Just then, a voice rang out suddenly, like a clap of thunder that shattered the tense silence.
It was Danzo who had spoken.
As a disciple of the Second Hokage, possessing Kage-level strength, and commanding the secretive Root division, Danzo was arguably the most influential figure in Konoha at this moment.
When he opened his mouth, everyone else immediately fell silent, as if struck dumb. Even Kakashi and the others had no choice but to hold their tongues.
The silence was unnerving. It felt as though even a needle falling to the ground would be heard with perfect clarity.
In this atmosphere, who would dare interrupt?
But now, someone had done exactly that.
A bold voice challenged the silence, leaving everyone stunned.
Not only had someone interrupted Danzo, but they had done so in front of the entire assembly, without a trace of decorum.
All eyes turned sharply in the direction of the voice.
And when they saw the speaker's face, their already shocked expressions turned to disbelief.
A young man with the Byakugan.
A member of the Hyuga clan.
The average civilian and lower-ranking shinobi were merely surprised, but those with some understanding of Konoha's hidden undercurrents knew this was nothing short of a thunderclap.
"Neji… what is he doing?!" Kurenai's brow furrowed, anxiety flashing in her eyes.
"Does he not understand what kind of consequences this could bring upon the Hyuga clan?" Kakashi was visibly uneasy.
Danzo was notoriously vindictive, a man who tolerated no defiance. He would rather kill the innocent than let a threat go unpunished.
To speak out so publicly, opposing Danzo during such a critical moment, was tantamount to handing him a reason to strike at the Hyuga.
"Hey, Guy, Neji…" Kakashi started, concerned.
"I know," Might Guy replied, grinning wide, his teeth gleaming. There was a strange glint in his eye. "But that's exactly the kind of disciple I raised."
"You…" Kakashi was caught off guard.
"Come on, Kakashi. You know Danzo better than we do. You think letting him become Hokage would be a good thing?" Guy's voice turned serious.
The silence just now had been unsettling. While some remained quiet out of respect, most held their tongues out of fear.
Kakashi said nothing. He knew. More than most, he understood who Danzo really was ruthless, calculating, willing to assassinate the Third Hokage to seize power.
If Konoha's roots were allowed to rise unchecked, the village would truly descend into darkness.
"Father, Brother Neji, he…" Hinata spoke hesitantly beside Hiashi.
Hiashi Hyuga watched Neji with a deep gaze, then turned to Hinata. "Just watch quietly."
His two daughters had shown limited potential. And historically, the Hyuga clan had never appointed a woman as head.
The idea of bringing in a strong husband to lead the clan had been on his mind for a while. Hinata clearly admired Neji, and Neji himself was a Hyuga by blood.
In the ninja world, strength determined everything. During the Chunin Exams and in the recent defense of Konoha, Neji had displayed astonishing power.
Especially when he subdued Shukaku and made the One-Tail his subordinate.
In every way, Neji was the perfect candidate.
Hiashi had already decided. He would nurture Neji as the next clan head, regardless of what the old advisors said.
And besides, he had long had enough of that scheming old fox Danzo.
If Danzo was willing to exterminate the Uchiha, how could he ever allow the Hyuga to grow stronger?
"Neji… what will you do?" Hiashi thought silently. This would serve as a test. If Neji wanted to be clan head, he would need strength and strategy.
At that moment, Danzo turned his head toward Neji, his expression cold and sharp.
He enjoyed the attention, relished standing at the center of power. But now someone dared to disrupt that someone dared to challenge him publicly. He was furious.
Hyuga Neji.
To oppose him so boldly meant this boy harbored dangerous intentions.
"Hmph. It seems the Hyuga clan can't be allowed to continue growing," Danzo thought darkly.
Clans with inherited kekkei genkai were like tumors to him.
"You fool," Danzo said, slamming his cane on the ground. "Do you not understand the state Konoha is in?!"
"The other villages are watching us like vultures. The Hokage seat cannot remain vacant! My election is for the good of the village. Or… are you trying to destroy Konoha?!"
His words rang with false righteousness, and sure enough, some people began casting doubtful glances toward Neji.
Neji's heart tightened. He'd seen shamelessness before, but never to this degree.
Danzo truly redefined what it meant to be brazen.
"And Hyuga Neji," Danzo added, narrowing his eyes, "according to the reports I've received, you were the only one present when the Third Hokage died. Orochimaru disappeared without a trace. I have reason to suspect you had some kind of collusion."
There it was.
Neji had anticipated this. Danzo would surely twist that detail to his advantage. He just hadn't expected him to act so quickly.
Unfortunately for him, Neji wasn't someone to be easily manipulated.
"You're accusing me based on that? Seems like you really aren't fit to be Hokage, Danzo."
This time, Neji made his position clear. No more honorifics. No more pretense.
"What did you say?" Danzo's eyes narrowed.
"The Third Hokage was under attack. I rushed to help. Is that a crime? And as for Orochimaru what could I do? I'm just a genin. You expect me to stop him? If I could do that, something would be seriously wrong with your security system."
The crowd nodded.
Neji was strong strong enough to subdue Shukaku and the tale of his victory had already spread through the village. Everyone was stunned by it.
But to say he was stronger than Orochimaru? No one believed that.
Neji and Orochimaru had no prior relationship. They had never even met. The idea that they were colluding was ridiculous.
"Neji has no reason to work with Orochimaru," someone finally said. "Danzo-sama, please investigate this matter properly."
"Even so, until the investigation is complete, he should be detained," Danzo said with a wave of his hand.
Several Root operatives stepped forward to seize Neji.
Seeing this, Neji's expression turned cold. Without warning, Danzo wanted him arrested? Did he really think himself Hokage already?
The moment those Root dogs got close, Neji struck. No words, just action fast and brutal.
"Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists!"
The Root members hadn't expected Neji to fight back, especially in front of everyone. Within seconds, he had knocked them all out.
With Neji's strength and the element of surprise, they had no chance to resist.
"Hyuga Neji," Danzo's voice boomed, "are you trying to defect?!"