"Byakugan Dojutsu..."
Placed before Third Hokage Hiruzen was a combat intelligence report that was both detailed and complete.
The intelligence about S-Class Renegade Ninja Hyuga Ayane's combat abilities had been relayed from the front lines by Anbu personnel without missing a single piece.
It can't be said that this operation yielded nothing, but Konoha paid the price of twelve precious lives from the Root Ninja, only to exchange for enemy strength intelligence that might still change in the future. As it stands, it isn't particularly valuable.
The support tactics centered on Flying Thunder God were also exposed during this operation, which will alert enemies and might prompt them to adopt corresponding ninja techniques to counter and decipher them. To encounter such an opportunity again will be left to luck.
Moreover, and most importantly, this is just one person.
Thinking of the existence of two other people, and with these three as a hypothetical enemy, Hiruzen simulated in his mind that the intelligence might not be as impactful as presumed.
"What are you planning to do about the aftermath of this matter, Hiruzen?"
Standing in front of Hiruzen's desk were advisors Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, their gaze fixed on Hiruzen as if they had something to say.
"Danzo, for this operation, took away half of the total Root personnel, but only a few survived by chance. Their numbers must be replenished swiftly."
During war time, the importance of Danzo's Root division cannot be underestimated. Whether in harassment or espionage, they bring tangible benefits to Konoha.
Otherwise, relying solely on his Anbu personnel would not suffice to cover all aspects of the battlefield.
During wartime, Anbu handled internal matters while Root handled external affairs—a tacit understanding cultivated among the high-ranking individuals over years.
Now, with the heavy losses in Root and leader Danzo severely injured, even upon recovery, his strength won't be the same as before. This particularly worries Hiruzen.
"But now, outstanding ninja remaining in the village are few, and most harbor quite a few criticisms about the existence of Root. It's unlikely that Root personnel can be replenished in the short term."
Utatane Koharu responded regarding the current internal situation of the village.
"There's no need to worry about that. Danzo only took away half the power of Root this time; the other half remains in the village. They can struggle to maintain operations temporarily."
Mitokado Homura spoke.
"Understood. Since Danzo is currently unconscious, Root's leadership will temporarily be managed by Jonin Aburame Ryuma. I will contact him as soon as possible."
Aburame Ryuma is an outstanding Jonin from the Aburame Clan, with significant war merits, having entered Root during the Second Great Ninja War and becoming akin to Danzo's right-hand man.
Now, with Danzo having lost command capabilities, Root cannot simply decline. It needs a temporary leader to stabilize the situation.
Aburame Ryuma's prowess, command capabilities, and crucial loyalty are all confirmed by Hiruzen as he is an exceptional Jonin of Konoha.
"Well then, about the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan issue... how do you view this, Hiruzen?"
Mitokado Homura asked Hiruzen.
Hiruzen remained silent.
Utatane Koharu then spoke, "Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan Dojutsu is of a type never seen before. So far, it differs in essence from the traditional Byakugan abilities and Gentle Fist of the Hyuga Clan."
They, as advisors, naturally had some understanding of the combat intelligence.
"It can quietly release a suppressive pupil technique of spiritual shock; even a Jonin off guard could be instantly killed. What's even scarier is it possesses a Gentle Fist method of comprehensive strike coverage, leaving no escape...even if not witnessed on the scene, one can imagine the dire situation Danzo faced at that time."
Mitokado Homura took a sip, his eyes showing caution.
"Do you think the Hyuga Clan is deliberately hiding their prowess? It's impossible, the Hyuga Clan has rooted in Konoha for decades, if they were intentionally hiding, the esteemed Hashirama and teacher Tobirama back then couldn't possibly fail to notice."
Hiruzen responded, not believing that the Hyuga Clan was intentionally concealing extremely important information from the village.
Otherwise, his teacher, former Hokage Senju Tobirama, wouldn't leave even a word, making them vigilant about the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan.
"The functionality of Byakugan on the battlefield is immensely vital, but it's only functional. If an abnormality like Hyuga Ayane were to arise within this clan... it would disrupt the internal balance of the village."
The Kekkeigenkai Ninja Race, a powerful Uchiha alone is enough to give them headaches; should the Hyuga Clan exhibit such an unstable phenomenon, they would have to adjust their strategies concerning Hyuga.
Especially during this critical phase of the war, Konoha can't withstand such turmoil.
And as advisors, their worries aren't groundless.
Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan Dojutsu and demonstrated Gentle Fist techniques have already exceeded their common understanding of the Hyuga Clan.
"I don't agree with this approach."
"Hiruzen, we must intervene in this matter. Whether the Byakugan, a Kekkei Genkai pupil technique, has capabilities unknown to us is highly consequential. I suspect Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan underwent some transformation, surpassing the normal limits of a Hyuga Ninja. Just like..." At this point, Mitokado Homura paused, gazing seriously at Hiruzen, "the difference between Sharingan and Mangekyo Sharingan."
Upon hearing such words, Hiruzen's face immediately showed hesitation.