章節 22: Hyuga Affair (2)
Hiashi immediately scooped up his unconscious daughter, retreating a safe distance while his Byakugan scanned the surroundings, vigilant and alert for any further threats.
His sharp eyes soon locked onto a familiar but still oppressing chakra signature in the sky. Hovering above, silhouetted against the dark, cloudy night, was Mirai. He perched upon an airborne platform crafted from the same silver liquid that had intercepted Hiashi's strike. The platform was molded into a makeshift chair, where Mirai reclined comfortably, one leg draped casually over the edge
Mirai's posture was relaxed, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he said. "Hiashi-san, you owe me a favor now."
…
Earlier that day, feeling a gnawing suspicion that something bad might happen, Mirai had decided to stay lurking around the Hokage building and later near the residence assigned to the Kumo envoys. He monitored the visitors without revealing himself. Meanwhile, Naruto had gone home, leaving a clone in his place.
Mirai's intuition proved true when the Kumo ambassador, the man named G, sneaked out undetected. Despite G's masterful presence erasure technique, which suppressed his chakra to near-invisibility, he couldn't hide his physical form. This made it easier for Mirai to follow him, using his airborne platform to stay concealed while tracking G's bio-magnetic field.
Mirai had to admit that G's technique was impressive. Suppressing his chakra so effectively was a rare skill, one that could deceive almost anyone. But Mirai's ability to sense and track bio-magnetic fields gave him the upper hand. No matter how well G concealed his chakra, his physical presence and the subtle disturbances in the environment couldn't escape Mirai's keen senses.
Mirai's suspicions about Kumo's true intentions were confirmed when he saw G heading towards the Hyuga compound.
The Byakugan had always been a coveted kekkei genkai. Many attempts had been made to steal it or study it, but the Hyuga Clan had robust safeguards. The branch houses were protected by the [Caged Bird Mark], a cursed seal that served both as a defense mechanism and a symbol of the clan's internal hierarchy. The main house members rarely engaged in large-scale battles and were always guarded by branch house members.
Mirai considered the system abhorrent, likening it to a form of miniature slavery. The branch house members were essentially bound to serve and protect the main house, their autonomy curtailed by the cursed seal. Despite its moral repulsiveness, Mirai couldn't deny the system's effectiveness in safeguarding the Byakugan.
He thought of Ao, whose name became renowned as the 'Byakugan Killer' after successfully defeating a Hyuga of the main house and transplanting one of his eyes with the latter's Byakugan. Ao's success was a rare feat, with such attempts typically ending in failure since the Warring States period.
Mirai watched the entire confrontation unfold. As Hiashi moved to deliver a lethal blow to the Kumo envoy, Mirai's instincts kicked in. He knew that killing the envoy would lead to severe political fallout and complications for Konoha. Even if it was Kumo's overstep, the Raikage would undoubtedly demand compensation and accuse Konoha of violating the peace agreement.
Just as Hiashi's palm strike was about to connect with G's chest, Mirai intervened. He summoned a Mercury barrier, which swiftly shifted between Hiashi and G, absorbing the impact of Hiashi's strike. The silver liquid then engulfed G, binding him securely and leaving only his head exposed.
Perched upon an airborne platform created from Mercury, he appeared relaxed, reclining comfortably, one leg draped over the edge. With a gentle smile, he called down. "Hiashi-san, you owe me a favor now."
Hiashi, still holding his daughter protectively, saw Mirai descending and asked stiffly. "Mirai-san, what are you doing here?"
Mirai's expression turned serious as he said. "You should probably uncover the kidnapper's face, Hiashi-san."
With a wary expression, Hiashi approached G, the Kumo ambassador, and forcefully removed the mask covering his face. As soon as Hiashi laid eyes on G's features, his face drained of color, his eyes widening in shock and then quickly clouding over with intense anger.
The implications of this incident were clear to Hiashi. The delicate peace treaty recently signed with Kumo could unravel in an instant if the truth of G's actions were revealed. The balance that Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, strived to maintain could be jeopardized, and the consequences for the Hyuga clan could be severe.
Amidst his anger, Hiashi also understood the complexities of the situation. He knew that Hiruzen might prioritize the village's stability over individual grievances, even his own. Yet, the audacity of Kumo's ambassador struck a deep nerve.
Hiashi immediately bowed in thanks to Mirai, acknowledging his quick intervention and understanding of the gravity of the situation. "Thank you, Mirai-san."
Just then, a group of ANBU operatives and Hyuga clansmen arrived at the scene. The ANBU swiftly took control, surrounding G, the Kumo ambassador.
Hiashi wasted no time, gently passing his daughter to a nearby Hyuga clansman who stood ready to protect her. Meanwhile, Mirai approached G, his movements deliberate as he undid the bindings that had restrained the ambassador.
G's face betrayed shock and disbelief as he looked up at Mirai. "Are you still alive?" He stammered, his voice barely audible amidst the tension.
Mirai's gaze hardened slightly. "My presence here should answer that question." He replied evenly.
As Hiashi passed his daughter to a nearby clansman for safekeeping, Mirai stepped back, allowing the ANBU to secure G without resistance. Together, Mirai and Hiashi led the procession towards the Hokage building, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of recent events.
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