Chapter 113: Jiraiya: Boss, What's Up Calling Me So Late?

Chapter 113: Jiraiya: Boss, What's Up Calling Me So Late?

"Could the intruder be after the Hyūga clan's ninjutsu and secret techniques?"

Thinking this, Hyūga Hiashi looked towards the secret room where the Hyūga clan's ninjutsu and secret techniques were stored.

But the result was somewhat unexpected.

The ninjutsu and secret techniques showed no signs whatsoever of being stolen.

"What's going on?"

Hiashi's face changed slightly: "Ninjutsu and secret techniques weren't stolen? Then what was the intruder's purpose?!"

He frowned deeply and began checking the other secret rooms.

Until the last one – the secret room used to store the Hyūga clan's secret records.

"This..."

Looking at the dozens of ancient records missing from the secret room, Hiashi couldn't help but freeze slightly.

The intruder caused such a huge commotion, even daring to forcibly enter the Forbidden Grounds, just for these ancient records whose symbolic meaning outweighs their practical value?

As the Hyūga clan head, he had read those ancient records more than once or twice.

They were nothing more than the history of the Hyūga clan's rise and fall from the Warring States period to the era of one village, one country, with detailed records of various battles therein.

Of course, there were also some dark things.

But that was the Hyūga of the Warring States. Even if revealed, what did it have to do with them, the Konoha Hyūga?

"Could it be... those secret records still contain secrets I haven't discovered?"

Hiashi was momentarily perplexed.

However, with the Caged Bird scroll, ninjutsu, and secret techniques not stolen, only some secret records of no practical value missing, this could be considered a stroke of luck in the midst of misfortune.

After one final check to confirm no other items were missing, Hiashi walked out of the Forbidden Grounds, face pensive.

By now, the three Main Family elders, along with branch family members including Hyūga Hizashi, had already rushed from the residence to outside the Forbidden Grounds upon hearing the commotion.

But due to their status, no matter how anxious they were, they could only wait obediently outside the Forbidden Grounds.

Seeing Hiashi walk out of the Forbidden Grounds,

Aside from the few checking and treating the injured Hyūga clansmen, everyone else turned their gaze towards him.

"Hiashi!"

The three Main Family elders impatiently rushed up, asking: "What was lost in the Forbidden Grounds? Is the Caged Bird okay?!"

Although he knew the secret room storing the Caged Bird scroll had an ingenious seal, and the possibility of an intruder stealing it was low,

Even the slightest chance of it being stolen was unacceptable to them.

However, facing the three's anxious gazes, Hiashi didn't answer directly, instead scrutinizing everyone present with his gaze.

Their varied expressions were all taken in by him.

The anxiety on the Main Family elders' faces, and the deeply hidden fear.

The confusion, anger, joy on the branch family members' faces...

It could be said the branch family members' expressions were quite divided.

Until Hiashi, face stern, looked towards Hyūga Hizashi standing at the very back.

His expression was very complex, showing superficial unease and anxiety, yet one could vaguely discern relief and disgust.

"Hizashi..."

A thoughtful look flashed in Hiashi's eyes: "Could he have done it?"

Although he didn't want to suspect his younger brother, as the Hyūga clan head, he had to discard his private feelings.

Whether from motive or strength, Hizashi was undoubtedly the most likely person.

"Hiashi! Hurry up and tell us, is the Caged Bird alright or not?!"

The Main Family elder, seeing him delay his answer, instantly became even more anxious.

He could no longer suppress his panic, his voice even trembling slightly.

"Rest assured. Ninjutsu, secret techniques, and the Caged Bird were not stolen."

Hiashi's thoughts were interrupted. He turned his head and explained to the three: "The only things missing are some secret records."

After receiving Hiashi's reply, the Main Family elders finally let out a long sigh of relief.

"As long as the Caged Bird is fine, it's fine!"

The Caged Bird was the root that maintained the Hyūga clan's Main-Branch family system.

Once the Caged Bird fell into outsiders' hands, the consequences would be unthinkable!

"Let's not talk about this for now."

Hiashi walked over to the few ninja providing treatment, asking: "How are these clansmen's injuries? And the battle traces around here..."

Ninja also obtain information through various traces, thereby deducing all sorts of useful intelligence.

The battle traces at the scene were so obvious; they should be able to gather much information.

Perhaps they could even deduce the intruder's identity from this.

"Lord Clan Head."

One of the branch family ninja stood up, a hesitant look on his face: "Judging from the traces at the scene, the ninjutsu used by the intruder seems to be Rotation..."

The Main Family members, including Hiashi, couldn't help showing surprise upon hearing this.

