Hyūga District
Naruto stood at the entrance.
A deadly atmosphere hung over the usually strict clan.
Though not known for cheerfulness, it wasn't usually a place even stray animals avoided — like they did today.
On the walls, in the trees... a silent army of masked figures: the Anbu and Root members.
Even if they all wore the same uniform, their affiliations were easy to tell apart.
Those with animal masks were likely from Yūgao's unit.
Those with demonic or bloodthirsty deity masks belonged to Danzō's subordinates.
After a quick scan, Naruto saw that multiple Anbu and Root squads had been deployed.
But the silver-haired ninja, Kakashi, seemed absent.
"Probably sent to the frontlines... after all, he's their best tool."
— Naruto...
A violet-haired figure called out to him.
It was Yūgao.
Apparently, Anbu Team 6 wasn't deployed in full.
— Don't go over there...
She motioned for him to stay away.
Her voice was soft — a sign of their bond.
— Don't worry, sis.
Naruto nodded, instantly putting on an innocent expression.
The shift was so sudden that even Kurama was speechless.
— That kid... just how good is he at lying?!
— Naruto-kun...
Hinata gently grabbed the edge of his jacket, sensing the tension in the clan.
To her, Naruto had become a safe haven.
Since her birthday, she had completely changed.
She believed in him — heart and soul.
— The Nine-Tails boy... knows Anbu agents?!
But Hinata saw things very differently.
A storm of confusion raged inside her.
After all the recent revelations, she no longer understood Naruto's true position.
The more she thought about it, the more foolish she felt for provoking him.
— Is Hiashi in trouble? I heard the Hokage is there... Can you take me to him? We're pretty close, he and I...
Naruto scratched his head, turning bashful in an instant.
"Just give me a little credit — the old man and I are buddies."
Yūgao hesitated, then gave in with a nod.
Among the Anbu present, at least a third knew Naruto's true identity.
Thanks to them, he passed the checkpoints without trouble, making his way to the guest hall.
But today, something was off...
The Hyūga guards had been replaced by two Root ninjas.
Their ominous masks alone were enough to inspire dread.
When Naruto tried to enter, they blocked him — and Yūgao too.
— Just a quick question...
Naruto looked at them with a sly grin.
— Aren't you guys hot under those masks today?
...
Inside
Danzō had just made his move.
— Killing eight Kumo ninjas is one thing. But why are the Hyūga protecting Naruto Uzumaki? Why did they invite him here? What are your true intentions?
The sudden accusation stunned even Hiruzen.
As Danzō opened his eyes, the tension in the room spiked.
— Could it be... the Hyūga are planning a rebellion?!
Hiding the Jinchūriki, lying to the authorities... all of it...
— Or perhaps... you've made a deal with Kumo?!
That accusation backed the Hyūga into a desperate corner.
Because everything Danzō said... was true.
The Hyūga had lied about the deaths of the Kumo ninjas.
And they had indeed invited Naruto.
Sweat beaded on Hiashi's brow.
None of these crimes could be forgiven.
Faced with Danzō's intimidation, he couldn't form a reply.
The discussion about who would sacrifice themselves for peace had just turned into a trial for treason.
Even the elder of the clan, seasoned in political schemes, felt his heart freeze at the darkness revealed by Konoha's leaders.
— Hokage-sama, this isn't what you think...
Tsukiyo tried to plead their case.
Though a mere woman with little influence, she couldn't sit back while her clan was being torn apart.
But her words had no effect.
Danzō's evidence was overwhelming.
The elder felt despair creeping in.
"Trying to gain favor with the Fourth's son... only to drown in our own lies."
Just as Tsukiyo was about to cry out again—
BOOM! BOOM!
Two loud thuds echoed near the entrance.
Silence fell. All eyes turned toward the door.
Then hurried footsteps, surprised murmurs—
And suddenly—
Creeeak—
The door opened.
A small figure stood silhouetted in the midday light.
Naruto, standing on the threshold, scanned the room.
— Is this a tea party? Mind if I join you?