(Bonus Chapter)
Hyuga Neji was currently immersed in a state of epiphany.
Having instinctively burst forth with chakra during the crisis earlier, he had successfully unleashed Rotation. What he needed now was to firmly grasp and stabilize that feeling—only then could Rotation become a true trump card, one that would allow him to stand proudly above his peers.
Uchiha Ran returned indoors.
Seeing that Neji's epiphany wouldn't end anytime soon, Ran casually asked Hyuga Hiashi for a cup of tea.
Hiashi nodded and immediately summoned two groups of people.
One group was tasked with serving tea and refreshments to the guests—Uchiha Ran included—while the other was ordered to guard the courtyard and ensure that no one disturbed Hyuga Neji during his enlightenment.
Several beautiful women of the Hyuga Clan couldn't help but blush when they saw the handsome appearances of Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui.
As for Ran, however, he was simply too young. Everyone treated him like a child—more like a little brother.
This left Ran feeling rather frustrated.
Soon, everyone began drinking tea and eating.
Midway through the meal, Ran set down his chopsticks after finishing a few cold dishes and said casually, as if unintentionally:
"Lord Hiashi, shouldn't you tell Shisui about the results regarding that right eye?"
He lifted his gaze toward Hyuga Hiashi.
This old fox—Ran couldn't tell whether he was truly forgetful or deliberately pretending—but ever since returning, Hiashi hadn't mentioned a single word about Danzo Shimura's right eye.
Hearing this, Hyuga Hiashi immediately put down his teacup, stood up, and let out an "Ah," before turning toward Uchiha Shisui.
"Shisui," he said slowly,
"The chakra color of that person's right eye was emerald green—completely incompatible with his own pale-white chakra."
"It actually… actually resembles the chakra of your eyes."
Hiashi deliberately avoided naming Danzo Shimura. Some matters were better left unspoken.
Uchiha Shisui had already anticipated this answer, so his emotions didn't fluctuate much at first.
But in the next instant—
His black pupils transformed into the Mangekyō pattern.
Although he had long harbored suspicions, and although Danzo Shimura's attack at the Naka River had already made him choose Ran's side without hesitation…
Actually confirming that his grandfather's death was truly connected to Danzo Shimura still made his scalp tingle.
His eyes reddened.
A violent surge of rage erupted from deep within his heart.
Uchiha Itachi, who sat closest to him, frowned deeply.
He didn't speak, but his eyes were filled with concern as he watched Shisui. This was the first time he had ever seen Shisui so emotionally shaken.
But Itachi understood.
To learn that the grandfather he revered hadn't died fighting for the Village, but had instead fallen at the hands of the Village's upper echelons—
That truth shattered the respect Shisui had held for Konoha's leadership for so many years.
And in its place, something dark began to take root.
Hatred.
Uchiha Ran watched Shisui's reaction and curled his lips slightly.
No amount of reasoning ever truly changed a person.
Words taught nothing—but experience taught everything.
Suddenly, Uchiha Shisui spoke.
"Ran," he said solemnly,
"You saved my life at the Naka River. You also uncovered the truth behind my grandfather's death."
"Uchiha Shisui owes you two lives."
"From this moment on, my life is yours."
"I will not refuse any command."
With that, Shisui stood up, walked toward Ran, and dropped to one knee—an unmistakable gesture of submission.
Ran was startled and immediately helped him up.
"We're from the same clan," Ran said seriously.
"We both carry the Uchiha name. There's no need for this—really."
"Besides, Brother Shisui is my elder brother's close friend. I did all this only so you wouldn't continue being deceived by those despicable people and walk down the wrong path."
"Now that you've realized the truth, it's not too late."
"If we brothers work together, we might just carve out a truly bright future."
Shisui was deeply moved.
Not only had Ran ignored their previous friction at the Hyuga compound, he had also preserved Shisui's dignity, addressed him as a brother, and given him complete respect.
Compared to Ran, Shisui suddenly felt like a complete novice.
The gaze with which Uchiha Itachi looked at his younger brother, Uchiha Ran, softened noticeably.
Hyuga Hiashi watched the scene in silence, deep in thought.
Uchiha Shisui—once a powerhouse spoken of in the same breath as Konoha's Yellow Flash during the Third Great Ninja War—was now openly pledging loyalty to Uchiha Ran.
This was no trivial matter.
Combined with the catastrophic fire at the Naka River earlier, Hiashi was now certain of one thing:
The future of the Uchiha Clan would undoubtedly be steered by Uchiha Ran.
And judging by Ran's attitude toward Konoha's leadership…
Perhaps a coup was no longer a distant possibility.
Should the Hyuga Clan choose a side?
At that moment, Hinata timidly walked over and gently tugged at the corner of Ran's clothing.
"Um… Brother Ran," she said softly,
"if there's anything I can help with… please tell me."
Hyuga Hiashi's pupils shrank.
He clenched his teeth and stared at Ran.
Good. Very good.
What on earth had this brat done?!
To think he had bewitched his precious little princess to this extent!
Ran was momentarily stunned.
He shot Shisui a glance. Shisui immediately understood, calmly returning to his seat and striking up a conversation with Itachi about future training plans as if nothing had happened.
Yet the corners of their eyes kept drifting—intentionally or not—toward Ran and Hinata.
They both sighed inwardly.
As expected of Ran.
Instead of persuading Hyuga Hiashi, he had gone straight for the future heir of the Hyuga Clan.
Much easier.
Ran squatted down, gently patted Hinata's head, and smiled.
"Little Hinata, just focus on your training."
"As for Neji—if he dares bully you again, tell him I'll personally seek justice for you."
Hinata's face flushed crimson as she lowered her head.
Ran took the opportunity to glance at Hyuga Hiashi with a faint, provocative smile.
Hiashi was so angry that his Byakugan activated fully, his teeth grinding audibly.
This is insanity. Absolute insanity!
This Uchiha Ran is shameless—he's actually won over my daughter!
How long has it even been? Less than half a day!
"H-Hinata, you may withdraw," Hiashi said, his voice sharp.
Hinata snapped back to reality—but instead of shrinking away, she frowned and stared straight at her father.
Hiashi felt both gratified and wounded.
The good news: Hinata was developing her own will and courage—traits befitting an heir.
The bad news: the first person she used that courage against… was him.
Just as Hinata was about to speak, Ran gently pinched her cheek.
"Be good," he said softly.
"I'll handle everything that comes next."
Hinata looked at him seriously, then finally nodded.
Hiashi ordered the servants to escort Hinata away. As they did, the servants couldn't help but sneak curious glances at Ran.
Could the young lady's sudden change really be because of this boy?
Would they be calling him young master-in-law in the future?
Soon, Hinata was taken away, and calm returned to the room.
Uchiha Ran looked at Hyuga Hiashi with a faint smile, making no move to win him over.
After all—
After what had just happened, the initiative was now firmly in Uchiha Ran's hands.
(A/N)
Guys if we get into the 100 of the power stones rankings will upload another chapter later.