Sarutobi Ryo returned to the mansion late at night.
The courtyard was pitch black, with light only spilling from the Great Hall.
When Sarutobi Ryo entered, he found the members of Anbu Squad Six were all there.
Yamanaka Hui, Hyuga Ruri, the Umino Couple, and Guren.
Anbu Squad Six had a formal roster of six, with Nohara Rin recently added as an honorary member. Nohara Rin had become a Chunin already, and Sarutobi Ryo hadn't had a chance to congratulate her yet. Rin's addition brought the roster up to seven.
And the minimum size of an Anbu squad was eight.
Who will fill that last spot?
Sarutobi Ryo scanned the room. "Everyone…"
He announced the Hyuga Clan's fate.
"From today onward, Ruri is a 'free agent.'"
The Head Family Elder was dead.
Hyuga Hiashi was seriously injured, imprisoned, and removed from his position.
Hyuga Hizashi was taking over.
All of this heralded earth-shattering changes for the Hyuga Clan.
Everyone couldn't help but look at Ruri, sincerely happy for her.
"..."
Ruri slowly raised her head, her eyes trembling slightly, a thousand words contained in a single glance.
"Alright, it's getting late. Everyone… please go back and get some rest." Sarutobi Ryo smiled slightly, dismissing them.
The Umino Couple nodded and were the first to leave.
Guren had personally participated in the mission to subdue the Hyuga Clan and had once again witnessed her Lord's strength, feeling satisfied.
After Guren left, Yamanaka Hui gently patted Ruri's shoulder.
"Ruri, congratulations… Come live here from now on. This is your home…"
Yamanaka Hui told Ruri to move in.
To not stay with the Hyuga Clan.
The old was passing, the new was arriving.
A brand new future awaited her.
Yamanaka Hui left without waiting for Ruri to reply.
"..."
After she went out and closed the door, only the two of them remained in the room.
The Great Hall was empty and felt particularly spacious.
The bright lights made Ruri feel a little dazed.
"Ruri… you're safe now."
Sarutobi Ryo walked over, gazing at the Byakugan girl as she stood up. From now on, she had gained almost complete freedom.
Ruri stared at Sarutobi Ryo, then threw herself into his arms.
Smelling the fragrance of the girl's hair, feeling her trembling body.
Only at this moment did her disguise finally fall away, and she began to sob.
[Hyuga Ruri, Progress: 30%].
Sarutobi Ryo didn't pay attention to the system notification.
Ruri's safety was paramount—more important than any cold data.
Hyuga Hiashi was still unconscious.
Even if he woke up, he would find himself restrained, completely unable to move, let alone use the Cursed Seal.
The night was quiet.
Sarutobi Ryo slowly raised his hand, returning the embrace.
Silently comforting her as time ticked by.
After a long while.
Ruri stopped sobbing.
She slowly raised her head, her tear-streaked, delicate face looking at Sarutobi Ryo.
As if trying to memorize every detail of his face.
Sarutobi Ryo raised his hand and gently lifted the girl's chin.
Once it was high enough, Sarutobi Ryo didn't hesitate and leaned down to kiss her.
Your fate, I will change it!
Starting tonight, you… will be mine…
----
At the same time.
The Anbu Prison.
This was a separate cage from the one under Uchiha jurisdiction.
Some special prisoners were held here.
Hyuga Hazuki hadn't been restrained with chains because she was considered too inexperienced in combat.
Hinata and Hanabi's average talent was greatly related to her as their mother.
On the other hand, Neji's talent was extremely strong.
"Hiashi…"
Now captured, Hyuga Hazuki looked increasingly haggard.
She held onto the bars, looking at her fiancé inside the cell.
The Medical Ninja had treated him, but it was uncertain when he would wake up.
Ice Release Chakra had eroded his body. Perhaps he would wake up, perhaps… he would never wake up.
"Hyuga Hazuki, you are free to leave."
An Anbu stood behind Hyuga Hazuki, issuing the cold order.
The Konoha Upper Echelon had just sent word.
Hyuga Hazuki and Hyuga Hizashi were to be released without charge.
As for the mastermind, Hyuga Hiashi… of course, he would remain imprisoned.
Soon, Hyuga Hazuki saw Hizashi walking out of another cell.
Because it was an act, Hizashi wasn't badly injured, only looking slightly pale.
The Anbu went over and explained the Higher-ups' arrangements.
When Hizashi heard that he would become the Hyuga Clan Head, he looked up at the Anbu, his eyes wide with disbelief.
And soon, he understood that this was Young Master Ryo's arrangement.
Whether it was Ruri's rescue.
Or his own sudden rise to power.
He owed an immense debt of gratitude.
"I understand…" Hyuga Hizashi nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Congratulations, Hizashi-sensei… No, Lord Hizashi."
The Anbu changed his tone, his tone conveyed congratulations.
Some were happy, others were sad.
When Hyuga Hazuki learned that the Hyuga Clan had undergone a sea change, she felt the world spin before her eyes.
"How could this be…"
"Madam Hazuki, please accept my condolences."
Hyuga Hizashi was quick to grab Hyuga Hazuki's arm.
The change in address implied many things.
Hyuga Hazuki also realized from this.
It was very likely that Hizashi, as the younger brother, because he was dissatisfied with his elder brother's usual authority.
And always dissatisfied with the Main Family, what would he do to her?
"Don't worry, I won't lay a finger on you…"
Hyuga Hizashi leaned close to Hyuga Hazuki and said softly.
But before Hyuga Hazuki could be happy, Hyuga Hizashi said coldly.
"Someone… will want you."
That person was naturally Young Master Sarutobi Ryo.
Hyuga Hizashi had been a Branch Family member for many years, so he was good at reading people.
He could more or less guess some things from Sarutobi Ryo's rescue of Ruri, and the beautiful women surrounding him.
Of course, guessing was just guessing.
The reality might be different.
But no matter what.
Caution is always wise.
Who knew if Young Master Ryo really liked that sort of thing.
"So, you just wait."
After speaking, Hyuga Hizashi looked at Hyuga Natsu, who had rushed over from outside.
"Natsu, from today onward, I am the Hyuga Clan Head. When you return, gather everyone. I will explain this matter…"
Saying that, Hyuga Hizashi looked at the Anbu beside him.
The latter nodded, indicating that he would accompany him to explain the Higher-ups' arrangements.
At that time, everyone would understand the changes in the Hyuga Clan.
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 274 (Vol 2 Ch 216) (+147 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 139 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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]