Naruto: Getting Observation Haki By Sacrificing The Byakugan

"There's no point in waiting any longer. Let's go in and search." The five hours of waiting hadn't been wasted—Hiruzen Sarutobi had already pieced everything together.

He had done all he could. The rest was now in the hands of fate.

Upon hearing this, Kawaki Aoba gave a small smile. He turned his head and added, "Since this operation is being carried out jointly by the ANBU, the Konoha Military Police Force, and the Enforcement Unit, let them proceed with the investigation together."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't object. At this point, any suggestion from Kawaki Aoba would be accepted without question.

Minato Namikaze glanced at Aoba with a complicated expression.

At first, he'd assumed Aoba's target was the Uchiha Clan—the signs had been far too blatant. But now, it was becoming clear that his true aim was Danzo and Root.

And how did Minato know Aoba was pulling the strings behind this investigation?

It was obvious. Kawaki Aoba hadn't exactly been subtle. Only a fool would've missed it.

Minato, as Hokage, didn't like being led around—especially not by someone like Aoba.

Tobirama Senju: A disgraceful piece of trash.

But right now, there was no turning back. The arrow had been nocked and had to fly.

Now that the issue had been exposed, there was no choice but to investigate thoroughly.

Soon after, Minato gave the official order: Root was to be searched.

Following Aoba's suggestion, the search was to be carried out by all three departments jointly. It was the most balanced approach—and truthfully, the only politically viable one.

After issuing the order, Kawaki Aoba stretched his arms and smirked. "Then, shall we? Let's see what secrets Root is hiding."

"Very well," Minato said with a sigh as he stood. "Let's get this over with."

Just then, Hiruzen raised his hand. "I'm a little tired. My chakra reserves aren't what they used to be. I won't be joining this operation. The Hokage is you now, Minato—so you should carry this burden."

Without another word, the Third Hokage turned and left the office.

Minato paused, startled by the implications of Hiruzen's words.

Work hard for him? What did he mean by that?

Hiruzen's personal ANBU…?

That was Minato's first thought—and it wasn't paranoia. The old man had practically spelled it out.

Mixed with his confusion, Minato couldn't help but glance at Kawaki Aoba.

Aoba appeared just as surprised. He clearly hadn't expected his maneuvering to yield this kind of result.

Minato Namikaze: …

In that moment, Minato remembered—he owed Aoba for this political opening.

It was irritating, to say the least.

Noticing Minato's uneasy expression, Aoba couldn't resist a jab. "What's wrong? Hokage-sama, got something on your mind?"

Minato Namikaze: …

Since when had Aoba always been this annoying?

Just then, the other remaining elder stood up. It was Koharu Utatane.

"Hiruzen has chosen not to involve himself, so this old woman will take her leave as well," she said.

As she turned to go, she addressed her old comrade, Homura Mitokado. "Homura, we're all old. It's time to let the younger generation take over."

But Homura remained silent, unmoved.

Koharu sighed. She had said all she could. If Homura didn't want to listen, that was his choice.

"Well?" Homura stood with forced dignity. "Aren't you two heading for Root? Then let's not waste time."

Aoba let out a short chuckle. "Elder Homura, aren't you a bit too old to be playing tag with us youngsters? You'd be better off joining Elder Koharu in retirement. Maybe babysitting the grandchildren, hmm?"

"Hmph! I'm not so old that I can't walk!" Homura snapped. "I won't stand idly by while Konoha's foundation is chipped away by naive children."

With a huff, he walked ahead, ignoring Aoba's smirk.

A cold gleam briefly flickered in Aoba's sharp, azure eyes. Old man, you're really pushing your luck.

"Let's go too, Minato."

Minato nodded silently, and the two followed.

Outside, the joint forces from the ANBU, Military Police, and the Enforcement Team had been standing by. As soon as the order came down, they moved quickly and surrounded the Root compound from every angle.

"Lord Hokage," an ANBU captain reported, "the Root operatives refuse to come out. Should we proceed with forced entry?"

