Chapter 301: Suspension of Development
In sight
It was dim and dark, as if submerged in a damp, shadowy underworld.
This was the different time and space Ryosuke had just separated from the vast universe using the magical power of Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto.
However, with a thought, the immense energy within him surged outward. In an instant, it brought light to this chaotic and turbid dimension.
Then, through the connection of the five elements and the balance of yin and yang, he infused this world with elemental essence.
After only half a day in meditation and under the watchful gaze of Kaguya Otsutsuki.
Ryosuke had already formed a clear vision of how to construct this world. He began laying out its foundational framework.
From that point on, construction began like building a structure layer by layer, each tier adding depth to this small space.
There was light but no sun or moon.
A massive sphere resembling a small star emerged in this strange space-time. Though green grass and fragrant flowers bloomed upon it, no living animals roamed its surface.
This alternate time and space wasn't large less than 5% the size of the Ninja World yet it could still be called a small world.
"...Have you done this secretly before?"
Kaguya Otsutsuki watched as the world formed, rising like a high-rise tower. There was a strange sadness in her voice.
If this was truly his first attempt... then perhaps the talent of this descendant of hers had already surpassed the human realm.
Even in the long history of the Otsutsuki Clan, there had never been a monster who could conjure something from nothing and construct a world on their first try.
Ryosuke nodded. "First time."
With those words, he waved his hand again.
The previously plain grassland now grew mountains and winding streams.
His movements had become instinctive, refined through the earlier practice.
As time passed, this once lifeless space began to pulse with faint vitality and color.
Although still in its infancy, it now resembled a true world.
And because the wind, climate, and temperature were all under Ryosuke's control—precisely calibrated—it would, in time, become a place of breathtaking beauty.
No conflict. No hatred.
Like the eternal kingdom whispered about in legend.
"The alternate space created by this power is usually filled with extreme conditions. Why... are you making this place a paradise?"
Kaguya Otsutsuki frowned in confusion.
Her own six alternate dimensions each mirrored brutal environments: lava fields, frozen tundras, poisonous swamps…
That was the norm—even other Otsutsuki did the same.
These realms were meant to torture, imprison, and trap.
But Ryosuke's approach? It defied logic.
"If I'm already struggling against the enemy," Ryosuke chuckled and shook his head, "then what good is escaping into another dimension?"
"If I meet an opponent equal to me—or stronger—they'd likely possess the power to tear through dimensions anyway."
"People like us… we aren't afraid of harsh conditions. Neither are our enemies."
"So why go through all the effort to weave a trap that holds no real weight?"
In short, the offensive purpose that Kaguya once saw in this magical power…
Had been rendered obsolete in Ryosuke's hands.
Not because he was incompetent or had failed to create a deadly realm—
But because, at his level, such tactics were pointless.
Kaguya fell silent.
She understood. Ryosuke no longer needed to do what others did.
"So now you…" she asked, puzzled.
"I told you before—I'll rescue you." Ryosuke replied simply.
"I plan to create a moon in this world to replace the one in the real world."
If possible… he wanted this world to become real.
He didn't say the rest.
It was too shocking.
To create a world from nothing…
To allow life to grow…
To establish laws and systems for all beings…
Even the Otsutsuki had never dared dream such madness.
But if one truly wished to unravel the mystery of reincarnation—
One had to touch it directly.
Still, this was no small undertaking.
It would take time. Step by step.
When Kaguya heard that Ryosuke was doing all this just to save her, a rare warmth spread in her heart.
"…Are you sure?"
She asked gently.
"One or two days won't cut it. Especially not when it comes to creating a moon," Ryosuke replied, deep in thought.
"Even just matching the real moon with this one so there's no difference—is a real headache."
"Any deviation would affect the Ninja World. Even if the impact isn't huge, it's best avoided."
The moon of the real world had long served as a stabilizer—its gravitational pull maintaining the balance of the world's rotation axis throughout millions of years of cosmic evolution.
A thousand years ago, when Kaguya arrived and altered the moon, the world was thrown into chaos.
During that time, the ninja population was nearly purged.
Even after a millennium of recovery, the Ninja World had only barely regained balance—wars still raged in the shadows.
That's why, despite the similar star sizes between the Teigu World and the Ninja World, the population difference remained massive.
Ryosuke didn't want another purge.
If he could replace the moon seamlessly—with zero impact—he would.
Hearing his reasoning, Kaguya chose not to interrupt him again.
She stood silently at his side.
The construction of this space continued.
Ryosuke's transformed body no longer needed food to sustain itself.
The same was true for Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, who had temporarily taken Uchiha Madara's body—no sustenance required.
Time flew by—
Ryosuke focused on building the new dimension.
Meanwhile, in the real world—
Hinata began picking up the fragments of a life once discarded.
Leisure and entertainment could become distractions.
But they were also a balm—
A way to ease tense nerves, to reclaim peace.
Life wasn't just about chasing goals or fulfilling duties.
Sometimes, it meant slowing down… and learning to breathe.
This was the truth Hinata slowly came to understand.
Pushing everyone to their limits, sacrificing lives to chase a goal with blind fervor…
That wasn't strength.
That wasn't prosperity.
She was still too young…
---
"…A devil fruit trace was found in a small shop on the border of the Land of Fire. But it was quickly seized by someone from Konoha."
