Sasuke stood in the briefing room, studying three files spread across the table.
"These are your options," Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses. "Three-person Hyuga teams currently deployed in vulnerable positions."
The first file showed a team stationed near the Land of Fire's eastern border. Two branch family members and one main family member—Hyuga Natsu, age twenty-four, known for aggressive combat style.
The second file detailed a diplomatic escort mission. Three Hyuga protecting a minor noble traveling through neutral territory. Two branch, one main family.
The third caught Sasuke's attention immediately.
"Hyuga Tokuma," he read aloud. "Main family. Exceptional sensory abilities. Assigned to investigate recent 'terrorist attacks' on Hyuga personnel."
"That's the most dangerous option," Kabuto warned. "He's specifically hunting for whoever's been killing clan members. His team is experienced. Battle-hardened. And they're actively looking for threats."
"Perfect." Sasuke's Mangekyo activated briefly. "If they're hunting me, I'll hunt them right back."
Suigetsu leaned over to read the file. "You want to hit the team that's specifically prepared for an attack? That's either brilliant or suicidal."
"It's strategic." Sasuke traced the team's patrol route on a map. "They expect to find terrorists or rogue shinobi. Standard combat threats. They're not prepared for what I actually am."
"And what are you?" Karin asked quietly.
Sasuke looked up at her. His eyes were cold. Empty. "Something they've never encountered before. Someone who doesn't just kill Hyuga—someone who steals their very bloodline."
He pulled out mission planning documents. "We hit them in four days. Location: the Forest of Death's southern edge. They'll be investigating the site of our last attack, looking for patterns."
"You want to ambush them at a crime scene?" Jugo's voice was uncertain. "That seems..."
"Poetic? Ironic?" Sasuke's smile was sharp. "They're looking for evidence. I'll give them evidence—their own corpses."
"What's the tactical approach?" Suigetsu asked, all business now.
Sasuke spread out a detailed map of the forest region. "Tokuma's sensory abilities have a range of approximately ten kilometers. He'll detect us the moment we enter that radius. So we don't try to hide."
"We don't hide?" Karin frowned. "That's—"
"We announce ourselves. Let him sense us. Let him think he's found his target." Sasuke pointed to positions on the map. "You three position here, here, and here. Form a triangle around the investigation site. When they move to engage, you collapse inward. Trap them."
"And you?"
"I'll be in the center. Bait. They'll focus on me initially—the lone Uchiha will draw their attention." Sasuke's Sharingan activated. "While they're focused on the obvious threat, you three strike from concealment."
"Tokuma's Byakugan will see us," Karin pointed out.
"It will see your positions. But seeing and countering are different things." Sasuke pulled out intelligence on the team composition. "The other two members are Hyuga Aito and Hyuga Isamu. Both branch family. Competent but not exceptional. They'll prioritize defending Tokuma over engaging you."
"So we kill them while they're protecting him?" Suigetsu's grin was vicious.
"Exactly. Eliminate the support personnel quickly. Then help me separate Tokuma for absorption." Sasuke's Mangekyo blazed briefly. "His Byakugan will be the most potent I've collected yet. Main family genetics are significantly stronger than branch family."
"How long for the absorption?" Jugo asked.
"Eight to ten seconds. You'll need to keep the other two occupied if they're still alive. If not, form a perimeter and watch for external interference." Sasuke deactivated his Mangekyo. "This is a high-value target. Konoha might have backup teams shadowing them."
Karin's expression was troubled. "Sasuke-kun... this is escalating fast. Main family deaths will cause major investigations. The Hyuga clan will demand answers. Konoha will get involved at the highest levels."
"I know." Sasuke's tone was unconcerned. "But by the time they mobilize a response, I'll have completed my Byakugan collection. After that, they can investigate all they want."
"And then what? You'll be a missing-nin with every major village hunting you."
"I'm already a missing-nin." Sasuke met her gaze. "The difference is that soon I'll be too powerful for them to do anything about it."
Silence fell over the room. The coldness in his voice left no room for argument.
"Four days," Sasuke repeated. "Prepare accordingly. This won't be like previous operations. These Hyuga are expecting trouble. They're ready for a fight."
"So are we," Suigetsu said confidently.
"Good. Because if this goes wrong, we're all dead." Sasuke began gathering the files. "Tokuma isn't some isolated branch family member. He's elite. And the moment he realizes what I'm trying to do, he'll fight like his life depends on it."
"Because it does," Jugo said quietly.
"Exactly." Sasuke's smile was cold. "Which means we don't give him the chance to realize. We hit fast, hit hard, and we don't stop until all three are dead."
The next four days passed in intense preparation.
Sasuke spent hours reviewing everything known about Hyuga Tokuma. Combat style. Preferred techniques. Reaction patterns. Weaknesses.
