The Hyuga Shall Stand Above, In The Heavens!

Though they were told to stay alert, 

Hitoshi had been watching the meeting of the three major leaders from the beginning, knowing there was still some time before they would make their move.

Coming to Konohagakure this time, with the support of Sarutobi and Danzo, was definitely an unexpected bonus for the Tsuchikage and Raikage. With supporters behind them, they wanted to make sure they got both face and benefits. Everything, down to the smallest details, had to be considered.

It was even a bit exaggerated—when Hyuga Hitoshi and Uchiha Fugaku were embarrassed, the expressions they showed were discussed with great enthusiasm, and they had already planned out sharp words to mock each other, much like how they used to celebrate with champagne halfway through a meeting.

To this, Hitoshi just smiled slightly and thought they were imagining things.

Fugaku might not know, but since the last meeting where Hyuga Hitoshi had made his first bold move, he had no intention of letting any setbacks slide.

With this in mind, Hitoshi stood up slowly, confirming that the leaders wouldn't act tonight. 

He was a man of his word, and he had promised Anko that he would help her lose weight. The moonlight was perfect for a workout, and he was sure that after one day and night, Anko would have burned off a good amount of the calories she'd eaten that day.

The night is getting dark.

Hyuga Hitoshi left the clan grounds and headed to the outskirts. 

The familiar courtyard gate was slightly ajar, and the lights inside were still on. Hitoshi skillfully leapt over the gate and landed inside, then saw Mitarashi Anko dressed in workout clothes, as if she were about to go out.

"Hey? I thought you had forgotten about helping me with my weight loss. I was just about to come find you."

Anko blinked and, seeing who it was, her face lit up with excitement.

"Nonsense, I'm a person of integrity," 

Hitoshi replied, naturally retorting as he grabbed Anko and pulled her into the room.

"Huh? Aren't we going to exercise? Why are we heading back inside? By the way, I ate a lot of dumplings today. Is your weight loss method really effective?"

Anko was pulled suspiciously into the room, and after they entered, Hitoshi thoughtfully closed the door behind them.

Listening closely, an embarrassing sound could be heard from inside.

"It's been personally tested and effective. Look at Pakura's figure, she's got the best back in the ninja world."

"Yeah, Pakura does have a great figure, but I don't really care about her back. As long as there's no extra fat, I'm fine."

"Don't worry, this will definitely be an intense full-body workout, you'll be sweating like crazy."

"Huh, so why are you tearing my fishnet stockings then?"

"Well, if you keep them on, it won't get in the way!"

"?"

The courtyard, neither too big nor too small, was bathed in moonlight, and the lights inside the room began to flicker.

That night, Mitarashi Anko, who loved eating dumplings, learned a new form of exercise.

Under the dim moonlight, in the rebuilt Konohagakure village, which had been through the Nine-Tails disturbance, people with different thoughts passed the first night after the arrival of the envoy.

Many couldn't sleep because they were excited, and just as many stayed up late, brainstorming and refining their plans. 

But Patriarch Hitoshi, having finished his workout, had already fallen asleep, with a confused Anko in his arms.

Until...

A faint killing intent lingered.

In his sleep, Hyuga Hitoshi opened his eyes slightly.

It was a new day, and the soft midday sunlight streamed into the disordered room.

As for the source of the killing intent?

"Alright, you!"

Kurenai angrily pulled her best friend away from Hitoshi, her face bright red as she gave her friend an intense interrogation.

"You promised not to sneak off, you promised we'd wait for the right time during the card game, and yet you couldn't resist?"

Anko, just waking up, took a while to gather her senses after hearing her best friend's disappointed expression. 

But...

"You're really framing me!"

Anko rolled her eyes, instinctively about to explain herself, but then, recalling how wild she had been when she took charge the previous night, she stopped herself from saying anything that wasn't true.

She was tired, so she decided to leave it at that.

But, there was indeed a promise made at the time.

She glanced at the fitness trainer beside her, pretending to be asleep with his ears perked up, then coldly snorted before pulling Kurenai onto the bed and using her last bit of strength to throw her into Hyuga Hitoshi's arms.

