In Naruto, build the strongest Hidden Mist Village.

Chapter 159 Raising the Butcher's Knife, or Laying Down the Blade

"It's time to go."

Kaguya Naoki gazed at the faint glow of the setting sun in the distance, clutched the intelligence scroll he had just summoned, and said this to Terumi Mei in front of him.

"I'm going to Konoha. Do you remember what I told you?"

"Remember."

Mei Terumi became serious and repeated the information that Naoki Kaguya had given him earlier.

"First, we need to prepare the ANBU ninjas who have already reached the border of the Land of Fire to accept the Hyuga clan."

"let"

"These?"

Mei Terumi's mouth was dry from talking, but she still smoothed her hair from her forehead and waited earnestly for Naoki Kaguya's response.

"enough."

Naoki Kaguya smiled.

"Then I'll go."

"be careful."

Mei Terumi smiled too.

He raised his fist in encouragement.

From beginning to end, she never questioned any of Naoki Kaguya's actions.

Although she didn't know why Kaguya Naoki was so certain that something earth-shattering would happen in Konoha, giving him an opportunity to manipulate the powerful clans.

I don't know why Kaguya Naoki is so sure that she has the potential to influence the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

She also didn't know why Kaguya Naoki was so certain that from now on, Konoha would no longer be a threat.

She knows nothing and understands nothing.

But she chose to believe unconditionally.

Trust Naoki.

"gone."

Naoki Kaguya smiled, waved, and opened the door.

Facing them were several intensely fervent gazes.

"Mizukage-sama."

The crowd shouted in unison, breaking the long-standing silence.

After shouting, all that remained was the sound of branches swaying outside the window.

However, those who were looking at Kaguya Naoki could still hear their own hearts pounding.

"Shisui, Nagato."

Several pairs of eyes immediately dimmed.

"Shisui, Nagato, you two come with me to Konoha first."

"The rest of you, follow the main force to support the Fire Country's fortifications."

"that's it."

"Mizukage-sama."

Hozuki Mangetsu tried to struggle a bit more, but was forced back by Zabuza's appearance.

"Lord Mizukage, I wish you all the best."

Naoki Kaguya looked at Zabuza Momochi and smiled silently.

"You come along too, Zabuza."

"I have never forgotten that when we suffered our first defeat against Konoha, it was you who ran away with me."

"Yes, thank you, Lord Mizukage!"

Zabuza was overjoyed and responded with an air of superiority.

Hozuki Mangetsu was utterly dejected!

Don't be fooled by the fact that it seems like only one step is missing; in reality, it's a difference of hundreds or thousands of steps!
Those who take a step forward, like Nagato, Shisui, or Zabuza, are destined for great achievements.

Those who fall behind are like these few.

All we could do was pick up the remaining soup and fallen leaves.

There's a huge difference!

"gone."

Naoki Kaguya spoke calmly, extending his arm to draw all three into the Flying Thunder God's chakra connection.

In the blink of an eye, we were already thousands of miles apart.

"gone."

Kisame maintained his indifferent expression, as if none of this concerned him.

Kisame

"You really don't care?"

Hozuki Mangetsu also walked towards the door.

"care?"

Kisame revealed his shark-like teeth.

What do I care about?

"All I care about is whether I can make everyone on this land smile."

As for the rest, I don't care.

"Is that so?"

Hozuki was somewhat impressed.

"This is a question that only a reflection in water would ponder."

"I can't be the Mizukage."

Kisame was resolute, and Mangetsu, after a moment's thought, also shook his head.

"I can't be the Mizukage either..."
-
"Is this Konoha?"

Looking up at the pinkish sky at dusk through the elegant courtyard, Nagato revealed inquisitive eyes.

This was once the most powerful nation, the homeland of their teacher, and also the nation that brought the greatest suffering to the Land of Rain.

"This is Konoha, my hometown."

Zhi Shui took a deep breath; he had already discerned his location from the ancient yet stubborn architectural style.

Hyuga family.

Why did Naoki-sama travel to the Hyuga clan?

Could it be.

A bad feeling crept into his mind, but he kept his eyes fixed on the doorway.

"Someone!"

He keenly sensed a slight disturbance.

A tiny little one opened the door and peeked out.

The huge white eye showed a hint of confusion.

He just couldn't speak yet.

confirmed.

The still water felt bitter.

He recalled that back when he was still in the Misty Shadows, someone had mentioned a young child.

Lord Hizashi.

really.

