"Listen, Hyuga Hiashi of this world. In our empire, the Hyuga Clan has no distinction between main and branch families. The entire Hyuga Clan is recognized by the empire as the most peaceful and friendly clan. We are united, supportive, and of one heart!"
"My father and uncle are very close. They play shogi together every day, paint together, write together, and sometimes go fishing together."
"Hinata and Hanabi are my most precious and sweetest little sisters. We grew up under the same roof, learning together, growing together, and playing together…"
"The entire Hyuga Clan is even one of the three largest Dragon Spirit Clans in the empire…"
Imperial Neji slowly recounted everything about the Hyuga Clan in the empire.
Hiashi listened quietly, and by the end, a faint smile curled his lips as he muttered:
"Truly… wonderful… perhaps this is how the Hyuga Clan should truly be… The existence of the Caged Bird was fundamentally a mistake. At first, I wanted to correct this mistake. But as time passed… I began to take for granted the privileges the main family gave me…"
"This is truly a failure. Everything the main family is experiencing now can be considered retribution. Because of this, I can now better feel the branch family's suffering. Thank you, Neji. Erase my memory."
Hiashi spoke with a face full of calm and relief.
"That's a given. But… before your memory is erased, answer one question. You know the truth about the Uchiha Clan's annihilation, don't you?" Imperial Neji asked.
"The truth about the Uchiha Clan's annihilation… Heh… is this preparation for revenge? Those high-ranking Konoha figures are about to face trouble."
Hiashi chuckled with slight glee, then said, "Regarding the truth of the Uchiha Clan's annihilation, I do know some things."
"Tell me everything in detail."
"The Uchiha Clan's annihilation… the main cause was the Kyuubi incident in the past. During that incident, a Sharingan-wielding expert appeared, causing a rift between Konoha and the Uchiha…"
Hiashi slowly recounted all he knew.
After he finished, Imperial Obito hypnotized and controlled the Hyuga to confirm the truth.
Finally, with a grim expression, he said, "So that's how it is. Root, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Sarutobi Hiruzen. These four old bastards, in our world, are remnants of the ninja village era. I didn't expect they'd cause trouble here too."
"Because of the Kyuubi incident, they suspected the Uchiha, marginalized them everywhere, forced them to the outskirts, and then used that foolish Itachi to wipe out the entire Uchiha Clan…"
"AAAAH! The people of the ninja village era are truly terrifying! Why do they love these schemes and deceptions so much!"
Imperial Lee clutched his head, looking horrified.
"This is all stubborn filth! Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Sarutobi Hiruzen—these four bastards deserve death!"
"Unfortunately, that bastard Sarutobi Hiruzen died early! I heard he died here as a hero. Disgusting!" Imperial Neji cursed.
"A hero? He deserves that? Wait until our Uchiha Clan enters this world. Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Sarutobi Hiruzen—none of these four bastards will escape! They'll all be nailed to the pillar of historical shame! They'll die in disgrace!" Imperial Obito said viciously.
"Oh? That's something to look forward to!" Imperial Neji said, intrigued.
"This is the fitting end for evildoers! For justice! For youth! Awooo! The empire will triumph! Go, Obito!" Imperial Lee raised his right fist high and shouted loudly.
In the end, they lingered, finishing what needed to be done before leaving.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The next morning.
The sun had just risen.
Villagers left their homes, preparing for the day's work. Passing the Hyuga Clan grounds and seeing the clan members scattered about, with dried blood and empty eye sockets on some main family members, they let out piercing screams.
"AAAAAH!!!!"
The anguished, terrifying sound shattered Konoha's morning calm.
Soon, hundreds, then thousands, gathered outside the Hyuga grounds, watching from a distance as ninjas cordoned off and controlled the area, buzzing with discussion.
"What happened to the Hyuga Clan yesterday? How did it come to this?"
"Was this a Bijuu attack?"
"So terrifying! So many had their eyes gouged out! Those bloody eye sockets look horrifying!"
"The Hyuga Clan is Konoha's greatest clan, with so many experts. What kind of person could do this to them…"
"Everything was fine yesterday, but today…"
"Ten years ago, the Uchiha Clan. Now the Hyuga Clan…"
"What's really hidden within Konoha?"
"Are we in danger next?"
The crowd's expressions were panicked and anxious.
Until a shout of "Hokage-sama!" rang out.
The crowd parted, turning to look in one direction.
Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, led a group with a grim expression, stepping onto the Hyuga grounds.
"All medical personnel! Treat the Hyuga Clan immediately! Hurry!"
She shouted, forming hand seals and summoning numerous Katsuyu, which worked with the accompanying medical ninjas to begin rescue efforts.
Tsunade with Shikaku and Kakashi, rushed to Hiashi and woke him.
Hiashi stirred, groaning, muttering:
"My eyes hurt so much… s-so much… I can't see anything… why did this happen…"
He paused, stunned, then fumbled at his empty eye sockets, showing a trace of awareness.
"Right… my eyes were gouged out."
His voice carried confusion, regret, fear, and a hint of relief.
"Clan Leader Hiashi! Tell me what happened to the Hyuga Clan yesterday! How did this happen? Who did it? Tell me! I won't let them go!"
Tsunade's furious voice rang out.
"Yesterday… yesterday…" Hiashi muttered twice.
Anguished cries echoed in his ears:
"Aaaaaa! My eyes! My eyes! They're gone!"
"Sob, sob! My Byakugan! My Byakugan!"
"Damned bastard! That bastard gouged out my eyes! I want him dead! I want him dead!"
"Hokage-sama! Where are you, Hokage-sama! You must avenge the Hyuga Clan!"
"I'm here! Everyone, calm down! I'm speaking with your Clan Leader, Hiashi! Once I know who did this, I'll ensure justice for the Hyuga!"
Tsunade shouted back at the panicked, terrified Hyuga, then turned to Hiashi.
"Clan Leader Hiashi!"
"Ah… Tsunade-sama… about yesterday, I don't know much. It happened at midnight. The Hyuga grounds were enveloped by a barrier, and our Byakugan lost its power… then a man in a dual-colored Yin-Yang robe and mask appeared… we clashed with him… and he defeated us all…" Hiashi said weakly.
"Wait! A man in a dual-colored Yin-Yang robe and mask? Alone? You mean the one who did this to the entire Hyuga Clan was just one person?"
Tsunade caught the key detail, her tone shocked and furious.