But the exact details of this retreat route are known only to a few in the management.
The territory of the Hyuga Clan had changed significantly, understandably so, after the massive damage inflicted by explosive tags and fire oil on the day of defection.
However, for Ayane, navigating it remained second nature.
The new defense layout of the Hyuga Clan's territory had already fallen into her hands, thoroughly studied thanks to moles planted within.
Yet, Ayane had not rashly infiltrated the Hyuga Clan's territory; she could evade Konoha's perception barrier but not the Byakugan detection of her own clan.
Especially since the recent incident of Hidden Cloud Village Ninja stealing the Hyuga Clan's bloodline had left everyone on edge, they were now using Byakugan to monitor all directions.
Approach too closely, and the Byakugan would surely detect you.
This Kekkeigenkai of Byakugan is harder to defend against than perception ninjutsu.
Ayane headed toward a park in Konoha, the predetermined meeting place.
On her way, she grasped the general situation.
Hidden Cloud coveted the power of the Byakugan and kidnapped the daughter of Hyuga Clan Leader, Hyuga Hiashi, only for Hiashi to intercept midway, inadvertently killing the intruder with a single strike.
Subsequently, Hidden Cloud turned the tables, vehemently denying the theft, accusing Konoha of insincerity in peace negotiations, and threatening to wage war unless Konoha handed over Hiashi's body.
Broadly speaking, Ayane didn't wish to be entangled in questions of right and wrong.
The stances of Hidden Cloud Village and Konoha had no relevance to her as an outsider.
She merely sought to leverage this opportunity to further her stratagems within the Hyuga Clan.
Upon reaching the tranquil forest near the park, a gentle evening breeze greeted her.
A Branch Family Ninja from Hyuga, distinguished by pure white eyes, was also newly arrived.
Despite having left Konoha for eight years, Ayane hadn't changed much, looking as youthful as ever, making the Branch Family Ninja recognize her immediately.
"Lady Ayane."
The ninja, clearly older than Ayane, addressed her with a respectful and admiring tone.
This was unrelated to age.
As the first to defy the Main Family's caged bird curse and lead many Branch Family members to freedom, Ayane naturally became an idol for many in the Branch Family.
Though circumstances often kept these feelings concealed, admiration and respect for her had long taken root in their hearts.
Frustrated by the arrogance of the Main Family, their aspiration for self-liberation never waned.
Restricted in freedom and personality, their existence resembled that of mindless tools.
"You've aged a bit, haven't you?"
"Lady Ayane, I'm already over forty...while you haven't changed at all since you left—almost as if your departure from Konoha was just yesterday."
The Branch Family Ninja smiled helplessly, offering a lamenting remark.
Ayane was just nineteen, not even twenty, when she left Konoha, and now she still appeared around twenty.
Yet, this didn't surprise the ninja much.
In this world, many ninja techniques could stave off aging. For instance, Tsunade, one of the Sannin, still appeared in her twenties despite being forty.
Women across the board share a similar sentiment when it comes to preserving looks, wishing against premature aging.
"Let's set that aside for now. What's the current situation with the Hidden Cloud negotiations? What's the stance of Konoha's leadership?"
After a brief reunion, Ayane inquired about the pressing matters.
The Branch Family Ninja knew the urgency, hesitantly noting the ten-minute time restriction before he would arouse the suspicions of the Main Family and certain Branch Family informants.
"Hidden Cloud remains relentless, while the higher-ups' stance remains unknown, yet they hope our Hyuga Clan will decide independently."
The Branch Family Ninja explained.
The Hyuga Clan meetings naturally included participation from Branch Family elders, among whom two influential elders had pledged allegiance to Ayane.
This information had been obtained through those Branch Family elders.
His ventures here and connection with Ayane were possible due to the concealment assistance from those elders.
"They hope the Hyuga Clan will decide independently?"
"Yes."
"That statement is as ambiguous and noncommittal as ever. It truly showcases the Third Hokage's expertise in fence-sitting."
Ayane commented, unclear whether it was praise or sarcasm.
"Then, what should we do next, Lady Ayane? Should we leave Konoha immediately?"
The Branch Family Ninja asked, hopeful.
Within the Hyuga Branch Family, many shared the same sentiment.
"Transferring such a large group without the right timing and opportunity is implausible. Moreover, your families are under strict surveillance from the Main Family, unlike last time."
Despite Ayane's confidence, she couldn't guarantee the safe relocation of hundreds to the Land of Demons.
Konoha and the Main Family's elders would surely be on high alert, barring any second chances.
"I was too wishful."
The Branch Family Ninja sighed.
"No need to rush; having endured so much already, a little longer won't hurt. I still need you to 'guide' Konoha personally at the right moment."
"Guide?"
The Branch Family Ninja was puzzled.
"You'll understand when the time comes; it's too crucial to disclose now."
"Understood."
The Ninja sensed Ayane was orchestrating an immense scheme behind the scenes.
"That's generally it, aligning with my expectations. I've devised a response for the situation. Give this scroll to the elders; they'll know what to do."
Ayane handed over a scroll to the Branch Family Ninja.
He solemnly accepted the scroll.
Eager to know its contents, but aware it wasn't the time to pry.
Watching the Branch Family Ninja depart, Ayane glanced skyward at the full moon.
Rustling sounds pierced through the forest; the ground now barren, except for a few leaves gently swirling in the late-night breeze.