Kryptonians: Man of Steel

Chapter 946: Internal Review of the Hyuga Clan

This is where it gets tricky.

The main reason was that neither Sarutobi Hiruzen nor Shimura Danzo had ever thought that the members of the Anbu would be the other party's people.

With the confession from the Anbu and the body of the Hyuga branch, this matter can be said to be irrefutable evidence.

Deep in the heart of Konoha Village, at the Hyuga clan's residence, the atmosphere was so solemn that even the air seemed to have frozen.

The afterglow of the setting sun barely penetrated the dense clouds and sprinkled on this ancient and solemn courtyard, but it could not illuminate the haze in Hinata Hiashi's heart.

He stood in the center of the hall, facing several elders of the clan with different expressions, his eyes flashing with anger and confusion that was difficult to conceal.

"Who are you to act on your own?"

Hinata Hiashi was very angry, he already knew about this.

Fortunately, the Hokage still trusts the Hyuga clan, and Sarutobi Hiruzen even gave the intelligence scroll that Shimura Danzo gave him to Hyuga Hiashi. After reading it, Hyuga Hiashi broke out in a cold sweat.

Kidnapping and holding Sarutobi Konohamaru hostage to force Sarutobi Hiruzen to compromise?

He is so bold and treasonous that he dares to do such a thing. Does he really think that if the Uchiha clan is exterminated, the Hyuga clan will not be exterminated?
Even though Konoha is in turmoil now and is at its most critical moment in all these years, the Hyuga clan is not able to cause trouble.

The Uchiha clan has already demonstrated the consequences of trying to fight against the entire village with the power of one clan.

Hyuga Hiashi immediately stated that this was absolutely not the case, but he was very clear that the only people who could give orders to the Hyuga branch family were those from the Hyuga main family. After all, they held the power of life and death over the caged bird sealing technique, and the Hyuga branch family could be said to be absolutely loyal to the Hyuga main family.

What made Hinata Hiashi angry was that the Hyuga clan had done such a thing without telling him, the clan leader.

"The Hyuga clan has been one of the pillars of Konoha since ancient times. We take it as our duty to protect Konoha and maintain peace. How could anyone dare to do such a treasonous thing?"

Hinata Hiashi's words were full of disbelief and grief. He knew very well that once this matter was known to the outside world, not only would the reputation of the Hyuga clan be ruined, but it would also likely cause unrest and turmoil in the entire Konoha Village.

"Chief, we really have no idea!"

An elderly elder of the clan replied with a trembling voice, his eyes full of innocence and fear. Obviously, this sudden accusation caught him off guard and made him realize the seriousness of the situation.

"Hiashi, what are you talking about, how could we possibly do something so ridiculous?"

An elder of the Hyuga clan retorted angrily.

"Uninformed? Then, who can explain why members of the Hyuga branch family appeared in such an occasion? Why did their bodies become irrefutable evidence to accuse us?"

Hinata Hiashi's voice became increasingly stern, and the scroll in his hand was tightly clenched, as if it was his only support at the moment.

"Hiashi, you must understand that although there are differences between our Hyuga main family and branch family, we still have the same roots. How could we do such a disrespectful thing?"

A white-haired elder spoke with a trembling voice, obviously shocked by this incident.

He tried to calm Hyuga Hiashi's anger with family tradition and honor, but the effect seemed to be ineffective.

The meeting room fell into a deathly silence, and everyone's heartbeats could be heard clearly. After a moment, an elder who seemed to be calmer slowly spoke: "Clan leader, we must analyze calmly. First of all, although these evidences point to the Hyuga branch family, they cannot directly prove that it was the main family who ordered it. Secondly, the branch family's loyalty to the main family is beyond doubt, but loyalty does not mean that they will not be used or manipulated by others."

"You are right. We cannot conclude that it is the Zong family's responsibility based on these alone."

Hinata nodded.

"However, no matter who is behind this, I must find out the truth and clear the Hyuga clan's name. At the same time, I must make sure those who betrayed me receive the punishment they deserve."

Hyuga Hiashi took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He knew very well that at this critical moment, any impulse might push the Hyuga clan into an abyss of no return.

He slowly walked to the window, staring at the gradually darkening sky outside, feeling mixed emotions.

"Of course, I know the relationship between the main family and the branch family better than anyone else. But the facts are before us. The confession of the Anbu and the bodies of the Hyuga branch family all point to an unacceptable fact - there is a traitor within our Hyuga clan."

Hinata Hiashi turned around and glanced at every elder present with a sharp gaze.

"As the clan leader, I have the responsibility and obligation to find out the truth, give an explanation to the village, and clear the name of the Hyuga clan."

Hearing this, the elders looked at each other, and for a moment the hall fell into silence. Some of them looked puzzled, while others seemed to be worried.

Obviously, such an accusation would be a heavy blow to any family, let alone the Hyuga clan, which is known for its loyalty and unity.

"Rizu, we understand your anger and concern, but it would be too hasty to conclude that it was the Zong family's doing based on this evidence alone."

Another younger elder stood up, his tone showing both respect for Hinata Hiashi and a careful analysis of the situation.

"We, the Hyuga clan, have always taken it as our duty to protect Konoha and would never do anything to harm the village. Moreover, kidnapping the Hokage's grandson is a great stain on the family's honor."

Hinata Hiashi nodded, indicating his agreement with the other party. But he also knew that the truth was often hidden under complex appearances, and it required patience and wisdom to dig it out.

"I am not making a blind accusation. It is just that this matter is too strange and cannot help but make people suspicious. I propose that a special investigation team be set up immediately, with members from both the main family and the branch family participating, to thoroughly investigate this matter."

Upon hearing this, the elders nodded in agreement.

They understand that now is not the time to blame each other, but to unite and face the crisis together.

Thus, an in-depth investigation into the "internal betrayal of the Hyuga clan" began.

Afterwards, Hyuga Hiashi ordered the immediate activation of the family's internal investigation mechanism, and to check one by one all members of the Hyuga branch family who might be involved, while also strengthening security precautions at the family residence to prevent further infiltration by external forces.

He also decided to go to the Hokage Building in person to report the matter to Sarutobi Hiruzen and request the Hokage to send Anbu to assist in the investigation to ensure the fairness and efficiency of the investigation.

On the way to the Hokage Building, Hinata Hiashi felt extremely heavy.

This incident is a test for the Hyuga clan. If it is not handled properly, then...

(End of this chapter)