"Don't say I'm hogging my best friend all to myself!"

"You better make good use of this chance!"

And clearly, this act of friendship from Anko moved Hyuga Hitoshi. He was deeply surprised but also genuinely motivated to start a new round of fitness training.

Kurenai was clearly touched as well. She cried later on, leaving behind some ungrateful tears before kicking the sleeping Anko awake, planning to return the favor.

That day, Hyuga Hitoshi, who had once fled in embarrassment when invited by Kurenai and Mitarashi Anko to play cards, finally regained his face. By sunset, he proudly walked out of the courtyard, only to be kicked out by Kurenai and Anko.

Patriarch Hitoshi believed that the effort of the young women would certainly lead to burning fat, and this was also a very positive weight loss journey!

"You really are a bastard."

Hyuga clan's territory.

In the familiar central hall.

Pakura had already been waiting with her sisters.

Hyuga Hitoshi had only just returned. He had stayed at Anko's place last night, and what happened didn't need to be spoken aloud. After all, they had been together for so long; one look from him, and she knew what he meant.

"Nonsense, this Patriarch is very kind to women."

Hyuga Hitoshi's expression was calm, showing no guilt after being caught in such an act.

Pakura, of course, understood him. She didn't linger on this issue too much, with only Tsunade casting him a slightly resentful glance.

"Are Kurenai and Anko staying with us?"

After a moment, Hyuga Pakura suddenly spoke, her tone hinting at something.

Considering the current situation of the Hyuga clan and the possible decisions this man might make, her question was also a subtle reminder.

"They can stay if they want. I don't force them to stay or leave."

Patriarch Hitoshi never restricted the freedom of the women close to him. For each of them, he would give a chakra orb made with his Tenseigan.

It was a powerful life-saving tool and also allowed Hyuga Hitoshi to sense if they were in danger at any time. So, their safety wasn't a concern.

If they wanted to stay in Konohagakure, they could; if they wanted to visit the moon, they just needed to send a message. The transportation wasn't an issue for Hyuga Hitoshi, who had already mastered the solar power model and didn't waste much energy.

"As long as you've made arrangements."

Hyuga Pakura nodded slightly, showing concern for her sisters, but Hyuga Hitoshi knew she wasn't declaring her position or anything.

She was just worried that this bastard hadn't thought things through in some areas, so she casually reminded him.

"Let's go, take a stroll around Konohagakure."

Consider it a farewell to this village. After tonight, whether it's Hyuga Hitoshi or the Hyuga clan, they will be saying goodbye to their peaceful daily lives.

Before things kicked off, it was a good chance to take one last look at the first ninja village.

At this moment, they were still part of Konohagakure, but when they returned next time, things wouldn't be the same. Their perspective on the village would change.

Hitoshi was someone who valued ceremony, so the necessary steps had to be taken.

But perhaps for him, it was just a quiet walk through the streets.

Just from the setup beside him, it gave off an unusually high-profile vibe.

There was no other reason.

As the large group marched down the streets of Konohagakure, people's gazes unconsciously started to gather in their direction.

On Hyuga Hitoshi's left, even though it was already near sunset, the little cat was still diligently holding an umbrella to shield Hitoshi from the sun.

Though she had changed into a more modest maid outfit, the chakra cat ears on her head, designed by the two-tailed beast itself, and the deep blue tail, were a clear sign of strength to those who could recognize it. To the common people, however, the overwhelming pressure from her, unique to tailed beasts and Jinchuriki, reminded them of the past devastation caused by the Nine-Tails.

So, sometimes, not everyone has the privilege to enjoy being a cat-eared girl. At least, ordinary people certainly don't have that blessing.

How violent is the chakra of a tailed beast? It's a blend of hatred and distortion, a power that cannot be tamed without proper means.

Aside from the two-tailed Jinchuriki, the red-haired Uzumaki Reina, holding Karin, also made the villagers think of that fiery-tempered little girl. Even though their temperaments were different, the idea that red-haired people are not to be messed with had already taken root. After all, the last redhead was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, so...

