Shinichi Hyuga's Anomaly

Inside the Hyuga clan's meeting room, everyone looked toward Shinichi Hyuga, the man who had transformed their clan.

Shinichi Hyuga's gaze swept over these pillars of the Hyuga clan.

Every face was filled with vigor.

Finally, his eyes landed on Hyuga Hiashi.

At this moment, Hyuga Hiashi appeared somewhat restless, his expression one of hesitation, as if he had something he wanted to say but couldn't bring himself to speak.

"Clan Head, the Third Hokage approached me, hoping to persuade the Hyuga clan's ninjas to carry out missions. I don't know what I should do."

Hyuga Hiashi finally made up his mind to confess.

Having already submitted to Shinichi Hyuga, he felt that even meeting with the Third Hokage was an act of betrayal.

When he finished speaking, he let out a heavy sigh, as if a massive stone had been lifted from his chest.

In this moment, he was still the Hyuga clansman who cared for the future of his family, rather than the puppet who had learned only to compromise.

"Those missions might be problematic. The tasks assigned to the few clansmen who went out were all extremely difficult," the Third Elder said, tapping the table to vent his dissatisfaction.

Although he had his suspicions, he lacked evidence.

Shinichi Hyuga nodded inwardly; Hyuga Hiashi's attitude had not betrayed his trust.

The situation described by the Third Elder was very much in line with the Third Hokage's typical behavior—petty, after all.

"That is fine. Remember to screen the missions; even if a mission fails, preserving their lives is the priority," Shinichi Hyuga said, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

He continued, "Remember, before I issued the ban, did I not have the clan's ninjas go out to borrow money? That was a screening process—trading sincerity for sincerity. In the Ninja World, you must have a few friends who can pull you up when you are in danger. Cherish these friends and bring them into our camp. Remember, from now on, free love among clansmen is permitted, provided it receives the clan's approval. This includes ninjas from other clans."

Shinichi Hyuga's words stirred waves in the hearts of the Jonin present.

In their youth, many of them had loved people from other clans, but due to the restrictions of clan rules, they had been forced to marry within the family.

They found these various reforms by Shinichi Hyuga to be increasingly bold.

"Clan Head, are there really no restrictions at all?"

Hizashi Hyuga felt a bit worried and offered his suggestion cautiously.

"The clan's approval is the greatest restriction. We will develop a plan for that later." Shinichi Hyuga glanced at Hizashi Hyuga, thinking to himself, What a stubborn mind. If it benefits the clan, you approve; if it doesn't, you don't.

"Next, I am assigning a task. Third Elder, take these ten pairs of Byakugan to the Bounty Office and exchange them for money."

Shinichi Hyuga's words caused an immediate uproar in the meeting room.

"Clan Head, are you that short on funds? How can you take the eyes of our clansmen to trade for money? I still have the Hyuga clan's savings; you can take those if you need them."

Hyuga Hiashi spoke up immediately, his tone shifting from initial anger to heartache.

He now fully identified with Shinichi Hyuga and was already considering matters from his perspective.

His words echoed the sentiments of everyone present.

Using the eyes of their own people for money made them feel deeply uncomfortable.

Shinichi Hyuga waved his hand, and the room fell silent at once.

"These ten pairs of eyes belong to the Great Elder and his cohorts. They are to make one final contribution to the Hyuga clan. I intend to kill the chicken to warn the monkey, but having only Ao of Kirigakure as the chicken is not enough! We must create more chickens to have sufficient deterrent power."

Shinichi Hyuga explained patiently this time, as this touched upon his original intention.

He wanted the Hyuga clan to no longer be trapped by the Caged Bird.

If, after the Caged Bird was removed, they were merely coveted by more people and ended up in a larger cage, that was not the result he wanted.

Everyone digested what Shinichi Hyuga had said.

This time, it was Hyuga Hiashi who understood Shinichi Hyuga's words first.

He had experienced it himself: Shinichi Hyuga possessed a Dojutsu capable of absorbing the ocular power and life force of others.

This Dojutsu acted as a greater restraint against the Byakugan.

Anyone who transplanted these Byakugan would ultimately become nourishment for Shinichi Hyuga.

The other jonin had their own suspicions, though none were as clear as Hyuga Hiashi.

Three days later.

Kirigakure.

Shinichi Hyuga transformed into an Anbu on patrol.

He had arrived in this village a day ago.

However, to his surprise, the defensive measures of Kirigakure were many times stronger than those of Konoha.

After gathering some intelligence, he finally understood why.

When he observed the flow of chakra within the Fourth Mizukage, he realized that the Mizukage was already being controlled by Obito Uchiha at this time.

To avenge the little white flower in his heart, Rin Nohara, he had implemented a high-pressure regime over the village; any unusual movement would be met with a thunderous strike.

This was the reason he had disguised himself as an Anbu; only the Anbu could move about freely.

As long as Obito Uchiha did not interfere with his plans, he would not interfere with Obito Uchiha's plans either.

He could even help him get rid of the trouble that was Ao; in his own memories, it was precisely Ao's Byakugan that had spotted the flaw in the Fourth Mizukage.

By evening.

Shinichi Hyuga discovered traces of Ao at the Kirigakure Ninja Academy.

This academy was much more primitive than the one in Konoha.

Standing at the entrance of the academy.

He activated his Byakugan, intending to absorb the ocular power within Ao's Byakugan, as well as his life force.

Much like the formation process of the Tenseigan on the moon, it evolved by devouring other Byakugan.

His Byakugan was now approaching the Tenseigan.

He believed that doing this would be highly beneficial to his eyes and that it was also possible for them to evolve into the Tenseigan.

Sizzle~~

In the end, the result was beyond his expectations.

His ocular power was blocked.

This also allowed Ao to detect his presence.

Shinichi Hyuga's final focus landed on the seal around Ao's eyes.

"Barrier Seal: Eye Armor!"

No wonder Ao was able to withstand the backlash of the Byakugan.

"Anbu! Have you finally decided to make a move on me?"

Ao had already arrived in front of Shinichi Hyuga, a trace of relief in his eyes.