Soon, the patrol members were gathered at the training grounds. They were surprised to see the Third and Fifth Hokage, as well as Jiraiya and Genma's team, who had just returned to the village. Tables were laden with all sorts of medicinal bottles and jars.
Genma's team distributed vials of medicine to everyone present.
Without preamble, Orochimaru said, "Everyone, please take the medicine."
Hayato wasn't the only one confused by the sudden order. The other Hyuga shinobi were also completely bewildered, wondering why they were being told to take medicine. Hayato gave his comrades a reassuring look to calm them, and they all complied, swallowing the contents of their vials.
Just then, the Third Hokage waved his hand.
In an instant, hidden units emerged from all sides of the training grounds, surrounding the area. At the same time, everyone began to show a reaction. The small, inconspicuous white specks that had been dormant inside their bodies began to grow, attempting to drain more life force to mature into complete organisms.
A few of the quicker-thinking shinobi immediately slapped the parasites off themselves. However, several others who reacted a moment too late had a significant amount of their energy drained, leaving them exhausted. Fortunately, they had been prepared. Elite Anbu members quickly brought the situation under control.
In the end, every single one of the mutated spores was captured.
All the Hyuga present were stunned, unable to believe this was happening to them. Without exception, every guard was carrying one of these parasites. Now, everyone was ordered to stand still and await further instructions. Aside from a few individuals who were weakened from the significant energy drain, no one was seriously injured.
But seeing the scene before them, everyone was terrified, especially after learning that this was a problem affecting the entire Hyuga branch family. Tsunade, who had just become the new leader, would likely hold them responsible for this serious incident.
Although the immediate crisis was averted, Orochimaru's expression remained grim as he coldly surveyed the clansmen. He then summoned Hyuga Hayato, pointed to a few of the more severely affected members, and asked, "Observe them. What do they have in common? Who do they frequently come into contact with?"
Hayato stepped forward and carefully examined his comrades: Hyuga Asahi, Kai, Seito, and Ryu...
Hayato instantly understood the connection, and his face paled. "Lord Fifth Hokage, these men are some of the most diligent trainees in the clan. They often practice together. If I had to say who they have the most contact with, it would be the fourth elder of the main family, Hyuga Haito."
The Third Hokage's brow twitched. He had been in office for a long time and knew more about the Hyuga clan's affairs than Orochimaru. It was no wonder Hayato's face had gone white.
After all, the main family controlled the secret of the Caged Bird Curse Mark. During a previous Great Ninja War, a main family member had gone to the battlefield without permission. Not only did he die, but his Byakugan was also stolen. The three branch family bodyguards escorting him were also killed by the Caged Bird.
Thus, the main family held the absolute power of life and death over the branch family. Ordinary main family disciples couldn't use the Caged Bird to kill someone; they could only use it for punishment. Only those at the elder level could enact its true lethal curse. And Hyuga Haito was an elder. If there was a problem with Haito, then these branch family members were in the most danger.
The Third Hokage asked in a low voice, "Hayato, are you certain that the person they have the most contact with is Hyuga Haito?"
Hayato's face was ashen. "Yes, Lord Third Hokage. They train extremely hard, spending a great deal of time practicing every day after their duties. The fourth elder often spars with them under the pretext of guiding new members. Of that, I am certain."
"This is trouble." Hearing this, the Third Hokage felt a headache coming on.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya both understood just how terrifying the Caged Bird was. Its true horror lay in its ability to kill from a distance. If Haito had simply been impersonated, the situation would be manageable. But if he had been turned... the Hyuga branch family would suffer a devastating loss. However, based on Hayato's account, the possibility of an imposter was slim. It was highly likely that Haito had betrayed them.
The three of them exchanged a heavy look.
Orochimaru made an immediate decision. "We need to secure Hyuga Haito immediately." He then asked, "Hayato, where is Haito now?"
Hayato quickly replied, "He usually stays within the main family's compound and rarely goes out. He should be there now."
Orochimaru issued his next order. "The rest of you may also be under the control of the Spore Jutsu. Find a way to bring everyone who isn't here yet. Remember, the spores can act as listening devices. Don't say anything directly. Wait until they arrive, then we'll use the medicine to force the spores out. And do not, under any circumstances, return to the clan compound before we get there. We can't risk tipping him off."
"Besides these men, has Haito had contact with other members of the main family?"
Hayato quickly searched his memory. "Haito doesn't turn anyone away. Almost everyone from both the main and branch families has sparred with him at some point..."
Orochimaru nodded. "I see. We will handle the main family. Your priority is to deal with the Hyuga clan members still out on patrol."
"Genma," Orochimaru commanded. "Take a squad of Anbu. As Hayato brings the patrol members in, you will relieve them of their duties."
Genma Shiranui acknowledged the order and left with Hayato and a few other Hyuga members.
"Old man, take the Sealing Corps and lock down the Hyuga compound immediately," Orochimaru said to Sarutobi. "This is a highly sensitive matter. The entire Hyuga district must be sealed off at once."
"Jiraiya, go to the Mission Assignment Desk and inform Hiashi and Hizashi. Then go check the casinos for Tsunade. If a fight breaks out, her medical expertise will be crucial for immediate response."
Orochimaru rapidly laid out the plan, each step carefully considered. The Sealing Corps trained by the Third Hokage was perfect for this, and tasking them to assemble the fastest response unit was the most logical choice. The Hyuga incident had far-reaching implications. Not a whisper of it could get out, and very few people could be involved. While Jiraiya was a powerful combatant, finding Hiashi and Hizashi was the most critical task at the moment. And as for fetching Tsunade, Jiraiya was the best man for the job.
The Third Hokage and Jiraiya understood the urgency and wasted no more time on words. With a quick acknowledgment, they departed using the Body Flicker Technique.
Orochimaru's gaze swept over the remaining Anbu, some of whom bore the Sarutobi name. *Never mind,* he thought. *Now is not the time. The Hyuga matter comes first.*
Orochimaru addressed them. "Divide yourselves. Some of you will remain here on guard. The rest will deploy throughout the village to prevent any chaos. Establish a perimeter. No one is to enter the Hyuga district."
With that, Orochimaru also hurried toward the Hyuga clan compound.
...
Hyuga Neji had just completed a mission and was on his way home. Before long, he sensed that something was wrong. The village patrol was supposed to be staffed entirely by members of the Hyuga clan. He should have seen many familiar faces on the streets. Yet, he hadn't seen a single one since he started back.
The areas where his clansmen should have been on patrol were completely empty. He even noticed minor disputes on the streets with no one intervening. The more Neji thought about it, the more suspicious he became.