27th, 9:00 AM.
At the center of the Hyūga Clan compound: Konoha Training Ground No. 23.
This training ground was located closest to the Konoha Ninja Academy. During their Academy days, Kakashi and Obito Uchiha had held ninjutsu competitions here; in the future, the venue for Naruto and Sasuke's first clash would also be situated at this very spot.
In the early days of Konoha's founding, this land had been allocated under the Hyūga Clan's name, belonging entirely to them.
However, being situated in Konoha's core district with constant foot traffic, it was inconvenient for the Hyūga Clan to train their clan members here. They simply leased it to the Ninja Academy to serve as one of its official training grounds.
And today,
The Academy administration had received a notice from the Hyūga Clan that the grounds would be requisitioned to host an event titled the "Selection of the Hyūga Tennin," temporarily suspending all Academy classes at this location.
At the same time, the Branch House of the Hyūga Clan, acting under the name of Hyūga Hiashi, dispatched invitation letters to the various major clans of Konoha as well as the heads of various departments, broadly inviting all factions within Konoha to attend and observe.
At the venue—
At this moment, four-year-old Itachi Uchiha entered the arena under the lead of his father, Fugaku Uchiha.
Young but extraordinarily intelligent, he followed behind Fugaku Uchiha, watching his father exchange pleasantries with the leaders of Konoha's various major and minor clans. In the process, he mentally noted down each of their names:
Shibi Aburame, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Chōza Akimichi, Tsume Inuzuka...
Itachi Uchiha had not previously known why everyone was gathering at this training ground today. However, listening to the adults' chatter, he quickly picked up on several key terms:
'Tennin', 'Selection', 'Hyūga Tennin', 'Has it finally come to the Branch House's turn'...
Regarding the Tennin, Itachi Uchiha had heard his parents mention him during casual conversations. The fact that the Uchiha Clan had been able to retreat unscathed from the Mist battlefield during this Shinobi World War was largely thanks to this individual.
Among all descriptions regarding the "Tennin," what he heard most frequently was this:
The Tennin was a shinobi so terribly powerful and so ruthlessly cold-hearted that he sent chills down one's spine.
By his own strength alone, he possessed enough force to reverse the tide of a war and rewrite the structure of the shinobi world. More importantly, this person possessed astonishing genius. Even his father—who viewed himself as the future of the Uchiha Clan—could not help but sigh heavily when comparing himself to that Tennin, lamenting:
"Itachi, if you could possess even half the talent of that Tennin, our Uchiha Clan would never face the crisis of collapse again."
Yet right now,
Through the contents of the adults' chatter around the arena, Itachi Uchiha discovered to his surprise:
Apart from that Tennin named Hyuga Yu, did Konoha seem to have yet another Tennin?
Furthermore, were these two Tennin going to clash today to decide who was superior?
Just why was that?
However, before Itachi Uchiha could figure this out with his young mind, he suddenly caught sight of a figure in the corner of the venue that drew his intense attention.
That area contained the seats arranged by the Hyūga Clan for representatives such as the Daimyō and noble dignitaries. Everyone walking in that direction was dressed luxuriously with exquisite and refined accessories, yet without exception, every single one of them bore a look of deep worry on their face, seemingly... anxiously waiting for someone to appear?
Yet in that direction, a figure was mixed in that looked completely out of place with everyone else.
It was a child around six or seven years old with short white hair, wearing round-framed glasses, and clad in plain, almost cheap clothing.
Shining within his eyes was a light of wisdom completely mismatched with his age. His expression was resolute, as if he were secretly hyping himself up, preparing to accomplish something monumental.
This child... who was he?
Why did his eyes possess such an unwavering light? Why did he not seem confused in the slightest?
As if guided by fate, Itachi encountered his most formidable future enemy right here.
Yet at this moment, the mindsets of both individuals were completely opposite to what they would be during their future confrontation.
It was the first time Itachi Uchiha had seen a peer who was so uniquely different. He could not resist wanting to let go of his father's large hand and pursue that figure to take a good look at what he was planning to do.
Right then,
"My, my. Fugaku, is this your child? Mm, as expected of the rumors, he truly is a prodigy."
A clear, gentle voice echoed from the side.
Fugaku Uchiha held Itachi back, pressing a hand on his head as he faced the incoming person. Itachi Uchiha heard his father speak solemnly,
"Itachi, come say hello to Minato-sama."
"Yes."
Itachi Uchiha subconsciously nodded in response. Turning his head, he saw a handsome, soft-featured young man with spiky golden hair, dressed in a Konoha Jonin vest and a dark blue jumpsuit, crouching down in front of him.
"Hello, Minato-sama."
"Hello to you too." Minato Namikaze gave Itachi a warm, friendly nod, patting Itachi's head. He then stood up and looked toward Fugaku Uchiha, his tone turning slightly grave as he spoke:
"Fugaku, why did you bring the child here... Didn't I send a message to you last night?"
"To have Mikoto-sama and the child stay at home, awaiting the village's arrangements at any moment..."
