Naruto: Hyuga Warlord

Early the next morning, Hyuga Soushu arrived at Section Five of Training Ground No.3 in Konoha Village, accompanied by Mahiru Uchiha who had now officially become his direct subordinate.

His two subordinates were already waiting there.

Although Soushu looked extremely young, the standard jonin flak vest he wore left no room for doubt. Mahiru Uchiha also dressed as a typical chunin, clearly indicating her status.

"G-good morning!" stammered a boy immediately popping up, wearing an outrageously bright green spandex suit and a gleaming watermelon haircut. "I'm…"

"Might Duy, right?" asked Soushu while examining this future gem like an exotic animal.

"Y-yes!" Duy responded, blushing red and nodding vigorously.

Born during Konoha's 13th Year, Duy was actually one year younger than Soushu. He hadn't yet reached the stage where his overwhelming strength in certain areas would lead to decades of underestimation—that tragic heroism wouldn't emerge until his son faced life-threatening danger many years later. Still, since graduating over a year ago, he'd hit countless walls on his path.

In fact, due to Duy's unconventional abilities and personality, his team leader promptly removed him from the squad shortly after he graduated from the Ninja Academy. If not for Konoha's serious shortage of manpower that left countless D-rank (low-risk) missions unclaimed, Duy probably wouldn't have kept his genin status at all.

Moreover, because of his solitary situation failing to meet even the most basic requirements for forming a ninja squad, and other temporary teammates usually refusing to work with him again after just one mission together, Duy had missed participating in subsequent bloody wars entirely.

However, thanks to Soushu's proactive choice, Duy felt like his life had entered its very first springtime. The once gloomy ninja path suddenly opened up before him.

"Senpai Genji, I'm truly sorry to put you in an awkward position this time."

Soushu nodded respectfully toward Duy first, then turned to Kosuke Maruboshi, who appeared about the same age as members of Konoha's Elite Four but carried visible signs of hardship across his face. "Being newly promoted to jonin, there are still many things I don't understand. That's why I've taken the liberty of inviting someone senior to guide me along."

"I've heard of Captain Soushu's reputation and achievements," Kosuke replied with a smile.

Though his disposition was modest, he remained an extraordinary ninja himself. Despite usually keeping a low profile, Kosuke possessed his own pride as a shinobi.

"If all goes well, we'll find ourselves back on the battlefield together soon enough—comrades fighting shoulder to shoulder." Soushu didn't beat around the bush. "So, Genin Maruboshi, would you take responsibility for guarding our flank?"

Without question, Soushu planned to serve as the cutting edge of their tactical formation in any upcoming battles, believing that personal execution of finishing blows represented the fastest route to gaining experience and Coin rewards. This realization became the key reason driving him to abandon his old strategy of dodging responsibility and slacking off.

Moreover, during his time serving as a leader in Konoha, Hyuga Soushu had not enjoyed the tranquility he had hoped for. Instead, he felt like a fence-sitter caught in one vortex after another, pulled helplessly in different directions. This sense of powerlessness was something he could no longer endure.

"I will give my all before my life comes to an end!"

Kosuke Maruboshi pledged without hesitation.

It was only natural. As long as Soushu didn't go looking for trouble or throw his life away recklessly, Kosuke would stand by his side and fight together with him throughout his tenure.

And it wasn't just about orders or hierarchy—actually, even if he refused, none of the four people at the Hokage Tower would have any objection toward him.

Yet when issuing this transfer order, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi had personally approached him secretly and persuaded him to accept this mission. He also specifically asked him to watch over Soushu, a young Jonin who had recently risen to prominence among Konoha's martial ninja.

"We cannot allow this young man to stray onto the wrong path, so I must ask for your support."

Those were the exact words spoken by the Third Hokage to persuade him, and since Kosuke already planned to participate in the next stage of the Ninja World War, he naturally agreed enthusiastically.

"Very well then! Looking forward to the moment we achieve glory and return victorious!"

Hyuga Soushu nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze toward Might Duy, who had been ignored for a while and now looked somewhat nervous.

"Duy, lower-ranked ninja,"

Soushu carefully chose his words:

"You and Senior Kosuke are both handpicked by me from the roster of Konoha ninja."

This was certainly true — after all, someone like Soushu, a reincarnated soul, naturally had some advantage with foreknowledge.

However, where Soushu miscalculated was failing to anticipate how young Might Duy actually was.

Influenced by past-life memories, Soushu subconsciously believed that Might Duy should, at the very least, be an adult hardened through years of trials and setbacks, if not middle-aged already. It wasn't until last night, while reviewing the detailed files, that he realized Might Duy was actually younger than himself!

Although this Duy clearly lacked the explosive vigor he'd imagined him having in his prime, there was nothing he could do now — the deal was done, and there was no turning back, especially since Might Duy had already been tossed over like a burden to become part of his direct subordinate unit by the Hokage Tower!

"My dear Sensei Soushu! I swear I won't disappoint your trust in me!"

Might Duy immediately burst out tearfully, passionately shouting:

"Passion burns the brightest flame of youth, and sweat paints the purest mark of a man! Just say the word, and I shall be…"

"Hold on!"

Soushu promptly cut off Duy's fiery declaration — he was starting to feel embarrassed already!

"I need a more intuitive way to assess your abilities."

To avoid causing unnecessary emotional harm to this passionate young man, Soushu carefully chose his words before continuing slowly:

"Therefore, I'm planning to conduct a trial together with both of you."

"What kind of trial?"

Immediately drying his tears, Duy shouted energetically:

"Sensei Soushu! I will definitely…"

"Pause!"

"Groaning inwardly again, Hyuga Soushu cut off Might Duy's grand speech about youth: 'First of all, you should call me team leader!'"

"Okay then, old team leader Soushu!"

Might Duy didn't get hung up on formalities and agreed right away.

"The method of assessment is very simple — survive for five minutes under my attack."

Hyuga Soushu said while taking out a sealing scroll from his robe and summoning the [Torch Pole], the weapon that made him famous: "But I will attack you with full strength, taking up a combat stance."

"Jonin Soushu, this could be dangerous..."

Kosuke tried to protest but trailed off mid-sentence.

He noticed that Hyuga Soushu had addressed them in the plural form.

"So, senior Kosuke, do you have the confidence to protect Genin Duy?"

Hyuga Soushu slowly said.

<><><><><><><><>

Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!

~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!

<><><><><><><><>

~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!

~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!

patreon.com/Tansnovel

<><><><><><><><>