The Hyuga Shall Stand Above, In The Heavens!

Konohagakure. 

Inside the Hokage building's conference room. 

Countless people watched as Patriarch Hitoshi left.

But surprisingly, aside from Sarutobi Hiruzen, no one else seemed to feel any animosity toward Hyuga Hitoshi.

In fact, many of them understood Hyuga Hitoshi's position.

As they often say, the ninja world isn't just about fighting, it's also about relationships and personal connections. 

During the war, the Hyuga clan's Byakugan had fully demonstrated what it meant to be a strategic-level Kekkei Genkai. 

With the stable support of the Hyuga clan, they had repeatedly recognized the power of the Byakugan. Its ability to predict and avoid ambushes, almost like having eyes on the back of their heads, had saved them more than once.

It could be said that almost no one in the village had turned down a favor from the Hyuga clan. Of course, many believed that this was simply the duty of the Hyuga clan, and didn't feel the need to express gratitude.

Moreover, Hyuga Hitoshi was very open about his intentions. He even said he could lead the Hyuga clan into battle alone, and his boldness made others ashamed to even look at him. 

However, when it came to war, there were many factors to consider. Just because the Hyuga clan went to the battlefield under their own banner didn't mean it wasn't still connected to Konohagakure. 

They were all exhausted from the war and no longer had the strength to bear the pain of losing loved ones. 

Even the most radical of the Uchiha clan, who had once acted so proudly, now approached war with fear. Fugaku, for example, had lost much of his vision from using Mangekyou Sharingan, and now, if a problem could be solved with a Three Tomoe Sharingan, he would never use his higher forms or unleash Amaterasu.

Though the Uchiha clan had gained many new recruits through the war, their numbers had also drastically dwindled.

As the death toll from the war rose, the conservative voices within the Uchiha clan grew louder. The situation was becoming more complicated, and Fugaku, lacking the reckless determination of Hyuga Hitoshi, could only stand by and sigh.

Everyone had their own thoughts.

Only Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, tightly clenching his fists, his mood clear.

Hyuga Hitoshi's actions earlier had been a direct slap in his face, completely humiliating him in front of everyone. 

What disgusted Sarutobi the most, though, were the words Hyuga Hitoshi spoke before leaving. They fully exposed his shameful attempt to beg Kumogakure Village and Iwagakure Village for peace, showing that he had no dignity as Hokage.

Originally, Danzo and he had successfully lowered the reparations, which was a big achievement in itself.

With just a few words, Hyuga Hitoshi had completely torn down the image Sarutobi had worked so hard to build as a self-sacrificing Hokage trying to make up for past mistakes. 

Sarutobi believed that, after Hyuga Hitoshi's reminder, even if everyone accepted the reduced reparations, they would still feel uncomfortable inside. After the peace talks, they would probably be eager to push him out of office, making his strategy of stalling for time completely ineffective.

Sarutobi held back his anger!

Under everyone's gaze, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face changed several times before he forced himself to swallow his anger and put on a smile again.

"Alright, Patriarch Hitoshi is doing this for the village, so let's not make a big deal of it. Let's continue the meeting."

He said these polite words, but his tone was insincere, causing even Fugaku to clap in approval.

Of course, if you ignored the old village leader's blood-red teeth and the blood dripping from his mouth, his words would have sounded even more authoritative.

There was no doubt that Sarutobi Hiruzen was so angry he almost spat blood, but due to the circumstances, he forced himself to swallow it back down. It was a real internal injury!

The others believed that after the meeting ended, the old village leader would definitely explode with rage and vent his frustrations at home.

If there was anyone who could sense something odd, it was Konohagakure's strategist, the former Hokage's trusted advisor, Nara Shikaku.

For some reason, he felt that Hyuga Hitoshi's actions today were different from usual and gave him an uncomfortable feeling.

This wasn't just emotional outbursts. The man who had always manipulated the Uchiha and higher-ups in secret had now made his presence known. What was the reason?

Nara Shikaku wasn't sure, but he had a bad feeling.