"How is that possible?"

Rotation is a Main Family secret technique, but how could a Main Family member invade the Forbidden Grounds?!

"Wait!"

One of the Main Family elders snapped back, looking suspiciously at the branch family members responsible for examining the scene: "Are you sure you looked carefully?"

"Of course..."

One branch member was about to explain, but another, more hot-tempered branch member's face turned unpleasant.

"Are you suspecting us of practicing favoritism and fraud?"

He directly interrupted his companion, his tone indignant: "But the wounds on these people were clearly caused by a ninjutsu similar to Rotation, and the branch family isn't qualified to learn Rotation!"

As soon as these cynical words were spoken, the Main Family elders' faces instantly changed.

"You!!"

Clearly, their ulterior motives had been poked.

But looking at the silent branch family members, the suspicion and apprehension in the Main Family elders' eyes grew heavier.

Although the intruder only stole the Hyūga clan's secret records, this also widened the rift between the Main and Branch families.

After all, sneaking into the Hyūga Forbidden Grounds under everyone's watchful eyes was as difficult as climbing to heaven.

The greatest possibility was that the intruder was from within the Hyūga clan itself.

Either Branch Family, or Main Family.

Seeing the atmosphere gradually become serious and oppressive, Hyūga Hizashi, standing at the back, could no longer remain silent.

"Chōsei! Do not be disrespectful to the elders!"

Hizashi stood behind the crowd, his voice a measured reprimand.

As he walked forward, the branch family members parted to either side, clearing a path for him.

Completely different from their coldness towards the Main Family just now.

"Branch family members, temporarily withdraw from the Forbidden Grounds! Seal off the clan grounds! No one is allowed in or out!"

Hizashi walked before everyone, looking at the branch family members and ordering: "Before the investigation is clear, no one is to approach the Forbidden Grounds, nor step out of the clan grounds."

"But..."

Hyūga Chōsei wanted to say more.

But looking at Hizashi's slightly furrowed brow, he could only helplessly lead the branch family members away from the Forbidden Grounds area.

Hizashi turned his head to meet Hiashi's eyes, saying in a neutral tone: "I apologize to you all on Chōsei's behalf. His temperament has always been reckless."

"But to suspect the branch family now is simply too unreasonable."

Seeing the branch family members' deference to Hizashi, the Main Family elders also realized Hizashi's current prestige within the branch family, a hint more apprehension in their eyes.

Two years ago, no branch family member would have dared to defy a Main Family member like that just now.

But ever since Hyūga Hinata, the Main Family daughter, berated the Main Family elders at a clan meeting and even openly opposed the Caged Bird system, the entire Hyūga clan began to change.

"Hizashi, you..."

"Hizashi wouldn't do such a thing."

A Main Family elder, looking embarrassed, wanted to say something, but was directly interrupted by Hiashi beside him.

Looking at his younger brother, Hiashi's expression was also very complex, but he still explained: "Although he has motive and strength, you mustn't forget..."

"He is Branch Family, and Hyūga Chōsen can use the Caged Bird Cursed Seal."

As soon as these words were spoken, the three Main Family elders looked at each other blankly.

Though their faces were unpleasant, they were powerless to refute.

Branch family members branded with the Caged Bird Cursed Seal, when facing Main Family members who can use the Caged Bird Cursed Seal, unless it's a sneak attack, have absolutely no ability to resist.

A Main Family member only needs to activate the Caged Bird Cursed Seal to instantly subdue any branch family member.

But Chōsen possessed a 360° unimpeded Byakugan; a successful sneak attack would be as difficult as climbing to heaven.

And from the traces at the scene, they had also engaged in a brief battle with the intruder.

Pondering for a long time, Hiashi continued: "The intruder specifically chose today. Could it be possible..."

A Main Family elder's face changed: "You mean, the people who invaded Konoha also targeted the Hyūga clan?"

They originally thought the person who invaded the Forbidden Grounds just happened upon this godsend opportunity of Konoha being invaded.

But after Hiashi's guidance, could the invaders of Konoha and the invaders of the Hyūga Forbidden Grounds be the same group?

This possibility is indeed not low!

Hiashi nodded, glancing almost imperceptibly at Hizashi.

Seeing no fluctuation on his face, he couldn't help frowning.

"Hizashi, do you have any thoughts?"

Hearing his brother's probing tone, Hizashi said calmly: "The few situations you mentioned are all quite possible. But you've overlooked one other possibility."

"Perhaps a Main Family member is colluding with the Konoha invaders, attempting to obtain the Hyūga clan's secrets."

"Even... perhaps a Main Family member has already joined them."

A Hyūga Main Family member colluding with Konoha invaders?

