Blood Of Ōtsutuki

The tension in Konoha was palpable. News of the attack during the survival trial had spread quickly, and while the village leaders tried to control the narrative, whispers of a looming war circulated among the shinobi ranks.

Ryūsei walked through the Hokage Tower's dimly lit corridors, his steps measured, his mind racing. The team had been summoned immediately after returning from the trial. Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted answers, and Ryūsei had plenty of questions of his own.

Inside the meeting chamber, the atmosphere was heavy. Hiruzen sat at the head of the table, his sharp gaze sweeping across the gathered shinobi. To his left stood Danzo, his expression as unreadable as ever. On the right, Homura and Koharu, the two senior councilors, whispered among themselves.

Ryūsei, alongside Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, stood before them. The injured students had been taken to the hospital, but the memory of the attack still lingered.

Hiruzen exhaled slowly, his fingers steepled before him. "We have reason to believe that the Sand Village was involved in the attack during the survival trial."

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "Yeah, no kidding. Their assassins didn't exactly try to hide it."

Tsunade frowned. "But why? Sabotage makes sense, but this felt too precise. They weren't just trying to disrupt the exam. They were targeting something specific."

Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with intrigue. "Or someone."

All eyes turned to Ryūsei.

Danzo finally spoke, his voice measured but firm. "The rogue ninja engaged you directly. They fought as if they were trained against the Byakugan." His one visible eye locked onto Ryūsei. "That suggests they were aware of your existence and capabilities."

Ryūsei remained calm, but inside, his mind was racing.

The Sand wasn't just trying to weaken Konoha. They were preparing for war. And if they had already developed countermeasures against the Byakugan, it meant they were investing resources into neutralizing specific threats.

Hiruzen folded his hands together. "This attack wasn't just an isolated incident. It's a sign of what's coming."

Koharu adjusted her glasses. "The Sand has always been wary of Konoha's strength. With tensions rising, they are seeking to eliminate our future assets before they fully mature."

Homura nodded. "And if they targeted Ryūsei specifically, it means they see him as a major threat."

Ryūsei finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Which means they know something."

Danzo's expression didn't change. "Or they suspect something."

Hiruzen studied him carefully. "Your Byakugan is unique, Ryūsei. That much we already know. But if the Sand is actively working against you, we must consider the possibility that your origins are not as secret as we believed."

The room fell into silence.

Tsunade stole a glance at Ryūsei, concern flickering in her golden-brown eyes. She knew how carefully he had concealed the truth about himself. If the Sand had even the slightest suspicion of his origins, things could escalate quickly.

Orochimaru was the first to break the silence. "If the Sand was willing to send assassins into Konoha territory, it means they believe the reward outweighs the risk. That alone should be concerning."

Danzo's voice was cold. "That is a naive approach, Hokage. If they are moving against us, we should strike first."

Hiruzen's gaze hardened. "We will not abandon diplomacy just yet."

Danzo's fingers tightened around his cane. "And when they strike again? Will you still cling to diplomacy when Konoha is burning?"

Tension crackled between the two.

Jiraiya scoffed. "Look, I'm not saying Danzo's right, but we can't just sit here either. We need to hit back somehow."

Tsunade nodded. "And if they're already countering the Byakugan, who's to say they aren't working on ways to counter our other bloodlines? We need to know what they're planning."

Orochimaru smirked slightly. "Then, in the meantime, I suggest we gather more intelligence. If the Sand has been preparing for war, there will be signs beyond just this attack."

Hiruzen nodded. "Agreed. We will investigate further." His gaze returned to Ryūsei. "As for you, I suggest you remain vigilant."

Ryūsei gave a short nod. He understood the weight behind Hiruzen's words.

The meeting ended soon after, but as they left the chamber, Ryūsei felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You should be careful," Danzo said, his voice quiet but firm. "If they suspect the truth about you, they will not stop."

Ryūsei met his gaze evenly. "Neither will I."

Danzo studied him for a moment before turning and walking away.

A Rising Threat

Later that night, Ryūsei sat atop one of Konoha's rooftops, gazing over the village. The air was still, but his mind wasn't.

If the Sand knew—or even suspected—his true origins, then it wouldn't stop at just assassins.

Footsteps approached. Tsunade.

She sat beside him, stretching her legs out. "You're thinking too much again."

Ryūsei smirked. "And you're stating the obvious again."

Tsunade elbowed him lightly. "Seriously, though. This is a problem, but we'll