After all, in Nara Shikaku's eyes, Hyuga Hitoshi wasn't someone who acted just for show, and this time, slapping Sarutobi's face felt somewhat out of place.

"Feeling better?" Hyuga Hitoshi asked, smiling as he walked behind Tsunade, who was leaving the meeting room.

"Kind of." Tsunade gave a slight smile, seeming in a good mood.

Of course, she knew that Patriarch Hitoshi hadn't just stood up to vent her anger at her teacher.

This man always had his own plans, and after staying in the Hyuga clan for over a year, Tsunade had learned some of their secrets.

For example, his involvement in relocating clan members, and his connections with Orochimaru.

But it didn't matter. Tsunade believed Hyuga Hitoshi was an excellent man. He always had reasons for his actions, and if he didn't speak, there was no need for her to ask. One day, he would tell her the truth, and there was no need to guess.

The truth was, Hyuga Hitoshi wasn't just doing this to help Tsunade. In the meeting earlier, he had wiped out the little bit of face Sarutobi still had left.

The reason for this was simple.

First, by using the outcome of the war, he subtly separated the Hyuga clan from Konohagakure. Hyuga Hitoshi made it clear to Sarutobi that the Hyuga clan would not bear the compensation costs, which included the Byakugan, the Hyuga clan's Kekkei Genkai. This was essentially laying a foundation to justify his actions if things turned against him.

Second, it was also a way to give the upcoming diplomatic delegation from Konohagakure a chance. Hyuga Hitoshi believed that when they arrived, they would naturally investigate the situation in the village, and they would soon discover that both the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, along with the current higher-ups of Konohagakure, were becoming more divided. 

Otherwise, why would Kumogakure Village and Iwagakure Village even consider joining forces with Konohagakure?

He had been waiting for this opportunity, to use this moment to expose the true nature of the people in Konohagakure for himself, his clan, and everyone else to see.

Konohagakure may have lost, but the Hyuga clan had not.

So, in the eyes of the Hyuga clan, whether it was Kumogakure Village or Iwagakure Village, they were still enemies. However, for the sake of the village's face, they hadn't made a fuss but were disinterested in the peace talks. They didn't create trouble or provoke anyone.

At this critical moment, when the kidnapping incident from the original story was about to explode, who would be in the right?

After years of careful planning, the Hyuga clan, under Hyuga Hitoshi's leadership, had firmly secured their position as one of Konohagakure's greatest contributors. They had also given enough face to the other ninja clans, making this version of the Hyuga clan a powerful, enhanced version compared to the one in the original story.

They had the respect, reputation, and courage to fight alone.

Would the outcome be different this time?

At this moment, Hyuga Hitoshi was filled with anticipation for the future.

Still, his stance was clear—he was a fair person, and the results would shape his attitude.

In the past, the Hyuga clan had joined Konohagakure at the invitation of the Senju clan.

It could have been through force or because of the charm of Senju Hashirama. 

But that didn't matter anymore.

Senju Hashirama was dead, and the Senju clan had been absorbed into Konohagakure. The few remaining members were just barely keeping their role in Konohagakure's education system. You couldn't even tell they were once part of the Senju clan by looking at someone like Ushiuma.

So.

Hyuga Hitoshi stopped and extended his right hand towards Tsunade, who looked at him in confusion.

Tsunade paused for a moment, her face turning slightly red. Eventually, she gracefully shook hands with Patriarch Hitoshi.

In the end, with a confused look on her face, Tsunade found herself pulled into Hyuga Hitoshi's embrace.

"Will we continue the alliance from the Warring States period, or will we go against the will of our ancestors? Let's wait and see."

What did that mean?

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. She didn't reject the man's invitation, even letting him embrace her in the street.

"By the way, Tsunade, do you want to become Hokage?"

"Not really, but if I had a subordinate like you, I wouldn't mind."

"Heh, that might be difficult. I'm a man you can't control."

"Really? I don't believe it! You can't be controlled even in a ceremonial robe?"