"Why are they looking at me like that?"

Though she had been out a few times, Uzumaki Reina had to admit that, aside from the Hyuga clan, she felt no sense of belonging in Konohagakure. Even with the Hyuga clan, it was because that man was there, and this feeling would take time to heal. But she didn't want to feel out of place with others. The way people were staring at her made her feel like she had done something wrong.

Especially when she was being looked at with such strange eyes.

"Mm, they probably just remembered something pleasant. Don't take it to heart."

Hyuga Hitoshi comforted her.

"I'm not taking it to heart. It's just... strange."

Uzumaki Reina shook her head. The only people she felt grateful to were the Hyuga clan and Hyuga Hitoshi, not Konohagakure.

This had been decided the moment she first arrived at Kusagakure Village, about to fall into darkness, only to be pulled back by this man.

Uzumaki Reina was someone who repaid kindness, and she was certain she would never forget the image of this man standing before her when Kusagakure Village refused to release her and made threats.

"The Uzumaki clan was once an ally of Konohagakure."

Tsunade remarked with some emotion. That alliance had been passed down since the Warring States period. But now, the Uzumaki clan was destroyed, and the Senju clan...

"Reina, I have a question."

Eventually, the group, led by Hyuga Hitoshi, arrived at the familiar Ichiraku Ramen. This was a place full of sentimental value in the original story, where many events took place. As soon as they sat down, Hyuga Hitoshi's blonde maid, Samui, stood behind him. One hand held a fan to cool Hyuga Hitoshi, while the other expertly massaged his back. She then looked at Uzumaki Reina with a curious gaze.

"Go ahead and ask."

Uzumaki Reina gently nodded.

"Uh, from what I know, the Uzumaki clan was very powerful. Although the Land of Whirlpools, where they lived, isn't considered a major nation, its military strength was much greater than that of small countries. So, why didn't a strong clan like the Uzumaki make it, even with help from Konohagakure, which is right next door in the Land of Fire?"

The young Samui asked a rather cute question.

Uzumaki Reina fell silent when she heard it.

The Land of Whirlpools is located on the sea. From the map, the Land of Fire, where Konohagakure is, is not far to the left, and you need to cross a vast sea to reach the Land of Water. 

However, the truth is that until the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, and most of the people who needed to escape had already fled, Konohagakure never sent any reinforcements. It was only in the end that they "coincidentally" found Kushina. 

Something about this just doesn't add up.

Even though the Land of Whirlpools is clearly right next to the Land of Fire, there were no Uzumaki clan members anywhere inside the Land of Fire except for Kushina. It's certain that none of them fled towards Konohagakure or sought refuge with the "reinforcements" sent by Konohagakure. What's strange is that you often find Uzumaki orphans in neighboring smaller countries.

"Samui-chan, I may not have much experience, but I remember one thing."

After a long silence, Uzumaki Reina sighed softly.

"Even in an alliance, when others help you, it's out of kindness. If they don't help, that's their duty."

At that time, Konohagakure's main forces were facing off against others in the Land of Rain. If they said they didn't have enough manpower, what could you do?

Unless Uzumaki Mito spoke up, maybe Konohagakure would have gone all out, but—

"As for Uzumaki Mito-sama, after marrying Lord Hashirama, she's now a Senju. And I'm afraid Mito-sama can't rely on the Senju clan for help with the Uzumaki clan."

Her words were somewhat cold.

Tsunade, standing beside her, opened her mouth but didn't know how to respond.

The women around Hyuga Hitoshi, who had come out with him, didn't know what to say either. Mikoto and Minato's sisters each reached out and held Uzumaki Reina's hand, offering comfort.

Eventually, it was the young sage of six bowls, Teuchi, the ramen shop owner, and his daughter Ayame, who was only seven or eight years old, who brought over the ramen, slowly lifting the heavy mood.

Hyuga Hitoshi was sure that Teuchi wasn't from the Otsutsuki clan and didn't have the Rinnegan.

But he truly treated all customers equally, without any discrimination.

