Hinata's incident with the local children, though an isolated event that went largely unnoticed, subtly pointed to a deeper issue: the Hyūga clan's reputation within Konoha was deteriorating. This small glimpse revealed the prevailing direction of the village's public opinion.
As the elder brother, Shinichi was indeed not attentive enough to his sister, being completely unaware of Hinata's encounter. He spent the entire day focused on improving his strength in the dojo.
Shinichi knew the Hyūga clan's precarious position, and that urgency drove his need for power. He could sense that Kumogakure's threat was not just empty talk. The determination of the "Black-skinned Raikage" often led to unexpected actions.
In the early evening, Hyūga Shin, who had just returned home from a meeting at the Hokage Tower, found Shinichi training in the dojo.
After politely asking the accompanying bodyguards, Kakashi Hatake and Shisui Uchiha, to leave, only Shin and Shinichi remained in the dojo for a private conversation.
"Shinichi, in a couple of days, your great-grandpa will be leaving Konoha."
"Before I leave, I must teach you one technique. You must focus and learn it well."
Shin's opening statement delivered surprising news. Shinichi didn't immediately focus on the technique; hearing that Shin was leaving Konoha caused his expression to change slightly, and he asked:
"Great-grandpa, why are you leaving Konoha? What happened? Did the Fourth Hokage suddenly change his mind?"
Undoubtedly, the most impactful event for the Hyūga clan right now was their counter-killing of the Kumogakure envoy. On the "international" stage, Konoha and Kumogakure were at loggerheads, refusing to back down. At the same time, both ninja villages had begun massing forces on the border, taking a stance that suggested they were ready for war. Shin's leaving Konoha at this moment was not a good sign.
"The Fourth Hokage hasn't changed his mind; he firmly stands with us."
"However... even the Hokage cannot go against everyone's wishes and act alone."
"You must have heard about Kumogakure massing troops on the border. The Hokage convened representatives from various ranks in the village today to discuss pre-war preparations."
"During the meeting... the representatives of the other ninja clans reached a near-unanimous agreement, hoping that the Hyūga clan would once again contribute our strength to this war."
At first glance, Shin's words seemed nonsensical, as the Hyūga clan had never been absent from Konoha's past wars. But given the current situation, Shin speaking so solemnly to Shinichi made the underlying meaning clear.
"Over the years, our Hyūga ninja numbers have been severely reduced by several wars."
"Hiashi's departure took away a group of elites. This time... my going to the Kumogakure front will take away the majority of our elite ninja."
"The defensive strength left at the compound will be greatly diminished."
"But you don't need to worry. I will arrange your escorting ninja carefully, and the Fourth Hokage has also privately promised me that he will ensure your safety. Within the village, you don't need to worry about security."
"The main reason I came to see you is to teach you the Caged Bird curse mark technique."
"In the event of any unforeseen accidents happening to Hiashi and me on the battlefield, Shinichi, you will be the new head of the Hyūga clan!"
Just like when Hyūga Hiashi left Konoha, Shin, under pressure from the village to lead his clan to the battlefield, he spoke in an unusually heavy tone, as if delivering his last wishes.
Should Konoha and Kumogakure fight again, the intensity would surely rival the height of the Third Great Ninja War. Yet, at this very moment, the Hyūga clan absolutely could not retreat, or they would lose their standing in the village forever.
To completely reverse the recent malicious public opinion against the Hyūga, the best course of action was to deliver a heavy blow to Kumogakure. Only the enemy's blood could restore the Hyūga clan's dignity.
"Great-grandpa, must you personally go?"
Shinichi frowned slightly. Since Hiashi's departure, Shinichi had vaguely smelled a conspiracy. Now, with Shin also heading to the battlefield, the scent of conspiracy became much stronger. This old man was far past the age of retirement!
"Of course. In times like these, how can I be at ease letting the Branch House members be led by anyone else?"
"If the commander on the front line casually found an excuse to send our Branch House ninja to their deaths, wouldn't our Hyūga clan's opposition look ridiculous?"
"This time, I will not only personally go to the front but also serve as the frontline commander."
"To help the village win the war, and to protect the Hyūga clan's honor, I will spare no effort!"
Shin's tone was resolute. His explanation made Shinichi understand why Shin absolutely had to go this time.
Frontline Commander...
That was a position of great responsibility—
If they won, all would be well, but if they lost...
