"Lord Hokage is the leader of the village's conservative faction, considering our clan's importance in the village, he would never issue such unreasonable commands."
The Main Clan elder said in a low voice.
"Forget it, it doesn't matter whose orders they are, ensuring our clan's status in the village is more important now."
"Would Lord Hiashi agree?"
"Lord Hiashi is currently on the battlefield, we can manage things here. He's still too young, such battlefield matters should be left to the Branch Family. As the head of the clan, staying within the family is the safest. After all, the precious Byakugan of our Main Family cannot afford any accidents."
"Indeed, Lord Hiashi is a young man full of vigor, wanting to achieve glory and not waste his youth is understandable, but this matter truly wasn't handled well. As the head of the clan, there's no need to compromise for members of the Branch Family. Protecting our Main Family is the natural duty and responsibility of the Branch Family."
Hiashi personally going to the battlefield was something the Main Clan elders were quite dissatisfied with.
The collective defection of Branch Family ninjas had already caused severe losses for the Hyuga Clan. If something were to happen to the clan leader on the battlefield, the internal chaos of the Hyuga would only deepen.
Even if it's to reassure the Branch Family, there's no need to go to such lengths.
"With this, our clan's internal status and position in the village have finally stabilized, we can rest easy."
A Main Clan elder breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, being targeted by the higher-ups is not something to be happy about.
Given the current situation of the Hyuga Clan, being cautious is better, as they truly can't afford major upheavals.
◎
"What are you doing?"
On the outer corridor, sunlight was shining here, the sun striving to share its light and warmth with the earth.
When Ruri and Ayane had a chance encounter on the corridor, Ruri said this to Ayane.
"What?"
"Specifically showing up on the side of the Land of Grass for that paltry reward money, was it necessary to cause such a scene?"
According to Ruri's knowledge, when Ayane left the Hyuga Clan, she took a considerable amount of reserve funds from the Hyuga Clan, enough for the Hyuga clan members in the Land of Demons to live without concerns.
Ayane assisting the Hidden Rock in fighting against Konoha was something that made Ruri quite displeased.
"Hmm, what could it be? Maybe it was a whim, or perhaps I'm simply annoyed with Konoha? What on earth could it be?"
Although it was Ruri's question, Ayane, to obscure matters, used the same question form, answering with a smile.
Her fingers tapping her chin, with an innocent expression of not knowing what she was doing, it really angered Ruri.
"If because of such matters, this place gets exposed, you should be aware of the consequences."
Ruri furrowed her brows.
"Oh, I was just kidding, no need to take it so seriously. Anyway, the more intense the ninja realm war gets, the more advantageous it will be for our side's development, right?"
"Honestly, I really despise this kind of personality you have."
Never knowing what you're thinking, often doing disruptive and dangerous things.
How far is that bastard going to let this woman go?
Just thinking about it made Ruri furious.
It's not just because Ayane was making appearances on the battlefields of the Land of Grass, but more accurately, every part of this woman really annoyed her.
Especially her chest!
"I hate yours too."
Caught in nearly jealous emotions, Ayane curled her lips into a broader, seemingly innocent smile.
No matter how much you dislike someone or want to flaunt your jealousy and hatred, displaying an impeccable smile is more important.
"I've told you many times, stop showing that fake smile in front of me. I should have warned you before."
"I was just recalling her return back then, how she happened to spend a really beautiful time, it made me happy. Of course, you don't need to mind."
"Seems like you're just pure on the outside, but actually lewd at heart."
"Oh dear, you, having spent more time on this, do you have the right to say such things to me? Washboard."
Washboard! Ruri's dark eyes almost threw out sparks.
A nerve in her brain completely snapped.
In terms of words, utterly defeated.
"Cough, cough, sorry, seemed like I went too far, actually using teapot lid might be a more vivid metaphor. After all, there's still quite a difference between a washboard and a teapot lid, right?"
Sensing enormous hostility, Ayane's lips curled even more joyfully.
Defeated under the tongue.
The two glared at each other on the corridor, their distance gradually narrowing.
Even with that, their gazes locked tightly on each other.
Not just that, the distance between the two got shorter and they began to push their chests against each other with force.
As their eyes met, sparks and lightning seemed to fly in the air.
——In the office, staff were reporting the progress of recent work to Hakushi.
"——Above is the work summary since this month."
"Thank you for your effort. You may leave."
"Yes, Lord Hakushi."
The staff withdrew outside, closing the door gently.
Hakushi closed the plan book in front of him, moved to the window, gazing at the distant scenery, while taking a long breath, allowing his body to relax.
Sitting for so long was making his body somewhat numb.
Seems like he needs to consider exercising his body henceforth.