Naruto: Hyuga Warlord

"Didn't expect the old fox to actually be this reasonable!"

After slipping into a brand-new Jonin vest, Mahiru Uchiha cheerfully hooked her arm through Hyuga Soushu's as they strolled happily through Konoha's commercial district.

Although she didn't really have anything to buy, people just love showing off—even if they've got nothing to buy. No different from others, Mahiru was also a ninja; only unlike those vulgar little girls obsessed with clothes and perfume, what she wanted to show off was this dull-colored standard-issue Jonin uniform!

What else could a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old ninja boast about more than this?

"Probably because he has some unspeakable hidden difficulties."

Hyuga Soushu lovingly ruffled Mahiru's thick, glossy hair that clung tightly to his arm as he softly spoke, "Moreover, maybe in some area we don't even understand, the White Fang had placed tremendous pressure on him."

"Heh, guess that *is* good news after all!"

No need to argue with that annoying old fox, no need to say those insincere words that made her feel sick—just because her partner went downstairs to fetch one form, submitted it, and got the approval signed, completing the entire Jonin promotion process smoothly. For Mahiru Uchiha, nothing could possibly feel better than this!

"They're throwing nothing but sugar-coated kunai at us. We just take the sugar and send the blades right back."

Hyuga Soushu gave crucial instructions.

"And I'm going to wrap a few Explosive Tags around the kunai before sending them back too!"

Mahiru Uchiha grew even happier at the thought, declaring full acceptance of the strategy—and suggesting an even further escalation!

"That'll be absolutely perfect!"

Hyuga Soushu expressed great satisfaction.

She didn't even need any training—he already shaped her completely in his image.

The two continued wandering through Konoha until nightfall when they reluctantly parted ways.

After safely delivering Mahiru home and beginning his own journey back, as Hyuga Soushu crossed Konoha's commercial district, he suddenly sensed something and stopped in his tracks, gazing toward a dark corner nearby.

"Come out."

He coldly demanded.

In that shadowy corner lurked a chakra presence filled with a rotting corpse-like stench—one he hated most.

"Truly sharp insight you've got. You're definitely no ordinary person!"

Danzo, maintaining his usual expression, slowly stepped forward from the darkness accompanied by three subordinates, showing no sign of anger over being detected by Hyuga Soushu.

"So the underground flying squirrel dares once again come out to bask under the bright moonlight?"

Hyuga Soushu pulled out a sealing scroll containing a Torch Pole from inside his robe, his tone turning grim. "Don't you think this is desecration against Konoha, Honorable Danzo?"

"The village belongs not exclusively to noble ninja clans; Konoha belongs to everyone living here."

Danzo kept his calm tone, staring straight at Hyuga Soushu whose face radiated killing intent. "Since Lord Hashirama founded Hidden Leaf, Konoha has never been the private property of any single family."

"So, are you saying that today, Master Danzo finally lost his mind and decided to chat about 'fairness' and 'justice' in Konoha over a cup of tea?"

"Frankly, I've long become numb to grand narratives," Hyuga Soushu said with a tilted head.

At the same time, he swiped the sealing scroll in his hand, releasing the heavy torch pole. A murderous intent began rising within his eyes.

"I believe there may be some unnecessary misunderstandings between us."

Danzo scratched his head uncomfortably with a kunai.

He was already bracing for a fight.

Although this time Danzo personally led a team to secretly lurk at the outer perimeter of the Hyuga clan's territory wasn't originally targeting Hyuga Soushu, now that their covert presence had been exposed, the original reconnaissance objective had lost its significance.

"I still believe Konoha needs you more than anything!"

Hyuga Soushu, holding the torch pole and with bulging veins around his eyes, was ready to make his move.

Danzo's repeated appearances, darting back and forth in front of him, had already worn his patience thin!

"I originally wanted to invite you as a guest to Root—what a shame."

Danzo looked toward the back of Hyuga Soushu, frowned, then formed a single-handed seal and immediately body-flickered away along with his subordinates.

"Don't chase them!"

Hizashi Hyuga appeared from the direction of the clan's territory accompanied by six Branch House ninja. He stopped the advancing Soushu with a rather helpless call.

"The clan leader wants to see you! Come with me!"

Without further explanation, Hizashi immediately turned around and headed deeper into the clan's territory.

Want to see me!

Soushu raised his eyebrows slightly, deep in thought.

His pace never faltered; he followed Hizashi toward the Main House mansion located deep inside the clan's territory.

Unlike the usual summons that demanded immediate return for a meeting with the clan leader, this time Hizashi used the relatively egalitarian phrase "wants to see"—something extremely unusual!

Now this was something entirely out of the ordinary!

Since when did people from the Main House become so considerate and reasonable?

Hyuga Soushu felt puzzled.

So...

"It definitely won't be anything good!"

Soushu immediately became vigilant—he never believed the Main House had anything good in store.

"You certainly stole the spotlight during your battle in the Land of Wind, Soushu, the Clan Head."

Walking ahead, Hizashi calmly remarked: "Slain none other than Chiyo, the famed Sunagakure advisor elder—that's a glorious feat unmatched even during The First Great Ninja War!"

"Who says that? Didn't both the Hokage and Raikage die during The First Great Ninja War?"

Soushu coldly countered: "Do you seriously think an old hag like Chiyo can rival two village shadow leaders?"

"If it weren't for how strong you are, that mouth of yours would've gotten you into serious trouble."

Hizashi showed slight exasperation.

"If I didn't have a relatively clear understanding of my own abilities, how could I afford to remain so relaxed?"

Soushu retorted in response.

...

Hizashi remained speechless.

Facing the audacious Hyuga Soushu, although always feeling discomfort within, Hizashi mostly felt a sense of envy toward such unrestrained freedom.

Ever since having the Caged Bird cursed seal branded upon his forehead, Hizashi—who had been raised under strict discipline, always cautious and respectful—had never once lived freely for himself.

We've arrived.

Accompanied by Branch House ninjas, the two reached the Main House Mansion. Hizashi Hyuga stopped at the entrance and turned sideways, gesturing politely for Soushu to proceed.

Inside the mansion, a servant hurried out in haste and bowed respectfully to Soushu.

"You're not coming in?"

Hyuga Soushu asked curiously, "What? Don't you plan to meet the clan leader together with me?"

Hizashi merely nodded, then turned away and left with the Branch House ninjas under his command.

"Jonin Soushu, please follow me," said the servant softly.

"The clan leader and several other ninja clan leaders are already waiting in the reception hall."

"I see," Soushu replied briefly, quickly following behind.

The door creaked slightly as the attendant gently knocked several times and slid it open. Hyuga Soushu removed his shoes and stepped inside, bowing slightly toward the Hyuga Clan Leader seated at the main position. "Greetings, Clan Leader!"

"No need for formalities. Please, sit down and have a meal with us!"

The Hyuga Clan Leader motioned for Soushu to be seated, then continued chatting amicably with the other ninja clan leaders.

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