A gentle and familiar voice sounded outside the door, and the child nodded and left.

then.

A man whom Uchiha Shisui knew intimately, someone he considered his second mentor, entered the door.

"Hizashi-sama."

Uchiha Shisui remained respectful.

Regardless of whether this person had already pledged allegiance to Kirigakure at that time, and regardless of what purpose this person had in making him make the choice.

This person ultimately offered continued hope during his darkest and most desperate period.

"Shisui."

Hyuga Hizashi's eyes were filled with complex emotions.

He turned his head, paused briefly at the pupils that held Nagato's gaze, and then knelt respectfully.

"Naoki-sama"

"Nip difference."

"I want to know, are you ready?"

Naoki Kaguya's tone was slow and indifferent.

Like a gentle spring breeze.

Only a thin ray of sunlight filtered in from outside, and occasionally a few birds chirped.

It resembles a calm and tranquil lake.

The spring breeze that rippled across the lake was like a thunderclap in Hyuga Hizashi's heart.

His head drooped even lower.

"Lord Naoki, I am ready. I am ready to bring all the branch families who want to break free of their cages back to Kirigakure."

"You know perfectly well that's not what I'm asking."

Naoki Kaguya smiled.

"I'm talking about how you would deal with those branch families and the main family."

Hyuga Hizashi gripped his robes tightly.

This is a question he has been pondering ever since he returned to Konoha, but even after so much time, he still cannot find the real answer to it.

If it were just killing some of the main family's insects, that would be fine.

The problem is, there's another special person, his brother.

"Lord Naoki, I'm ready."

"Gather all the branch families who yearn to break free of their cages and bring them to Kirigakure."

"You know I'm not talking about those things."

“I mean, the main family.”

"How do you intend to deal with the main family?"

"To raise the butcher's knife or to release the tiger back into the mountains."

"I..."

Hyuga Hizashi still found it difficult to make a decision.

Naoki Kaguya was well aware of his inner conflict. However...

No matter how conflicted you are, you always have to make a choice.

"I won't interfere with your choice. After all, you are the future head of the Hyuga family."

Hyuga Hizashi's head dropped even lower.

"Please give your instructions, Lord Naoki."

"Your decision is my decision."

"Hmm? I didn't mean to test you. I'm not as suspicious as that Hokage of Konoha."

Hyuga Hizashi breathed a sigh of relief.

A faint sound reached my ears.

"Time is running out, Nichisashi. Think of a good way to deal with them as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Ri Cha's forehead was beaded with sweat.

"Also, please gather them all together."

"Otherwise it would be inconvenient."

"Yes."

Hyuga Hizashi nodded stiffly.

After leaving the room, he saw Neji silently waiting for him outside.

An unnamed killing intent echoed in his mind.

Since they're just a bunch of bastards trying to keep us captive.

Then what's the point of keeping it?
The prominent veins on his forehead quickly receded.

"Neji, please listen to your father and go back to find your mother first, okay?"

Neji seemed to understand, and actually nodded, then walked towards his mother's room.

"What a smart child."

Hizashi turned around and glanced at his older brother, Hiashi, who had just arrived behind him.

What a coincidence! I just happened to come to this deserted place, saving me the trouble.

Hyuga Hizashi revealed a genuine smile.

"Brother, I have something important to tell the whole clan. Please make sure to hold a meeting."

Hiashi Hyuga frowned.

"All matters must be informed to the head family first, and only then can they be informed to the entire clan."

"Hizashi, you haven't forgotten, have you?"

"I."

"I haven't forgotten."

Hyuga Hizashi let out a breath.

"However, this matter must be discussed in front of the entire clan."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have said it."

"elder brother."

"This is a matter of life and death for the entire clan."

Hiashi Hyuga frowned, looking at Hizashi Hyuga's expression, and felt that he was not faking it.

Since that's the case, don't blame me for being heartless!
Hiashi Hyuga felt he had done more than enough, giving Hizashi Hyuga a sufficient chance.

He raised both hands, ready to activate the caged bird.
Looking at everything before him, Hyuga Hizashi revealed a mocking expression.

"Brother, why is it that only your main family can decide the future of the entire clan?"

Veins bulged out prominently on Hiashi Hyuga's face.

This younger brother has already begun to question the main family.

Never allow it!

Swish!

Hyuga Hizashi drew his sword and unleashed a powerful attack towards Hyuga Hiashi.
"It's no use, little brother, you know that too."