"...Stop picking up those cheesy lines from Pakura."

"Oh."

"I told you to stop saying cheesy things, and that line should've been mine."

"?"

The Land of Thunder and the Land of Earth moved quickly.

They were afraid that any delay might cause things to change, so after Danzo returned, their envoy groups, led by the Tsuchikage and Raikage themselves, set out towards Konohagakure.

To everyone's surprise, on their way to Konohagakure, they encountered the convoy of the Land of Fire's Daimyo, who was also heading there. Eventually, the two groups met up.

For the Land of Fire's Daimyo, nothing could be safer than this trip.

Raikage and Tsuchikage were also very respectful to the Land of Fire's Daimyo. After all, the Daimyo was the one who had sent them, and they needed his presence to pressure the Hyuga and Uchiha clans. If things went south and the two clans clashed, the Daimyo's role would become crucial.

Even now, the Raikage and Tsuchikage didn't think there was anything wrong with offering the Kekkei Genkai as compensation under the pretext of making the two clans responsible. 

They had simply underestimated how far one person could go.

Konohagakure.

At the village entrance, a large crowd of villagers and Konohagakure ninjas had gathered.

However, they consciously made way and cleared a path.

The Land of Fire Daimyo and the advance party of the envoy have already sent word that they will be arriving at Konohagakure soon.

This peace talk is crucial for determining whether the three-nation conflict will truly come to an end, so countless people are eagerly awaiting their arrival.

The details of the previous higher-ups' meeting have already been announced throughout the village.

However, even though the Hokage personally delivered the news of peace, it didn't stir much excitement among the villagers. From this, it's clear just how low the Third Hokage's prestige has fallen in the village.

Unless they now see the arrival of the envoy and a formal declaration of peace, only then will the villagers relax their tense moods. They might either join the celebration or go to the memorial park to cry.

As for now? It's not the right time yet.

Especially after hearing that the envoy's party was ambushed on their way here, the villagers' faces were filled with anxiety.

"Hitoshi, who do you think did it?" 

At the village gate, Kurenai, holding onto Hyuga Hitoshi's arm, asked curiously.

A year and a half had passed, and Kurenai had become even more beautiful. Fully grown, she resembled a flower ready to bloom, waiting to be picked.

"It's Kazekage, who else would be foolish enough?" 

Hyuga Hitoshi said calmly.

Thinking about it, only Rasa would have the time and the nerve to send someone to assassinate the envoy, even during his busy schedule.

The reason was simple.

This was the Three-Nation Alliance, and many in the ninja world didn't want the three countries to stop fighting. Small ninja villages were too afraid to take action, and Kirigakure was in chaos due to Obito's influence. With the Akatsuki operating in the shadows, Rasa was the only one capable of acting.

Unfortunately, he was out of luck, as he ran into a convoy protected by the Tsuchikage and Raikage themselves.

"I heard the assassination squad was wiped out badly. Tsuchikage used Dust Release, and in the end, there was nothing left but ashes." 

Mitarashi Anko said with a click of her tongue, eating a meatball while talking.

"Don't eat so much, didn't Hitoshi say that if you keep this up, you'll gain weight?" 

Kurenai blinked, imagining how Anko might look if she gained weight.

"It's fine." 

Anko finished her meatball and casually patted Hyuga Hitoshi on the shoulder.

"Didn't this guy say he has a special way to lose weight? He said it burns fat, so if I practice it, I'll be fine, right?"

Kurenai rolled her eyes, not bothering to reply to her best friend.

"You always say that, but I never see you exercise."

This time, however, Hyuga Hitoshi seemed serious. He looked at the young and lively Mitarashi Anko and suddenly felt curious. After all, he was a person who liked to help others. It would be a shame if Anko's story played out just as it did in the original, so he thought it might be interesting to help her develop differently. Thankfully, she met him at her best age.

"They're coming, they're coming!" 

"Such a grand carriage, it looks like it could fit seven or eight people. No wonder it's the Land of Fire Daimyo!" 

