At 11:33 AM, on Konoha's Tea Street, Hyuga Yu paced past the kneeling ranks of the Hyuga main house formation.
Yet, his heart harbored no sense of gratification, nor did he feel the exhilaration of a youth avenging a great grievance and riding in triumph. On the contrary, he found the situation rather troublesome.
He had considered that Hyuga Hiashi might act like a spineless coward, and that after returning to the village, the man would most likely pull his neck back and avoid a confrontation altogether.
But evidently, he had still underestimated the leader of the Hyuga main house.
Not only had the man proactively stepped forward and shamelessly participated in the celebration despite Danzo's deliberate targeting, delivering his own cheek to be slapped, but Hyuga Yu had humiliated him to such an extent—reducing his dignity as clan head to absolutely nothing and dragging his prestige through the dirt—yet this man could still restrain himself from using the Caged Bird Curse Seal.
Furthermore, during this ordeal, Hyuga Hiashi, who had not held the position of clan head for very long, actually managed to suppress the rest of the main house, forcing them to endure the shame alongside him without activating the Caged Bird.
Judging solely by this, Hyuga Hiashi was absolutely qualified as the leader of the Hyuga clan.
This cost Hyuga Yu an opportunity to definitively disprove the absolute control of the Caged Bird in public. At the same time, it ruined his plan to seize this chance upon returning to the village to raid the Hyuga compound and liquidate the clan's ancestral properties into research funds.
Destroying the Hyuga clan and executing every single member of the main house would take Hyuga Yu only a few seconds. However, building a massive entity capable of operating according to his desires and continuously producing scientific research results for him was significantly more tedious than the former.
If Hyuga Yu could forcibly plunder the Hyuga main house for money today, who would be plundered tomorrow?
In a state where everyone felt personally endangered, who would be willing to strike up a partnership with Hyuga Yu, contributing personnel, labor, and funds?
And under such conditions, how could the research results that Hyuga Yu truly needed ever be realized?
Therefore, the Hyuga clan had to be struck, but they could not be bludgeoned to death all at once, nor could the beatings proceed too quickly. It had to be a gradual, slow process of erosion so that no one could find fault with his actions.
Fortunately, after this sequence of operations, although the plan to swallow the Hyuga ancestral property could not be advanced for the time being, the objective of using the Hyuga clan to make an example and deter the other factions had been fully achieved—
"Lord Tennin! I am Inoichi Yamanaka of the Yamanaka clan. Our clan has many collaborations with the Foundation. Please look after us in the future!"
"Lord Tennin, our Akimichi clan is highly interested in the project previously proposed by the Foundation. When you find the time, perhaps we can schedule a meeting to discuss it? Oh, right, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Choza Akimichi, the current head of the Akimichi clan."
"Lord Tennin, um... if you're wondering why I'm approaching you, I just wanted to ask... how is Ryoma? He's been well? Whatever plans you have next, the Aburame clan is willing to offer our full support."
"Lord Tennin! Lord Tennin!"
On Konoha's Tea Street, following the scene where the Tennin powerfully suppressed the Hyuga main house, even though the issue of the Caged Bird still technically loomed, the various large and small shinobi clans now realized something. In a reality where the Tennin was already powerful enough to execute the entire main house with a single thought or a snap of his fingers, no matter how fast your Caged Bird was... it probably couldn't be faster than the Tennin killing you on the spot.
Under such circumstances, the rumor that the main house could manipulate the Tennin by utilizing the Caged Bird appeared somewhat distorted. Aside from the Aburame and Yamanaka clans, who were already close to the Foundation, several small clans that had not achieved notable military exploits during the Third Shinobi World War enthusiastically engaged in conversation as Hyuga Yu approached, trying to board the Foundation's war chariot. Even a mid-sized clan like the Akimichi actively expressed an intention to cooperate. Meanwhile, representatives from other large clans like the Uchiha and Sarutobi, as well as Konoha's key departments such as the Medical Division, Cipher Department, and the Administration Division, all adopted a warm demeanor, vying to show their faces before Hyuga Yu and establish a positive acquaintance.
After all, the underlying logic of the shinobi world ultimately relied on fists to do the talking.
Konoha's ninjas were not fools. No one wanted to offend a rising "Tennin" who was as radiant and unstoppable as the morning sun.
Faced with these shinobi clans extending olive branches, Hyuga Yu did not maintain a freezing expression. A subtle, elegant smile surfaced on his face as he gave a gentle nod whenever he passed a clan representative, appropriately signaling that he had heard their words. Then, right before exiting the shinobi clan formations, he paused slightly, halted his steps, and spoke up, "I have taken note of everyone's thoughts. Once I formally succeed the leadership of the Foundation, I have several ideas regarding its subsequent reorganization, expansion, and future direction. If anyone is interested at that time, you are welcome to come to the Foundation base to negotiate with me."
With that, Hyuga Yu turned his head slightly and instructed the Foundation attendants behind him, "Distribute them."