The man was formidable. Twenty-seven years old. Main family. Byakugan range exceeded twelve kilometers—far above average. Sensory precision allowed him to detect individual insects at maximum range.
"He'll know we're coming," Sasuke muttered, studying combat reports. "The question is whether he'll understand what we are before it's too late."
Kabuto entered the training room where Sasuke was practicing. "Orochimaru-sama wants to speak with you before the mission."
Sasuke found Orochimaru in his laboratory, examining a specimen jar.
"Sasuke-kun," the Sannin said without turning. "I hear you're targeting main family Hyuga now."
"You approved the mission parameters."
"I did. But I want to understand your thinking." Orochimaru finally turned to face him. "You're escalating from isolated branch family to active main family investigators. Why?"
"Because branch family Byakugan only gets me so far." Sasuke activated his Mangekyo, showing the faint lavender pattern. "Seven absorptions have given me seventy-five percent effectiveness. But I'm reaching diminishing returns. Branch family genetics are too diluted."
"And main family?"
"Purer bloodline. More potent ocular chakra. One main family Byakugan equals two or three branch family in terms of integration strength." Sasuke deactivated his Mangekyo. "I need maybe three main family absorptions to reach full effectiveness. Versus eight more branch family."
"Time efficiency."
"Exactly. And every day I wait is another day for the Hyuga to adapt their security protocols further." Sasuke pulled out his tactical notes. "Right now they think they're dealing with terrorists. Random violence. But eventually someone will notice the pattern—the lack of bodies with intact Byakugan. The complete destruction of evidence. They'll start asking the right questions."
"And when they do?"
"I'll already be done. Full Byakugan capability integrated. Moving on to the next target." Sasuke's eyes gleamed. "Which brings me to my next request."
Orochimaru's interest sharpened. "Oh?"
"I need information on remaining Uchiha survivors. Any branch family members who escaped the massacre. Scattered Sharingan users anywhere in the world." Sasuke's expression was calculating. "After I complete Byakugan collection, Sharingan is next. I need to strengthen my base Mangekyo before confronting Itachi."
"Hunting your own clan members." Orochimaru smiled. "You truly have no sentimentality, do you?"
"They're power sources. Nothing more." Sasuke's tone was flat. "Do you have information or not?"
"Some. Scattered reports. Unconfirmed sightings." Orochimaru pulled out a scroll. "But Sasuke-kun... hunting Sharingan users is significantly more dangerous than hunting Hyuga. Sharingan can copy techniques. Predict movements. Counter strategies."
"I know. I have Sharingan myself." Sasuke took the scroll. "Which means I know exactly how to fight them."
"Confidence or arrogance?"
"Calculation." Sasuke opened the scroll, scanning the information. "I've absorbed seven Byakugan. My technique is refined. When I absorb Sharingan, it will be even faster. More efficient."
"And what happens when you face someone with Mangekyo Sharingan? Someone like your brother?"
Sasuke looked up. His own Mangekyo activated, the spiral pattern glowing red with its lavender undertone.
"Then I'll find out if my abilities can absorb Mangekyo." His smile was cold. "Either way, the eyes will be mine."
Orochimaru laughed. "You're fascinating, Sasuke-kun. Truly. Most would fear confronting their own bloodline. You're actively hunting them."
"Fear is pointless. Power is everything." Sasuke deactivated his Mangekyo. "Is there anything else?"
"Just one thing." Orochimaru's expression became serious. "If this mission goes wrong—if Tokuma escapes and reports what you're doing—every bloodline clan in the world will unite against you. The Uchiha hunter becomes the hunted."
"Then I won't let him escape." Sasuke turned to leave. "No survivors. No witnesses. Same as always."
"And if backup arrives?"
Sasuke paused at the door. "Then they die too. However many it takes."
He left without another word.
Mission day arrived cold and overcast.
Team Taka assembled at dawn. Each member wore dark, nondescript clothing—nothing identifying. Masks covered their faces. They would leave no evidence of their identities.
"Final equipment check," Sasuke ordered.
Suigetsu's massive sword—Kubikiribōchō, acquired after their first successful mission together—rested on his back. Karin carried medical supplies and sensory equipment. Jugo wore his standard combat gear, designed to accommodate his curse mark transformations.
Sasuke carried minimal equipment. Kunai. Wire. Explosive tags. His real weapons were his eyes and his knowledge.
"Travel formation," Sasuke commanded. "We move fast. Arrive two hours before Tokuma's team reaches the investigation site."
They moved through the forest at high speed. Trees blurred past. The ground disappeared beneath their feet as they leaped from branch to branch.
Six hours of travel brought them to the southern edge of the Forest of Death.
"This is it," Karin said, her sensory abilities active. "The site of our last attack is three kilometers northeast. I'm not sensing any chakra signatures yet."
