Prey

For several days in a row, Hyuga Matsuba and Mikoto remained safe and sound. No one from the Uchiha Clan came knocking.

The two now lived together, and their daily interactions grew more frequent as they became closer. Mikoto, who used to blush constantly because of the ambiguous atmosphere between them, no longer seemed quite so shy.

Time passed slowly. During those uneventful days, Hyuga Matsuba took Mikoto to the casino with Tsunade after she finished her work, earning a little money during their free time outside class.

Yet over those days, Hyuga Matsuba's strength had steadily improved. After his Chakra was refined, his level had reached that of a Jonin.

In other words, Hyuga Matsuba was now a Jonin, but he was still just a child. Even if others knew, they would not believe it.

It could break records. It sounded downright fantastical.

After tidying up a little and filling their stomachs, Hyuga Matsuba had an idea. "We don't have school these next few days. How about we go on a picnic?"

"Sure." Mikoto agreed. At home, whatever Hyuga Matsuba said always sounded good to her.

"Do you think we should invite anyone else?"

"No need, right? Isn't it enough for just the two of us?" Hyuga Matsuba pursed his lips and cast a glance outside the door. A faint, nearly imperceptible killing intent flashed in his eyes before vanishing.

"Just the two of us? Going out for a picnic... that's really embarrassing." Mikoto lowered her head, then went to pack the grill and other equipment.

But Mikoto only said those words in her heart. Hyuga Matsuba could not hear them.

Unfortunately, Hyuga Matsuba was not planning this picnic to bring the two of them closer. He wanted an opportunity to quickly deal with the lackeys outside who kept spying on them.

A few days ago, Hyuga Matsuba had noticed several figures constantly lurking near their home. Their killing intent hung over the area, and he had not even been sleeping well.

Even without seeing their faces, he could guess with his toes that they had to be people from the Uchiha Clan seeking revenge.

After all, that was the only clan he had offended. No one else would come looking for trouble for no reason.

During this period, Hyuga Matsuba had only drawn attention when he punched Uchiha Fugaku. At all other times, he had behaved himself and discreetly concealed his abilities.

At school, the level Hyuga Matsuba displayed was no more than that of a Genin. Seeing that the boy who had sent Uchiha Fugaku flying with one punch was only this strong, the teachers felt somewhat disappointed.

In the teachers' minds, defeating Uchiha Fugaku had merely been a lucky fluke. Uchiha Fugaku had not been prepared at the time, so no one paid much attention to Hyuga Matsuba afterward.

Even the teachers thought it had been luck. Why would those scheming bastards target Hyuga Matsuba, who appeared to be trash?

By process of elimination, only the Uchiha Clan could have done this.

A powerful aura now radiated from Hyuga Matsuba, thick with killing intent. In truth, no matter where those lackeys came from, he intended to teach them a harsh lesson.

Hyuga Matsuba did not particularly care about this sort of thing, but Mikoto was involved. Even if she had received some system assistance from birth, she was still a girl, and her strength was low. In a fight, she simply would not be a match for others.

Hyuga Matsuba had decided to protect Mikoto well, and his first task was to eliminate those dangerous minor threats.

At first, Hyuga Matsuba planned to leave alone and lure out those people from the Uchiha Clan, then deal with them himself.

But if the others attacked Mikoto while Hyuga Matsuba was away from home, that would be bad.

Even though this was Hyuga Clan territory and fairly safe, it was always better to be cautious.

Besides, ever since Mikoto arrived, few people had been willing to speak with her. No one wanted to accept an outsider.

Even though Mikoto was no longer part of the Uchiha Clan, that could not change what had happened before. The conflict between the two clans had lasted for ages, so it was no wonder no one paid her any attention.

If Hyuga Matsuba had not made arrangements before bringing Mikoto here, the Hyuga Clan might not even have allowed her into their territory.

Hyuga Matsuba had also considered moving out of Hyuga Clan territory, but Mikoto did not want to.

"Finished packing! Let's set off now!"

Mikoto packed everything away, using Fuinjutsu to compress it into the backpack, then happily skipped over to Hyuga Matsuba.

"Hm? Sure."

"Matsuba, what's been going on with you lately? You seem distracted." Mikoto looked somewhat worried.

"What are you talking about? Let's go!" Hyuga Matsuba rubbed Mikoto's head and spoke gently.

Mikoto did not press the matter. She had always been considerate. If someone did not want to talk about something, it was best not to keep asking.

After the two left Hyuga Clan territory, the assassins who had been waiting for a chance followed closely behind.

Uchiha Kirito was almost depressed. He could not afford to be careless with the task his boss had assigned him, but all this time, he had never found an opportunity to strike.

Those two brats usually stayed at home. He could not exactly barge into a Hyuga Clan house and kill them in broad daylight, or he would be throwing his own life away.

At school, there were parents, teachers, and too many eyes watching. Uchiha Kirito had no suitable opportunity there either. If he acted then, he would definitely be discovered. Even if he took those two children's lives, he would not be able to escape.

As Uchiha Kirito secretly followed the two little brats, he began calculating in his heart.

When they entered the Mist Forest, Uchiha Kirito was thrilled. This was truly a perfect opportunity to make his move!

Hyuga Matsuba and Mikoto reached the edge of the Mist Forest and prepared to start their picnic.

"Matsuba, let's go somewhere else! Even if it's cooler here, it isn't safe! People said there are dangerous animals around here!"

"If we go somewhere else, how can we catch them all in one net?" Hyuga Matsuba did not care in the slightest, wearing an expression of absolute confidence.

"Show yourself already! Or do I have to come find you?"

"What? How does he know I'm following them? No way, my invisibility technique is advanced. Even a Quasi-Kage wouldn't notice me. This little brat must be joking." Uchiha Kirito swallowed.

Hyuga Matsuba rolled his eyes. Uchiha Kirito's invisibility technique was indeed not weak, but Hyuga Matsuba possessed the all-seeing Tenseigan, and his Observation Haki was no empty reputation.

Uchiha Kirito thought he was impressive, but Hyuga Matsuba had already spotted plenty of flaws. It was truly speechless.

"Matsuba, what's wrong..."

Before Mikoto could finish, Hyuga Matsuba noticed Uchiha Kirito expose a flaw and threw a punch.

"Banshō Ten'in! Show yourself, you stupid dog!"

The Tenseigan activated. Power fused and erupted in an instant, unleashing a tremendous force from Hyuga Matsuba's palm. The surrounding trees and stones began to shake.

But that power was not aimed at the flowers, grass, trees, or rocks. It was aimed at Uchiha Kirito, who thought himself so capable.

Uchiha Kirito was dragged to Hyuga Matsuba's side by the enormous force.

He twisted his body frantically, but he felt utterly powerless.

No matter what, he was an Elite Jonin. His combat experience was no boast; after countless real battles, his ability to adapt was extremely strong.

In an instant, he circulated his Chakra, activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan, and with difficulty drew his sword. Borrowing the force, he found a suitable angle and prepared to attack Hyuga Matsuba.