Chapter 32 – Izaya's Trump Card
"How could such a situation exist?!"
While observing the Chakra flow within Izaya, Hyūga Hiashi began to doubt reality itself.
Typically, a shinobi's Chakra is concentrated in the abdomen and then flows through the chakra pathway system (meridians). If these meridians are damaged, it can render the shinobi unable to use Chakra. One of the Hyūga clan's attack methods, the Gentle Fist, exploits this characteristic. Using the Byakugān to pinpoint the exact location of the target's meridians, they inject their own Chakra into the target's body with a Gentle Fist strike, temporarily disabling them.
Earlier, Hyūga Hiashi had intended to use this method to teach Izaya a lesson. But… to his astonishment… the young man before him didn't play by the rules at all!
Although Hiashi hadn't injected much Chakra into Izaya's body, Chakra had indeed entered Izaya's meridians. Even if Izaya was gifted with an exceptionally strong physique that could resist damage to some meridians, there should still have been some effects like paralysis or pain. However, when Hiashi carefully observed the point of impact through his Byakugān, he confirmed that Chakra had entered Izaya's body and struck the corresponding tenketsu point… yet… Izaya's body showed no reaction whatsoever.
And what Hyūga Hiashi never expected was that Izaya's meridians weren't flowing with Chakra! Under normal circumstances, Chakra viewed with the Byakugān appears light blue. But Izaya's was different… The energy flowing through his meridians was a mysterious red aura. And the actual Chakra… was being driven by these red auras into some secondary meridians…
"Young man, who are you?" Even someone as composed as Hyūga Hiashi could recognize the peculiarity of this youth. The bizarre Chakra pattern… The strange abilities… Combined, it all seemed rather abnormal. All of this… instantly made Hyūga Hiashi sense the mystery surrounding this young man.
"I've already stated my identity. I am merely a Konoha civilian. My purpose here is very simple: I just want you to become my ally." As Hyūga Hiashi questioned his identity, Izaya didn't dwell on the matter himself. Instead, he straightforwardly explained the purpose of his visit.
"Do you know the current state of the Uchiha clan?" Unlike Izaya's expression, Hyūga Hiashi spoke in a disdainful tone after hearing Izaya's objective: "Although you are indeed somewhat unusual, such arrogance will inevitably make you pay the price, perhaps even with your life…"
"That is my concern." Izaya smiled, then continued asking, "Are you truly unwilling to consider it? If the two great clans of Konoha unite, I can guarantee the Konoha leadership would never dare treat you with their current attitude. And also… your clan… everything related to you…"
At this moment, Izaya's bargaining chips were like the whispers of a devil, incessantly tempting Hiashi's heart. But unfortunately… Hyūga Hiashi showed no intention of agreeing. Instead, he looked at Izaya with a strange expression.
After a long while, Hyūga Hiashi spoke, "Many say countless geniuses have emerged within the Hyūga clan. But I believe you are the true genius among all the youngsters I have seen. If the words you just spoke had been clearly stated by Uchiha Fugaku, I might have agreed… but you… it's impossible."
This series of plain words could not conceal the conflict within Hyūga Hiashi's heart. Indeed, he had been momentarily tempted. If the Hyūga and Uchiha clans truly united, they would essentially control two-thirds of Konoha's power. This temptation was immense. But… Hyūga Hiashi had no means or reason to bet this matter on a young man he had never met before.
"Leave. Today, act as if you were never here, and I never saw you. Some matters are not for you to decide or participate in." After offering his advice, Hyūga Hiashi prepared to turn and leave.
"This guy is truly cautious." Witnessing the scene before him, Izaya became thoughtful. In truth, before coming, Izaya had already considered that the Hyūga clan would never simply agree to his request. After all, as a typical representative of the conservatives, Hyūga Hiashi's caution was formidable!
However, Izaya wasn't prepared to give up on this matter… because he still had a trump card! A trump card足以 to drive the entire Hyūga clan mad!
After a long silence, Izaya suddenly smiled. "So the uncle still doesn't trust me. Then what if I add a secret regarding the evolution of the Hyūga clan's Byakugān? Would you be willing to form an alliance with me then…?"
The devil's whisper sounded again. This time, Izaya's words were like a giant net waiting for Hyūga Hiashi to fall into.
"What did you say?!" Hyūga Hiashi subconsciously swallowed, trying to relieve his tension. If the bargaining chips Izaya offered earlier were merely glory, status, and power, then now… the secret of the Byakugān was something that could drive the Hyūga clan insane!
Why couldn't the Hyūga clan surpass the Uchiha clan in fame, status, and power? Population? As a clan divided into Main and Branch houses, the Hyūga had more members than the Uchiha. Wealth? Sorry, the Hyūga clan was Konoha's leading conglomerate! In the final analysis, it all came down to the Sharingan…
Although in the early stages after awakening, from genin to chūnin level, the Byakugān—with its透视 and penetration abilities combined with the Gentle Fist—could temporarily surpass the boost the Sharingan provided to its users, once the Sharingan reached the Two Tomoe stage, the Byakugān's advantages vanished, even becoming inferior to the Sharingan in some aspects. Not to mention the more powerful states beyond, like the Three Tomoe and Mangekyō Sharingan.
And now, someone was telling Hyūga Hiashi that they knew the secret to evolving the Byakugān… This made it impossible for Hiashi to refuse. It was as if Izaya had directly grasped Hiashi's deepest desire…
"Is what you said true?" At this moment, Hyūga Hiashi had stopped, staring intently at Izaya before him, trying to discern his thoughts through his expression. Simultaneously… he said, "If you are lying to me just to secure an alliance, I will definitely make you wish you were dead…"
"Don't worry, I never lie to others…"