The report reached Konoha three days later.
Hyuga Hiashi read it with growing concern. Border outpost destroyed. Four dead—two Hyuga branch family members, two chunin support. Complete annihilation. No survivors.
"This is the sixth incident in three months," Hiashi said to the assembled clan elders. "Six branch family members dead. All in remote locations. All killed with extreme prejudice."
"The attack patterns vary," one elder noted. "Different techniques. Different times. Different methods. But always Fire Release to destroy the evidence."
"Political terrorism?" another elder suggested. "Someone targeting our clan specifically?"
"Possible. But why branch family? Why not main family if the goal is to weaken the Hyuga?" Hiashi studied the map where incidents had occurred. "And why leave no survivors? No demands? No messages?"
"Perhaps it's not political," a younger elder said. "Perhaps it's personal. Someone with a grudge against specific members."
"Six different members with six different grudges? Unlikely." Hiashi marked the locations. "No. This is systematic. Coordinated. Someone is hunting our clan members deliberately."
"What do we do?"
"Increase security across all posts. No more pairs—minimum three-person teams. Main family members embedded with branch family on high-risk assignments." Hiashi's Byakugan activated, veins bulging. "And we investigate. Find out who's behind this. And eliminate them."
"Do we contact other villages? This could be a broader conspiracy against bloodline clans."
Hiashi considered it. Then shook his head. "Not yet. We handle this internally first. If it spreads beyond Hyuga targets, then we'll coordinate with other clans. For now, this is our problem."
The elders dispersed. Hiashi remained, staring at the map.
Seven dead in three months. Systematic elimination of isolated members. Always destroyed with fire. Always total kills—no one left alive to report what happened.
Someone was hunting his clan.
And he had no idea why.
Meanwhile, in Sound Village, Sasuke studied his reflection.
His Mangekyo had evolved further. The lavender tint was more pronounced now. When he activated it, the Byakugan's 360-degree pattern was clearly visible within the spiral design.
Seven Byakugan absorbed. Seventy-five percent effectiveness. He could maintain full 360-degree vision for extended periods now. Chakra point perception was approaching perfect accuracy.
"How many more?" Kabuto asked during examination.
"Three to four should reach full effectiveness. Maybe five to exceed baseline Byakugan and approach perfect sight." Sasuke deactivated his Mangekyo. "But targets are getting harder."
"Hiashi has issued new protocols. Three-person minimum teams. Main family escorts on some assignments." Kabuto showed him updated intelligence. "They're taking the threat seriously now."
"Good. It means they're scared." Sasuke studied the new target locations. "Three-person teams just means more people to kill. And main family Byakugan will be more potent anyway—better quality for absorption."
"You want to target main family?" Kabuto's eyebrows rose. "That's significantly more dangerous. They're better trained, better equipped, and their deaths will cause much bigger investigations."
"I know. But at this point, investigations don't matter." Sasuke's Mangekyo activated. "By the time they figure out what I'm doing, I'll have completed my Byakugan collection. After that, they can investigate all they want. I'll be untouchable."
"When do you plan to strike next?"
"One week. Give them time to settle into the new protocols. Let them think the security increase will protect them." Sasuke smiled coldly. "Then we hit a three-person team. Show them their precautions are worthless."
Kabuto made notes. "I'll compile target options. Orochimaru-sama will want to approve any main family attacks."
"He'll approve. He's as invested in this as I am." Sasuke stood. "One week. Then the hunting continues."