Chapter 106: Hinata Hyuga's Birthday, Witnessing the Byakugan's Might

Chapter 106: Hinata Hyuga’s Birthday, Witnessing the Byakugan’s Might

“Three of diamonds.”
“Joker bomb! Triple straight!”
“Eh—?!”

Inside the villa’s mahjong room, Tsunade—on her lunch break—had dragged Shizune over to challenge Izayoi to a game of Landlord.

No matter how many times the “Charity Poker King” lost, her gambling addiction never wavered. But this round had finally broken her.

After Izayoi casually dropped a single three of diamonds, she stared in disbelief as he slammed down a joker bomb and a triple straight, ending the game instantly.

Tsunade’s shock melted into fury. “With such a great hand, why didn’t you take the Landlord role?!”

“Blame me? You’re the one who insisted on taking it,” Izayoi shrugged, unflinching. “Besides, Hokage-sama, your terrible luck is dragging everyone down. Even if I had such a hand and played as a peasant with you, Shizune might’ve pulled off a ‘spring’ victory.”

“What did you say?! You wanna pick a fight, brat?!” Tsunade rolled up her sleeves, livid.

“Tsunade-sama, calm down,” Shizune sighed, half-smiling as she tried to mediate.

Izayoi remained unfazed, shaking his head. “Playing cards with Hokage-sama is utterly pointless. I’m just worried you’ll gamble away the entire village’s military budget.”

“Nani?! Do I look like someone who’d embezzle public funds?!”

“Who knows? Desperate gamblers do desperate things, right?”

“Brat! Let’s settle this on the battlefield!”

“Nope. I’d have to pay for the repairs myself.”

“Aaaaaaargh—!”

As Tsunade clawed at her hair, fuming helplessly, Karin entered with a tray of fruit, soothingly saying, “Izayoi-kun, don’t tease Tsunade-sensei too much.”

“Just stating facts.”

Izayoi stood, grinning. “You take over, Karin. I’m off to train.”

“Wait—” Tsunade stopped him, her tone serious. “Let’s switch games. Mahjong, four players. Need to discuss something.”

Izayoi tilted his head, puzzled, but followed as they moved to another table.

“You’ve been loafing around for ages. When are you taking missions again?” Tsunade shuffled the tiles. “Sure, you’re loaded, but your mission record’s pathetic. At this rate, you won’t qualify for the Jonin Exams next year.”

“Not in a rush. Let’s see,” Izayoi smiled. “Besides, Shino hasn’t made Chūnin yet. Hinata and I shouldn’t outpace him.”

“Actually, the Chūnin Exams happen twice yearly. You only remember July’s because it’s grander—it’s meant to showcase allied nations’ strength,” Tsunade explained, discarding a tile. “Teams with existing Chūnin are barred from July’s exams to prevent imbalance. But the earlier spring exams, exclusive to village Genin, are still open.”

“Ah, I see—Riichi,” Izayoi said, flipping a tile.

Tsunade’s forehead darkened with a vein, sweat beading. “Shino Aburame’s no slouch. The Aburame clan’s never had a weakling. He’ll breeze through the spring exams.”

“So shape up next year. Don’t slack like now,” she jabbed. “Hatake Kakashi was already a top-tier Jonin at your age.”

“Tsumo! Seven pairs.”

“This luck… You’re cheating!” Tsunade shoved the tiles away. “No more! No fun at all!”

“Fine. Pay up before leaving.”

“Uhh… Let’s settle later.”

Her bravado crumbled instantly. Changing topics, she grew serious. “Also, be cautious leaving the village. Jiraiya sent intel—”

“The Rinnegan, the legendary first among the Three Great Dōjutsu, exists. And there’s more than one pair.”

“The one who allied with Orochimaru during the Leaf Destruction Plan wasn’t Akatsuki’s leader. It was a mysterious figure—unknown gender, age, identity.” Tsunade’s voice dropped. “They infiltrated Root’s base during the chaos, killed Danzō and Root, stole all fallen ninja corpses, and abducted a Wood Release experimental Anbu.”

“The Rinnegan’s known to manipulate repulsive force, gravity, and create Human Puppets retaining their living abilities. Danzō, Root, and that Anbu might return as enemies.”

She exhaled, relieved. “Lucky you hid your Wood Release. Otherwise, that stranger might’ve targeted you during the exams.”

Izayoi’s lips twitched—they’re warning me to watch out for myself?

Still, he nodded solemnly. “Understood, Hokage-sama.”

“You’ve got the Kagura Shingan, so I’m not worried. But Rinnegan’s new. Who knows what else it hides? Stay sharp.”

She patted his shoulder, smirking. “The new Forbidden Scroll’s ready. Want to learn kinjutsu? I’ll give you a discount. Don’t waste that ninjutsu talent.”

Izayoi sighed. “Selling forbidden techniques? Your ‘no embezzlement’ claim’s not convincing.”

“Fine! You’ll regret it, brat!” Tsunade stormed off.

Karin waved, smiling. “Izayoi-kun, lunch is ready. Reheat it if you’re hungry. I’ll help Tsunade-sama train.”

