Reincarnation into the dark world of Naruto

So, the gates. After putting me down, Hizashi strolled down the pathway covered in fine white sand. What a mutant, huh? Didn't even break a sweat after such a run. But hey, these paths aren't bad. After the rough cobblestone streets, this surface definitely agrees with my feet.

There was no visible guard, but as soon as we crossed the boundary of the Hyuga clan's domain, a Hyuga appeared to meet us. Well, of course—an entire clan of sensors. Why would they need guards?

Alright then, I've already seen a Hyuga in field gear; let's take a closer look at one in casual attire. White… Uh, I don't even know what to call it properly. A long kimono? A robe? Forget it, let's just call it a kimono.

So, a white kimono. The clan emblem on the left side of the chest, black embroidery in the form of Chinese-style dragons along the sleeves. Quite striking. Naturally, he's also wearing the same sandals with thick soles. How doesn't the sand bother them? Even here, the paths are covered in it.

Meanwhile, Hizashi and the Hyuga who came to greet him exchanged bows—right hand on the chest, palm over the clan emblem, left hand pressed to the thigh, and their waists bent at almost a 45-degree angle. Both kept their necks perfectly straight, too.

Yeah, this isn't the casual nod of the head I gave... After straightening up, the Hyuga greeted the returning clansman and shifted his gaze to me. He squinted slightly. And… he froze.

He didn't exactly drop his jaw to the floor, but the widened eyes, raised eyebrows, and slightly moving lips made it pretty clear what he was thinking. Damn, I'm still using the Byakugan, aren't I?

It must be quite the sight—a child in ragged, dirty, unidentifiable clothing, sporting the clan's trademark eyes. And an unfamiliar child, at that. There can't be so many Hyuga that they don't recognize each other, at least by face.

Still, Touro Hyuga—Hizashi called him that—didn't ask any questions.

Seriously, though, this place is like a park. The Hyuga estate—calling it a district wouldn't be right—was more like a lush garden filled with diverse greenery, among which two-story houses peeked through.

To be honest, mostly the second floors were visible. There was plenty of water too—a whole cascade of carefully outlined artificial ponds spread across the territory. And bridges, of course... The Hyuga sure have it good.

All this was complemented by birdsong and the chatter of kids running around. This clan is definitely not small—there were dozens of children. How many families are in it, I wonder?

The walk through the park came to an end as Hizashi turned toward a cluster of buildings. Before we could approach the entrance, a little whirlwind came flying at Hizashi.

"Uncle! Where have you been?" squeaked the tiny, energetic figure clinging to the shinobi with arms and legs.

"Hina-chan, I was on a mission. Where else would a shinobi be?" Hizashi smiled and ruffled the girl's hair, which was tied up in a simple hairstyle with hairpins.

I nearly choked. Wait, this lively, straightforward child is supposed to be the timid Hinata from the anime? No way.

Although… yeah, there's some resemblance. Black hair with a dark blue sheen, almost translucent gray eyes.

But who knows what little Hinata looked like. Still, I find it hard to believe that this girl will turn into the perpetually blushing, insecure, eyes-on-the-floor tomato by the age of twelve. Judging by her energy, she'd intimidate anyone herself.

"Well, well. Uncle, who did you bring here?"

The girl reluctantly slid off her uncle to the ground.

"Boy, why are you so dirty?" She gave me a once-over. "And so skinny. Don't you know that a shinobi has to eat well?"

Oh, great… Now the clan princess is going to start bossing me around.

And sure enough—

"You must clean yourself up immediately!"

Hizashi, thank the gods for this small mercy, gently but firmly cut off Hinata's fountain of eloquence, steering me into the building and promising her they'd talk later. Sliding doors, partitions, thin wood, thick paper... But there was something I appreciated—the floors. Soft covering. Not plastic, no. I didn't see any plastic here at all. It seemed to be some kind of very dense fabric, like a carpet but without a pile. I also didn't see any electricity.