"This... this is impossible!"

A Main Family elder subconsciously wanted to deny it, but after thinking, said somewhat uncertainly, mumbling: "Should be... impossible... right?"

Hizashi's idea was truly too bold.

Only a branch family member would dare make such a bold guess.

"Whether it is or not, this possibility exists."

Hiashi took one last look at Hizashi, then looked up at the pale red moon.

His tone very complex, he ordered: "For this period, have the clansmen act with a low profile when outside."

"Hizashi and I will conduct a thorough screening of both the Main and Branch families together."

Recent Konoha... so many disasters, a storm is brewing.

...

And while Konoha was in chaos,

In a vast space bordering the ninja world, one side was filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, vibrant with life, peaceful and serene.

Compared to the chaotic and complex ninja world, this place was like a paradise beyond this world.

-- Mount Myōboku, the ancient inheritance ground of Sage Art, known as one of the Three Great Sage Regions along with Ryūchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest.

But a noisy shout suddenly broke the tranquility of Mount Myōboku.

"Boss Fukasaku, why did you summon me over so late?"

A tall man wearing an 'Oil' forehead protector, a red outer coat, and wooden clogs walked among numerous toad stone statues.

Looking closely, one could also see a small green toad with snow-white beard and eyebrows squatting on his shoulder.

But its body exuded an aura as if integrated with nature.

This man and toad were precisely Jiraiya, who roamed the ninja world, and Fukasaku Sage of Mount Myōboku.

Jiraiya yawned as he walked, saying: "It's too late now. Can't whatever it is wait until morning?"

He was currently still in the Land of Hot Water collecting...

Oh no, searching for the Child of Prophecy in the Land of Hot Water!

However, he hadn't found the Child of Prophecy, but instead heard that a religious sect worshipping an evil god had appeared in the Land of Hot Water.

He was just planning to get a good night's sleep, recharge his spirits, and then investigate further tomorrow.

But just as he lay in bed about to fall asleep, Fukasaku Sage used the Reverse Summoning Technique to bring him to Mount Myōboku.

"Sorry, little Jiraiya, for making you come over so late."

Fukasaku Sage also looked somewhat baffled, but still explained: "This was the Great Lord Elder's order. I had no choice."

Hearing it was the Great Toad Sage who urgently summoned him, Jiraiya's usually flippant expression instantly vanished, becoming serious.

"The Great Toad Sage is in such a hurry... could it be information about the Child of Prophecy?"

All these years, the reason Jiraiya hadn't stayed in Konoha but instead roamed the ninja world,

Besides not wanting to be tied down by the village's inexplicable affairs, was also to search for the Child of Prophecy foretold by the Great Toad Sage.

In the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, a person would appear in the ninja world in the future, capable of bringing about a great transformation to the ninja world – a key figure concerning the fate of the entire ninja world, so to speak.

And that person was the Child of Prophecy, who would become Jiraiya's disciple.

Jiraiya had witnessed the Great Toad Sage's accurate prophetic abilities multiple times and naturally believed firmly in the Child of Prophecy it spoke of.

It's just that over these years, he had suffered repeated setbacks on his journey to find the Child of Prophecy.

He once thought Nagato, who possessed the Rinnegan, would be the Child of Prophecy, but then heard news of Nagato's death.

Later, he thought Minato would be the Child of Prophecy, but Minato also died suddenly in the Nine-Tails Rampage.

Although Jiraiya's determination to find the Child of Prophecy hadn't changed, if he could get new information about the Child of Prophecy now, that would be even better!

Only by finding the Child of Prophecy can the chaotic ninja world undergo transformation, only then is there hope to bring peace to the ninja world!

But looking at Jiraiya's expectant eyes, Fukasaku Sage shook his head: "I'm not sure either. After the Great Lord Elder informed me to bring you here, he fell asleep again."

The Great Toad Sage, besides being forgetful, was also very fond of sleeping; situations where he slept for several years at a time were not uncommon.

But every time he awoke from sleep, he could more or less obtain some information about the future.

However, this time seemed a bit different.

"Little Jiraiya..."

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

Fukasaku Sage looked at the questioning Jiraiya, seeming to want to say something.

However, after hesitating for a moment, he finally shook his head: "Nothing. Just something unimportant."

The Great Lord Elder actually didn't snore while sleeping this time. But there's no need to tell little Jiraiya these things.

"Really keeping me in suspense."

Seeing Boss Fukasaku unwilling to speak, Jiraiya finally just gave him a helpless look.

He then quickened his pace, soon arriving before the main hall where the Great Toad Sage was enshrined.

(End of Chapter)

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