"I believe the major powers in the Ninja World already know about the existence of other realms—and have gained much from the treasures being circulated."
"I suggest we unify this world as soon as possible… before chaos spreads."
At the Hyuga Clan meeting
The once-empty hall was filled again. Hyuga Hizashi, Iroha, Neji, Hanabi, and others who had recently returned from the Teigu World were all present.
"Turn it down."
Someone stood and voiced his stance. "Hyuga doesn't have the time or need to manage another world. And that world doesn't offer enough resources to justify our investment."
"There's no point in creating trouble for ourselves when the effort and reward are so unbalanced."
Another raised a deeper concern. "What if, in the future, other factions in the Ninja World gain treasures from those foreign worlds and threaten the Hyuga? What if they seize a time-space gate and gain the ability to travel between realms? What then?"
Someone calmly responded, "We Hyuga have been planning for over a decade, well ahead of the other clans. And we have Ryosuke. If we're still outdone despite that, it's our own fault. Besides… how could we possibly lose?"
…
Though there were many voices, each with different thoughts, the meeting remained orderly. One would speak, the next would follow—no one interrupted.
Hinata, seated at the head, stayed silent.
She listened closely, observing every word and suggestion with focus.
When the discussions finally settled, she spoke slowly:
"Don't concern yourselves with outside threats. We are born in adversity and die in comfort. The Hyuga need enemies, need friction so our people can sharpen themselves."
"Idle hands lead to illness, and too much peace makes the clan soft."
"So whether it's the Ninja World's foreign powers or the Western Empire of the Teigu World , we don't need to act first. If they attack, we kill them."
Her tone was calm. Indifferent.
As if no force in any world warranted true concern.
And yet—it was those very words, spoken with cool arrogance, that made the dissenters nod in silent agreement.
"About the current war… I've had some thoughts."
Hinata rose, sweeping her gaze across the room.
"In recent years, our clan has… developed too fast."
"Isn't rapid development a good thing?" an elder asked, confused.
"It is," Hinata answered, "but even the tallest towers need a strong foundation."
She continued, "Because of our expeditions, we've focused solely on the military. Internal governance has fallen behind."
"If we raise only soldiers and neglect our people… if we prioritize war over welfare, it'll end in collapse. So—I propose we revive our clan's original sacrificial ceremonies and temporarily suspend all external expansion. First, we solidify our core."
"Sacrificial rites comfort the ancestors."
Someone spoke in support. "I opposed the cancellation back then—it was called tedious, but I believed it vital. If we restore it now, I won't object."
"But…" another elder interjected, "This could hurt clan morale. The fire's already lit. If we stop adding fuel, it might go out."
"Shouldn't we wait until we've conquered another world and reached capacity? Then we stabilize, and restart ceremonies."
Those present were all elites of the Hyuga Clan—no fools among them. After reflecting on Hinata's words, they quickly grasped her intent.
But some things, once stopped, are hard to restart.
"There's no need to convince me on reviving the rituals."
Hinata shook her head, voice steady.
"In addition to the sacrificial ceremonies, I want us to create festivals within the clan. For example, the day the Hyuga officially migrated to the Land of Rain can be our Founding Day. A celebration to honor our ancestors."
She paused, then added, "We seized the time-space gate. We conquered the Teigu World. These events hold deep meaning. They deserve their own commemorations."
"They won't just give our people time to rest—they'll foster a sense of unity and belonging."
After a moment, she continued, "We can even establish a new calendar, starting from the day of our nation's founding. That should mark the beginning of a new era."
"We Hyuga need history. History gives pride to those who join our banner."
"Until now, we've focused only on conquest and expansion. But governance—true leadership—has been lacking."
"Lately, I've observed our people. Their morale is fading. Their drive is slipping. That's my fault. It's our fault."
The hall fell into uneasy silence. No one responded.
Because she was right.
They'd begun this journey with safety as their aim. But war had kindled ambition—and that spark was now hard to extinguish.
After taking a whole world, to simply pause felt like a betrayal of that burning will.
Hinata met their gazes without flinching.
As clan leader, it was her duty to protect—not just power and land, but the soul of her people.
The Hyuga still had strength to push forward, yes. But if they waited until cracks appeared, it might already be too late.
A true leader stifles problems before they grow teeth.
"…This was also Ryosuke's idea."
She finally brought up the name everyone respected.
"He believes that if we wait until the clan is bloated and unstable, it'll take far more effort to fix than it would to prevent it now."
With Ryosuke's endorsement, the last of the resistance faded. The clan members exchanged glances… then nodded.
"Then from this moment forward, all external expansion is suspended."
Hinata gave a firm nod, eyes sharp.
"From today on, Hyuga's focus will shift. Internal correction and governance come first."
"In both the Ninja World and the Teigu World, our priority is to win hearts and stabilize our base."
"Cultural influence. Spiritual connection. That's what gives a clan meaning—and what makes its members loyal beyond death."
"Likewise, we must ensure outsiders—whether ninja or imperial—hold deep respect for the Hyuga."
The suspension of expansion wasn't meant to extinguish the flames—it was to make the fire burn hotter.
The Hyuga had grown too fast. They'd completed elite training, claimed countless treasures from foreign realms… but they barely had time to understand what they'd gained before hungering for more.
That kind of blind expansion—greed without reflection—was the appetite of a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
It needed to stop. And Hinata would make sure it did.