“Got it. Good luck.”

After they left, the villa fell quiet. Hanabi was at the Ninja Academy. Hinata was busy elsewhere. The others were on missions.

Alone, Izayoi returned to the traditional wing, summoned Wood Clones to train underground, and sat in a tool-filled room crafting Hinata’s birthday gift.

---

December 27th.

An ordinary day for the Ninja World—but a pivotal one for the Hyuga clan.

Hinata Hyuga’s birthday.

Her status had skyrocketed compared to the original timeline. Before Izayoi revealed his Wood Release, clan elders had scolded Hiashi for refusing to brand Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal. Now, with Izayoi’s power elevating Hinata further, the elders doted on her even more.

This year’s birthday feast was unprecedentedly grand. Since last night, branch members had decorated the compound. Everyone—main or branch—had rushed home early to celebrate.

The last time it was this lavish was nine years ago, when even the Cloud delegation’s visit couldn’t pull the Hyuga from their festivities.

This sudden extravagance stirred gossip.

For Izayoi, this day held personal significance.

Nine years ago, he’d used the Talent Trait System’s starter pack to transform his fate. Without replicating Shinkurō Ōtsutsuki’s Red Inherited Traits, his power wouldn’t be this overwhelming. Even with Naruto’s Sage’s Body (Red) and Sasuke’s Sage’s Eye (Red), merging them into the Two Reds paled compared to Ōtsutsuki Bloodline (Crimson) and Prince of the Byakugan (Red), which had granted him Rinnegan.

Feeling the Dōjutsu’s power, he sensed a second Awakening nearing.

---

At dusk, Izayoi emerged from a bath, wearing the white kimono gifted by the Hyuga sisters. He turned to Karin. “Come to Hinata’s birthday banquet with me.”

“Eh? But… the Hyuga only invited you,” Karin hesitated. “Would that embarrass you?”

“They’ll fawn over you. You’re family now,” he ruffled her hair. “Hinata specifically asked me to bring you.”

“Yay! I’ll grab my gift!” Karin skipped off, returning in a purple floral kimono, exuding aristocratic charm.

As they walked to the Hyuga compound, villagers flocked to greet Izayoi. He nodded politely, masking his irritation at the attention.

Approaching the estate, two elderly clan elders—flanked by retainers—hurried forward. “Honored to welcome Izayoi-dono to the Hyuga!”

“Uh…”

Karin was taken aback by the scene unfolding before her.

Izayoi, too, blinked in mild surprise.

Seeing that none of the elders bore the Caged Bird Seal on their foreheads—clearly Main House members of high status—he quickly regained his composure and politely bowed. “Good day, honored elders. Pardon the intrusion.”

The elders’ wrinkled faces broke into even broader smiles at his amiable demeanor. One eagerly gestured forward. “The clan head and Lady Hinata have been eagerly awaiting you, Lord Izayoi. Please, follow us.”

With that, the two elders positioned themselves on either side of Izayoi, careful not to step ahead of him even by half a pace. They merely raised their hands to guide the way as they led him into the Hyuga Clan Compound.

Their enthusiasm and deference exceeded Izayoi’s expectations, leaving Karin—and even the Hyuga clan members who’d caught sight of this spectacle—staring in disbelief.

Elders like these wielded immense authority and commanded deep respect within the clan. Their decisions often overrode even the clan head’s will. To Branch House members, they were as distant and untouchable as the clan head himself.

Yet here they were, fawning over Izayoi like eager servants, their smiles so exaggerated their eyes nearly vanished into creases of wrinkled skin.

The sight was both cringe-worthy and reputation-damaging for the dignified elders.

Needless to say, Izayoi became the Hyuga Clan’s instant focal point. Whether Main or Branch House, every member stared at him with unabashed curiosity as he walked past. Some recognized him immediately, their eyes widening in realization before breaking into excited whispers.

As the two elders led Izayoi away, murmurs spread like wildfire across the compound.

“No wonder Lady Hinata’s birthday banquet is so extravagant this year—it’s to honor Lord Izayoi, the Wood Release prodigy!”

“Of course Lady Hinata and Lord Izayoi aren’t just classmates and teammates.”

“This Senju heir is the Leaf’s future—and our future son-in-law!”

The Hyuga Compound buzzed with newfound energy.

Guided by the elders, Izayoi soon arrived at Hinata’s residence.

“Big Brother…”

At the clan head’s estate, Hiashi and the Hyuga sisters had already been waiting at the entrance.

Hanabi, ever the affectionate little sister, rushed into Izayoi’s arms the moment he appeared.

Hiashi and the elders didn’t scold her. If anything, their smiles deepened.

The closer the future son-in-law and clan heir grew, the better for the Hyuga’s prospects. This way, even after marriage, Hinata wouldn’t be severed from her clan.

“Apologies for the wait, Lady Hanabi,” Izayoi chuckled, ruffling her hair as he embraced her.

Turning to Hiashi, who stood beside Hinata, he added, “It’s an honor to meet you at last, Lord Hiashi.” He bowed respectfully.