"The Fourth Raikage and the Third Tsuchikage are here too! They seem to hold the Land of Fire Daimyo in high regard." 

"At this event, the only one who can talk to the Daimyo would be Hokage-sama, right?"

"Sigh, I wonder if the Daimyo's attitude towards Konohagakure will change after this war ends. I heard that after Sunagakure Village lost in the Third Shinobi World War, the Daimyo reduced the number of ninjas and the funding for Sunagakure, even forcing the Fourth Kazekage to mine gold in the desert using Magnet Release. He got so dark from the sun that it was almost unrecognizable."

"If the Daimyo of the Land of Fire starts to have issues with us..." 

A heavy silence filled the air.

It seemed everyone could imagine what it would be like if the Land of Fire Daimyo reduced their funding, forcing them to cut back on expenses.

This problem seemed serious, especially since they were still carrying the label of the losing side. Even though the Third Hokage had repeatedly emphasized that the war didn't really have a winner or loser, and that both sides only brought suffering regardless of the outcome, those words couldn't solve the problem.

"But it's good that Tsunade-sama is in the village during the Daimyo's visit."

"Oh? Right, I heard Tsunade-sama's title as the Land of Fire's princess was granted personally by the previous Daimyo. Back then, she was just born, and the Daimyo acknowledged her because of the respect he had for Lord Hashirama." 

"So, where is Tsunade-sama?"

*"…It seems she didn't come."*

Well.

Tsunade really didn't show up. She was a bit embarrassed by the situation.

Konohagakure used to be so prosperous, but now, seeing its current state made her feel suffocated.

Even though she wasn't the Hokage, she still felt bad about how the village her grandfather and great-grandfather had built had turned out.

Since Tsunade wasn't here, the task of welcoming the Daimyo fell to the Third Hokage.

From the way Sarutobi Hiruzen was practically crawling towards the Daimyo, Hyuga Hitoshi couldn't hold back a laugh.

He patted Fugaku on the shoulder and pointed towards the Daimyo and the Third Hokage.

"Doesn't he look like a dog wagging its tail when it sees its owner?"

Fugaku turned around in confusion, glancing at the Third Hokage groveling before the Daimyo.

For the first time, Fugaku didn't quite catch Hyuga Hitoshi's jab at the old village leader.

But that was fine; as long as Fugaku understood Hitoshi's point, they could both bash Sarutobi together.

After thinking for a moment, Fugaku forced a smile.

"He does kind of look like that."

"Still, he is the Daimyo. The only ones in the village who can talk to him are the Third Hokage and Tsunade. But you know, the Third Hokage is actually putting on quite a show. I'm sure many people will think he's doing this for the village."

Hyuga Hitoshi paused, and for a moment, the way he looked at Fugaku felt much more distant.

That's right.

Even in a world like this, the deep-rooted sense of servitude in Konohagakure culture made them instinctively submit to authority. They didn't think it was wrong that the Daimyo was the direct superior of the ninja village.

Even though the Daimyo was just an ordinary person with no fighting skills, while a simple ninja technique could easily defeat him, they still maintained an inherent respect for the Daimyo.

Just earlier, he had laughed at the Land of Wind Daimyo reducing Sunagakure's funding. But now, thinking about it, why would an ordinary person feel so free to do that?

Wasn't there something wrong with the relationship between the ninja villages and the countries in this world?

Why would an ordinary human have the right to give orders to ninjas?

Just because he's the emperor of the mortal world? This world doesn't even have the concept of national luck.

"How pathetic."

Watching the third Hokage act like a sycophant, a cold look flashed in Hyuga Hitoshi's eyes. People's thoughts still vary, and it seemed like he hadn't focused on educating his people in this regard.

In the future, no matter what path he takes, his subordinates only need to respect him. The emperor of the mortal world could never have the upper hand over him.

However, the current situation did remind Hyuga Hitoshi of something.

If he were to establish his own power in the future, it seemed like the ninja village system wouldn't be the most reliable.

He stroked his chin. Instead of being controlled by others, why not build his own country?