The corridors were lit by softly glowing, milky-white spheres hanging from thin strings. So, what is this? A local application of chakra? Hizashi walked confidently through the corridors and up staircases. It looked like we had arrived.

A large room, something like a veranda, where two people were sitting. A man, who looked like an older version of Hizashi, and a young woman. They were sitting directly on the floor on thick cushions by a low table, drinking tea.

Before Hizashi could fully slide open the partition acting as a door, the pair stopped mid-sip and looked at us. Hmm, if this is Hiashi—and it certainly seems like it—then the woman next to him must be his wife.

What do I know about her? Absolutely nothing. Did she even appear in the anime? My memory is failing me. Well, one thing is certain: if the little girl who jumped on Hizashi takes after her mother even slightly, then Naruto is either very lucky—or not lucky at all. Considering how energetic the girl is, poor Naruto might end up under her thumb, getting smacked over the head with her shoe.

The brothers greeted each other. Yeah, shinobi in the outside world and shinobi at home are two completely different people. Smiles, hugs... A perfect family idyll. Finally, the relatives calmed down, and their attention turned to me.

"Hizashi, don't tell me this is…" Hiashi stopped mid-sentence, his gaze drilling into my eyes. The feeling was unpleasant; his heavy stare was downright oppressive.

"Nii-san, what are you talking about?" the younger brother smiled. "This is just a boy."

"Oh yes, little brother. We have plenty of 'just boys' with glowing Byakugan eyes running around country roads, don't we?" Hiashi remarked with heavy sarcasm.

"You wouldn't believe it, but yes, we do." Hizashi's smile widened slightly.

"Brother!" Hiashi raised his voice.

"Don't worry, nii-san. I didn't violate the clan's eugenic laws. However, in a sense, I have taken responsibility for Akira."

"Explain," the clan leader said curtly.

"One moment. Akira-chan, that is your name, right?" The woman waited for my nod before clapping her hands authoritatively. "Deia," she called to the girl who entered the room, "bring two cups, a fresh teapot, and some sweets!"

"Dear, just look at the child—skin and bones," she explained to her puzzled husband. "We need to feed him first. Or would you prefer to have lunch, little one?"

"No, thank you. Hizashi-san already fed me." And how! I had stuffed myself to the brim. The portion they brought me in that charming little café was definitely meant for an adult.

"Brother, you paraded a child around the city in that state, with an active Byakugan no less?" Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "Don't you realize that…"

"Elder brother, wait." Hizashi raised his hands in protest. "Everyone concerned is already aware of the child. Danzo met us…" Hizashi cut himself off as the girl returned to the room with a tray.

Once she had set the table and left the room, Hizashi began recounting what had happened, starting with his sudden burst of intuition. Meanwhile, I was enjoying delicious baked rice balls with a tangy-sweet jam filling and sipping tea.

As the story unfolded, the expressions of the clan's leading couple shifted visibly—astonishment, disbelief, concentration...

What I didn't like were the occasional glances Hiashi threw my way. Hizashi concluded his account with the events at the gate and fell silent. A professional—concise, clear, and to the point.

"Well then," the Hyuga clan leader broke the pause with the tone of someone ready to take charge, "Akira-chan, do you have anything to add to the story?"

"No," I shook my head. "Hizashi-san recounted everything perfectly."

"Very well. Here's what we'll do. Akinami, dear, take care of our…" Hiashi hesitated for a moment before continuing, "guest. He clearly needs to get cleaned up.

"Hizashi, brother—you're in charge of gathering the inner council in two hours. Make sure to find and bring Miore. For Okini-sama and Toraki-sama, attendance is mandatory. And I'll figure out how to handle this situation you've dragged us into. Dismissed!"

No one gave me the chance to gape at the transformation of the man and husband into a political figure. It was like being in the military—orders are not up for discussion; they're carried out.

Everyone present, having received their instructions, began to execute them. Obeying the gentle hand on my shoulder, I went off to clean myself up.