Naruto: I Traveled with a Max Level Account-Chapter 162 - 561: Progress Update—Only the Hyūga Clan Left

The intel on Madara Uchiha, coupled with the mass arrest of Shimura clan members, served as a wake-up call for the Third Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't lift a finger to protect the Shimura clan. Even Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado remained silent and made no attempt to intervene.

Without the Third Hokage's support, and with Tsunade enraged and preparing to settle old scores, it was clear to everyone that the upcoming council meeting was aimed directly at Koharu and Homura.

Anyone with half a brain knew that the purpose of the meeting was to vote them out of the council. With Tsunade's current level of support, the result would be a foregone conclusion.

For Koharu and Homura, this was unacceptable. Their power had already been steadily eroded, and being kicked out of the council would be worse than death.

Faced with two choices—cooperate with Tsunade or be thrown out of the council—they had to make a decision.

Late that night, with reluctance written all over their faces, Koharu and Homura came to meet Tsunade.

They confessed everything and promised not to obstruct her plans for the census of family ninjas, on the condition that Tsunade guarantee they wouldn't be removed from the council or lose their control over the Medical Division.

Takuya could only scoff at their behavior. Some people only learn their lesson after getting burned.

Having tasted bitter defeat, they became the most obedient people in the room.

In the end, the council meeting was canceled.

The Shimura, Utatane, and Mitokado clans, who had banded together, finally lowered their heads.

Even the Sarutobi clan began complying with the census. Out of respect for Hiruzen, Tsunade conducted the investigation discreetly.

If the Sarutobi clan's affairs were made public, the resulting spectacle would have kept the village gossiping for weeks.

The price of melons in the ninja world would skyrocket.

With all the other clans dealt with, only the Hyūga clan remained.

This was terrible news for the Hyūga.

The main family's elders were already in an uproar, accusing Tsunade of meddling in the clan's internal affairs.

But their bluster was just for show. Despite their loud complaints, none of them dared to confront Tsunade directly.

Only Hiashi Hyūga, the clan head, had the courage to negotiate with her.

"Clan head, we can't let this continue. Every other clan has already complied, even the Sarutobi clan. It's clear that Lady Hokage won't let us off the hook," one elder said anxiously.

"That's right. We've already received notices that several of our clan members have had their positions temporarily suspended. Many others are starting to distance themselves from us."

The Hyūga's defiance had always stemmed from two factors: their reserved, non-confrontational nature, which made it hard for others to attack them, and the uniqueness of their Byakugan.

With their kekkei genkai, the Hyūga played an essential role in Konoha's reconnaissance operations, holding key positions throughout the village.

But Tsunade didn't hesitate. When she told them to step down, they had no choice but to comply.

"I will speak with Lady Hokage myself," Hiashi said calmly, unbothered by the elders' panic.

He knew these elders well—none of them had the guts to face Tsunade.

The responsibility would fall on him alone.

But would Tsunade agree to negotiate? Clearly not.

Every other clan, no matter how small, had complied with the census. Why should the Hyūga be any different?

"Suzune," Hiashi called out.

"Ah?"

Hyūga Suzune, who had been trying to stay invisible in the corner, was startled. She hadn't expected the clan head to call on her and quickly responded.

"After the family meeting, you will visit Yagami Takuya and ask him about the situation," Hiashi instructed.

"I..."

Suzune hesitated. She wasn't sure if Takuya would be willing to see her during such a sensitive time, let alone share any inside information.

Also, it had been a long time since they'd last met. Going to him now, just to probe for information, felt awkward.

"Don't overthink it," Hiashi reassured her. "He will see you. I'm sure he'll tell you what you need to know."

When it came to reading people, Hiashi was unmatched, despite his young age.

"Oh," Suzune mumbled, reluctantly accepting the task.

She had no choice. Refusing would only anger her father, who was also the clan's head elder.

"Meeting adjourned," Hiashi said.

Further discussion would be pointless. It would just devolve into more bickering.

After the meeting, Hiashi signaled Suzune to follow him to a small courtyard.

"Father," Suzune greeted him respectfully, kneeling on a tatami mat with perfect posture.

"Suzune, don't disappoint the clan head. Do you understand?"

After a long silence, during which he sipped his tea, the elder finally spoke.

"Yes, Father," Suzune replied quickly, straightening her back.

Wherever people gathered, there was politics, and the Hyūga clan was no exception.

Aside from the tension between the main family and the branch family, there were also significant internal divisions within the main family.

Suzune, being a low-profile member of the main family, had little influence and could only follow the family's orders.

"Haah..."

As she left the courtyard, Suzune let out a heavy sigh.

Though she knew it was inappropriate, part of her wished the village would step in and reform the clan, loosening its rigid and oppressive rules.

Even as a member of the main family, she found it suffocating.

After preparing herself, Suzune set out with orders from both the clan head and her father.

The Third Hokage had gone completely quiet, and the only clan left for the ninja census was the Hyūga.

As for what Iwagakure and Kumogakure planned to do with the Rinnegan they had obtained, Takuya didn't know.

All he cared about was that he finally had some time off.

As long as war didn't break out and Madara didn't attack Konoha, Takuya was happy to enjoy his break.

What Takuya didn't expect was that he'd soon receive a rather special guest.

"Captain," Suzune greeted nervously when she arrived at his house, bowing respectfully.

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.

DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING