XX-level Hokage

Meanwhile, Mashiro was dancing with great interest in the solitary confinement room.

A dozen or so shadowy ninjas emerged from the shadows. Mashiro reached out her hand, which one of the shadowy ninjas caught. The remaining ninjas paired up, and the dance continued.

At the main gate of the clan's residence, the two sides remained locked in a standoff, with several secret agents observing from the shadows. "You..."

Just as an elder was about to say something, several shuriken flew from the shadows and struck him. The balance was broken, and the two sides clashed.

Upon seeing this, the undercover agents quickly disappeared from their spots. Inside the confinement room, Mashiro continued dancing.

This is Mashiro's habit. In her previous life, Mashiro would always dance with Uchiha Izumi whenever she successfully completed a task, but now that's not possible, and her dancing partner has changed from a cute girl to a shadowy figure.

The fighting continued, but the fighting within the Hyuga clan was peculiar. There were no fancy techniques from different factions; instead, Gentle Fist and Backwards Fist, the main family and the branch family fought in a soft, gentle manner.

Moreover, because they were all members of the Hyuga clan, and the Hyuga clan wasn't like the Uchiha clan with their youthful exuberance, they fought with great restraint, only injuring, not killing. But people still died.

A Hyuga clan elder was knocked to the ground by Hyuga Yuki, and from the shadows, a kunai slit his throat. Hyuga Yuki looked at the dead elder with a strange expression, and was about to walk over to take a closer look.

A Chunin from the main clan launched a sneak attack and kicked him to the ground. As Hyuga Yuki was about to get up, he saw a pair of scarlet eyes appear in his shadow, followed by a kunai piercing his chest.

Because of the darkness and torrential rain, the fighting tribesmen did not notice the death; only blood flowed continuously with the rain.

Soon after, a large number of ANBU and ninja arrived, finally ending the Hyuga clan's internal strife. In the confinement room, Mashiro's dance also came to an end.

Chapter Ten: Kotoamatsukami

With the intervention of the Dark Side, the Hyuga's shady internal strife was forced to an end.

When the Anbu subdued all the Hyuga clan ninjas and questioned them about who initiated the conflict, they discovered that it was not just Hyuga Yukiya from the branch family.

Well, the elders of the main family are all dead now.

All the Hyuga clan members present denied killing these individuals, and were utterly shocked and bewildered by their deaths. Ultimately, the Anbu took Hyuga Sousuke and Hyuga Yōya away.

The rain and the darkness of night washed away all traces, yet the entire Hyuga clan was unable to sleep peacefully.

The next day, the Third Hokage looked at the dossier in his hand with a headache. Normally, the death of a few ordinary Chunin in a border conflict would be a minor matter, but if Hiashi really colluded with the Iwa ninja, then it would be troublesome. After the Uchiha clan was destroyed, the Hyuga clan's importance to the entire Konoha was irreplaceable.

Besides, Hiashi was originally his man. His original intention was to detain Hiashi for a few days and then release him. He even sent his ANBU to give some hints to the Hyuga clan. He didn't expect that this would still happen.

"Have you found the secret letter about Hiashi and the Iwa ninja that Hyuga Sousuke mentioned?" the Third Hokage asked the Anbu member beside him.

"Although Hyuga Sousuke insisted that there was a secret letter, we searched all the Hyuga clan members who were present at the scene and did not find the so-called secret letter. However, we did find an Iwa ninja headband on the body of the deceased Hyuga Yuki," the Anbu replied truthfully.

"Has anyone in the Hyuga main family seen the secret letter?" the Third Hokage continued to ask.

"According to Hyuga Hyouya, the elders of the Hyuga clan have seen the secret letter, and based on their reactions, the secret letter seems to be genuine. Other members of the Hyuga main family also say the same thing."

After listening to the Anbu's words, the Third Hokage was somewhat puzzled. He now strongly suspected that there was a mastermind behind the recent events. "How did Hyuga Yuki and the elders of the Hyuga clan die?" the Third Hokage suddenly asked.

"According to the autopsy, the three elders of the Hyuga clan all died from having their throats slit by a sharp weapon, while Hyuga Yuki was pierced through the heart by a kunai. Apart from them, there were no other casualties in the Hyuga clan," the Anbu said.

The Third Hokage sighed and glanced out the window. "Summon Hyuga Mashiro to come see me here." The Anbu responded and disappeared from the spot.

The Third Hokage looked out the window at Konoha and murmured, "Danzo, you've gone a bit too far this time."

It was obvious that the Third Hokage suspected Danzo was behind this, since there were very few people in the village capable of doing such a thing, especially with the Uchiha clan involved.

Learning from past mistakes, the Third Hokage naturally connected Danzo to the case.

Because this internal conflict took place on the Hyuga clan's territory, and due to the Third Hokage's secrecy, not many people in the village know about it now.

However, the Hyuga clan is an exception. A large number of Hyuga clan elites were taken away by the Anbu, and this could not be concealed any longer. This is the second blow the Hyuga clan has suffered in the past few days, especially for the main family. The loss of three elders has deprived the main family of an important cohesive force.

Currently, within the Hyuga clan's territory, besides the elderly, women, children, and servants, there are students like Hinata, Hanabi, and Neji who are still in school, and of course, Mashiro who is confined.

Inside the confinement cell, Mashiro was thinking and experiencing everything about the Shadow Legion.

One by one, ninja soldiers of various shapes emerged from the shadows and then disappeared. In her consciousness, ten struggling masks vaguely appeared.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the solitary confinement cell, instantly snapping Mashiro out of her reverie. A moment later, the cell door opened, letting in blinding sunlight. Two people stood in the doorway: one was Hinata Hyouya, and the other wore an elephant mask.

"Hyuga Mashiro, the Hokage-sama wants to see you," said the ANBU member wearing an elephant mask. Mashiro was not surprised at all and nodded, following the ANBU member.

Upon arriving at the Hokage's office, an Anbu member stood at the door, gesturing for Mashiro to go in. Inside, the Third Hokage wore an incredibly kind smile. Name: Hiruzen Sarutobi

Gender: Male Age: 68 Favorability: 40 Relationship: Superior/Subordinate

Affection Reward (50): Mastery of Five Elements Ninjutsu Affection Reward (90): Five Elements Chakra

"So you're Hyuga Mashiro? What a lovely girl." The Third Hokage said gently. Mashiro took a few steps closer, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Hokage-sama."

"Don't be so formal. I called you here today because I have some questions I want to ask you," the Third Hokage said with a smile. "May I ask, Hokage-sama?" Mashiro asked, still bowing.

"A lot has happened in the Hyuga clan lately, I don't know if you've heard about it?" "I roughly know, Aunt Kanse, who brings me my meals, told me about it."

"That's good. I'd like to ask what your opinion is on the current Hyuga clan? And what your opinion is on Konoha?" "Well, Hokage-sama, I need some time to think about it."

"No rush, you can think about it. After all, Konoha's future depends on young people like you." Mashiro lowered his head, seemingly deep in thought, while the shadow on the corner of the table against the wall subtly shifted.

"Hokage-sama, could you please close the curtains? The sunlight is a bit too bright," Mashiro said to the Third Hokage, looking up at him. The Third Hokage was somewhat puzzled by Mashiro's request, but he still drew the curtains as she asked.

In that instant when light and shadow intertwined, the shadows spread and covered the entire room, and Mashiro's attitude changed at that moment. "Hokage-sama, I've also had a question I'd like to ask you," Mashiro suddenly said, her tone very different from before.

The Third Hokage felt a strange sense of bewilderment at Mashiro's sudden change in demeanor. "What kind of village is Konoha in your eyes?" Mashiro asked.

Where leaves dance in the air, the fire burns eternally. Its light will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout. Konoha belongs to all the villagers; the young who inherit the Will of Fire create Konoha's future, while we, the elderly, protect Konoha's present. "The Third Hokage replied.

"The Uchiha were part of Konoha too, yet they've met their demise," Mashiro said quietly. "Do you know something?" The Third Hokage looked at Mashiro, as if trying to discern something.

"Is it that important? The Hokage is still pondering how to keep the Hyuga clan on his side after losing Hiashi as a pawn," Mashiro said calmly.

"Mashiro, you surprise me." The Third Hokage said slowly, his tone calm. He lit a cigarette and looked at the girl standing not far away through the hazy smoke.

"These are not matters for you to concern yourself with."

"What I can tell you is that the village will not mistreat anyone. As long as they remain loyal to Konoha, any act of rebellion is unforgivable. The village has given everyone a chance; whether they cherish it or not is their own choice."

"Loyal?" Mashiro muttered to herself.

"Mashiro, have you met Uchiha Zero?" the Third Hokage suddenly asked.

"What, even the Hokage believes in this fantastical dream story?" Mashiro said inexplicably.

The Third Hokage didn't respond, but instead said, "Mashiro, you're a smart kid. As long as you can get rid of those strange thoughts, you'll have a great future in Konoha."

Mashiro suddenly laughed, a mocking look on her face.

"You're clearly saying nice things to me, so why is my affection for you gradually decreasing?"

"The system's numbers don't lie. I've said so many inappropriate things to you. If it weren't for the fear that I might affect the entire Hyuga clan's stance during this special period, I imagine the Anbu would have already stormed in and imprisoned me. No, perhaps you already transmitted your voice, but because of the shadow's obstruction, the Anbu outside couldn't hear it."

The third generation frowned, his face grim, and said, "What exactly are you talking about?"

"Yeah, how could you possibly understand what I'm saying? There was no need to waste so much breath on you from the start," Mashiro murmured, somewhat lost in thought. Mashiro took off her outer garment, and at the junction of her collarbone and upper chest, an eerie eye suddenly opened, revealing a sinister four-cornered windmill pattern within it.

Rotate slowly.

The third generation was momentarily stunned when he saw the eye pattern where Mashiro's collarbone met.

Then a notification sounded. [Name: Sarutobi Nisshin]

Gender: Male Age: 68 Favorability: 100 Relationship: Master-Servant

Affection Reward (50): Mastery of Five Elements Ninjutsu (Already Obtained) Affection Reward (90): Five Elements Chakra (Already Obtained)

Chapter Eleven: The Shadow Legion

Su was quietly waiting outside the Hokage's office. As the Third Hokage's personal ANBU, he had experienced this kind of thing countless times, but this...

This time, however, he felt something was strange; it was too quiet, and there wasn't a sound coming from the Hokage's office.

At this moment, Zhenzi pushed open the door and came out. He saw Su at the door, nodded in greeting, and then left.

For some reason, Su felt that the young lady of the Hyuga clan had changed a lot in temperament, from being reserved to... how to say it, unrestrained? Just as Su was pondering this, the Hokage's voice called out, and Su hurriedly went inside.

Mashiro returned to her clan and went to her room. In the afternoon, all the Hyuga clan members who had been detained were released. In the evening, a piece of news shocked the entire Hidden Leaf Village.

The Third Hokage will take Hyuga Mashiro, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan, as his disciple. Furthermore, due to the current head of the Hyuga clan being suspected of leaking internal Konoha information, Hyuga Mashiro will temporarily assume the position of head of the clan until the truth is revealed.

On the night the news was announced, all the Hyuga clan ninjas gathered in Mashiro's courtyard.

Mashiro remained indoors until the next morning, when her door opened and she emerged, dressed in a pure black clan robe. She had always admired the Keihinaga clan's attire, and Mashiro herself preferred black, especially after acquiring the Shadow Legion.

Looking at the courtyard full of Hyuga clan members, Mashiro calmly said, "Don't you all have to work? Those who need to carry out missions should do so, those who need to work should do so, and those who need to go to school should go to school."

"Master... Clan Head, I would like to ask how Lord Hiashi is doing? What is the Hokage's opinion of the Hyuga clan now?" asked an elite Chunin of the Hyuga clan.

"I don't know much about my father either, but the Hokage said he'll be released soon. As for his opinion on the Hyuga clan, the Hokage clearly told me that the Hyuga clan is extremely important to Konoha. Despite what has happened to the Hyuga clan in recent days, he still has faith in them. So, you don't need to worry about your lives changing or that the Hyuga clan will suffer the same fate as the Uchiha." Mashiro said softly, looking around at all the clan members.

Hearing Mashiro's words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. In the eyes of many Hyuga clan members, the Third Hokage's acceptance of Mashiro as a disciple was a sign of his respect for and attempt to win over the Hyuga clan.

However, many elders of the Hyuga clan know that the current Hokage has no need to specifically court any particular clan, so they are currently unconcerned about the Third Hokage's recruitment efforts.

Mashiro was still very puzzled by the matter of taking on a disciple, knowing that the Third Hokage's last disciple was one of the Legendary Sannin. "Clan Head..."

Some clansmen wanted to ask more questions, but Mashiro was losing patience.

"Everyone, I am issuing this order in my capacity as the head of the clan: Hinayuri Neji stays; everyone else, dismiss." "Yes, sir."

Hyuga is a very traditional and decadent country. They never disobey the orders of the head of the family, no matter who the head of the family is.

Within a very short time, everyone in the courtyard suddenly left, leaving only Neji, who had just been stopped by Bai, and... "Master, is there something you need?" Neji asked coldly.

Mashiro looked at Neji. [Name: Hyuga Neji]

Gender: Male Age: 12 Affection Level: 30 Relationship: Cousin

Favorability Reward (50): Jujitsu Mastery

Affection Reward (90): Increased White Eye Power

It seems Neji has a lot of opinions about what has happened recently. That makes sense, since neither the main family nor the branch family has discussed these matters with him.

For the branch family, Neji, who was heavily cultivated by the main family, was different from them. For the main family, Hyuga Neji was ultimately a member of the branch family.

He has always been an outcast in the Hyuga clan.

Mashiro slowly approached Neji and whispered in his ear, "Do you want to avenge Uncle Hizashi?" "What are you saying, Master? I don't understand," Neji said, taking two steps back.

"It's nothing, you can leave now." Mashiro patted Neji on the shoulder, signaling him to leave.

At this moment, only Mashiro and Hinata remained in the courtyard. "Sister?" Hinata called out somewhat hastily.

She hadn't seen Mashiro for several days. She was overjoyed to hear that Mashiro had become the Hokage's disciple, but she was also a little worried for her father when she heard that Mashiro was temporarily taking over as the head of the clan.

When I finally saw my sister, whom I had been longing for, today, I became timid. My sister now made me hesitant to approach her.

"Hinata, it's been several days. Have you been eating well? Have you caught a cold since the weather got colder these past few days?" Mashiro smiled gently and walked forward to hug Hinata.