Chapter 286: Rewards and Punishments
More than twenty shinobi, including Hyuga Souji, stood openly on the training grounds, waiting for Ryosuke's reply.
They hadn't voiced any complaints about the clan's swordsmanship. The power of the universe was ever-changing, and it was only natural for the clan to harbor doubts upon their return. This had been clearly explained during their pioneering training.
All they needed to do now was wait quietly in the training grounds, cooperate with the clan to confirm their identities, and then return home with peace of mind.
However, since they had brought back a large number of people from another world, it wasn't enough to simply wait and follow protocol as they had been taught during training. They needed to clearly explain the situation regarding those people and consult the clan for guidance.
They all understood how much the clan valued—and feared—the other world.
If they returned with a thousand people without explanation, the clan might suspect rebellion and act accordingly.
That was why Souji chose to speak only after confirming the safe return of over twenty individuals.
Just because they were weak, they needed numbers. Many voices speaking together carried weight.
However, these thoughts came from the perspective of Hyuga Iroha, Souji, and the others. They didn't fully grasp Ryosuke's character or his abilities.
At the very least, if anyone panicked and tried to act recklessly, Ryosuke would intercept them without hesitation.
This was the world of—
Imperial Tools.
From body to soul, even down to destiny, Ryosuke had already scanned Souji the moment he stepped out of the space-time gate. There was no need to probe his memory.
By this point, the fates of everyone around had already shifted.
The fate lines Ryosuke saw were no longer aligned. The first half—the month-long expedition from the Ninja World to the Teigu World—was now recorded in their past destinies. But beyond that, the second half, their return to the Ninja World, had no connection to the other world.
In other words, Ryosuke could only see their pasts and the parts of their fate unrelated to the other world—for now.
This resulted in a strange dissonance: their fate lines looked like two completely different stories forcibly stitched together, lacking coherence.
"Bring those thousand soldiers here," Ryosuke said softly from atop the high platform.
He already understood the full details of their mission from the threads of fate. There was no need for drawn-out explanations.
With a wave of his hand, the once narrow space-time gate, previously only large enough for two or three people at a time, expanded into a wide archway resembling a city gate.
He had answered Souji's concerns and proven his innocence.
Some among the surrounding shinobi wanted to caution him—to urge more thorough inspection—but under Ryosuke's gaze, no one dared to speak.
Even Hyuga Souji, who had been on high alert, was momentarily stunned. But under that same gaze, he seemed to understand something, and he nodded in agreement.
Shortly afterward, several people returned to the other world.
Soon, a burly man dressed in tattered clothing was led through the gate.
The surrounding shinobi immediately became more vigilant. If any of the newcomers made a move, they would strike without hesitation.
Fortunately, the man only looked around in a daze, showing no intent to harm.
Then came another, and another.
One by one, soldiers stepped through the space-time gate. By the time over a thousand had emerged, Hyuga Iroha and the others followed, carrying boxes of various sizes.
When the last person crossed over, Ryosuke moved his hand slightly. The fluorescent gate, glowing like a city gate moments before, began to dim. A moment later, it collapsed in on itself and was casually stored away.
According to external protocol, each use of the gate required a month's worth of energy storage. That statement had to be maintained, and Ryosuke adhered to it.
The thousand alien soldiers—confused and disoriented—were thoroughly inspected by members of the clan and temporarily detained in the clan's prison.
Though their physical strength was decent, they had no means of resisting chakra techniques and were subdued easily.
Hyuga Iroha and the others, along with the items they brought, were also meticulously examined before being allowed to return freely.
Meanwhile, Ryosuke was not idle.
He had already reviewed the entire mission from the returning shinobi's pasts, so there was no need for verbal reports. Instead, he held a meeting and shared the full journey with the clan via a large-scale genjutsu.
What Hyuga Iroha and the others had experienced over the past month was projected like a film.
Ryosuke omitted irrelevant details, keeping the information precise.
By the end of half a day, the clan fully understood what the first world beyond their space-time gate looked like.
Reactions were mixed.
Some wondered what benefits that world could bring to the Hyuga Clan.
Others questioned whether they should use military force to dominate it or adopt a more diplomatic approach.
Meanwhile, individuals like Shanks and Eren—people from other worlds—were left with complicated feelings. The gate didn't connect to their home worlds. In a way, it was fortunate… and also a cruel reminder that there was no way back.
Trust within the Hyuga Clan had yet to be fully earned.
Their expressions and thoughts during the meeting were all visible to Ryosuke.
Except for Shanks, whose mental defenses were formidable enough to block Ryosuke's perception, everyone else's thoughts were laid bare.
"I believe everyone understands the greatest value this world holds," Hinata said as she stood up, her voice calm and firm. "Captain Iroha has already mentioned it during the development process."
She scanned the room slowly. "Before the body checks are complete and you join the meeting, you should think carefully."
"What attitude should we take toward exploring this new world? And what should we prioritize?"
The first thing that must be addressed—is population.
A large population means either rapid advancement or uncontrollable chaos.
Whether it's a nation, a village, or an entire world—when a force inherits the responsibility of guiding and educating people, the influx of population brings both opportunity and challenge.
It tests the quality of leadership, the structure of governance, the clarity of ideology... any of these could determine whether the result is stability or collapse.
If densely populated areas are managed well—with rigorous education, disciplined structure, and refined ideology—then the benefits will be immense.
Just like talent.
Endless waves of potential.
