Chapter 377 – Hiashi Hyūga's Guess (Double Length Chapter)
Ayaka activating Sage Mode had genuinely caught Kei off guard.
It could only be said that she kept surprising him—again and again.
He had, admittedly, considered whether he should take advantage of this opportunity and experimentally extract some senjutsu chakra from her body. But after giving it careful thought, he ultimately abandoned the idea.
After his recent battle with Uchiha Fugaku, his own level of integration had improved once more—by a noticeable margin.
At present, his fusion progress had reached roughly ninety percent.
From a certain perspective, Kei could already be considered a success.
Since Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Indra, he was arguably the first person to reach such a qualitative transformation without relying on a sibling's eyes, instead forcing evolution through an unconventional path.
Whether he was truly the first remained debatable—but in his own memories, he was certainly the only one.
That alone was reason enough for pride.
Still, ninety percent was not one hundred.
The gap might not be fatal, and the combat strength it produced was almost indistinguishable—but it was still a hidden risk.
Ayaka's senjutsu, likewise, was far from perfect. The fact that she could barely maintain it for even a minute in combat said everything.
Rather than rush things, it would be better to let her continue refining her Sage chakra, allowing it to stabilize and accumulate. Meanwhile, Kei could digest the gains from his recent battles.
He already had a plan.
When his integration reached the final threshold—when progress became completely stagnant—that would be the moment he would attempt to absorb a portion of Ayaka's senjutsu chakra.
The Nine-Tails' chakra had already proven effective once, breaking a bottleneck that had stalled him for far too long. Though its most visible impact had manifested through Susanoo, his physical fusion had also increased dramatically.
Senjutsu chakra wasn't the Nine-Tails' power. If anything, it was far more dangerous.
Kei couldn't be sure whether it would help—or harm.
But when the road ended, he would test it regardless.
That was Madara Uchiha's path.
Though Kei's own journey had diverged significantly in sequence and method, the essence remained unchanged.
Madara's success was proof enough.
Aside from the Eternal Mangekyō, nearly every step Kei had taken followed that precedent.
Senjutsu chakra was the final necessary piece.
Even if it didn't help him break through, he would still need it to complete his preparations.
Come to think of it… Kei mused,
the chakra used by the Ōtsutsuki might already be senjutsu in nature—just at an incomparably higher level.
His records on the Ōtsutsuki were sparse, but the theory made unsettling sense.
"If that's the case," he thought, "then Ayaka really did choose the right path."
Whether it was truly the right path remained to be seen.
But one thing was undeniable—
Ayaka in Sage Mode had stirred something in him.
Kei had long since grown numb to beauty.
Perhaps it was because he had seen too many beautiful kunoichi die on the battlefield—some at his hands, others before his eyes.
Ayaka was beautiful. Uchiha Jun was beautiful.
And yet… nothing.
His heart remained cold, unmoved.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to unleash Fire Release on Ayaka without hesitation back then.
If anything, he should thank Ao of Kirigakure. Had that man not been reduced to ashes, Kei might have personally killed his own teammate—and then he would have had no right to despise those idiots afterward.
As for Uchiha Jun, he had barely spared her a glance to this day.
Even though her appearance aligned perfectly with his aesthetic from his previous life, he felt nothing.
Yet Ayaka in Sage Mode was different.
It wasn't her looks.
It was her presence.
That aura—ethereal, noble, untouchable—made his heart stir in a way he couldn't articulate.
Strange. Fleeting. Almost unreal.
And yet… he liked it.
But Kei was, above all else, rational.
That aura existed only because of senjutsu chakra. Once the mode faded, so would that presence.
Still, his careless words had clearly crossed a line.
Ayaka hadn't taken them well.
She'd ignored him ever since—and for longer than he expected.
Women really were unfathomable creatures.
That said, other matters progressed quickly.
Uchiha Kawa, Uchiha Ryū, and Uchiha Jun all seemed to have learned the true reason war was approaching. Within less than a week, they submitted their candidate lists for interception and protection operations.
Every name belonged to a major clan.
Coordination might be an issue—but there was one critical advantage.
They all had battlefield experience.
The only oddity was Hyūga Hizashi.
He submitted no list at all.
That alone puzzled Kei.
Hizashi was anything but negligent. Since joining the Military Police, his diligence and competence had been exemplary. In just half a year, he had practically unified the Fourth Division, bringing it close to competing with the others for the title of Best Division.
After some thought, Kei realized the likely reason.
Hiashi Hyūga wanted to see him.
And sure enough, after the others left, Hizashi personally explained that the Hyūga clan head wished to meet Kei—privately.
Kei didn't refuse.
He'd expected the Hyūga clan to approach him eventually.
What they wanted to discuss, however, remained unclear.
What he didn't expect was this—
When he arrived at the Hyūga compound, the person waiting for him wasn't Hizashi.
It was Ayaka.
"You're here too?" Kei asked in mild surprise. "Waiting for me?"
"More or less," Ayaka replied calmly. "Hiashi told me you were coming and asked me to receive you—as your teammate."
