"There's nothing to hesitate about. Whether it's by chance or there's a clear mutation evolution path, we need to verify it with the Hyuga Clan. If this mutation is unique, that's all well and good, but if other Byakugan can also mutate and evolve... doing this now is also to be safe."
The Byakugan and Sharingan are both Kekkeigenkai pupil techniques.
The Sharingan can evolve into the Mangekyo Sharingan, so the Byakugan could also evolve and mutate, which seems like a logical conclusion.
The fact that it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it can't happen. If the Hyuga Clan is secretly doing something because of Hyuga Ayane's situation, it could have a negative impact on the village's balance.
"I need to think about it a bit longer."
At times like these, Hiruzen doesn't want to lose the trust of the Hyuga Clan.
If they were to investigate the Hyuga Clan now, it would inevitably cause unnecessary conflict between him as Hokage and them.
After all, the possibility of the Byakugan mutating is just speculation without any concrete evidence.
If they could study Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan and obtain precise data, that would be good, but investigating the Hyuga Clan based on speculation is something Hiruzen is reluctant to do.
Even so, Hiruzen leans towards the advice of his two close friends, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
The Byakugan, like the Sharingan, possesses some unknown mutation and evolution abilities.
However, as Hokage, he can't just recklessly act based on assumptions and ruin the strong friendship between the Hyuga and the village.
"An opportunity not to be missed."
"Don't worry, I understand the gravity of the matter. In any case, let's first appease the Hyuga, we mustn't pressure them, this is different from the Uchiha issue. I'll think about it carefully, and I'm sure I'll come up with a solution."
Hiruzen, troubled, picked up his tobacco pipe from the table, took a deep drag, and exhaled the smoke.
Seeing Hiruzen like this, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura realized they couldn't find a breakthrough with Hiruzen at the moment.
After leaving, Utatane Koharu said, "I feel like Hiruzen, as Danzo said, has become more hesitant in handling matters lately than before."
"Indeed, he was hesitant before, but he wouldn't procrastinate with us like this. And the matter of the Hyuga Clan cannot be delayed. If the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan really has the potential for mutation and evolution, the impact on the village's future is unpredictable."
The power of the Kekkeigenkai Ninja Race is truly terrifying.
The reason why the Hyuga Clan is valued so highly and trusted by the higher-ups is because of the strategic importance of the Byakugan, and in terms of combat power, it is inferior to the Uchiha Race.
However, if the Byakugan also has the same issues as the Sharingan, undergoing deeper transformation, it could unavoidably become Konoha's second Uchiha.
By then, the Byakugan would not only hold significant strategic importance.
"It's a pity that teacher Fujima didn't leave much information on the Byakugan."
"It's not too late to know now. Since Hiruzen can't be a breakthrough point, we can only rely on ourselves."
"You're thinking...?"
Utatane Koharu looked at Mitokado Homura in surprise.
"With Danzo not here, Hiruzen might not listen to us. We're doing this for the village's future, and Hiruzen will understand our good intentions. The issue with the Hyuga Clan can only be resolved with immediate frankness."
Mitokado Homura looked into the distance, towards the direction of the Hyuga Clan's territory.
◎
"Advisors, here are the ancient texts passed down by our Hyuga Clan."
In the grand library of the Hyuga Clan, a Main Clan Elder led Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura to the deepest corner of the library, where the important collections left by the Hyuga's ancestors are kept.
With the permission of the Main Clan Elder, a special exception was made for access by the top advisors.
"Please forgive us, we are also compelled to do this."
Unexpectedly, they smoothly obtained permission from the Hyuga Main Family to enter the library and review the materials here.
Accompanying them were several Jonin, loyal aides who were there to assist with handling the information.
After all, with so much material, having just two people work on it would take an unknown length of time.
"No need to be polite, it's our duty to eliminate any concerns for Lord Hokage. We understand the concern from the front line through Hizashi's reply, and we can empathize with the advisors' worries. At any time, our Hyuga will unconditionally support the decisions of Lord Hokage."
The Main Clan Elder said.
Not long after, he left Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and their loyal aides there, and exited alone.
Outside the library, several Main Clan Elders were waiting.
Seeing someone come out, one pulled him aside and quietly asked, "Is it really okay to do this? This is our clan's legacy. We mustn't let any accidents occur."
Opening the Hyuga Clan's library to the higher-ups for the perusal of the family's records over hundreds of years made many Main Clan Elders uneasy.
"After all, it's the order of Lord Hokage. Moreover, doing this can eliminate any concerns Lord Hokage has about us. We are different from the Uchiha."
"I fear this might not be a direct order from Lord Hokage."
One Main Clan Elder said something shocking.
The other Main Clan Elders were slightly startled, then quickly understood the reasoning.
Meaning, the advisors' inspection here was not directly authorized by the Hokage, but bypassed the Hokage's authority and directly intervened with their Hyuga Clan?