“Welcome to the Hyuga, Izayoi,” Hiashi replied, his stern face softening into a rare smile as he returned the bow. “Thank you for your kindness to my daughter all these years.”

The elders exchanged pleased glances before one spoke. “Hiashi, ensure Lord Izayoi is well attended to. No negligence.”

“Happy birthday, Lady Hinata. We’ll leave you to your celebration.”

“Please, take care,” Hinata bowed gracefully, having already toured the grounds with her father earlier.

Once the greetings concluded, Izayoi let his gaze settle on Hinata. His eyes lit with admiration. “Hinata, happy birthday. You look absolutely stunning today.”

Her silky black hair, styled in an elegant princess braid, accentuated her aristocratic poise. A subtle layer of makeup enhanced her delicate features, and her height and figure—reminiscent of her adult self from the Shippuden era—radiated a regal glow that left the younger-looking Karin feeling self-conscious.

Hinata’s cheeks flushed pink, but she met his compliment with a warm, confident smile. “Thank you, Izayoi-kun. You look quite handsome yourself.”

The two shared a tender smile before Hiashi cleared his throat. “Shall we go inside?”

Under Hiashi’s guidance, Izayoi crossed the threshold of Hinata’s home for the first time—a symbolic step that meant he’d no longer have to wait outside the Hyuga grounds to see her. He could now enter freely.

The dining room table groaned under an array of delicacies: traditional sekihan rice, mochi cakes, kombu seaweed soup, and a towering five-tiered cake.

“Sister, time to blow the candles!” Hanabi chirped, lighting the candles before dashing to switch off the lights.

Hinata clasped her hands in a reverent prayer pose, closed her eyes, and made a silent wish. Moments later, she blew out every candle in one breath—a feat testament to her impressive lung capacity.

“Happy birthday, Hinata!” Karin beamed, handing over a neatly wrapped gift.

“Thank you, Karin,” Hinata smiled, accepting the present.

Hanabi leaned in, eyeing Izayoi’s empty hands. “Big Brother, where’s your gift?”

Hinata’s gaze turned equally expectant.

Izayoi ruffled Hanabi’s hair. “Mine’s a bit special. I’ll give it to her later, just the two of us.”

Hinata’s anticipation deepened.

“Let’s eat first,” Hiashi interjected, his formal tone clashing with the youthful energy of the group.

Under his watchful eye, the younger guests stiffened, even Hanabi, usually so free-spirited, adopting proper manners.

As if sensing their unease, Hiashi excused himself after a mere fifteen minutes. “Hinata, you entertain our guests. I’ll leave you to discuss something with Izayoi.”

He nodded to Izayoi before stepping outside.

“What does Father want?” Izayoi asked once he’d gone.

“It’s about the banquet outside,” Hinata explained softly. “Father and the elders worried you might dislike the formal atmosphere, or that someone might unintentionally offend you. They arranged this private dinner instead. They’d like to introduce you to the clan later, but they want your opinion first—would you mind attending the larger banquet?”

Izayoi chuckled, both amused and touched. “Clever Hyuga. They really thought of everything.”

Indeed, the clan had earned major brownie points with him.

“I’ll pass for now,” he decided. “Today, I just want to celebrate with you.”

Hinata nodded eagerly. “I’d prefer that too.”

“Big Brother, did you bring the camera?” Hanabi asked the moment her father left, climbing onto Izayoi’s lap. “Don’t you want a photo of Sister looking this gorgeous?”

Izayoi’s eyes lit up. “Darn, I was too busy admiring her at the door to remember!”

her cheeks puffed like a chipmunk around a mouthful of food, her princess braid crown contrasting delightfully with the casual scene.

“Let’s take a group photo!” Hanabi suggested.

“Good idea!”

Handing the camera to a Wood Clone, Izayoi gathered Hanabi, Karin, and Hinata around the table, placing the birthday girl in the center for a snapshot of their cozy dinner.

As Hinata polished off dish after dish, leaving only crumbs and a half-eaten cake, Izayoi and Hanabi exchanged mischievous grins.

In one fluid motion, Izayoi smeared cream across Hinata’s face while Hanabi ambushed him from behind.

“Gotcha!”

Karin stifled a giggle as the Wood Clone snapped the shot—Hinata’s stunned expression, Izayoi’s cream-smeared shock, and Hanabi’s triumphant smirk frozen in time.

“Izayoi-kun…” Hinata rose slowly, her eyes shadowed, a dark aura swirling around her.

“Oops. My bad, my bad!” Izayoi hastily dabbed her face with a handkerchief, the gesture dissolving her anger into giggles. “Let me make it up to you. I’ve got a surprise.”

He turned to Karin. “Why don’t you two explore the grounds while we’re gone?”

In a flash, he and Hinata vanished.

The Wood Clone disappeared too.

“They’re gone!” Hanabi gasped, cake in hand. “Not even a flicker of chakra!”

Karin activated her Kagura Shingan, scanning the village. “They’re not in the Leaf anymore… That was a Time-Space Ninjutsu!”

Hanabi’s eyes sparkled. “So Big Brother can take me anywhere anytime?!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end