Sometimes, you can't help but marvel that in such a large village, it seems like there's nothing that warms the heart more than a bowl of hot ramen.

Suddenly, 

Hitoshi raised an eyebrow, noticing that the little kitten sitting in his lap, who had been blowing on his ramen and was about to feed him, paused. Samui, who had been massaging his shoulders, also stopped for a moment.

He looked up and followed their gaze, spotting the source of their embarrassment.

Her name was Mabui, and she was one of the members of the messenger group.

The messenger group had come with a mission.

Since the purpose was peace talks, they had to pay close attention to their attitude, and naturally, there were some in the group who were curious about the so-called first ninja village.

As evening approached, after a walk around, Raikage's secretary Mabui decided to grab a bite at the food street. Then she saw a scene she would never forget.

At a distance, there were two familiar figures at the Ichiraku Ramen shop.

One of them was once the cold and aloof queen of Kumogakure, the formidable Two-Tails Jinchuriki. The pressure she radiated back in Kumogakure was so strong that even most men didn't dare to look her in the eye.

The other was relatively easier to get along with, but in reality, she resembled a cemented-hearted blonde lady who even claimed she would stay single forever and never show false kindness to men.

But look at what they're doing now?

If it weren't for Mabui knowing her best friends so well and being able to pick up on their little habits and details, she would have thought these two were possessed! 

Or maybe they were under some strange Genjutsu!

"Yugito, what are you doing?"

The man under you must be really scared of the heat if you have to blow on him and feed him by mouth.

And what's with the cat ears you're wearing? Are you serious?

Weren't you the one who admired Nibi-senpai the most and swore to use Nibi-senpai's chakra for good? 

Pleasing men counts as doing good? 

How did Nibi agree to this?

And Samui!

Hey! 

You're practically glued to his back! And it's not enough that you pressed against him, you're actually rubbing against him and pushing him closer, it's so eye-watering!

Are you sure your little brother will still look up to you if he sees you like this?

Finally, Mabui, in shock, met the gaze of the man who had tamed both of her best friends.

Hyuga Hitoshi.

The man who could pin the Fourth Raikage to the ground with just a look.

Kumogakure Village values strength, so if Hyuga Hitoshi were from there, just that one glance would make Mabui blush slightly and feel a bit shy.

After all, Kumogakure Village has so many rough types, and it's rare to see someone with such a strong sense of style. If he were from Kumogakure, Yugito and Samui's actions might seem more reasonable.

But Hyuga Hitoshi is not from Kumogakure. He is the Patriarch of the Hyuga Clan, a Konohagakure ninja, and an enemy who fought against Kumogakure, even crippling the Raikage.

In an instant, Mabui's mind flashed with many images, and she almost thought this terrifying enemy might suddenly snap, overpower her, drag her into an alley, and do whatever he wanted!

After all, he had even dared to fight the Raikage. Why wouldn't he dare to do that to her?

Mabui's hair stood on end, her face full of fear as she took two steps back. In her panic, she even mentally prepared for how she would resist if he pushed her down.

That's right. I heard that after the initial discomfort, that kind of thing can actually feel good. Maybe I can pretend to be humiliated on the outside, but actually cooperate a little, and maybe it won't be so bad.

Unfortunately, she had no experience, so she had to rely on her imagination to deal with what was about to happen.

But what puzzled Mabui was that, even though she had already thought through how to wipe away her tears and accuse him in a certain tone, Hyuga Hitoshi still didn't act.

In response to her terrified yet hopeful gaze, Hyuga Hitoshi just nodded at her from a distance.

Yes.

He just nodded.

Mabui remained silent for three seconds, then turned and ran off, feeling extremely embarrassed, as if she couldn't face anyone.

"She's good at imagining things."

What she didn't know was that, while Hyuga Hitoshi's gaze was sharp, he too was slightly confused.

His Byakugan, after a series of ancestral awakenings, allowed him to see part of Mabui's thoughts.

To be honest, though he might be a bit of a jerk, he would never just grab someone and treat them that way in public. He's not that kind of person. He couldn't do something like that. 

