Kaguya turned around, a faint smile on her lips as she quietly observed the now-grown and beautiful young woman. She softly spoke, "It's been a long time, little sister."
"Is it really you?" Hinata's eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Kaguya.
"What's wrong? Can't recognize me?" Kaguya's lips curled into a slight smile. "Let me remind you then."
Kaguya moved gracefully and pulled Hinata into her embrace with her flawless arm, gently lowered her head, and kissed her on the lips.
Hinata's eyes widened, then gradually became dreamy, tears welling up in her eyes as she tightly hugged Kaguya with her arms.
This was a kissing game they used to play when they were children.
"Sister, where have you been all these years?" Hinata wiped her eyes, murmuring, "I thought I'd never see you again."
"How could that be?" Kaguya gently stroked her hair, smiling, "I wouldn't abandon anyone, especially not my sister." She then pinched Hinata's cheek.
"I've heard many rumors against you," Hinata hesitated, "they say you..."
"That I'm a traitor, that I betrayed Konoha, right?" Kaguya said, blinking.
"Yes," Hinata hurriedly said, "but I don't believe that, I..."
"Alright, I know what you want to say," Kaguya patted Hinata's head, smiling, "I'm glad you think that way."
"You've finally come back?" A deep voice rang out.
Kaguya slowly turned around, smiling lightly, "Father."
"You still remember you have a father?" Hiashi Hyuga crossed his arms, frowning. "Or that you have this family?"
"I had no choice," Kaguya said softly, "it wasn't what I wanted."
"Was plotting against the Third Hokage also not your choice?" Hiashi said sternly.
"Do you really believe a girl barely over ten could kill the Hokage?" Kaguya raised her eyebrows.
"But with Orochimaru's help, it's possible," Hiashi snorted.
"If I really wanted to kill the Third, why did I save him during Orochimaru's attack on Konoha?" Kaguya gently held Hinata's hand, easing her anxiety.
"These are all claims made by the Fifth Hokage, Lord Danzo. Do you have any other excuses?" Hiashi said sternly.
Kaguya was taken aback but quickly understood the meaning behind his words. She smiled faintly and said, "Father, you actually believe me, don't you?"
"Whether I believe you or not is not important," Hiashi Hyuga said solemnly. "What's important is making the villagers believe."
"That seems a bit difficult," Kaguya shook her head lightly, her silver-white hair swaying, "I'm sure Danzo has already portrayed me as an unforgivable traitor."
"None of that matters," Hiashi said, crossing his arms and shaking his head slightly. "What's more important is what you think."
Kaguya paused, then laughed, saying, "I understand what you mean, Father."
Leaving the Hyuga clan's house, Kaguya felt a bit lighter. It seemed that Danzo had not gained universal approval during his tenure, and even the Hyuga clan, which had once firmly supported him, now harbored discontent.
She wondered where Tsunade, who should have become the Fifth Hokage, was now. Perhaps the village would be better governed under her leadership.
As for clearing her name, Kaguya hadn't even considered it. People would believe what they wanted to believe. Those who didn't trust her wouldn't change their minds, and those who did wouldn't be swayed by one incident.
But before all that, she intended to teach certain people a lesson.
Inside the grand and imposing Hokage building:
"Who are you? Outsiders are not allowed here."
Kaguya retracted her extended arm, her steps light as she continued walking inside. Behind her, the Anbu guards lay sprawled on the ground.
"Has Kaguya's file arrived yet?" Danzo, sitting in his chair, asked sternly. "Where is she now?"
"She's reportedly in Konoha, possibly at the Hyuga house," the Anbu ninja replied respectfully.
"The Hyuga clan," Danzo snorted. "The Hyuga clan has become unreliable. They've developed disloyalty. Keep a close watch, and report any movements immediately. You may go."
"Yes," the Anbu ninja responded.
Danzo's face darkened as he stood up from his chair. Suddenly, he slammed his fist on the table, gritting his teeth. "One day, I'll eliminate those disobedient Hyuga clan members."
"Danzo-sama still exudes such authority."
A voice came from the darkness, melodic but like thunder in Danzo's ears.
"Who's there?" Danzo turned sharply, seeing a shadowy figure standing in the dim light.
The figure slowly stepped forward, the light gradually revealing her face. Silver-white hair, a beautiful face, unforgettable watery eyes. Although she had changed significantly over the years, becoming even more breathtakingly beautiful, Danzo could still recognize her.
"What? Don't recognize me?" Kaguya smiled faintly, a glint flashing in her eyes.