Behind Hyuga Yu, the masked Yamato and Shin were somewhat surprised by his words, but they quickly realized what he was referring to.
Shin immediately produced a stack of cards, utilizing his technique to rapidly sketch the address of the Foundation's headquarters onto name cards on the spot, distributing them to the surrounding clan representatives.
As soon as Hyuga Yu made this statement, the clan representatives gave it some thought and immediately recalled—
Prior to this, the Foundation had received authorization from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, giving them the authority to directly recruit personnel from the major shinobi clans.
Since the Tennin was mentioning this now, it appeared that his next step would be to start from this very point, assembling his own faction within Konoha and personally entering the political arena of Konoha's upper echelons.
Unlike before, when they lacked interest in Shimura Danzo's Foundation recruitments—feigning illness or closing their doors to guests—the various clan representatives looked around at one another, exchanging glances that revealed the mutual stirrings of ambition in their eyes.
Times had changed. Now that the successor of the Foundation and candidate for the Fourth Hokage, the Tennin, had demonstrated such terrifying strength and potential, a seat within the Foundation took on a special significance—
An escort guard unit for the Hokage, or rather, an Anbu division directly under the Hokage's command.
Compared to Minato Namikaze and Orochimaru, who were already in their twenties and thirties, the Tennin was terrifyingly young. As long as he did not commit a monumental blunder, and given the massive interest group that Danzo was currently straining every nerve to mobilize on his behalf, Hyuga Yu becoming Hokage in the future was practically a foregone conclusion.
When that time came, leaving aside the position of Hokage Assistant, at the very least, the spots in the Hokage Guard and the direct Anbu division would highly likely be selected from the trusted inner circle within the Tennin's Foundation.
This would also serve as an opportunity for the major shinobi clans to plant their roots even deeper inside Konoha.
"Lord Tennin is far too polite! Once the celebration concludes, our clan will definitely bring gifts to pay a formal visit!"
"Indeed, indeed."
"Lord Tennin, what are your requirements for the upcoming Foundation expansion personnel? After returning home, I will definitely urge the youth of my clan to cultivate diligently so they can serve you in the future~"
"Lord Tennin..."
Soon, Hyuga Yu's words received commitments from a multitude of large and small clan representatives. There were even small clan heads who began consulting Hyuga Yu on his preferences right then and there. A barrage of flattery and warm, cheerful words nearly flooded his ears.
However, Hyuga Yu did not lose his composure amidst the endless choruses of "Lord Tennin." After briefly bringing the matter up, he continued his forward march with a tranquil expression, stepping onto the long street that was gradually growing rowdy as he walked toward the final destination: the Hokage Residence.
From a distance, one could already see the Konoha Plaza beneath the Hokage Residence draped in festive lanterns and streamers, alive with the thunderous beats of gongs and drums, alongside a massive gathering of Konoha citizens.
Stationed around the plaza at intervals of every five meters stood a Foundation elite, dressed in Anbu attire and sporting a Foundation mask.
In one corner of the plaza stood an orchestra that Shimura Danzo had personally invited from the capital of the Land of Fire.
The conductor raised his baton high, and the musicians embraced their cellos, lifted their violins, and raised their flutes. The string, woodwind, and brass sections took turns playing a cheerful melody.
Soon, the light, pleasing notes of the tune Peace of Konoha reached Hyuga Yu's ears.
Watching the prepared items advance steadily one by one, and seeing himself draw closer and closer to the objective he had originally established, a subtle curve couldn't help but tug at the corner of Hyuga Yu's mouth.
At that moment, just as Hyuga Yu was about to clear the long street, a group of ordinary citizens dressed in luxurious, formal western suits suddenly shouted at him from the roadside near the end of the street, attempting to catch his attention. "Lord Tennin!"
"Lord Tennin! I am the head butler to Shota Onishi, the Minister of Finance of the Land of Fire!"
"Lord Tennin, I am Osamu Mukai, a close aide to Yuya Suzuki, the Envoy of the Daimyo! We have a few questions we would like to ask you!"
Hyuga Yu turned his head slightly and instantly recognized this group. They were the representatives dispatched by the various nobles and influential figures of the Land of Fire whom Shimura Danzo had won over to attend this event. Terai had briefly mentioned them before. However, after Hyuga Yu's gaze lingered on them for a brief moment, his brows knit slightly, revealing an expression as if he were looking at a pile of garbage. He then proceeded to directly ignore them, maintaining a cold demeanor that showed he didn't care to exchange even half a sentence with them. Without breaking his stride, he walked straight past them, ignoring their raised arms and calls.
This stood in stark contrast to his earlier attitude toward Konoha's major shinobi clans.
As the Tennin walked past the delegation of the Land of Fire's nobles in such a grand, indifferent manner, the noble representatives looked at one another in bewilderment, their eyes filled with incomprehension. "What?! Lord Tennin was conversing so jovially with those shinobi clans, so why does he treat us with this kind of attitude? We are the ones truly supporting him, are we not?!"
