it. Regardless of whose orders it is, it doesn't matter. What's important now is to ensure the clan's standing within the village."

"Will Hiashi-sama consent to this?"

"Hiashi-sama is currently on the battlefield, and we can handle this here. He's still quite young, and it's sufficient to leave the matter of engaging in the battlefield and fighting the enemy to the branch family. As the clan head, it's safest for him to stay within the clan. After all, the protection of our clan's precious eyes can't be left to chance."

"Yes, Hiashi-sama is a young man with much vigor. It's understandable that he wants to make contributions and not waste his youth, but this matter hasn't been managed well. As the clan head, there's no need to compromise for the sake of the branch family. Safeguarding our clan is a natural obligation and responsibility."

As the clan head, Hiashi had personally gone to the battlefield, and the clan elders harbored much discontent.

The collective defection of the ninja from the branch family had already caused considerable harm to the Hyuga clan. Any accident to the clan head on the battlefield would only compound the chaos within the Hyuga clan.

Not only was it about appeasing the branch family members, but there was no need to go to such lengths.

"At last, our status within the clan and in the village seems to have stabilized, and we can breathe easy."

One of the clan elders heaved a sigh of relief.

After all, they didn't take pleasure in being scrutinized by high-ranking individuals.

Given the current state of the Hyuga Clan, it's better to exercise caution, as they truly couldn't afford any more complications.

...

"What are you up to?"

In the external corridor, sunlight bathed the area, and the sun seemed eager to share its light and warmth with the earth.

When Ruri and Ayane encountered each other in the corridor, Ruri asked Ayane this.

"What do you mean?"

"If you intentionally showed up in the Land of Grass and offered a reward for that small grudge, there was no need to place yourself in this situation."

According to Ruri's knowledge, when Ayane left the Hyuga clan, she took a huge sum of reserve funds from the clan, sufficient to provide for the Hyuga clan members in the Land of Demons without any financial worries.

Ayane siding with Iwagakure and waging war against Konoha had displeased Ruri.

"Well, what's the matter? Maybe it was a whim, or perhaps Konoha was a little naive? So what if it is?"

Although Ruri had posed a question, Ayane responded with a question of her own, employing a smile to mask her intentions.

Pointing to her chin with a finger, Ruri was very annoyed by Ayane'$ innocent look of acting like she had no idea of what she was doing.

"If our location here is compromised due to something like this, you should be aware of the consequences."

Ruri frowned.

"Oh, I was only joking. You don't have to take it so seriously. In any case, the more intense the ninja world war, the more beneficial it will be for our growth."

"To be honest, I hate your character so much.."

Ayane's unpredictable actions, often engaging in reckless and dangerous endeavors, angered Ruri. How much longer would the village permit this woman to continue her audacious actions?

Merely thinking about it made Ruri angrier.

It wasn't solely due to Ayane revealing herself on the battlefield in the Land of Grass; it was more accurate to say she harbored resentment toward every aspect of this woman's being.

Especially her monstrous chest!

"I hate you too."

Ayane responded, concealing her jealousy with an innocent smile.

When you hate someone, sometimes it's more essential to maintain a flawless smile instead of openly revealing your jealousy and hatred.

"I've told you numerous times, don't amile like that. I have warned you before."

"I just thought that returning under such favorable circumstances made me happy. Of course, if you don't care, it's no problem."

"It seems that you're only pure on the outside, and your nature is really promiscuous."

"Oh, coming from you, who's been monopolizing more than her fair share of time, are you in any position to say such things to me? Washboard."

The term "Washboard" nearly caused Ruri's dark pupils to ignite.

A certain nerve in her brain had completely short-circuited.

"Ahem, I'm sorry, I might have gone a bit far. In fact, comparing you to a teapot lid might be a more better word. After all, there's still quite a gap between a washboard and a teapot lid, isn't there?"

Sensing intense hostility, Ayane's smile grew even more cheerful.

Surrendering through wordplay.

The two women locked eyes in the corridor, and the gap between them slowly lessened.

Yet they continued to gaze at each other.

Not only that, but the distance between them closed further, and they started to bump chests with each other.

