The person who had taken notice of Uchiha Hikari's extraordinary talent and wished to bring her back to the Uchiha Clan was none other than Uchiha Hikaji, the head of the Uchiha Clan and captain of the Uchiha Military Police Force.
This was not a trivial matter.
"Orochimaru, this concerns both you and Hikari," Jiraiya said seriously, crossing his arms over his chest. "And if you're too upset to cook, where exactly am I supposed to get food?"
Even in such a tense moment, Jiraiya managed to sound half-serious, half-joking.
Tsunade, however, had no patience for jokes. She clenched her fists, her expression darkening. "If someone dares to bully Orochimaru, I'll settle it myself."
Hyuga Mio remained silent for a moment before calmly pulling out a white sheet of paper covered in dense sealing formulas.
"Let's see if there's anything I can do to help."
When Orochimaru's eyes fell upon the paper in her hand, he froze.
At first, he thought he was mistaken. But after taking a closer look, his pupils trembled slightly.
That… wasn't that the Sage Art Explosive Tag he had once given her?
The intricate sealing technique formulas etched onto the paper were unmistakable. The sheet was embedded with Sage Art Explosives and could continuously replicate explosive tags. It could even deploy mutually multiplying explosive tags—an utterly terrifying technique capable of leveling entire areas if used recklessly.
Was she planning to blow up the entire Uchiha Clan?
Seeing the subtle shift in Orochimaru's expression, Tsunade and Jiraiya immediately realized that the harmless-looking sheet of paper in Hyuga Mio's hand carried catastrophic destructive potential.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Hikari stood quietly beside Orochimaru.
The territory of the Uchiha Clan was filled with clan members, all bearing the same crimson eyes. The oppressive atmosphere made her deeply uneasy. If Orochimaru had not been by her side, she might have already lost control of her emotions.
She reached out and tightly held Orochimaru's hand.
News spread quickly.
The three Sannin of Konoha—famous across the ninja world—had gathered within Uchiha Clan territory. It did not take long for this information to reach Konoha's higher authorities.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was baffled. He could not understand what they were doing there.
Danzo Shimura, too, was intrigued. According to reports from Root operatives, Orochimaru and the others had brought the young Uchiha girl into clan territory. If it were merely a visit, why create such a commotion?
Did they not understand their own influence?
As the Sannin and disciples of Hiruzen Sarutobi, their reputations in Konoha surpassed almost anyone else's. Even Sakumo Hatake, the famed White Fang of Konoha, could not compare to their combined renown.
Uchiha Hikaji was equally surprised upon hearing the news.
He had only intended to speak privately with Hikari about returning to the clan. He had no ulterior motives. Yet now, all three Sannin had appeared at once.
There was no turning back now.
He could only calmly await their arrival.
The Refusal
"Impossible. Clan Leader Hikaji, forgive me—but I cannot agree."
Orochimaru set down his teacup, his expression turning cold.
"Hikari will not return to the Uchiha Clan. She carries Uchiha blood, yes—but she was not raised here."
In his heart, Orochimaru felt a surge of anger.
The child had barely begun to grow, and already someone was trying to claim her.
Even if she were an Uchiha by blood, her will came first.
"Clan Leader Hikaji," Orochimaru continued evenly, "Hikari is not an Uchiha who followed the Senju to found Konoha. She grew up outside this clan. Even as clan leader, you have no authority to take her from me."
Uchiha Hikaji could understand Orochimaru's stance. As clan leader, he had simply wished to prevent a gifted Uchiha from drifting away from the clan's protection.
But when he saw the fear flicker in Hikari's eyes, he hesitated.
"So… what does the child think?" Hikaji asked quietly.
Hikari's fingers tightened around Orochimaru's hand. Sweat gathered in her palm.
"I don't want to live in the Uchiha Clan," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "Please don't bring this up again."
She reminded herself that she was not alone.
Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Mio were by her side.
She was no longer helpless.
Hikaji exhaled slowly. He could not understand her deep resistance—but he could see that forcing the matter would only cause harm.
"I understand," he said at last. "I won't mention it again."