A true meritocracy, where only the strongest, smartest, or most capable rise.
And once those talents begin competing in fields of innovation, cultivation, and governance… they will elevate the entire strength of the clan—from the roots to the highest branches.
And when the high standards of the past become the baseline, those with lower standards will only strive harder to catch up. Over time, the entire group advances, and the lower limit of their abilities continues to rise.
It's just like before—when a Chunin from a major nation's ninja village could travel to a smaller country and easily be granted the title of Jonin.
Raising the upper limit is a matter of personal ambition.
But from the perspective of the clan—and especially as its leader—the lower limit must be raised.
This has always been Hinata's core philosophy for the clan's development. It's something Ryosuke agrees with deeply.
The new generation must push the old generation forward. Their goal is not just expansion in numbers, but in thinking, vision, and ability—so that every Hyuga who walks out into the world becomes a dragon among men.
"Ryosuke has already shown us the specific situation through his Yin Release technique."
Hyuga Iroha and the others had just completed inspection and arrived at the clearing beside the council hall. They were about to explain the operation themselves, but Hinata spoke first.
Everyone was momentarily stunned, then turned their eyes to Ryosuke, who sat quietly beside the main seat. No one said another word.
"This mission's execution was flawless."
Standing at the head seat, with Ryosuke on one side and the old clan leader on the other, Hinata's voice carried calm praise. "You've all done well. But I hope that no matter what mission lies ahead, you'll always maintain this level of caution and discipline."
There was a clear sense of recognition and encouragement in her tone—a leader praising her loyal clansmen.
The group, led by Iroha, rose appropriately and responded with modest words.
"There's no need to be so modest. We've all seen your performance with our own eyes."
Hinata's expression remained serene as her gaze swept across the room. "The mission was completed with excellence—beyond what we expected."
"As for the pioneers who performed so admirably during this operation… what sort of reward do you think they should receive?"
It was a reasonable question. The council began to murmur with discussion.
"I propose that, should we obtain any Imperial Weapons during future explorations, the first batch of pioneers be granted first choice."
An elder stood and gave his suggestion.
"It could also be exchanged for merit or position," another added.
Hiashi nodded in agreement. "The clan's legion system can be expanded—both in number and size."
Clearly, he was inspired by the empire's organizational model. If Hyuga were to explore or conquer other worlds, it would require ample manpower. Controlling these forces through a legion structure would be ideal.
"Perhaps… we should hear what they want."
Hyuga Hiashi's voice was steady as he turned his gaze toward the shinobi who had completed the mission.
Everyone who had spoken fell silent and followed his lead.
In the neatly arranged formation, Hyuga Iroha stood at the front. When the elder passed the decision to them, he glanced around at his companions and gave a polite refusal. "Our efforts are for Hyuga…"
He intended to be humble, to reject the reward out of loyalty.
But before he could finish, Hinata cut him off gently, "We're well aware of your dedication and your willingness to serve Hyuga without expectation of return."
"But… rewards and punishments must be clear. You've all gone above and beyond, completing a task vital to the clan's future. Naturally, the clan will reward you accordingly."
"No matter who you were before—or what forces you once belonged to—after accomplishing this for Hyuga, from this day forward, you are Hyuga."
She looked pointedly at Mei Terumi, who stood among the front ranks. "We said from the beginning: if you and your people prove your loyalty, Hyuga will not treat you unjustly."
"After this operation, you and the few Kirigakure shinobi who accompanied you may act under the Hyuga name."
Then, she addressed the others in the same boat. "The same goes for all those who weren't Hyuga before. From now on, you are."
"As for your reward…"
She paused for a moment and glanced at Ryosuke beside her. Receiving a slight nod of encouragement, she turned back to the crowd.
"Remember this achievement well. You may each enter the Hyuga treasury once—and take any one item you desire."
"No!"
"This is inappropriate!"
"Unacceptable!"
The moment her words landed, the council erupted in protest. Nearly everyone stood in objection without hesitation.
In the past, it might've been acceptable. The clan's treasure trove once held only a few chakra weapons and high-level jutsu—those could be handed out without issue.
But now? Everything had changed.
Since the clan's reforms and the abandonment of outdated systems, its power had surged. The contents of the treasury had grown more valuable than ever. Chakra-infused weapons and rare techniques were now just the basics.
Within the vault were:
Several Uchiha Sharingan,
Byakugan voluntarily donated by deceased Hyuga clan members,
Wood Release cells from Hashirama Senju,
A Devil Fruit from the pirate world,
The Navy's complete Six Styles and Haki training method,
High technology and sword arts from Gintoki's samurai world,
And techniques for unlocking hidden potential...
Not to mention other strange and powerful artifacts collected from various stranded worlds.
The Hyuga Treasury was now a true treasure house.
Even a handful of these items, when studied properly, would be enough to dominate the ninja world.
And now Hinata was offering these to outsiders? Even—former enemies?
Many in the room couldn't accept it.
"That's settled."
Their objections only made Hinata's resolve stronger.
"Before passing through that gate, no one knew what kind of world lay on the other side."
"The ones who dared to go first—for Hyuga—are people who were willing to give up their lives. How can a mere hundred treasures outweigh such loyalty?"
Her voice was calm but commanding. Her gaze swept across the council with quiet authority.
"In time, the Hyuga treasury will only grow richer."
"I hope all of you here today will strive to be like these clansmen—wholeheartedly dedicated to the greatness of Hyuga."
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