His perspective expanded again, and a sense of longing appeared in Hyuga Hitoshi's eyes. Now, he didn't even want anyone to be on his side anymore. Why become Hokage when being an emperor is so much better?

Becoming Hokage? He could do it, but he wouldn't want to.

And besides Hokage, he could also aim for Mizukage, or after helping Pakura become Kazekage, he could aim for that too.

Hiss!

He could create a divine kingdom with five major ninja villages under his command and regularly hold competitions for fun.

There was a lot of room for maneuver.

Still lost in his daydreams, Hyuga Hitoshi's train of thought was interrupted by whispers and the sound of footsteps around him.

"Long time no see, Hyuga Patriarch."

The nearly two-meter-tall Raikage rudely pushed past Fugaku, hiding a murderous intent in his eyes as he looked down at Hyuga Hitoshi.

Raikage wasn't as rough as he appeared, but as mentioned earlier, his current status as the victor of a war made this an excellent opportunity for testing. He had already exchanged glances with Oonoki, and now he was going to create the first opportunity to test him.

"I don't usually look up when talking to others."

Hyuga Hitoshi spoke slowly. He swore he wasn't planning to steal the spotlight or embarrass Sarutobi Hiruzen in this situation. But sometimes, acting tough was forced upon him.

"Should I get you a chair then?"

His teasing tone didn't sound too insulting, but many members of the Hyuga clan had already clenched their fists, waiting for Patriarch's order to rush in and break Raikage's legs, forcing him to kneel and speak.

Aside from the clan members, only Fugaku, holding back his anger, was firmly held back by Uchiha Satoshi.

As for the others, they silently watched everything unfold.

They might have been angry, but every action now was crucial to ending the war smoothly. They couldn't act recklessly. Some even secretly blamed Hyuga Patriarch for being too harsh on Kumogakure, leading to Raikage's adopted brother nearly becoming crippled and lying in bed for months.

Now it was clear Raikage was here to cause trouble. Patriarch Hitoshi should quickly apologize!

But...

"No need for the chair."

Patriarch Hitoshi sneered and glanced at the stone pavement beneath him in Konohagakure.

"Hope your knees are strong enough."

Byakugan – Pressure!

Boom!

An invisible pressure instantly spread, much stronger than when it was first strengthened a year ago.

It wasn't just pressure.

After a year of making the right choices, with enough training, Hyuga Hitoshi's improvements were comprehensive enough.

And that attack, which could have kept Killer Bee down for half a year, if used again, would likely kill both the person and the tailed beast!

Boom!

It felt like a mountain had been suddenly pressed onto Raikage's shoulder. His body shook violently, and the ground beneath him cracked under the force.

Lightning Release Chakra Mode activated instantly. He instinctively tried to resist the power, but the overwhelming, focused pressure from the advanced technique forced him to kneel uncontrollably!

He's stronger than he was a year ago!

It's just one look!

"Ahhhh!"

Creak!

Raikage roared and immediately went all out!

The sound of bones breaking came from his knees. He would rather hurt himself than kneel in front of this enemy!

And is this person crazy?

He only made a small provocation, and now this guy is making him, the Raikage, kneel on the ground?!

Bang!

Finally.

Two bone spikes pierced Raikage's calf, and with a loud thud, A fell to his knees, unable to bear it any longer.

Only now did the Kumogakure Village envoy's group rush forward, glaring at Hyuga Hitoshi, looking ready to fight him.

But they quickly noticed that their leader was desperately waving them off, telling them to retreat.

Everything happened so quickly.

From Raikage's provocation to him kneeling on the ground, it only took a few seconds.

Everyone on the field was shocked, watching the scene unfold.

He...

How dare he?

Especially in front of the envoy and the Daimyo!

"How dare you!"

A booming shout came from afar. People turned their heads to see the furious Daimyo and the overjoyed Sarutobi Hiruzen.

---

---------------------------------------

You can read 15 chapters ahead on patre on

patr eon.com/JYouyi