[Bonus chapter for powerstones]
Good news kept pouring in from the war front. Ever since Hyūga Hiashi led the Branch Family elites to the front line as supervisors, Orochimaru seemed to have ceased his petty maneuvers.
He showed no intention of letting the enemy linger to consolidate his position; instead, he launched a heavy offensive against the Mist ninjas, achieving great local victories. As battle reports continued to be sent back to the Village, Orochimaru's prestige grew daily.
The title of the Sannin was once again widely praised by the villagers, though this time, Jiraiya and Tsunade benefited only by association with Orochimaru's fame.
The frequent deaths of Hyūga ninjas had been successfully curbed, and Hiashi regularly sent letters home in his spare time.
The letters were primarily concerned with the clan's current situation, inquired about Shinichi's growth, and sometimes recounted battle examples he encountered on the front line, hoping to provide Shinichi with some lessons.
Although the letters lacked affectionate language, Shinichi could still feel Hiashi's longing for his family within the various details.
However, Hiashi was a man who reported good news and concealed bad news. Although the letters never mentioned his own struggles, he had, in fact, been the target of multiple sneak attacks and assassination attempts since going to the front line.
The enemies included not only Mist ninjas but also Iwa and Cloud ninjas. All the attacks and assassinations had failed under the Hyūga Clan's strict protection. Hyūga Hiashi was a genuine elite Jōnin and a bloodline user.
Throughout the ninja world, only Kage-level teams or enemies using sheer numbers could break through the layers of defense and pose a threat to Hiashi himself.
The enemies' desire for the Byakugan did not diminish due to the failed attacks. On the contrary, the strength displayed by the Hyūga only increased their craving for the bloodline limit.
Since the various surprise attacks on Hyūga Hiashi proved futile, the enemy's target naturally shifted to others. The Cloud Village (Kumogakure), a village obsessed with collecting bloodline limits, began hatching a different scheme. A plot targeting the Hyūga Clan was quietly unfolding.
Konoha Year 51.
Life had become peaceful and fulfilling, making time fly by quickly. Unconsciously, the New Year was approaching again.
December 27th.
On this day, the streets of Konoha Village were decked with lanterns and festive decorations. Everyone's face was filled with profound joy.
Today was a great day of celebration for Konoha. After nearly two years of protracted negotiations, Konoha Village was scheduled to sign a treaty of friendship with the Cloud Village emissaries. The northern front would finally be completely quiet after today.
Several years had passed since the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, rose to prominence during the Third Great Ninja War. Konoha Village was gradually pulling itself out of the quagmire of war.
Konoha, which was originally surrounded by enemies, had, through the ninjas' relentless efforts, turned the Sand Village into a vassal state.
The Stone Village had retreated, turning its aggression toward the Cloud Village. There had been no large-scale conflict with the Mist Village for a long time.
Although small troubles persisted, the Mist front had not seen massive casualties in recent years under Orochimaru's leadership. Now, with Konoha signing a peace treaty with the Cloud Village, Konoha would have no further restraints and could fully enjoy a period of peace.
The people of Konoha, who had suffered greatly during the war, had long awaited this day. When it finally arrived, not only the ordinary citizens but also the ninja clans breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The Cloud Village was a military powerhouse, far exceeding the Mist in strength. If they hadn't been tied up fighting the Stone Village, Konoha would have had to pay a far greater price to repel them.
Amidst the cheers of the Konoha villagers lining the streets, the Cloud Village emissaries, riding tall horses, entered Konoha Village. Throughout the journey to the Hokage Tower, the Cloud emissaries truly felt the warmth of the Konoha people's enthusiasm.
The Cloud emissary was named Yotsuki Gou, a member of the prestigious Yotsuki Clan and a cousin of the Fourth Raikage.
He was deeply trusted and personally very strong, having gained considerable fame on the battlefield as a veteran Jōnin. His accompanying delegation consisted of fifteen people, including four Jōnin and the rest Chūnin.
This configuration, which could determine the outcome of a medium-sized battle on the front line, showed the importance the Cloud Village placed on this mission to Konoha.
Yet, while everyone in Konoha was celebrating the arrival of the Cloud emissaries, only one clan paid little attention to the event.
Although the Hyūga compound was decorated with lanterns and lights, just like the rest of the Village, they were not preparing to celebrate the arrival of the Cloud emissaries. Instead, they were preparing to celebrate the birthday of Hyūga Hiashi's daughter, Hyūga Hinata.
This day was also special for Hinata. According to Hyūga tradition, today, her third birthday, was supposed to be the day she would receive the Caged Bird Curse Mark. However, due to the absence of the Clan Head, Hyūga Hiashi, the date for Hinata's branding was postponed. Until she received the Caged Bird, Hyūga Hinata remained a child of the Main Family.
Even as Hiashi's youngest daughter, Hinata, 's birthday received warm wishes from many Branch Family members.
More importantly, the Hyūga Clan would host several important guests today. Namikaze Minato was busy hosting the Cloud emissaries, but his wife and son were invited by Hanako to attend Hinata's birthday party at the Hyūga compound.
Hinata and Naruto, who had grown up together, were the best of friends. On Hinata's birthday, Kushina and Naruto would naturally attend. If Minato hadn't been occupied with important Village affairs, he, the Hokage, would also have been present in the Hyūga compound today.
Hinata grew up in the secluded compound. Besides her childhood friend Naruto, her other playmates were children from the clan. To ensure the birthday party was lively, Hanako invited these close relatives. The liveliness of the banquet was in no way inferior to the reception Konoha was hosting for the Cloud emissaries.
While all the Hyūga clansmen were immersed in the festive banquet, Hyūga Shinichi privately sought out Hyūga Shin, asking his Great-Grandpa to strengthen the compound's defenses. Although he didn't know what Shinichi was worried about, Hyūga Shin heeded Shinichi's warning, instructing some of the night guards to limit their alcohol intake.
Feeling that precautions were fully prepared, Shinichi happily enjoyed the dinner with the clansmen.
...
As the hour grew late, Hyūga Shinichi, who usually returned to his room early after dinner, uncharacteristically sat up on his tatami mat. His spirit was fully restored. It was time to meet the impending storm.
Walking out of the room, Shinichi used his Byakugan to survey the compound, briefly checking the security situation of the Main Family. Then, he quietly sat down on the veranda, looking up at the bright moon in the night sky, lost in thought.
After an unknown period, Shinichi, gazing at the sky, suddenly lowered his head, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. In his sensory field, several powerful chakra signatures were rapidly approaching the Hyūga Clan compound.
"They're here..."
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