230.Hidden Secrets

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"Lady Tsunade, Shikaku and Kakashi are here." 

Shizune entered the Hokage's office again, with Shikaku and Kakashi trailing behind her, both looking somewhat groggy. 

"You two!" Tsunade glared at their sleepy faces, slamming her desk in irritation. "You went drinking last night and didn't invite me?" 

"Well..." Kakashi said with an awkward laugh. "Last night was a men's gathering." 

Shikaku rubbed his eyes. "Exactly, Lady Tsunade. It was just a group of men drinking." 

"Hmph." Tsunade squinted suspiciously. "So what? You're all just my juniors anyway." 

"Yes, yes, of course," Kakashi quickly conceded, grinning. "Next time, Shikaku will definitely invite you." 

Shikaku gave Kakashi a sidelong glare, muttering to himself about Kakashi's sudden deference. Then, forcing himself to focus, he asked, "Lady Tsunade, what's the reason you called us here?" 

Tsunade dropped her teasing and adopted a serious expression. "You're both aware of what happened with the Hyuga clan last night, right?" 

"Yes," they nodded in unison. 

"This issue needs to be resolved quickly," Tsunade said firmly. "We can't let it fester." 

Shikaku nodded in agreement. "So far, the Hyuga clan's internal conflict has remained relatively contained, and that's a good thing. However, we need to address it promptly. Even though the Hyuga clan has kept a low profile, the news might still spread to other villages." 

"Exactly," Kakashi added. "We need to resolve this before other villages can react." 

Shikaku's expression grew thoughtful. "There's also the matter of a hidden hand guiding the situation from behind the scenes." 

"I agree," Kakashi said. "It feels orchestrated." 

"No surprises there," Tsunade sighed. "It's likely Kaito's doing. I'll have Minato reach out to him." 

"Kaito again, huh?" Kakashi scratched his head. "Not unexpected. I'll go see my teacher shortly." 

"Good. This task is yours," Tsunade said decisively. "Talk to Kaito and see if you can get any useful information out of him." 

"Well, I don't want to raise your hopes too high, but I'll give it a shot. We can't handle the Hyuga situation without understanding his intentions." 

"Go ahead." Tsunade waved him off. "Shikaku and I will discuss our next steps." 

"Yes, ma'am." 

Kakashi exited the office, closing the door behind him before leaping out of the hallway window. 

---

An Open Field Outside Konoha Village. 

Hundreds of Naruto's shadow clones sat in perfect rows, each holding a leaf, fully focused on their training. 

Leaning against a tree, Minato watched them idly, occasionally glancing down at their progress. 

Whoosh. 

The sound of rushing air signaled Kakashi's arrival beside him. 

"Yo, teacher. Naruto," Kakashi greeted casually. 

"Kakashi-sensei!" 

"Don't interrupt my training!" 

"You irresponsible teacher!" 

"…!" 

Dozens of Narutos dropped their leaves simultaneously, pointing and shouting at Kakashi in a cacophony of voices. 

"Alright, alright." Kakashi covered his ears. "You're way too noisy." 

"Hmph!" 

The Narutos all huffed in unison before sitting back down to resume their training. 

"Kakashi, you're here," Minato said, straightening from his seat on a tree branch. "What's the matter?" 

"Yes." Kakashi smiled. "Seems like you're not too concerned with village affairs, teacher." 

"I'm exhausted just keeping an eye on this rascal," Minato replied, gesturing to Naruto. "Besides, I'm not exactly in a position to meddle in the village's affairs anymore." 

"It's about the Hyuga clan," Kakashi explained without preamble. "Last night, the Hyuga branch family staged a revolt, and they succeeded." 

"Oh?" Minato looked mildly surprised. "How's Hiashi?" 

"He's fine," Kakashi assured him. "He's just been detained." 

Minato chuckled. "Hiashi let his guard down, didn't he?" 

"Definitely," Kakashi said with a laugh. "He was too complacent, trusting in his control of the Caged Bird Seal. He didn't even activate his Byakugan in time." 

"Well, as long as he's safe." Minato nodded. "So, who's leading the Hyuga clan now?" 

"Hiashi's youngest daughter, Hanabi." 

As a former Hokage, Minato quickly pieced together the context. "An extraordinary child—and a decision only a traditional clan like the Hyuga would make." 

"Speaking of which..." Minato looked back at Kakashi. "Does this have something to do with why you're here?" 

Kakashi nodded. "Sort of. It's mostly about Kaito. Lady Tsunade suspects he orchestrated the entire situation in the Hyuga clan and wants to understand his true intentions." 

"If we don't figure out his motives," Kakashi continued seriously, "it'll be difficult to stabilize the Hyuga clan's internal conflicts. If more complications arise, it'll be a disaster." 

"I see." Minato nodded knowingly. "I'll talk to him." 

"Thanks, teacher," Kakashi said with a smile. 

"No problem." 

Minato retrieved a small paper doll from his ninja pouch. It had simple facial features drawn on it, and his face briefly took on sage-like markings as he infused natural energy into the doll. 

"Minato?" 

The doll's face shifted, and Kaito's voice emerged from it. 

"Kaito, I need to talk to you," Minato said, holding the doll in his palm. 

"I figured as much," Kaito's voice replied with amusement. "This is about the Hyuga clan, right?" 

"So, it 'was' you," Kakashi interjected. 

"Kakashi's there too, huh?" Kaito sounded unsurprised. "Makes sense. Minato's not exactly one to meddle in Konoha's affairs these days." 

"What's your goal?" Kakashi asked bluntly. 

"No need to be so tense. I don't mean any harm. My goal is simple…" Kaito chuckled lightly. "To eliminate the Caged Bird Seal." 

"Why?" Minato asked, unable to hide his curiosity. "That doesn't sound like you." 

"Let's just say…" Kaito's tone turned serious. "It started as a mess Sasuke got me involved in. But when I removed Neji's seal, I discovered a hidden secret within the Caged Bird Seal." 

"What secret?" Minato and Kakashi's expressions turned grim. 

"The Caged Bird Seal creates a subtle connection between the Hyuga clan's Byakugan and the moon," Kaito explained. "I won't say more. Minato, you understand. It's up to you now." 

"What?" Minato's expression darkened. "So, should I reveal everything?" 

"Up to you," Kaito said indifferently. "As long as you can make them believe you. That's all for now." 

The communication cut off abruptly. 

"Teacher?" Kakashi asked, confused as Minato silently put away the paper doll. 

"Let's go," Minato said, standing. "I need to visit the Hokage's office."