"Tokuma's team won't arrive for another hour at minimum." Sasuke studied the terrain. "Take your positions. Remember—don't hide your chakra. Let him sense you. Make him think he's found scattered terrorists."
"What about you?" Suigetsu asked.
"I'll be at the investigation site. The obvious target." Sasuke's Sharingan activated. "When they engage me, count to thirty. Then strike."
Team Taka dispersed. Suigetsu to the north. Karin to the west. Jugo to the east. They formed a triangle two kilometers wide, with the investigation site at its center.
Sasuke moved to the burned outpost remains. Ash and scorched earth. Scattered debris. The site of Misaki and Takeshi's deaths.
He sat down in the center of the ruins. Cross-legged. Waiting.
His Sharingan scanned the perimeter constantly. Watching for approaching signatures.
Thirty minutes passed.
Then Karin's voice came through the communication earpiece. "Three signatures approaching from the southwest. Moving fast. High-level chakra. It's them."
"Understood." Sasuke remained seated. "Hold positions. Let them come to me."
The signatures entered his Sharingan's perception range. Three distinct patterns. Two branch family—standard Byakugan chakra. And one that blazed brighter, purer.
Main family.
Tokuma.
They burst through the treeline ninety meters away. Three Hyuga, Byakugan already active. Veins bulging around their eyes.
Tokuma stood in the center. Tall. Lean. His Byakugan's perception washed over the area like a tidal wave. Sasuke could feel it—the sensory technique probing, analyzing, mapping everything within kilometers.
"Uchiha," Tokuma said, his voice calm despite the tension in his stance. "We've been looking for you."
Sasuke stood slowly. His Sharingan met Tokuma's Byakugan. Red versus white.
"Have you now?" Sasuke's tone was unconcerned. "And what did you find?"
"Seven dead Hyuga in three months. All killed the same way. All incinerated completely." Tokuma's hands shifted into Gentle Fist stance. "You're hunting my clan."
"Observant."
"Why?" The question came from Aito, the Hyuga on Tokuma's left. "What grudge could you possibly have against us?"
"No grudge." Sasuke's Sharingan spun lazily. "You're just... in my way."
"In your way?" Isamu, on Tokuma's right, looked confused. "What does that—"
"Enough talk," Tokuma interrupted. His Byakugan flared with chakra. "You're coming with us. Alive if possible. Dead if necessary."
"Neither." Sasuke's Mangekyo activated.
The spiral pattern blazed. Lavender and red. The absorbed Byakugan visible within the design.
All three Hyuga froze.
"Impossible," Tokuma whispered. "Your eyes... those are Byakugan patterns..."
"Not just patterns." Sasuke smiled. It wasn't a pleasant expression. "Your entire bloodline. Absorbed. Integrated. Made mine."
"You..." Aito's voice shook. "You can steal dojutsu?"
"Not steal. Absorb. Permanently." Sasuke took a step forward. "Every Hyuga I've killed—their Byakugan lives on in my eyes. Seven so far. Yours will make ten."
Horror and rage warred on their faces.
"You monster," Isamu growled. "You've been harvesting us like—like—"
"Like resources." Sasuke's tone was matter-of-fact. "Which is what you are. Power sources to be collected and utilized."
Tokuma's expression hardened. "Aito, Isamu—formation delta. Don't let him touch you. Whatever technique he uses, it requires physical contact."
Smart. Tokuma had analyzed the situation instantly.
"Too late for tactics," Sasuke said.
He formed hand seals. "Lightning Release: False Darkness!"
A massive lightning spear erupted from his mouth, tearing toward the Hyuga team.
Tokuma's hands blurred. "Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!"
The defensive sphere intercepted the lightning. Energy exploded outward, scorching the ground.
But Sasuke was already moving. Through the explosion. Sharingan tracking their positions even through the smoke.
His hand reached for Aito—
The Hyuga dodged, barely. Gentle Fist struck at Sasuke's extended arm. The attack would have shut down his chakra network if it connected.
Sasuke's other hand caught Aito's wrist. Twisted. Pulled him off balance.
Isamu attacked from the side. "Eight Trigrams: Sixty-Four Palms!"
Sixty-four rapid strikes targeting every chakra point. Sasuke's Sharingan predicted the pattern. He released Aito and leaped back, the attacks missing by centimeters.
Tokuma was forming hand seals. "Gentle Fist: Tenketsu Needles!"
Chakra condensed into thin needles, invisible to normal sight. They shot toward Sasuke like bullets.
His Ame-no-Sakahoko activated instinctively. Black-red crystalline chakra coated his hand. He swept it forward.
The needles shattered against the barrier. Fundamental breakdown of the attack.
"What technique is that?" Tokuma's eyes widened.
"Something your Byakugan can't copy." Sasuke formed the tiger seal.
Thirty seconds had passed.
Team Taka struck.
Suigetsu exploded from the north, his body liquefying and reforming into water whips that lashed toward Isamu.