That was the end of it.
Orochimaru stood, taking Hikari's hand.
"Then we shall take our leave, Clan Leader."
Given the Sannin's influence, remaining in Uchiha territory any longer might cause unnecessary rumors and tension.
They departed.
Doubts Within the Uchiha
After they left, the clan elders gathered around Hikaji.
"We warned you!"
"You insisted on discussing this with Orochimaru and nearly caused disaster!"
"We Uchiha are not lacking in geniuses. Even without the Mangekyo Sharingan, our status in Konoha remains strong!"
Hikaji listened silently.
Then he spoke in a tired voice.
"I believe the end of the Uchiha may come sooner or later."
The elders were outraged.
"Nonsense!"
"Our clan is thriving! Is there any ninja clan more famous in the world than the Uchiha?"
Yes, the Uchiha were famous.
But Hikaji understood that fame was not always strength.
He felt exhausted—not physically, but mentally.
Years of internal disputes, pride, and stubbornness had worn him down. Even with his Three Tomoe Sharingan, he had never awakened the Mangekyo. That dream had long since faded.
He no longer wished to navigate the clan's endless internal conflicts.
Perhaps he would die on a battlefield someday.
Or perhaps exhaustion would claim him first.
Either way, he was tired.
A New Development – Chiyo's Arrival
At the borders of the Land of Fire, Konoha patrol ninja stopped an unexpected visitor.
Chiyo of Sunagakure.
"What is your purpose for entering the Land of Fire?"
"I am Sunagakure's envoy," Chiyo replied calmly. "I have been commissioned by the Kazekage to visit Konoha."
The presence of a Hyuga among the patrol made concealment pointless. She had not hidden her tracks.
After confirming her intentions, the patrol allowed her entry and quickly relayed the news to Konoha.
Within the Hokage's office, intelligence arrived swiftly.
"Chiyo as an envoy?" Homura Mitokado frowned. "What is the Third Kazekage planning?"
Utatane Koharu scoffed. "What else? The One-Tail. Sunagakure cannot allow a Tailed Beast to remain in Konoha."
Ichibi had been captured. That alone was reason enough.
"We cannot return the Tailed Beast easily," Koharu insisted. "If they want it back, they must pay dearly."
Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed.
This was an opportunity.
Sunagakure must understand the price of opposing Konoha.
Yet privately, Hiruzen hoped Chiyo had come not merely for Ichibi—but perhaps for alliance or cooperation.
Outside Konoha, Chiyo passed the moss-covered ruins of the Sky Ninja's Air Fortress. Seeing it in person left her stunned.
Konoha's strength was undeniable.
Once inside the village, she felt the subtle gaze of ANBU operatives tracking her movements.
Sunagakure was a land of endless sandstorms.
Konoha was lush, prosperous, vibrant.
If Sunagakure could secure cooperation with White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company, their future might improve dramatically.
Orochimaru's Suspicion
Near his residence, a kikaichu insect landed lightly on Orochimaru's fingertip.
He received its information silently.
Chiyo had arrived.
Was Ichibi truly her main purpose?
Or was peace negotiation the true objective?
Chiyo, who had once led forces against Konoha, would be a sincere envoy for reconciliation.
Suddenly—
"Lightning Swing: Lightning Bullet!"
A sharp crack echoed.
Hikari, cheeks puffed slightly, had fired a precise Lightning Release projectile, shattering a target.
"Hikari, you're progressing quickly," Orochimaru praised.
She clung to his arm, her dark eyes flashing with mild indignation.
"You promised to train with me."
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Forgive me. An envoy from Sunagakure has arrived. She is someone we've fought before."
He gently rested his hand atop her head.
The kikaichu flew off.
Almost nothing in Konoha escaped Orochimaru's notice—his insects were everywhere, except in heavily guarded areas such as where Hashirama's remains were secured.
"Is she very strong?" Hikari asked.
Her Three Tomoe Sharingan activated instinctively.
Anyone who could challenge Orochimaru must be formidable.
And if such an opponent existed—
She wanted to see them with her own eyes.
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