It would be insulting!

"Mabui is really talented in internal affairs. When she was in Kumogakure, Raikage highly valued her. Maybe the master should tie her up sometime, she might even enjoy it."

Yugito gave her opinion.

"That's true. With Mabui's personality, the rougher you are with her, the more excited she gets, but only if you're handsome and strong. Kumogakure doesn't have anyone who fits the bill, and no one dares to act that way with her. But the master's status and power are just right."

Samui also tried to get her best friend involved, offering her advice from the side.

Isn't this just being M?

Hyuga Hitoshi finally understood. Black girls do have some special traits. It wasn't so hard to understand. 

Hmm.

It seemed like he really needed a secretary. He was already busy enough, so getting one didn't seem unreasonable.

No big deal.

When the time comes, he'd have a good talk with Raikage. He should be willing to reluctantly agree to his request.

Hitoshi had always been someone who persuaded with reason, and he believed Raikage was the same.

"Achoo!"

At the Konohagakure hospital, Night Moon Raikage, lying in bed, seemed to feel something and sneezed uncontrollably in front of Tsuchikage, who was visiting and handing her an orange.

"Old man, you!"

Onoki's large red nose twitched, and after realizing he had inhaled too much, he shot a glare at Raikage.

"I didn't mean to! Don't give me that dirty look. If you're so upset, just spray me with your breath!"

Raikage waved his hand, feeling a bit weak, as though something was slipping away from him. It was a strange sensation, like he was being watched.

"Did you say we should start acting ahead of schedule?"

Yes.

Onoki had come in person, so it wasn't just to visit.

"This is Danzo—no, Hokage's idea. Danzo mentioned that the Land of Fire's Daimyo has been acting erratically, ever since he embarrassed himself by wetting his pants in public. He's been furious and is asking about the Hyuga clan, threatening to show Hyuga Hitoshi who's boss. He hopes we can take advantage of this anger."

I see.

Using Daimyo's current rage to their advantage was indeed part of the plan.

However, after being injured, Raikage had become much more cautious. He felt uneasy, especially since Hyuga Hitoshi's overwhelming strength had left a psychological mark on him.

When dealing with strong opponents, you must go all out, and the details must be perfect!

He thought the plan could still be a bit more detailed.

Just as he was about to speak, Raikage suddenly saw Mabui walking in with a lost expression.

Noticing Mabui's empty hands, Ai frowned. He had asked his secretary to bring him food since his legs were bothering him, but Mabui looked like she had been through something upsetting, as though she had been mistreated.

"What happened to you?"

Raikage asked in confusion.

"I saw Yugito, and Samui too."

Mabui answered gloomily.

"Yugito has become Hyuga Hitoshi's obedient cat, and Samui is acting all friendly with him too. They were openly showing affection in the streets of Konohagakure, sharing a husband, and neither of them seemed jealous!"

They've been trained so well!

Why wasn't I the one being trained?!

Mabui thought bitterly. Useless! Why don't you tie me up and whip me instead?

Anyone can be trained by a handsome, strong man—why can't I?!

She wallowed in self-pity.

But when Raikage heard this, it felt like something else entirely.

You think you're so impressive, Hyuga Hitoshi?

When I first arrived in Konohagakure, you tried to show me up, and now you're publicly flaunting the captured two-tailed Jinchuriki and Samui!

You're really showing off, aren't you?!

It wasn't just a slap in the face, it was a complete disregard for Kumogakure's pride!

"I agree! We'll act tonight! But I'll make sure to use the two-tailed Jinchuriki as a bargaining chip. That's something for Kumogakure!"

Raikage seemed insulted and decided to stop Hyuga Hitoshi's show-off behavior by agreeing to Tsuchikage's terms.

The plan had changed, and they would act tonight!

Onoki, wiping his face with a tissue, nodded in agreement, stood up, and quickly began preparing his people.

Time passed.

Night fell.

A few figures formed two small teams, slipping into Konohagakure under the cover of moonlight.

Their destination? The Hyuga and Uchiha clan lands!

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