Sign in From Naruto

Sarutobi Hiruzen observed Xu Fan's actions but did not respond immediately.

For one, the current situation wasn't suitable for a direct rebuttal.

Secondly, he was still processing the joy of Konoha regaining the power of Wood Release.

Unlike Yamato, whose abilities were the result of human experimentation, Xu Fan had seemingly inherited the power of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, naturally.

His execution of the Tree Realm Descent was flawless—his breathing steady, his techniques sharp, and his control precise.

He had blocked the Hyuga Clan's movements without causing any harm.

In Hiruzen's eyes, Xu Fan's mastery of Wood Release was as natural as breathing.

It was hard to believe that Xu Fan had only recently awakened this Kekkei Genkai.

Could he have been secretly training during the five years he spent in the Senju compound?

But how?

Even if Hiruzen hadn't noticed, Danzo surely would have detected such a significant chakra fluctuation.

"Danzo…"

Hiruzen frowned, another possibility crossing his mind.

Had Danzo been secretly cultivating Xu Fan, just as he had with Yamato?

Was Xu Fan's alignment with the Will of Fire the reason Danzo had sent Root operatives to assassinate him?

Just how much had Danzo been scheming behind his back?

"Let's go back first," Hiruzen finally said, his tone measured.

This matter required careful deliberation. It wasn't a child's game but a high-stakes negotiation between powerful factions.

He needed to convene a meeting with Konoha's top officials to discuss the next steps.

Without waiting for the Hyuga Clan's reaction, Hiruzen turned and walked toward the damaged basement door.

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances before silently following him.

"Chidori," Hiruzen called out to Xu Fan as they reached the door.

"Huh?" Xu Fan responded, surprised.

He had hoped to sway Hiruzen with his display, but the Hokage had chosen to retreat instead.

Moreover, his sign-in system hadn't registered the mission as complete.

It seemed the system hadn't yet determined whether Hinata's life was secure.

To ensure the Hyuga Clan wouldn't act against Hinata behind his back, Xu Fan turned and declared, "Next time I log in, I want to see Hinata alive."

Then, he unleashed his chakra.

Boom!

The sheer force of his chakra caused the ceiling, walls, and floor to crack and crumble.

Even Elder Hyuga was stunned by the display.

If Xu Fan's casual release of chakra was this destructive, how terrifying would he be at full strength?

His chakra reserves were comparable to a Tailed Beast!

This man… was unpredictable.

Seeing the Hyuga Clan's shocked expressions, Xu Fan turned and left.

However, the branch family members didn't feel intimidated. Instead, they admired Xu Fan's boldness.

The Caged Bird Seal and the main family's arrogance had long stifled their freedom.

Many had questioned whether they were mere slaves to the main family.

Xu Fan's actions, while seemingly protective of Hinata, felt like a challenge to the Hyuga Clan's oppressive system.

For the first time, some branch family members dared to hope that Xu Fan might one day change their fate.

Hinata himself stood silently, gazing in the direction Xu Fan had disappeared.

If Xu Fan could become the Fifth Hokage, perhaps the Caged Bird Seal's curse could be broken.

"Ningji… I hope that day comes soon."

Meanwhile, Xu Fan was oblivious to these thoughts.

"Those Hyuga Clan members must hate me now. I didn't give them any face," he muttered to himself.

"But it felt so satisfying. No wonder protagonists in web novels love to show off."

"Xu Fan."

As they left the Hyuga compound, Hiruzen called Xu Fan to his side.

Koharu and Homura followed silently, observing Xu Fan closely.

They took a secluded path, one rarely used, and Hiruzen lowered his voice.

"How did you know the Hyuga Clan planned to sacrifice Hinata?"

This question was critical.

Hinata was a branch family member, but he was still a ninja.

For a ninja, information was as valuable as it was dangerous.

If Xu Fan was a spy for the Cloud Ninja Village, Hinata's sacrifice would have exposed Konoha's plans to the enemy.

Xu Fan had anticipated this question.

Outwardly, he was a thirteen-year-old boy, but inwardly, he knew everything about the Third Hokage.

Hiruzen was benevolent and loved Konoha, but he was also a politician who valued his reputation.

For example, Hiruzen's teachings to Konohamaru were often seen as a shortcut to preparing him for the role of Hokage.

Similarly, Asuma's students—Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino—were heirs to prominent clans.

Even after Naruto became the Seventh Hokage, these individuals rose to high positions in Konoha.

Was this mere coincidence, or had Hiruzen planned it all along?

Xu Fan didn't believe in coincidences.

The Hokage wasn't just a title for the strongest ninja; it was a political position.

During his tenure, Hiruzen had skillfully managed Koharu, Homura, and Danzo, maintaining his reputation while letting them bear the blame for unpopular decisions.

Such a man wasn't naive or weak.

"I speculated," Xu Fan replied calmly. "But when I saw Elder Hyuga's expression change, I realized I was right."

"Speculated?" Hiruzen's brow furrowed. "How did you come to that conclusion?"