Fugaku Uchiha had indeed received Minato Namikaze's warning. However, on this rare occasion where he could introduce Itachi early on to Konoha's mid-to-high-level leaders and establish familiarity,
Compared to the vague and uncertain risk Minato mentioned, this move was not only beneficial for Itachi's future development, but might also serve to further ease the tension between the Uchiha Clan and the village.
Moreover, it was difficult for him to tell Minato Namikaze—whom he fully supported—that he wanted to introduce Itachi to Hyuga Yu, who might participate in this Tennin selection ceremony, essentially hedging his bets on both sides. Thus, he shifted the topic:
"Itachi is my eldest son; this is something he must experience. Besides, I am capable of protecting him."
"On the other hand, Minato... the danger you mentioned, what exactly is..."
"I can't tell you for certain right now, but this stems from the Tennin's judgment, and the village has chosen to trust it."
Fugaku Uchiha was slightly surprised. "Are you saying that the Tennin will completely purge the Hyūga Clan today?"
"Not quite. How should I put this..."
Minato Namikaze scratched his head, a helpless expression emerging on his face. He, too, found it somewhat difficult to understand the Tennin's judgment.
"In short, let's enter the venue first. If you encounter danger, immediately leave this place with Itachi. As the leader of the Uchiha, you will also need to oversee the subsequent evacuation efforts on the south side of the village."
"Has the situation... truly become that severe?" Fugaku Uchiha's brows knitted tightly. He looked down at Itachi by his side, pondered for a moment, and nodded to Minato Namikaze.
"I understand. I trust your judgment!"
Itachi Uchiha raised his head in confusion. Listening to the adults' discussion, he could not help but think:
The venue... contains danger?
He could not comprehend where the danger would come from. Compared to that, he could not resist turning his head back around to look toward the observation seats reserved by the Hyūga Clan for the nobles, searching for that young figure who had caught him off guard.
However, when Itachi looked back over, that tiny figure had already vanished into the crowd.
Meanwhile, inside the venue—
Under the arrangements of various Hyūga Branch House members, everyone moved to their respective seats and sat down.
Soon,
Inside the venue, four elderly figures walked in from outside, surrounded by a group of over twenty luxuriously dressed Main House members. The four Main House elders of the Hyūga Clan exchanged glances with one another. Ultimately, they dispatched the strongest among the four, Hyūga Jōsuke, to step onto the arena ring at the center of the venue first.
Hyūga Jōsuke was precisely the Main House elder who had previously made things difficult for Hyuga Yu during the Tennin Welcoming Ceremony, as well as the father of that unlucky Main House member, Hyūga Genkō.
However,
Although this man had repeatedly suffered setbacks in front of Hyuga Yu and was already over sixty years old, when he stepped onto the stage, the heads of all the various factions present straightened their expressions and stared solemnly at the stage.
Lo and behold,
On the stage, Hyūga Jōsuke took a deep breath, settling his air into his lower abdomen. Stepping forward with force, his feet planted into the stance of the "Two-Character Pincer Sheep-Adduction Stance," his palms adopting the posture of an opening guard.
From within his elderly body, a wave of extraordinarily refined chakra suddenly erupted, swirling around his frame and making the old man's aura appear all the more extraordinary.
This scene sparked widespread discussion among the representatives of various Konoha factions seated around:
"This Hyūga Jōsuke, although he was completely no match for the Tennin Hyuga Yu, that was... because he was facing the invincible Tennin!"
"In his earlier years, this man was the primary combat pillar of the Hyūga Clan. Along with Hyūga Hiashi's father and the former Great Elder Hyūga Sōdō, they were known as the 'Three Heroes of the Hyūga.' All of them were elite top-tier Jonin. Even though he is old now, if he were to face the Kage of various villages, he could likely exchange a blow or two."
"Hyūga Hizashi, although he is the strongest shinobi of the Branch House... according to the upcoming arrangements for this Hyūga Clan Tennin Selection Ceremony, he must consecutively challenge four elders of the Hyūga Main House, and finally, challenge Hyūga Hiashi."
"Furthermore, this is a life-or-death battle with no holds barred!"
"Which means the Main House can use all techniques, including the Caged Bird that completely counters the Branch House, as well as the secret ninjutsu of the Hyūga Main House!"
"Can Hyūga Hizashi really win?"
The crowd exchanged glances, seeing the confusion in each other's eyes. They could not fathom—
Just what means was Hyūga Hizashi planning to rely on to contend against the power of the Main House?
Right at that moment,
Upon the massive arena ring, Hyūga Jōsuke seemed to sense something. His old face turned cold, his gaze sweeping around like a hawk before landing squarely at the direction of the entrance.
In the very next instant—
His hair and beard stood up straight under the wild surge of chakra. He barked angrily toward the entrance:
"Hyūga Hizashi!"
"You madman who defies the laws of our ancestors, why have you not stepped onto the stage to accept your death!"
Hearing the sound, everyone turned their heads to look at the venue entrance.
Only to hear:
After a burst of wild laughter, a figure suddenly materialized at the entrance location.
