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Not to mention, even bigger trouble awaited them once they returned to the village.

"Return to camp immediately?"

What’s going on?

The Hyūga squads who received the notice were utterly bewildered. They hadn’t even reached their reconnaissance zones, and now they were being ordered to turn back?

Had something else gone wrong back at the clan headquarters?

Orders were orders. Even with heads full of questions, these Hyūga ninja had no choice but to obey and return the way they came.

"What do you think happened back at the clan?"

"Who knows? Maybe the elders started their usual drama again. Lord Advisor couldn’t handle it, so it just ended up like before. Anyway, we Branch House members will never get a break."

"Aoki, careful! If the elders hear you, you’ll be in for it."

"Whatever. If they want to kill me, let them. I’ve had enough of this servant’s life. We’re all from the same clan. Why are the Main House high and mighty while we have to serve them? For the sake of clan heritage? If the Main House had the spirit and tolerance worthy of a main house, I’d have no complaints even being treated like a servant. But what is the Main House? A bunch of parasites! No matter how much we Branch House members accomplish, it’s all for nothing. But if we make the slightest mistake, the punishment nearly costs us half our lives! Why?"

"Enough. Don’t say such things again. Let’s go back first."

Kazuki’s repeated maneuvers had stirred up the Hyūga clan.

Many things that were previously unspeakable were now circulating in secret. Knowing the truth, more and more people grew dissatisfied with the clan.

When all the deployed ninja returned, the Hyūga elders finally realized the gravity of the situation.

In the past, the clan’s ninja would have rallied around the elders.

But now, large groups of Branch House ninja gathered together, showing no intention of associating with the elders.

More bizarrely, those who had once hidden their Caged Bird seals under their forehead protectors were now removing them, wearing the protectors elsewhere, openly displaying the mark.

Minds were unsettled. Long-suppressed grievances, resentments, and discontent were gradually reawakening.

Kazuki wasn’t wrong. The Hyūga clan’s rules were truly foul, outdated, and behind the times. The world was changing, but they weren’t.

If they didn’t change soon, trouble would erupt one day.

Even if the Main House could control the Branch House’s lives through the Caged Bird seal, what then? If things truly blew up, could the Main House kill all the Branch House members?

The Hyūga clan’s bomb was just waiting for a spark.

In the original story, the conflict between Main and Branch Houses had reached an irreconcilable point. Fortunately, Hiashi knew how to handle things. Determined to change the clan’s situation, he managed to stabilize Neji, the Branch House genius.

Plus, the Akatsuki’s schemes began to surface, the shinobi world fell into turmoil, and the Fourth Great Shinobi War erupted. That stabilized the Hyūga’s bomb, which had been on the verge of exploding.

When a catastrophe enveloped the entire shinobi world, the Hyūga clan’s internal squabbles meant nothing.

"Move out!"

Kazuki didn’t care what the Hyūga elders thought. As soon as the deployed personnel returned, they set off for the village that same night.

You think there’s hope once you get back to the village?

Then I’m sorry to tell you that the village will become your cage.

The Hyūga clan will be trapped in its compound.

For this trip back, Kazuki didn’t bring many people – just a few guards and some Anbu. The Anbu team would go ahead to inform Shikaku to prepare for the Hyūga’s arrival.

Kazuki followed with the Hyūga ninja, traveling slowly.

The mood was low. The Hyūga elders were denied even the use of carriages. Kazuki’s reason: the camp needed the carts for supplies.

So you people don’t get any special treatment. I don’t care if you were used to being served in comfort before. Now, you will walk obediently.

As for unhappiness, Kazuki didn’t even consider it. He was looking forward to someone with a death wish stepping forward, so he could make an example of them.

So, who would be the first to break?

Removing the carriages, denying the elders comfort, making them walk – it was all meant to provoke them.

Kazuki kept casting them malicious glances.

Though he had only a few guards and the Hyūga forces were considerable, Kazuki wasn’t worried they’d cause trouble.

If one stepped up, he’d kill one. If all stepped up, he’d treat them all as war criminals. Let’s see how many hardheads the Hyūga clan had.

What Kazuki didn’t know was that his earlier harsh attitude had made the Hyūga elders behave. They all intended to wait until they got back to the village. Causing trouble on the road? Impossible.

Being treated as war criminals during wartime – that wasn’t a joke.

It wasn’t just elders. Even if the Hyūga clan leader caused trouble and got killed, it would be for nothing.

These old men weren’t done living. Who wanted to die?

When Kazuki looked at them with ill intent, the elders flinched, kept their heads down, and hurried along, afraid Kazuki would find an excuse to finish them off on the road.

Could others do something like that? Maybe, maybe not. But Kazuki definitely could.

He could bully even the Sarutobi. What were the Hyūga compared to that?

"Somewhat disappointing."

"...."

The guards’ mouths twitched.

They thought Kazuki was just posturing, making threats. But Kazuki had truly been ready to use the knife. The Hyūga elders just didn’t cooperate. They kept their heads down, worked hard, and didn’t voice a single objection.

The Hyūga behaved. Kazuki had no reason to strike. The main force marched all the way back to Konoha.

Receiving word ahead of time, Shikaku came out with his people to welcome them. Learning Kazuki was returning, he almost wept with joy. Finally coming back.

Do you know how much I’ve suffered? How much pressure I’ve endured?

As for the Hyūga clan?

It was about time someone dealt with them. As long as there weren’t too many casualties, it was acceptable.

Besides, Kazuki had no intention of killing indiscriminately.

So what was the problem?

Besides, this wasn’t something a mere Jonin Commander could decide anyway.

Frankly, it wasn’t his business. He’d just mind his own.