"I see." Kei nodded, then asked directly, "Did he mention why he wanted to meet me?"
"Not yet. He's being mysterious," she answered honestly. "Don't overthink it. Come on."
"Still mad at me?" Kei sighed. "Sorry. I'll try not to say things like that again."
"You think that's what I'm angry about?" Ayaka shot back. "You're an idiot. Move."
…Right. Sea-bed needle.
Kei could only shrug helplessly.
He'd merely said he liked her aura. That didn't seem like such a big deal.
Especially considering the rumors outside were far more outrageous.
Watching her back as she walked ahead, Kei suddenly paused.
Wait.
The aura that made my heart stir… Sage Mode?
He replayed his words in his head.
Then, absurdly, he almost laughed.
Don't tell me… that's why she's angry?
Kei wasn't socially inept—just emotionally numbed by years of bloodshed.
If that really was the reason…
Well, that was awkward.
He said nothing, following her into the Hyūga clan head's residence.
It was his first time there.
Like Fugaku's home, it was a detached estate.
Guided by Ayaka, he soon found himself by a pond.
Hiashi Hyūga was already there, tea prepared, quietly waiting.
Seeing this, Kei couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
This meeting… won't be simple.
People in this world were honestly rather predictable.
Kei had already experienced scenes like this several times over.
It was as if only by sitting beside a pond, sipping tea, could anything ever be discussed properly.
Sure, the atmosphere was elegant, even tasteful—but after seeing it too many times, it inevitably became dull.
Uchiha Fugaku had likely guessed his thoughts as well. That was why their meetings rarely took place by a pond anymore. As their relationship deepened, their interactions had grown far more casual and unrestrained.
"Captain Kei, you've arrived," Hiashi Hyūga said gently, his tone lacking the cold distance Kei remembered. "Please, have a seat. Though my residence cannot compare to the Uchiha compound, I believe it is still adequate."
"You're too kind, Clan Head Hiashi," Kei replied casually as he took a seat. "Honestly, to me they're all about the same. At the very least, this is far better than the battlefield I once lived on."
"Is that so…" Hiashi nodded, then turned his gaze toward Ayaka.
"Ayaka, you should sit as well. You are Captain Kei's teammate—and a member of the Military Police. I imagine there are many matters you are already aware of."
"Yes, Clan Head," Ayaka responded evenly, seating herself beside Kei.
That alone made Kei feel slightly unsettled.
Why emphasize that she's my teammate?
What exactly is he planning to talk about?
This meeting already felt different from what Kei had expected.
"Captain Kei, you seem somewhat surprised?" Hiashi asked calmly as he poured tea for himself—and then, notably, for both Kei and Ayaka.
In a world where hierarchy was rigidly observed, such a gesture was unusual enough to make Ayaka pause in surprise.
She understood, however, that this courtesy likely had little to do with her—and everything to do with the man beside her.
Though she still felt mildly irritated by some of Kei's earlier remarks, Ayaka had no intention of refusing the treatment she was afforded.
Kei, meanwhile, gave the matter little thought. He lifted his teacup, glanced at Hiashi, and spoke evenly.
"I am surprised, yes—but I don't see any reason to overthink it."
"Quite so," Hiashi nodded, then smiled faintly as he looked at Ayaka. "That said, the two of you truly seem to have grown close."
"If that's what you called me here to say," Kei replied coolly, "then I don't believe this conversation needs to continue."
There was no irritation in his voice—only indifference.
He had no interest in explaining himself. There was no need.
Whatever Hiashi believed didn't matter. At most, this was an attempt to draw closer.
The relationship between the Uchiha and Hyūga clans had changed drastically in recent years—far beyond what either Fugaku or Hiashi had anticipated.
And that change was largely driven by Kei's forceful rise.
Naturally, the resurgence of the Uchiha clan also played a role.
Minato Namikaze was performing admirably as Hokage. At the very least, under his leadership, Kei could see hope—something he had never felt during the Third Hokage's tenure.
Back then, everything had felt oppressive, stagnant, and devoid of a future.
Now, it was almost as if he were watching a manga or anime unfold in real time.
Of course, the end of the war had also influenced policy shifts.
When war ended, priorities inevitably moved toward restoring production, economic stability, and civilian life.
One of the clearest changes was the quiet shift from "missions above all else" to an emphasis on "the importance of bonds."
It was subtle—like rain soaking into the soil—but Minato was executing it well.
Strength continued to be cultivated. Those meant to grow had grown. Those meant to be won over had been won over.
Minato was no longer seen as merely the Third Hokage's successor—or worse, his puppet.
He was a true Hokage.
And the Uchiha clan had become closely aligned with him.
Coupled with Kei's undeniable competence, the clan's influence had only continued to rise.
Those who once distanced themselves due to the Third Hokage's policies—retreating into small, closed circles—were now tentatively reaching out again.
Because the times had changed.
"Of course not, Captain Kei," Hiashi said calmly, unfazed by Kei's cold response.
He knew better than to take it personally.
