Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 150: The Lunar Visitor

Hyuga Tokuma's inner thoughts remained unknown to the trio still deliberating on the matter of reaching the moon.

Danzo fixed his gaze on Tsunade. "I've already shared this intel with Hiruzen. He mentioned you might have a way to travel to the moon."

"To the moon?"

Tsunade stroked her chin thoughtfully.

Danzo's logic made sense: verifying the authenticity of the ancient text would also confirm the existence of the historical stone tablets.

But...

"It's not feasible. My method for reaching the moon requires several strong ninja and a massive amount of chakra. Right now, it's not a practical option."

Tsunade shook her head decisively.

"Could you clarify the exact requirements?" Danzo pressed, unwilling to give up so easily.

Tsunade replied, "It needs four Kage-level shinobi as focal points, plus two chakra sources on the level of tailed beasts."

"..."

Danzo's eye twitched. His tone turned skeptical. "That must have been developed by either Hyuga Fuji or Tobirama-sensei. Only they could come up with something this demanding. Among all the nations, only we have the means to fulfill such conditions."

Tsunade silently nodded in agreement.

A setup this extravagant could indeed only be managed by Konoha or Hyuga Fuji's network.

Despite losing half of their elite forces, Konoha could still assemble the personnel required for this technique. It was a testament to why other nations had always viewed Konoha with suspicion and caution.

"Right now, with Kushina pregnant, domestic unrest, and other pressing concerns, we can't spare the resources to activate this technique," Tsunade explained.

Danzo's expression hardened. "The internal rebellion among the nobles is only being propped up by minor backing from other nations. With the strained relations between Daimyo and Kage due to the abolition of the one-nation, one-village system, that external support won't last long. Such small uprisings hardly require top-tier shinobi to handle."

"Your real concern is only Kushina as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. But is now really the time to be cautious about such things?"

"Currently, the other nations may be keeping an eye on Hyuga Fuji, but they merely see him as a cunning strategist or as the sole ninja proficient in the Flying Thunder God Technique. Only we know the deeper truth about him."

"If those reanimated ninja are captured by other nations, their focus will shift to the historical stone tablets. By then, we'll have lost the initiative."

When Hyuga Fuji was mentioned, most people immediately thought of his role in dismantling the one-nation, one-village system.

Following that, they acknowledged him as the sole user of the Flying Thunder God Technique in the modern era.

Even information about Edo Tensei only came to light after Konoha deliberately leaked tidbits to other nations.

The wealth of intel Konoha currently held was a distinct advantage. Why would they willingly give it up?

Danzo pressed further, "It's just chakra we're talking about. Kushina can manage it!"

Tsunade's expression remained composed. She glanced sideways at Yamari, who lowered his head, and coldly retorted, "If you're so eager to die, I won't stop you."

"..."

The sudden wave of killing intent made Danzo realize his error.

Though Tsunade was Hokage, she had inherited many of Minato's political supporters.

Suggesting that Kushina, Minato's pregnant widow, partake in such a dangerous and taxing ritual was a political landmine.

Danzo recalled the fate of a certain Daimyo who had been killed for far less and quickly adjusted his tone.

"I'm merely offering a suggestion."

The mention of Kushina had inadvertently led him to revert to his old way of thinking. But in Konoha's current political climate, his past authority as Root's leader and Hokage's advisor no longer applied.

"Well, your suggestion is rejected."

Tsunade snorted. "We'll discuss this again after Kushina gives birth and recovers her strength."

"...Understood. I'll take my leave, then."

Danzo recognized there was no room for negotiation and departed alongside Hyuga Tokuma.

The moment he stepped out of the Daimyo's residence, Danzo's expression darkened. "It seems there's no chance after all."

"Lord Danzo, be mindful of your surroundings," Tokuma whispered.

The surveillance team dispatched by Hiruzen was already tailing them as they left the premises.

"..."

Danzo scowled. Was this what his life had come to—having to watch his every word and move?

His gaze swept over the shadows of the nearby buildings before he let out a cold snort and left, his demeanor as frigid as ever.

…

Inside the Daimyo's residence, Tsunade watched Danzo's departure. Turning to Yakumaru, she asked, "Do you think he's trustworthy? He's still Danzo, after all. I wouldn't put it past him to have ulterior motives."

"As you said, he's Danzo."

Tsunade smiled faintly. "Do you think I'd fully trust him? The technique I mentioned for reaching the moon has another condition—it requires a set coordinate on the moon."

"If we don't have a precise coordinate, the spatial jump would be entirely random. Who knows where it might send someone? If he tries to steal the technique and use it on his own, he'll get what's coming to him."

Yakumaru's lips twitched. "Tsunade-sama… you've changed."

Changed into someone more devious and calculating, he thought silently.

Tsunade glanced at Yakumaru and sighed softly. "If I hadn't changed, don't you think people would be disappointed?"

"..."

Was that a dig at me? Yakumaru thought, his face souring.

Ignoring his sulking, Tsunade turned her gaze toward the corner of the room. "But Danzo shouldn't have the ability to carry out the technique on his own, right?"

From the shadows, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, his calm eyes carrying a trace of mirth.

"Don't worry. He doesn't. Tokuma is one of my men."

Yakumaru wasn't surprised by Hiruzen's sudden appearance. He had sensed the Third Hokage's presence all along.

The only ones in the room who likely hadn't noticed were Danzo and Tokuma—one due to his sealed chakra, the other because he had no reason to suspect.

Hearing that Tokuma was Hiruzen's mole, Yamari's expression grew peculiar.

Danzo's situation… it's downright pitiful.

Tsunade was equally taken aback. "Tokuma works for you? When did this happen?"

"About half a year ago."

Hiruzen smiled. "Initially, it was just a precaution. I didn't expect him to play such a crucial role now. Tokuma has already reported back to me about the Tenseigan. Danzo's been holding back some information."

Tsunade shook her head, amused. "He's completely under your thumb. So, what's he hiding?"

Instead of answering directly, Hiruzen posed a question: "Tsunade, what do you think Danzo desires most right now?"

"…Power."

After a brief pause, Tsunade offered her answer. "His previous defeat was due to a gap in strength. If he hasn't let that go, what he wants most must be power."

"In a sense, you're right," Hiruzen acknowledged. "But that changed after he learned about Tobirama-sensei's resurrection."

Hiruzen's tone grew heavy. "Now, more than anything, Danzo craves Tobirama-sensei's approval."

Tsunade blinked, then snorted. "Him? Really?"

Hiruzen smiled wryly. "I don't think either of us stands a chance, especially since Sensei left without seeing us before his departure. That spoke volumes. But Danzo still clings to hope. He sees the Tenseigan and the historical stone tablets as his ticket to validation—especially the former, which he's already verified as real."

"According to Root's intel, there are indeed people on the moon. A certain individual has been gathering information on Hyuga Fuji, claiming to hail from the moon. This person possesses the Byakugan but isn't listed in the Hyuga clan's records. They lack basic knowledge of the shinobi world and its currency, yet their abilities far surpass those of any Hyuga—aside from Fuji himself."

"Danzo still holds the upper hand in intelligence gathering for now. He likely intends to leverage this advantage to gain something that proves his worth. However, this secret won't remain hidden for long, which is why he's so desperate."

Tsunade and Yakumaru exchanged tense glances.

"By 'won't remain hidden,' what do you mean?" Tsunade pressed.

"The so-called lunar visitor, who claims to be Otsutsuki Shinichi, is currently in the Land of Rain."

Hiruzen sighed. "Judging by their movements, they may even cross paths with Hanzo."

(Chapter End)

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