Very quickly, the expressions of a few quick-witted representatives changed drastically as they deciphered the meaning behind the Tennin's action—"The powerful figures backing everyone did not show up in person and merely dispatched representatives. This attitude of mistrust has clearly incensed the Tennin."
"Furthermore, everyone saw it just now—the Tennin is not lacking people to utilize; he enjoys the backing of numerous shinobi clans within Konoha. In the current political landscape, once the financial power behind everyone is segregated from the Hokage's faction, the ones who are truly in danger... are actually us!"
This interest group—composed of transnational mega-merchants, a vast number of Land of Fire nobles, wealthy magnates, and even the Daimyo himself—appeared massive and could even influence the outcome of the selection for the Fourth Hokage. However, that was clearly built on the premise that someone could afford them protection. While they possessed the strength of the Fire Temple and the Guardian Shinobi Twelve, such forces were completely negligible when facing a behemoth like Konoha.
Now, after splitting away from the original Hokage faction, it was clearly impossible for them to regain the trust of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Meanwhile, if they tried to backpedal, they would offend Shimura Danzo—the man one could least afford to offend in Konoha.
With this development, a single path had become blocked on both ends.
They originally had only one option left, which was to follow Danzo down a dark path to the very end. Yet, due to the public opinion within Konoha, these pampered nobles, wealthy merchants, and the Daimyo had arrogantly snubbed the Tennin, going so far as to send messengers of messengers to welcome him.
It was no wonder the Tennin's face darkened the instant he saw them, choosing to ignore them entirely.
The fact that the Tennin had not forced them to kneel on the spot like the Hyuga main house was already considered a display of immense mercy!
Although the people present were ordinary citizens rather than ninjas, anyone capable of operating under high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire was an elite, and they very quickly pieced together the underlying logic.
The faces of the crowd paled dramatically!
One individual among them, whose mind was deeply entrenched in conspiracy theories, suddenly spoke up, "Could it be that this was intentionally engineered by Konoha? Does the Third Hokage wish to replace us?"
"Oh no, this is all a conspiracy cooked up by those two old foxes, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo!"
Those with sharp minds immediately wanted to report this matter to the high-ranking figures they served. Twisting their eyes, one said, "Everyone, I seem to have some urgent business. I will take my leave first."
"Ah, I seem to have some business as well. I forgot to turn off the gas before leaving the house."
"Oh, right, my son just accidentally swallowed a kunai. I have to go to the hospital to check on him. Apologies, everyone, I must leave first."
At a juncture like this, whoever managed to contact the high-ranking figures behind them first would be able to repair their relationship with the Tennin and Shimura Danzo a step ahead of the rest. Those who were a step too slow—might very well be weeded out in this "screening" process. Consequently, even the immense wealth represented behind them would be swallowed whole by the forces that took the lead, leaving not even bones behind!
Looking at it this way, Master Danzo hasn't completely broken off ties with the Third Hokage—this time, he is actually using my hand to beat down this group of Land of Fire nobles?
Passing the cluster of messengers sent by the nobles, Hyuga Yu mused internally. Although he currently possessed the power to flip the table at any moment, as expected—one still could not look down upon these figures who had climbed to the absolute apex of the shinobi world.
At this point, Hyuga Yu finally stepped into the definitive Konoha Plaza.
Basking under the brilliant rays of the midday sun, and under the gaze of the three massive stone faces carved onto the Hokage Rock behind the Hokage Residence—Woah!
—
"It's the Tennin!"
"Is that the Tennin?"
"Lord Tennin!!!"
A tremendous wave of cheers erupted once more!
Hyuga Yu took a deep breath. Amidst the cheers of the mass of Konoha villagers arranged in advance, he parted through the crowd, stepped onto the spiral staircase outside the Hokage Residence, and ultimately arrived at the open-air balcony atop the building, situated beneath the Hokage Rock.
In a trance, the image of the stone face of the Third Hokage behind him seemed to overlap with the countenance of the old man before his eyes. "So—it turns out to be you, child."
A warm, elderly voice recalled Hyuga Yu's focus. The old man, who had once again donned the Hokage haori and wore the fiery red Hokage hat, watched Hyuga Yu with a smile. The wrinkles on his face seemed to emit a sheen of "benevolence." He patted Hyuga Yu's shoulder, ushering him to face the vast sea of villagers beneath the Hokage Residence, and spoke with a face full of kind warmth, "Your efforts, this old man has always kept them within his sight. Thus, handing the village over to Minato and you allows this old man to truly set his mind at ease."
Following that, he tightened his grip on Hyuga Yu's shoulder and let out a hearty laugh, reminding him with a grand smile, "Hyuga Yu, are you ready?"
Right at this instant—
Just as Hyuga Yu was about to respond, he suddenly perceived a venomous, scorpion-like, malicious gaze locking onto him!
————
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