Prey

For several days, Hyuga Matsuba and the other person were safe and sound, and the Uchiha Clan hadn't come looking for them.

The two were now living together, interacting frequently in their daily lives, and growing closer. Mikoto, who used to blush easily due to their ambiguous relationship, seemed less introverted now.

Time slowly passed. During these uneventful days, Hyuga Matsuba, in his free time after finishing his studies, would take Mikoto to a casino with Tsunade, who had also finished her work, to earn some money.

However, during these days, Hyuga Matsuba's skills had been continuously improving. His Chakra had been refined, bringing his level up to 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 wouldn't believe it.

This was record-breaking; it sounded like a fairy tale.

After tidying up a bit and filling their stomachs, Hyuga Matsuba had an idea, "We don't have school for the next two days. How about we go for a picnic?"

"Okay," Mikoto agreed. At home, whatever Hyuga Matsuba said, Mikoto thought was good.

"Do you think we should invite anyone else?"

"No need. Isn't it enough for just the two of us?" Hyuga Matsuba pursed his lips, his gaze flickered towards the door, and a barely perceptible murderous intent appeared in his eyes before vanishing.

"Just the two of us? Going for an outdoor picnic, how embarrassing," Mikoto lowered her head and then went to pack the barbecue grill and other tools.

However, Mikoto only said this in her heart, and Hyuga Matsuba couldn't hear her.

Unfortunately, Hyuga Matsuba's picnic this time wasn't to deepen their relationship. It was to find an opportunity to quickly deal with the small fry who were always peeping at them from outside the door.

A few days ago, Hyuga Matsuba had noticed several figures lurking around his home, their killing intent shrouding the surroundings. Hyuga Matsuba hadn't slept well.

Even though he hadn't seen their faces, he could guess with his feet that it must be people from the Uchiha Clan coming for revenge.

It was because he had only offended this clan; others wouldn't bother him for no reason.

During this period, Hyuga Matsuba had only been conspicuous when he punched Uchiha Fugaku. At other times, he had been well-behaved, discreetly hiding his abilities.

The level he displayed at school was only that of a Genin. When the teachers saw that the boy who had easily sent Uchiha Fugaku flying was only at this level, they felt a sense of disappointment.

In the teachers' minds, defeating Uchiha Fugaku was just a fluke; Uchiha Fugaku hadn't been prepared at the time. Thinking this way, no one took Hyuga Matsuba seriously anymore.

Even the teachers thought it was a fluke, so how could those old schemers possibly target Hyuga Matsuba, who appeared to be trash?

Based on this deduction, only the Uchiha Clan could be responsible for such actions.

Hyuga Matsuba was now exuding a powerful aura, filled with killing intent. In fact, regardless of where those small fry came from, Hyuga Matsuba intended to teach them a lesson.

Hyuga Matsuba didn't care much about such matters, but this incident also involved Uchiha Mikoto. Even though Mikoto had received some system buffs at birth, she was still a girl with low abilities and was no match for anyone in a fight.

Hyuga Matsuba decided to protect Mikoto well, and the primary task was to eliminate those dangerous pawns.

Initially, Hyuga Matsuba planned to go out alone to lure the Uchiha Clan members away and then deal with them himself.

However, if others attacked Mikoto while Hyuga Matsuba was away, that would be bad.

Even though this was Hyuga Clan territory and the safety level was quite high, it was always better to be cautious.

Moreover, since Mikoto arrived here, very few people were willing to talk to her; no one wanted to accept an outsider.

Even though Mikoto was no longer part of the Uchiha Clan now, it didn't change what happened before. The conflict between the two clans had been long-standing, so it was no wonder no one paid attention to Mikoto.

If Hyuga Matsuba hadn't made arrangements before bringing Mikoto over, the Hyuga Clan might not have allowed Mikoto to enter their territory.

Hyuga Matsuba had also considered moving out of the Hyuga Clan's territory, but Mikoto was unwilling.

"Everything's packed! Let's go now!"

Mikoto brought all the items, compressed them into her backpack using Fuinjutsu, and happily hopped in front of Hyuga Matsuba.

"Hmm? Okay."

"Matsuba, what's been going on with you lately? You seem distracted," Mikoto said worriedly.

"What are you talking about? Let's go!" Hyuga Matsuba ruffled Mikoto's hair and said gently.

Mikoto didn't press further. She was always understanding; if others didn't want to mention it, it was best for her not to pry.

After the two left the Hyuga Clan's territory, the assassins who had been waiting for an opportunity followed closely behind.

Uchiha Kirito was almost driven mad. The mission assigned to him by his boss could not be taken lightly, but for so long, he had no opportunity to strike.

These two brats always stayed at home. He couldn't just barge into the Hyuga Clan's house and start killing people, or his own life would be forfeit.

But when they were at school, there were parents and teachers, so many eyes. Uchiha Kirito had no suitable opportunity. If he made a move then, he would definitely be discovered. Even if he took the lives of those two children, he would have no escape.

Uchiha Kirito, who was quietly following the two little brats, began to scheme in his mind.

When they entered the misty forest, Uchiha Kirito's heart surged with excitement. This was truly a perfect opportunity to make a move!

Hyuga Matsuba and Mikoto reached the edge of the misty forest, preparing to start their picnic.

"Matsuba, let's go somewhere else! Even though it's cooler here, it's not safe! I heard before that dangerous animals appear here!"

"If we go somewhere else, how can we catch them all in one go?" Hyuga Matsuba said nonchalantly, appearing confident.

"Hurry up and show yourself! Or do you want me to find you?"

"What? How does he know I'm following them? Is he kidding? My invisibility technique is advanced; even a quasi-Kage can't detect me. This brat must be joking." Uchiha Kirito swallowed.

Hyuga Matsuba rolled his eyes. Uchiha Kirito's invisibility technique was indeed not weak, but he possessed the Tenseigan, which provided all-around surveillance. His Observation Haki was also not for nothing.

Uchiha Kirito thought he was very skilled, but in reality, Hyuga Matsuba had seen many flaws many times. It was truly exasperating.

"Matsuba, what's wrong with you..."

Before the words could even finish, Hyuga Matsuba noticed the slip-up from Uchiha Kirito and threw a punch.

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

The Tenseigan began to activate, its power instantly merging and exploding, unleashing a potent force that shot from Hyuga Matsuba's palm, causing nearby trees and stones to tremble.

But the target of this power wasn't the flora and fauna, it was the self-important Uchiha Kirito.

Uchiha Kirito was pulled towards Hyuga Matsuba by the immense force.

He thrashed wildly, but felt utterly powerless.

After all, he was an Elite Jonin, his combat experience wasn't just for show. Having gone through so many real battles, his ability to adapt and change tactics was still quite strong.

He instantly circulated his Chakra, activating his three-tomoe Sharingan. With great difficulty, he drew his sword, using the momentum to find a suitable angle, and prepared to launch an attack on Hyuga Matsuba.