Kei treated nearly everyone the same way.
Though he appeared gentle and approachable—so much so that many shinobi considered him kind—Hiashi, an old hand, knew better.
That was merely a mask. A carefully crafted façade.
Especially now, having pieced together certain clues, Hiashi was increasingly convinced that Kei's warmth was reserved for the masses—not for those who truly understood him.
"Then let's speak plainly," Kei said flatly. "You know how busy I am."
"Indeed," Hiashi replied with a faint smile. "As the head of Konoha's largest and most organized armed force, your responsibilities must be overwhelming."
Then his expression grew subtly inscrutable.
"Especially given that your strength, Captain Kei… has reached a truly astonishing level."
"What are you trying to say, Clan Head Hiashi?" Kei frowned.
There was meaning behind those words.
Did he see something?
After a moment's thought, Kei dismissed the idea.
Impossible.
If Hiashi could perceive that, Ayaka would have noticed long ago.
Though her genetic activation was nowhere near Hiashi's—he was merely three stages away from full activation—his Byakugan still shouldn't be capable of seeing that far.
Moreover, Imaki Kenta had personally set sealing barriers nearby.
There was no way Hiashi could peer inside.
Did Ayaka say something?
No.
Kei dismissed that immediately.
If she had, she would have told him.
Personal tensions aside, when it came to serious matters, Ayaka never faltered.
Then…
Kei's gaze sharpened slightly.
What exactly did he see—or infer?
"Captain Kei," Hiashi said quietly, noticing the shift in his demeanor. "Please don't look at me with such dangerous eyes. In your hands, I doubt I'd even have the chance to resist."
"You're overstating things," Kei replied with a mild smile. "Your strength is well known, Clan Head Hiashi. And besides—why would I ever attack a fellow shinobi of the village?"
"Is that so…" Hiashi took a sip of tea, then exhaled slowly.
"A year ago, Captain Kei, you defeated both Hizashi and myself—alone—without using any overt offensive ninjutsu, without revealing anything at all. Is that not power?"
"Clan Head Hiashi," Kei replied evenly, "I'd advise you to choose your words carefully."
Outwardly, his expression remained calm.
Inwardly, however, his heart skipped a beat.
He really did notice something?
But how?
The White Zetsu–derived mask couldn't be seen through by the Byakugan—otherwise he would have been exposed long ago.
So what exactly had Hiashi discovered?
Kei didn't know.
But he did know one thing—
He couldn't acknowledge anything.
Not unless Hiashi had flawless logic, irrefutable evidence, and—most importantly—a clear motive.
"Captain Kei, you needn't worry," Hiashi said as he set his cup down. "I harbor no ill intent. Otherwise, I wouldn't be sitting here alone."
He sighed softly.
"From the very beginning, I had my doubts. I hope you'll forgive my suspicion and allow me to explain."
"Go on," Kei said calmly.
His index finger rested on the table, tapping rhythmically—like the steady beat of a heart.
"Even if your conclusions differ from mine, I see no harm in hearing them."
"Thank you for your understanding."
Hiashi nodded, his expression turning solemn.
"Over a year ago, Hizashi and I were intercepted during a patrol by a masked man dressed in black. We were defeated—easily. A humiliation we've never forgotten.
"But what troubled me was this: with such overwhelming strength, why didn't he kill us?
"The Nine-Tails appeared shortly afterward, yes—but at that moment, both Hizashi and I were already completely incapacitated.
"Yet the man did not kill us. Nor did he steal our Byakugan.
"Instead, he removed… certain portions of our bodies—using a method we couldn't comprehend.
"That alone was deeply unnatural.
"Later, when I encountered you, Captain Kei, I thought little of it—until I witnessed you in combat.
"Your fighting style felt… familiar.
"That refined, minimalist elegance—it left an indelible impression.
"Perhaps it was simply an Uchiha trait. Or perhaps not.
"Then came the moment I could never forget.
"According to ancestral records, that was Susanoo—a power requiring the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Yet you manifested it through a shadow clone.
"That alone defied belief.
"And because of my suspicions, I memorized the nature of that chakra.
"Even so, I couldn't be certain. After all, you never used that ability again.
"Until recently.
"I felt it once more.
"That same cold, merciless, overwhelming chakra.
"Susanoo, according to records, can tower over a hundred meters. You favor the blade—and the marks left behind were unmistakable.
"But most importantly…"
Hiashi's gaze locked onto Kei.
"The chakra residue left there was identical to the Susanoo you used against the Nine-Tails."
Silence fell over the pond.
Kei remained motionless.
Ayaka, too, showed no sign of shock or panic.
That alone told Hiashi everything.
Either Kei truly had nothing to do with it—
Or Ayaka had been involved from the very beginning.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Only the sound of flowing water and the soft clack of bamboo against stone broke the silence.
Alongside it was the rhythmic tapping of Kei's finger—steady, oppressive.
Then—
It stopped.
Kei slowly lifted his head, his expression unreadable.
For the first time, Hiashi felt genuine tension grip his chest.
Then—
Kei smiled.