Deep worry appeared on Shinichi's face. Shin's war experience was beyond doubt, but in battles between ninja, experience alone was not enough. Shinichi didn't doubt Shin's strength, but compared to Kumogakure's strongest, Shin did not have a significant advantage. Hyūga ninja were naturally proficient in dealing with ordinary ninja, but if the enemies were Jinchūriki or strong Bloodline Limit users, the Taijutsu-specialist Hyūga would suffer greatly.
Shin seemed to notice Shinichi's concern and offered a comforting smile:
"Don't worry. This is an external war, after all. Even if the village intends for me to bear the responsibility, how could they not want the front line to succeed?"
"The Fourth Hokage has already sent a letter to Jiraiya, one of the Sannin. He is already on his way back to the village."
"He will assist me in dealing with Kumogakure."
"With him there, we are sure to win."
"I told you all this just in case, after all, war is unpredictable."
"Alright, no more questions. Now, listen carefully to what I have to say."
Shin gently patted Shinichi's back, his expression softening, and spoke gently. Time was pressing. He didn't want to talk more about the war and the meetings. The most urgent task was to ensure Shinichi mastered the Caged Bird.
Although Hyūga Hiashi had two children, Shin and the elders had long recognized that the highly talented Hyūga Shinichi would lead the Hyūga clan in the future. In these chaotic times, it was necessary to take precautions to ensure the continuation of the Hyūga Main House.
"Yes!"
"I understand, Great-grandpa. Please tell me."
Shinichi also knew time was limited. He asked no more questions, nodding seriously in response.
The Caged Bird is the Hyūga clan's secret hereditary Cursed Seal Jutsu, primarily intended to prevent the Byakugan from falling into enemy hands. While ensuring the Byakugan remains protected, this technique also establishes the absolute dominance of the Main House.
Shinichi learned Ninjutsu quickly. Although the Caged Bird was a complex sealing technique, it was not difficult for him to learn. The most crucial part was actually mastering the sealing key. In a few hours, Shinichi had fully mastered it.
During the rest of their time, Shin gave Shinichi other important instructions. To prevent any omissions, Shin handed Shinichi a pre-prepared scroll containing all the essential records of the Hyūga Main House. The cultivation of an heir was typically a long process, but Shin couldn't afford that now.
That night, the leadership of the Hyūga clan was officially transitioned. Shin gathered the heads of the various Branch House factions still in the village and solemnly entrusted the Hyūga clan to the young Hyūga Shinichi.
Hyūga Hizashi witnessed the entire process. He was aware of everything that had happened in the Hyūga clan recently and had even personally participated in defending the Main House against the Kumogakure invaders.
Seeing Shin's resolve to protect the Hyūga, Hizashi was deeply moved, casting aside some of his previous biases against the Main House. From beginning to end, the Main House and Branch House were fundamentally interdependent. Hizashi now saw this relationship clearly.
During the clan meeting, Shin informed everyone present of the initial preparations for the war. When the clan members heard that the Hyūga would once again send forces to battle, the atmosphere became heavy.
A mobilization list was announced within the clan. The listed Hyūga members looked solemn, and after repeated confirmation, they left without a word, preparing to say their final goodbyes to their families.
Hyūga Hizashi was not on the list; he was intentionally left behind by Shin to assist Shinichi. A similar situation had occurred when Hiashi left previously.
Konoha Village's war mobilization proceeded quickly. On the day Jiraiya returned to the village, a large contingent of Hyūga clan members, led by Satoru, also set off for the battlefield.
Shinichi saw off Shin and his group in the morning, then returned to the compound in the afternoon. Using the Byakugan to scan the entire Hyūga compound, the usual lively scene was gone.
The people left in the compound did not feel at ease just because they weren't going to the battlefield. What they felt was worry for their family members and apprehension about the uncertain future of the Hyūga clan.
In a dense forest outside Konoha Village, as Konoha's large number of elite ninja departed, Zetsu's figure slowly emerged from the ground in a clearing.
"The Fourth Hokage is truly decisive! It looks like Konoha is going to war with Kumogakure!" White Zetsu's voice was high-pitched and sounded excited.
"Hmph... The more chaotic things are, the better. That way, no one will notice our plan."
"First, let's take control of the Land of Rain and Kirigakure..." Black Zetsu's voice was low. As he spoke, Zetsu's figure slowly sank back into the earth and vanished.
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