"wrong."

Hiashi Hyuga was somewhat bewildered by the sudden failure of the caged bird, which prevented him from blocking Hizashi Hyuga's attack in time.

boom!
Hyuga Hiashi retreated.

Following closely behind is Naoki Kaguya.

In an instant, Kaguya Naoki was in front of Hyuga Hiashi.

"Lord Naoki!"

Hyuga Hizashi shouted immediately.

“Except for Hiashi, all the main families should die.”

"But he is my brother."

"I know."

Naoki Kaguya drew a dot of ink in his hand, which looked like the shape of a sealing technique.

Next up was the Hyuga clan's most standard Gentle Fist.

With one strike, all its acupoints were sealed securely.

Hiashi Hyuga's chakra stagnated, and his entire body began to feel weak and powerless.

"Hizashi."

"If you destroy the Hyuga clan, your father, mother, and all your ancestors will never let you go!"

"I will not."

Hyuga Hizashi suddenly felt listless.

This older brother has become a true head of the family, a true gatekeeper, a corrupt and decadent person.

When he gets old, he will be like those annoying elders of the clan, only knowing how to treat the branch family as servants, ordering them around and not making any progress.

"I will let all my people know what their future should be like."

As Hyuga Hizashi spoke, he slowly removed the headband from his forehead, revealing his smooth forehead.

Hiashi, who had been observing the changes in the sun's angle, naturally noticed this.

"you!"

Hiashi Hyuga was startled and terrified.

Finished!

"I will make all the branch families say the answer they most want from the bottom of their hearts."
-
It's almost night.

Kushina Uzumaki, who had already begun labor not long ago, arrived at a secluded and protected location outside the village, prepared by Konoha for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's delivery, under the escort of Kakashi Hatake, the Third Hokage's wife Biwako Sarutobi, and a group of skilled Anbu and Root ninja. She began her painful struggle before giving birth.

At the same time, not only Tsunade and Jiraiya, who rushed back to Konoha, began to secretly take precautions.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, who were usually at odds, tacitly abandoned their conflict this time and began to quietly set up a covert defense.

They all knew that this would be one of the most dangerous times for Konoha in the near future.

However, whether it was the ninjas escorting Kushina away from Konoha or the hidden sentries secretly set up, it was all a matter of course.

None of them escaped the gaze of the two pairs of eyes.

One of them is a White Zetsu from underground.

The other source of the trouble came from Naoki Kaguya, who was observing from the shadows.

Soon, he spotted another familiar figure.

Uchiha Obito.

"Obito."

Black Zetsu was very worried about Obito Uchiha's intelligence and couldn't help but remind him.

"Konoha has made ample preparations, Obito."

"You absolutely mustn't mess this up."

"Are you questioning me?"

Obito Uchiha rubbed his eyes.

"That's the Mangekyou Sharingan! Those useless trash from Konoha, who can stop me?"

Black Zetsu opened his mouth as if to speak, but then closed it again, realizing that he was right.

The current Konoha lacks the power to stop Obito Uchiha.

"Does that idiot Kakashi think he can protect everything? He can't do anything."

"Minato-sensei, what a joke. He lost both his legs for the sake of the village and still suffered all kinds of cold looks. He's a fool."

Black Zetsu suddenly became insecure.

He felt that, given Obito's intelligence, he was very likely to become impulsive because of the two of them.

"Obito."

"Prioritize the overall situation."

"I know."

Obito frowned.

"If I ever hear you question me again, I promise I'll erase you from existence."

"understood."

Black Zetsu responded somewhat helplessly.

Obito.

Naoki Kaguya looked at the boy who was destined to be completely plunged into darkness.

I wonder, when you see Lin, will you return to the sunlight?

Naoki Kaguya shook his head, unconcerned.

His intentions toward Obito were always purely to exploit him.

unless.

After meeting Rin, he genuinely wanted to support Kirigakure's cause and agreed with Kaguya Naoki's ideals.

Only then can he regard them as a reliable partner.

otherwise.

He, Uchiha Obito, was nothing more than a shameless scoundrel who murdered his teacher, murdered his teacher's wife, and attacked his own hometown!
There's still some time.

Naoki Kaguya turned his gaze to Kushina's delivery room.

It's easy to see that Kushina still needs some time.

Let's take this opportunity to resolve the Hyuga clan's matter as soon as possible.

Wait for me, Naruto.

I will make you wear the headband of the Fog Concealer.

(End of this chapter)