Malice Surging in the Darkness

In a cavity dug deep underground.

The lights burned eternally, yet a dim and cold atmosphere lingered, impossible to shake. The air was naturally filled with the scent of earth, but it was mingled with a faint, decaying odor of imminent death.

"How has that child been performing recently?"

"Far beyond expectations. He's completely adapted to the invasion of the First Hokage's cells and is rapidly recovering his health. He's a promising talent."

"If that's the case, the subsequent plan can be put on the agenda."

"You mean...?"

An uncertain question came from the darkness in the corner of the room.

The old man sitting on a stone chair stared into the thick darkness and slowly said, "Obito cherishes the girl named Nohara Rin the most, right? We'll use her to show Obito the true face of this hellish world!"

"Are we starting now? Isn't it a bit too rushed? Obito has only just adapted to the invasion of the First Hokage's cells."

"It's enough. Adapting to the First Hokage's cells proves he possesses deep potential. For us Uchiha, becoming stronger takes but a moment!"

"Alright! I'll go deliver the message then!"

"Go!"

The thick darkness in the corner of the room instantly faded considerably.

The old man sitting on the stone chair slowly closed his eyes, appearing to fall into a doze.

Returning to the front-line camp, which he hadn't seen for over ten days, the scenery was unchanged. The war situation on the front lines hadn't seen much change in over ten days; both sides were still engaged in a war of attrition, consuming lives.

"Clan Head!"

At the entrance to the camp, Elder Hyuga Takashi led a group of Hyuga Clan members to welcome Hyuga Ritsu's arrival.

After the village officially issued a notice regarding the changes within the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Ritsu and the elders had discussed how to settle the clan members stranded on the eastern front. A considerable number of clan members loyal to the Main House remained there.

In the end, the decision was made for Elder Hyuga Takashi, the oldest at forty-four, to travel to the front-line camp with a letter from Hyuga Hiashi, aiming for a peaceful resolution. Ideally, they would persuade these clan members to accept the current reality; if not, they would at least do their best to appease them and prevent any disturbances.

"Did everything go smoothly?"

Hyuga Ritsu asked.

"The process was extremely perilous, but the outcome was acceptable."

Hyuga Takashi said, still feeling a sense of lingering fear.

"What happened?"

"Hyuga Hiashi's letter proved effective. Fortunately, Clan Head, your foresight in sparing Hyuga Hiashi's life prevented a civil war from nearly breaking out here at the front-line camp – a civil war within our Hyuga Clan, no less."

Hyuga Takashi roughly recounted the situation at the time.

The Branch House clan members brought to the front-line camp by Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Daichi, and Hyuga Hisho were, without exception, the most loyal and fervent supporters of the Main House. Upon hearing the news that the Main House clan members had been nearly wiped out, they flew into a rage, intending to kill Hyuga Takashi and the others before returning to the village to restore order. It was only because Hyuga Takashi reacted quickly and produced the letter of surrender personally written by Hyuga Hiashi before his departure that they were stopped.

The letter of surrender personally penned by Hyuga Hiashi had immense power. After reading it, these Branch House clan members wilted like frostbitten eggplants!

"You've worked hard, Elder Takashi."

Hyuga Ritsu did not explain that his decision to spare Hyuga Hiashi largely stemmed from a promise to Hizashi Hyuga and that he hadn't considered any other use for the disgraced former Clan Head.

However, whether it was foresight or sheer luck, Hyuga Ritsu's luck was good. The situation hadn't devolved into the worst-case scenario, and he had even managed to boost his reputation a bit!

"It was no trouble, no trouble at all. Compared to everything you've done, Clan Head, this is nothing." Hyuga Takashi chuckled heartily and added, "Clan Head, you're looking for Orochimaru, right? I'll lead the way for you!"

In reality, Hyuga Ritsu didn't need Hyuga Takashi to lead the way; he was familiar with every inch of this place. Hyuga Ritsu had been present when this front-line camp was first established.

However, Hyuga Ritsu didn't refuse Hyuga Takashi's kind offer. Accompanied by Hyuga Takashi, he arrived at the central command tent of the camp and met Orochimaru, the highest commander of the war against the Kirigakure Shinobi on the eastern front.

"Ritsu-kun, we meet again!"

Orochimaru sat behind his desk, a pleasant smile on his pale face.

"Senior Orochimaru, thank you for your assistance before."

"Did I do anything?"

"Regardless, I will always remember this kindness."

No matter how insane and twisted Orochimaru was, without his facilitation, Hyuga Ritsu leaving the camp without proper authorization would have been tantamount to desertion. Even if he had returned to the village, Jonin and Anbu would have been waiting to apprehend him.

In short, The order document Orochimaru had issued him was crucial. It was a significant debt of gratitude, and Hyuga Ritsu's philosophy was to repay kindness with kindness and vengeance with vengeance.

He would definitely repay this kindness when the opportunity arose in the future.

"Give me the old man's document! I'll arrange a task for you," Orochimaru said, not paying much attention to Hyuga Ritsu's words, and simply reached out to ask for the document.

Hyuga Ritsu handed over the transfer order.

Orochimaru took it, glanced at it for a moment, and his eyebrows suddenly shot up. He looked up at Hyuga Ritsu, "Ritsu-kun, are you sure this document hasn't been swapped?"

"I always carry it with me."

Hyuga Ritsu answered calmly.

"If the documents are in order, I'll tell you something. Before you arrived, the village appointed Aburame Ryoma as the deputy commander of the eastern front. That guy isn't as easy to talk to as I am. If you don't have an official position, Ritsu, you might have a very tough and dangerous time ahead!"

"Aburame Ryoma?"

Hyuga Ritsu narrowed his eyes. If he remembered correctly, Aburame Ryoma was one of Danzo's trusted subordinates. Sending him to the front lines as deputy commander at this time... He sensed the strong malice brewing beneath the calm surface.

"The tree may prefer to be still, but the wind will not cease. They're quite aggressive!"

Hyuga Ritsu murmured to himself, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes.

But then, a carefree smile appeared on his face. "Senior Orochimaru, I don't mind the hardship! I didn't come to the front lines to enjoy myself. As for danger, how can there be no danger on the battlefield? I returned to the front lines this time precisely to wash away the shame the Main House's trash left upon our clan with Kirigakure Shinobi blood, and to reclaim the stolen Byakugan."

Orochimaru looked deeply at Hyuga Ritsu, his smile growing more profound. "Ritsu, you truly are outstanding. I'm almost jealous of that fellow Hiruko for being able to take on such an excellent disciple."

Hyuga Ritsu smiled and remained silent.

Seeing this, Orochimaru also smiled and shook his head, saying, "Very well. Since you have no objections, Ritsu, then rest assured in the camp for now. If I'm not mistaken, an order will be conveyed to you soon. I hope you can bring me more surprises."