Jugo dropped from above, curse mark already activated. His transformed fist aimed at Aito.
Karin's voice echoed in their earpieces. "No external signatures! You're clear!"
The coordinated ambush caught the Hyuga off guard. They'd been focused on Sasuke—the obvious threat—and hadn't maintained full sensory awareness of their surroundings.
Tokuma's Byakugan flared. "Trap! Multiple attackers!"
But awareness and reaction time were different things.
Suigetsu's whip caught Isamu around the throat. The Hyuga tried to strike the water construct, but his Gentle Fist passed through harmlessly.
"Can't touch what you can't hit," Suigetsu laughed, tightening the grip.
Jugo's fist connected with Aito's hastily raised guard. The force sent the Hyuga flying backward, crashing through trees.
Tokuma tried to move to support them, but Sasuke was already on him.
Chidori blazed in his hand. Lightning screamed as he thrust forward.
Tokuma's Palm Rotation activated—
Ame-no-Sakahoko shattered through it.
The defensive sphere fractured like glass. Sasuke's lightning-coated hand pierced through and caught Tokuma's shoulder.
The main family Hyuga screamed as his chakra network disrupted at the contact point.
"Support!" Tokuma shouted desperately. "Aito! Isamu!"
But Aito was struggling to rise from Jugo's assault. And Isamu—
Suigetsu's blade descended. Kubikiribōchō, massive and brutal. It cleaved through Isamu's desperate guard and carved deep into his torso.
Blood sprayed. Isamu collapsed, gurgling.
"NO!" Tokuma's voice broke.
Sasuke's hand pressed against his face. Mangekyo blazed.
Takama-ga-hara activated.
The connection formed instantly. But different from branch family—Tokuma's Byakugan resisted. Main family genetics fought the absorption with significantly more power.
Tokuma screamed. His Byakugan flared with massive chakra, trying to reject the technique. The Caged Bird Seal—no, wait, main family didn't have the seal. That made it easier.
But the sheer potency of his bloodline made it harder.
Sasuke pushed harder. His Mangekyo burned. The absorption was taking longer than usual. Tokuma's ocular chakra was dense, refined, incredibly pure.
Ten seconds. Eleven. Twelve.
Tokuma's hands found purchase on Sasuke's arm. Gentle Fist struck at the elbow.
Chakra disrupted. Sasuke's grip weakened—
Then Jugo was there. His transformed hand grabbed Tokuma's wrists, pulling them away from Sasuke.
"Continue!" Jugo growled, holding the struggling Hyuga.
Sasuke's grip tightened again. Takama-ga-hara surged.
Fifteen seconds. Sixteen.
Tokuma's Byakugan began to fade. The pure white of main family genetics transferring to Sasuke's left eye. The ocular chakra structure—incredibly complex, far more developed than branch family—merged with his Mangekyo pattern.
Twenty seconds.
Complete.
Tokuma's eyes returned to normal black. Empty. Powerless. His Byakugan was gone.
Sasuke released him. The Hyuga collapsed, gasping.
"My... my eyes..." Tokuma's hands touched his face. "What did you... what did you DO?!"
"I told you." Sasuke stood over him. Lightning chakra formed. "I absorbed them. Made them mine."
Tokuma looked up. Saw Sasuke's Mangekyo—the spiral pattern now significantly more pronounced with lavender coloring. Eight Byakugan absorbed. The pattern had evolved, grown more complex.
"Monster..." Tokuma whispered.
"Yes." Sasuke's hand descended. Lightning blade formed. "I am."
The strike was precise. Through the heart. Death was instant.
Sasuke turned to where Suigetsu stood over Isamu's body. "Status?"
"Dead. Quick kill."
"Aito?"
Jugo pointed. The third Hyuga was crawling away, desperately trying to escape. His legs were broken from Jugo's earlier attack.
Sasuke walked over calmly. Aito looked up, terror in his Byakugan-enhanced eyes.
"Please," Aito begged. "I won't tell anyone. I'll—"
Sasuke's hand pressed against his face. Mangekyo activated.
Eight seconds. The branch family Byakugan absorbed easily after the intense main family absorption.
Execution. Lightning through the heart.
Sasuke stood, surveying the three corpses. His eyes throbbed violently. Nine Byakugan absorbed total—including Tokuma's incredibly potent main family genetics.
"Karin, status?"
"Still clear! No external signatures within my range!"
"Good. Burn everything."
Team Taka spread out. Multiple Fire Release techniques. The forest erupted into flames. Three bodies. The evidence of combat. All consumed by fire.
Within five minutes, only ash remained.
"Move out," Sasuke commanded.
They melted into the forest. Behind them, smoke rose into the overcast sky.
By the time anyone investigated, there would be nothing left but questions.
And three more Hyuga whose eyes would never be recovered.