"There's nothing to hesitate about. Whether it's by chance, or there's a clear path of mutation and evolution, it all needs to be confirmed with the Hyuga Clan. If this mutation is unique, then that's one thing, but if other Byakugan can also spontaneously mutate and evolve... taking measures now is just a precaution."
The Byakugan and the Sharingan are both Kekkeigenkai Pupil Techniques.
If the Sharingan can evolve into Mangekyo Sharingan, then it's only logical that the Byakugan could also mutate and evolve.
The fact it hadn't happened before doesn't mean it can't; if the Hyuga Clan, because of Hyuga Ayane, has been secretly making moves, it could negatively impact the village's balance.
"Let me think about it for a while longer."
At a time like this, Hiruzen did not want to lose the trust of the Hyuga Clan.
If an investigation were launched against the Hyuga Clan right now, it would inevitably create unnecessary friction between him as Hokage and the clan.
After all, the possibility of the Byakugan undergoing mutation is, at this point, just speculation without any real evidence.
If it were possible to study Hyuga Ayane's Byakugan and obtain solid data, that would be different; but to launch an investigation into the Hyuga Clan based only on speculation, Hiruzen was deeply reluctant.
Even so, Hiruzen tended to agree with the proposals of Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, his two closest friends.
The Byakugan, like the Sharingan, must harbor unknown abilities to mutate and evolve.
However, as Hokage, he could not make rash decisions based solely on conjecture, destroying the solid bond between the Hyuga and the village.
"Opportunities don't come twice."
"Don't worry, I know what's at stake. In any case, we should first pacify the Hyuga, not pressure them; this isn't the same as the Uchiha situation. Let me think carefully, and I'll definitely come up with a plan."
Hiruzen, headache pounding, picked up his pipe from the table, took a hard puff, and exhaled smoke.
Seeing Hiruzen like this, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura knew there was no way to break through his stance for the time being.
On the way back, Utatane Koharu said, "It really feels like what Danzo said—Hiruzen's become even more hesitant in how he handles things lately."
"Yes, he used to hesitate sometimes, but not to the point of stalling like this. And the matter with the Hyuga Clan can't be put off. If the Byakugan of the Hyuga Clan truly holds the possibility of mutation and evolution, who knows what unpredictable changes it could bring to the village's future."
The power of the Kekkeigenkai Ninja Clans was simply too frightening.
The reason the Hyuga Clan received so much trust and attention from the higher-ups was precisely because of the strategic value of the Byakugan, and because, in combat prowess, they were still somewhat inferior to the Uchiha Clan.
But if the Byakugan proves to have the same problems as the Sharingan, undergoing further, deeper metamorphosis, it could very well turn Konoha's Hyuga into a second Uchiha.
At that point, the Byakugan would no longer be significant merely for its strategic value.
"It's a pity that Fujima-sensei didn't leave much information regarding the Byakugan."
"It's still not too late to find out now. Since we can't count on Hiruzen as a breakthrough point, we can only rely on ourselves."
"You mean..."
Utatane Koharu looked at Mitokado Homura in surprise.
"Danzo isn't here, and Hiruzen may not listen to what we say. But we're doing this for the sake of the village's future—Hiruzen will understand our good intentions. When it comes to the Hyuga Clan, only frankness right now can resolve it."
Mitokado Homura gazed off into the distance—the direction of the Hyuga Clan's territory.
◎
"Advisors, these are the ancient tomes our Hyuga Clan has handed down for generations."
Inside the Hyuga Clan's enormous archive, a Main Clan Elder led the way, guiding Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura to the deepest corner of the archives, where the most crucial sections left by the Hyuga ancestors rested.
Now, with permission from the Main Clan Elder, a special exemption had been granted for the high-level Advisors' inspection.
"We beg your forgiveness; we had little choice."
They hadn't expected it would be so easy to win the Main Family's permission, granting them entry to the Hyuga archives and access to these records.
Accompanying the two of them were several trusted Jonin, there to assist with sorting through the intelligence.
After all, with so many records, just the two of them alone would not be able to finish in any reasonable time.
"No need to be so formal. This situation arose from our Main Family's poor handling in the first place. Dispelling the Hokage's concerns is a duty we gladly accept. We have already learned of the developments at the front through Hizashi's reply and understand the Advisors' worries. No matter when, we Hyuga will always support the Hokage's decisions without reservation."
The Main Clan Elder stated.
Not long after, he asked Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and their trusted aides to remain within, then stepped out alone.
Outside the archives, several other Main Clan Elders were also waiting.
Once he emerged, they pulled him aside and asked in low voices, "Is it really alright to do this? These are the fruits of our clan's labor. We can't afford any accidents."
Opening the Hyuga Clan's archives to the higher-ups, allowing them to peruse records that had been safeguarded for centuries, left many Main Clan Elders uneasy and on edge.
"After all, it's the Hokage's order. And doing this can help dispel the Hokage's concerns as well. We're not like the Uchiha."
"I'm just afraid this isn't a command from the Hokage himself."
One of the Main Clan Elders shocked them with his words.
The other Main Clan Elders were startled, but soon realized the rationale.
In other words, the two Advisors' inspection here wasn't directly ordered by the Hokage, but rather bypassed his authority to directly intervene with the Hyuga Clan?