This person wore a dark brown robe, standing at a height of 176.5 centimeters. A mane of waist-length black hair danced wildly without any wind. Currently, he wore no Konoha headband on his forehead, candidly exposing that green "manji" Caged Bird curse mark.
This person was none other than Hyūga Hizashi!
With a swift leap, Hyūga Hizashi instantly used the Body Flicker Technique to appear on the stage. However, he did not adopt a Gentle Fist stance, standing casually on the ring as he glared coldly at Hyūga Jōsuke, speaking indifferently:
"Elder Jōsuke, when I was eighteen, you were already no longer my match, to say nothing of now when you are old and physically frail."
"I advise you not to bring humiliation upon yourself!"
"Have Hyūga Hiashi come out immediately!"
Hyūga Jōsuke let out a cold sneer. "Heh, do you still think this is like playing house and pulling punches like back in the day? Hyūga Hizashi, do you truly understand what you are doing right now?!!"
Recalling Hyūga Hiashi's instructions from last night, Hyūga Jōsuke immediately shouted sternly at Hyūga Hizashi in front of all the Konoha faction representatives present, as well as all the Hyūga Branch House members and civilians gathered at the scene:
"You secretly instigated friction between the Tennin and our Hyūga Main House, resulting in the scandalous incident from two days ago!"
"You secretly stole the Byakugan from the Main House's ancestral shrine, forcing the former Great Elder's daughter to harm the Tennin's fiancée! After all these deeds, not only do you show no remorse, but you even commit this rebellious act. Today, on behalf of the Hyūga Main House and on behalf of the Tennin, this old man shall rid us of a pest like you!"
At this moment, hearing these words,
Minato Namikaze, seated below the stage, instantly knitted his brows and raised his head, realizing that Hyūga Jōsuke's words had a double meaning, and his actions were far too deliberate.
Sweeping a glance around, he immediately noticed the anomaly across the entire venue—
Aside from the numerous representatives of Konoha's major and minor factions, various nobles, and a small number of Konoha villagers who had been invited, the largest presence in the venue was shockingly a massive crowd of Hyūga Clan Branch House members possessing Byakugan.
The twenty-plus core members of the Main House belonged to the six lineages of the Main House. At this moment, aside from a small number of Branch House members who followed the head lineage coming to the venue, under their advance arrangements, the remaining Branch House members governed by the other six lineages—excluding those out on missions—had essentially all arrived at the venue.
The entire venue gathered the vast majority of the Branch House members of the entire Hyūga Clan, whether they were shinobi or non-shinobi civilians.
The total number of Hyūga Branch House members who had come to the venue had already exceeded 2,000, surpassing more than half of the total population of the entire Hyūga Clan!
Seeing such a scale of Hyūga clan members gathered,
Minato Namikaze's heart skipped a beat, feeling a faint trace of unease, and he could not help but speculate:
Could Hyūga Jōsuke be planning to use Hyūga Hizashi's 'Tennin Challenge' act to whitewash the Main House, pushing all guilt onto Hyūga Hizashi in order to mend the Main House's relationship with Hyuga Yu?
But even if they wanted to do that, why gather so many Hyūga clan members?
Minato Namikaze's expression turned grave. His hand subconsciously reached into the ninja tool pouch behind his waist, drawing out a specially made three-pronged kunai engraved with the words "Ninjutsu Love Blade."
Meanwhile,
On the stage,
Following Hyūga Jōsuke's loud shout, the situation shifted once again—
Upon hearing Hyūga Jōsuke's words and hearing the word 'Tennin' mentioned by him,
Hyūga Hizashi acted as if a switch placed in a private location had been flipped. His body suddenly shuddered violently, and his expression turned pitch-black in an instant. Suppressing it, he hissed out a line of words from between his teeth in a low voice:
"Tennin?"
"Heh-heh, Tennin! You people actually view that Hyuga Yu as the Tennin?"
"Ha!"
Hyūga Jōsuke let out a loud, wild laugh, shouting aloud:
"This is the result discussed and decided by the high-level council of the Main House! The Main House has decided that since the Tennin has descended into the world, the Main House shall surrender its power, and the entire clan shall follow the commands of Tennin-sama from now on!"
"And our Hyūga's Tennin is one person and one person only, and that is—"
Hyūga Jōsuke paused briefly, then loudly announced before everyone:
"Hyuga Yu!"
He turned to look at Hyūga Hizashi, letting out a loud, cold laugh:
"Hyūga Hizashi, you couldn't possibly think that today's 'Tennin Selection' was meant for you to become the Tennin, could you?"
"It is precisely to expose your crimes before all clan members and everyone in Konoha that we gathered so many clan members today!"
Hyūga Jōsuke's eyes immediately widened, his eyebrows standing up one by one as veins bulged across his face. He barked harshly at Hyūga Hizashi:
"You sinner of the Hyūga—"
"Why have you not dropped to your knees, bound your own hands, and bowed your head to be executed before the true Tennin-sama!"
————
Supporting me on Pa-treon to gain early access to advanced chapters and enjoy expedited updates. Your support is greatly appreciated.
pat-reon .c-om/Dragonhair
(Just remove the hyphen - and space, to access Pa-treon normally.)