Chapter 36: Hinata's Growth, A Perfectly Made Puppet

Chapter 36: Hinata’s Growth, A Perfectly Made Puppet

As everyone knows, the Byakugan of the Hyūga Clan allows its wielder to see up to a kilometer in every direction. This range isn’t a limit—it’s simply what activating the Byakugan naturally achieves. Further development can extend this visual range even further.

Yet no matter how much it’s refined, the Byakugan’s maximum range among the Hyūga Clan typically only reaches a few kilometers to a dozen or so. This is based on intelligence gathered through three Great Ninja Wars across all major villages.

If Hiashi Hyūga himself had said this, Kurenai Yuhi wouldn’t have been surprised. As the clan head, surpassing standard limits isn’t unusual. But Hinata? How old was she?

Just a month after graduating, her Byakugan could already see twenty kilometers ahead. What kind of monster was she?

Hadn’t she already broken the Hyūga Clan’s limits?

Observing the expressions of shock on their faces, Izayoi allowed himself a quiet smirk.

Even Hiashi Hyūga had been stunned by Hinata’s growth.

Izayoi, bearing the Ōtsutsuki Bloodline (Crimson), and Hinata, the Byakugan-wielding princess (of the crimson lineage), were truly a match made in heaven.

When Izayoi unlocked Hinata’s bloodline ability, he effectively transplanted her eyes into his own Red Sage’s Eye. With this absurd acceleration ability, he had already completed the first awakening.

Hinata, whose bloodline hadn’t yet reached the red tier, could still enhance her potential by absorbing Izayoi’s chakra.

From Konoha Year 58 onward, both Hinata and Hanabi Hyūga began defying fate.

That year, Izayoi awakened the Uzumaki Clan’s unique ability—Physical Healing.

After every training session, whether injured or not, Izayoi would have Hinata and Hanabi bite him to absorb his chakra.

This extracted chakra not only healed their injuries but also stimulated their latent potential.

Since Hinata’s Byakugan was the purest, her transformation was the most pronounced.

Already surpassing Hiashi Hyūga’s visual range just a month after graduating?

At this rate, by the time the Shippuden arc began, Hinata’s Kekkei Genkai might evolve from purple to gold.

“What’s wrong?” Hinata tilted her head cutely, puzzled by Kurenai Yuhi and Aburame Shino’s shock.

Kurenai composed herself, her voice firm. “Hinata, never reveal your visual range. Otherwise, many will target you.”

A Byakugan capable of seeing twenty kilometers unsealed—without the Caged Bird Curse Seal—belonging to the Main House heir? If other villages learned of her value and threat level, Hinata would instantly top black market and ninja village assassination lists.

“Yes,” Hinata nodded solemnly, though she didn’t fully grasp Kurenai’s warning.

“This range gives me peace of mind. From now on, I’ll rely on you,” Kurenai smiled, ruffling Hinata’s hair.

Aburame Shino quietly recalled his insects.

In the face of such a vast visual range, his bugs’ scent-tracking ability seemed laughably inferior.

For the next two days, Hinata periodically activated her Byakugan to scan the twenty-kilometer radius.

During this time, Team Eight eliminated two bandit gangs and scattered another.

Due to the steep mountain paths and limited route options, bandits and rogue ninja often ambushed travelers at choke points. Those who understood the terrain usually avoided these paths, but others had no choice but to fight.

Most bandits avoided caravans escorted by ninja.

But some arrogant or ignorant fools still tried their luck.

The two annihilated bandit groups were precisely these fools.

For these idiots, Team Eight showed no mercy.

The first time killing someone unsettled Team Eight slightly, but they recovered quickly.

The academy taught methods to break genjutsu, and instructors often demonstrated bloody illusions in class.

Many students still struggled to adapt to real violence.

But for honor students like Izayoi’s trio, overcoming such fear was routine.

After traveling several more miles, Hinata activated her Byakugan as usual, scanning the twenty-kilometer radius ahead.

Suddenly, her expression shifted in shock.

“Everyone, stop quickly!” she blurted instinctively.

The caravan, forced to walk their horses due to the steep terrain, halted immediately.

Kurenai’s expression darkened. “Hinata, did you spot something?”

“Yes,” Hinata nodded, her tone both alarmed and disbelieving. “Seventeen kilometers ahead, two mysterious figures. Their chakra is extremely powerful—far stronger than you, Kurenai-sensei… much stronger.”

Struggling to articulate their strength, she resorted to downplaying Kurenai’s power to convey the danger.

Kurenai didn’t take offense. “What do they look like?”

“They wear full-body coats and straw hats. One resembles a scorpion, while the other rides a giant bird flying low, searching for something.”

Kurenai’s face paled. “Turn back now! Change routes! There’s an S-Rank Missing-Nin ahead!”

“Quickly, turn back!” The merchant, Mr. Nishimura, shouted urgently. He clearly understood the threat of S-Rank Missing-Nin.

“So they’re S-Rank Missing-Nin,” Hinata murmured.

Izayoi said nothing, but his blue irises now bore white floral patterns.

His vision pierced mountains, reaching seventeen kilometers ahead.

Two figures—one tall, one short—appeared in his sight: one on the ground, one soaring above.

Sasori of the Red Sand and Deidara—the Akatsuki members Kurenai had warned about.

Why were they here? What were they looking for?

Izayoi’s gaze shifted to Deidara riding his clay bird, scanning the area.

Suddenly, his eyes locked onto Sasori’s hidden form within the Third Kazekage’s puppet body.

Ah.

To manipulate puppets wirelessly with the Tenseigan, one must first learn to create them.

Creating puppets requires materials—and money.

But why waste time when there were perfectly made puppets already here?

Minutes later, the caravan turned back.

After a short walk, Izayoi excused himself to “use the restroom,” leaving the group.

When he returned, it was only a Shadow Clone—though a powerful one, brimming with chakra.

The real Izayoi, however, had already sped toward Sasori and Deidara.

Hinata glanced at Izayoi’s clone, noticing something amiss.

The clone subtly shook its head.

Hinata resumed her normal posture, pretending nothing happened.

Seeing Izayoi approach two S-Rank Missing-Nin, she felt no worry.

Through her Byakugan, she saw him flash-dodge obstacles, sometimes even flying.

Having witnessed Graviton & Repulsion’s power, she knew that Deidara’s clay bird couldn’t withstand a Repulsive Force attack.

If Izayoi wanted to escape, no one could stop him.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end