In the air where their eyes met, it was as if sparks and lightning bolts were about to erupt.

In the office, the staff was reporting recent work progress to Shiraishi.

"—That sums up our work for this month."

"Thank you for your efforts. You may leave."

"Yes, Shiraishi-sama."

The staff exited, gently closing the door behind them.

Shiraishi closed the proposal book on his desk, walked to the window, observed the distant landscape, exhaled a long breath, and allowed his body to relax.

Staying seated for an extended period can make one's body feel somewhat numb. It seems that he should engage in more physical exercise in the future.

After all, working late into the night is quite taxing.

"What a peaceful sight..."

A smile crept across Shiraishi's face as he gazed at the beautiful scenery before him.

Boom!

On the distant mountain, suddenly there was an explosive flash, blooming incomparably gorgeously on the top of the mountain.

"..."

....

The Land of Water.

This island nation had a unique culture, despite facing the vast continent of the Ninja World across the sea. It has a combined land and sea area equivalent to that of major nations such as the Land Of Fire.

Surrounded by the sea on all sides, with numerous high mountains within, the country remained shrouded in dense fog all year round.

Due to its isolation from the mainland, the Kirigakure in the Land of Water had refrained from participating in the Ninja World War since the First Ninja World War.

Recently, this country, enshrouded in perpetual fog, has gotten the sinister moniker "Village Of The Bloody Mist" steadily spread about the ninja village of the Land of Water, known as Kirigakure.

A caravan steadily progresses along a fog-covered route.

The four-wheeled vehicle carried valuable cargo, with guards donning black hooded windbreakers marked by the Purple Rose emblem on their backs.

This is a caravan from the Land of Demons.

With the recent military reforms in the Land of Demons, these guards possess a new identity—the Land Of Demons Army.

Even though this fact hasn't circulated widely in various countries, there was no need for too much publicity.

They transported their valuable cargo on their journey. After a couple of hours' travel, they will arrive at the largest port city in the Land of Water.

There, they will board the Land Of Demons military cruiser docked at the port city and safely return to the Land of Demons.

"This country is terrible."

Someone voiced their thoughts, having seemingly harbored this sentiment for some time on the journey.

"What's wrong?"

"Of course, it's Kirigakure. It's truly terrifying. We've set up a branch there, but the moment you step out, you're under surveillance."

Beyond that, you can hear faint screams every night. They were the sounds of ninjas who had died in battle.

"This is the internal affairs of another country and doesn't concern us. Our only responsibility is to sell drugs."

"That said, the village is exceptionally bad. I heard they only had one graduate from the ninja academy this year; the rest all died."

Even though such information was prohibited from spreading in Kirigakure, some rumors inevitably surfaced.

It was only natural; the villagers would go mad from prolonged repression.

"That little brat named 'Hozuki'? It's truly unfortunate."

A wordless exchange transpired among them, with everyone venting their dissatisfaction about the dire circumstances in Kirigakure.

For the personnel assigned here, opening a store in Kirigakure isn't life-threatening, but it's extremely troublesome to be under surveillance even when using the restroom.

Distrust, bloodshed, brutality, and an evil atmosphere shroud the village.

Just as they continued to transport their cargo and advance, the sound of clashing metal reverberated from the bridge ahead, obscured by the fog.

It was the noise of weapons clashing in combat.

Intense chakras clashed and detonated, while the water beneath the bridge churned. Water dragons from different factions bit and writhed, drenching the surroundings with rain.

The atmosphere grew cild as both sides refused to yield, relentlessly bombarding each other with ninjutsu, shuriken, and explosive tags.

These were Kirigakure ninjas, fighting against their own comrades due to differing ideologies and allegiances.

Their comrades' blood was shed as a result of differing ideas and factions!

"It's happening again, a battle in the Blood Mist."

###

UPDATE: I may have to drop this fic for a while. I'm currently translating and editing 227 - 235, but the author had fleshed out this fic extensively. It's getting tiring to make names for the Chinese words in the raw, even places that aren't in cannon. If it gets worse I might just drop. Also if anyone can assist with the words, names and places do comment.

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