Minato was about to reply when the gate to the Root base suddenly creaked open.

From the shadows, a lone figure stepped forward.

"Lord Hokage, esteemed elders, Lord Danzō is currently not present at the base. May I ask the reason for your visit?"

The speaker was Ryoma Aburame, one of Danzō's trusted operatives, and currently the highest-ranking officer in the Root headquarters.

"There is a grave matter requiring Danzō's cooperation in an investigation. However, he has continued to delay his appearance. We have no choice but to proceed with a search of the Root base under the direct order of the Fourth Hokage. Ryoma Aburame, stand aside," Mitokado Homura declared, stepping forward before Minato could speak.

To everyone's surprise, Ryoma, who had previously refused the ANBU entry, now silently stepped aside.

"If this is Lord Hokage's order, I dare not disobey. Please, conduct your search freely.

However, I must caution you—this facility contains many confidential materials. I ask only that you proceed carefully to avoid any accidental leaks."

Something felt off.

Ryoma's sudden compliance, paired with his calm demeanor, put everyone on edge.

Minato said nothing, instead glancing at Kawaki Aoba. The latter remained composed, prompting Minato to give a small nod.

"Proceed," the Fourth Hokage ordered.

With that, ANBU units from three departments swept into the base. Several Hyūga clan members activated their Byakugan, clearly intent on a thorough inspection.

Kawaki Aoba and two other operatives followed closely behind.

The Root base, true to its name, was buried deep underground—cold, dark, and sterile.

Surprisingly, however, the halls were spotless.

They arrived at a spacious hall. Kawaki Aoba glanced at the cleared floor, observing drag marks and patterns left by recently removed equipment.

"Tch. Looks like Root did a major cleanup before we arrived," he muttered. "Judging by these marks, there used to be a lot of equipment here. Where did it all go?"

Ryoma stepped forward. "Lord Danzō ordered a reorganization of the base several days ago. It just happens to coincide with your visit."

Aoba didn't respond directly. He wasn't buying it.

"Elder Mitokado," he called casually, turning to Homura, who looked momentarily surprised. Then, the elder composed himself and glanced around.

"Well, despite the gloomy environment, everything seems to be well maintained," Homura said. "But we're here to search, are we not? Elder Aoba, have you found anything?"

'Heh. This old fox,' Aoba sneered inwardly, already anticipating the elder's regret.

Outwardly calm, he replied, "Searches take time. Patience."

Homura said nothing more, settling himself into a quiet corner.

Minato watched the exchange with mild exasperation. His concern wasn't just the power struggle unfolding—it was the imbalance it threatened to create.

Factional disputes were nothing new. But Homura… you should know your weight before challenging Kawaki Aoba.

If things continued like this, it would no longer be a balance of powers—it would become Aoba's village.

Minato had never considered sabotaging Aoba's rise. The man had grown stronger under his watch, and everything he'd done was, ultimately, for Konoha.

Just then, a messenger-nin approached.

"Lord Hokage! We've discovered several hidden chambers requiring specific unlocking techniques."

Minato turned to Ryoma. The latter's expression grew solemn.

"Is something wrong with the rooms?" Minato asked.

Ryoma nodded. "Yes, Lord Hokage. Those chambers contain sensitive intelligence. Lord Danzō ordered that no one enter them without his direct permission. A leak could severely harm the village."

The question lingered in the air—what kind of information was so dangerous?

Homura turned to Aoba. "Elder Aoba, you led this operation. Under these circumstances, do you still believe we should proceed?"

Aoba ignored him, muttering "Idiot" under his breath.

Homura's face darkened. He turned to Minato instead. "Lord Fourth, what is your judgment?"

Minato paused, then looked to the returning squads. "Have the other areas been thoroughly searched?"

Just then, the ANBU teams reported in:

"Third Unit—no anomalies found."

"Fifth Unit—no suspicious findings."

"Second Unit—nothing significant to report."

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