Chapter 97: The Stirred Hyuga Clan and the Man Who Has It All

Chapter 97: The Stirred Hyuga Clan and the Man Who Has It All

Once again, the same principle applied—

Until one reached a level of power that transcended reality itself, a battle between Genin or even Shadow-Level shinobi was ultimately a contest of intelligence.

The Sound Ninja Four’s knowledge of Sasuke Uchiha was outdated. Their intel only covered his early days with the two-tomoe Sharingan, basic Uchiha Fire Release techniques, and his lightning chakra’s cellular stimulation ability. They hadn’t even witnessed his Chidori during the third exam.

With this level of skill, any of the Sound Four could have easily crushed him using cursed chakra alone. If they’d attacked together, he’d have been obliterated in an instant.

But they hadn’t anticipated how drastically his strength had evolved in just two months.

Karin’s existence was entirely unknown to them.

As the battle began, the Sound Ninja Four were quickly overwhelmed. Facing Sasuke’s evolved Sharingan—now three-tomoe, complete with genjutsu mastery—and his refined Lightning Release nature transformation, including the devastating Chidori Stream, they were outmatched.

They were like Kimimaro before his illness—a power gap so vast it was laughable. Even activating Cursed Seal Level 2, their speed was pathetically slow to Sasuke’s eyes.

With Karin distracting Jirōbō and Tayuya, Sasuke swiftly eliminated Kidōmaru with a Sharingan genjutsu followed by a Chidori strike before the spider-nin could even activate his secret technique.

Before Sasuke could smirk or taunt Left and Right, however, he and Karin were engulfed by a tidal wave of trees.

“This… is this Wood Release?!”

Sasuke darted through the forest, evading the indiscriminate branch attacks as shock flashed in his eyes. “So Izayoi’s a Senju descendant who awakened the legendary bloodline limit?!”

The revelation struck him like a thunderclap.

No wonder Izayoi’s chakra reserves were so immense.

No wonder he’d faced the Legendary Sannin with calm confidence. Even against Gaara—the gourd-carrying jinchūriki—he’d sent a shadow clone to compete while his real body stole Hidden Leaf’s jutsu scrolls during the invasion.

Sasuke had assumed it was arrogance born of vast chakra and mastery of multiple techniques. But now he realized Izayoi had never revealed his true strength.

The thought of Izayoi wielding both advanced techniques and the mythical Wood Release made Sasuke’s lips twitch.

Yet strangely, he felt no resentment or jealousy.

Years ago, every loss to Izayoi had fueled his rage, driving him to train relentlessly. He’d even envied Izayoi’s talent, which surpassed his own Uchiha potential.

But at some point, he’d stopped competing. He now respected Izayoi the way he’d once revered Itachi.

Only around Izayoi did he let his guard down, acting like the carefree child he’d once been.

As the forest receded, Izayoi’s control ensured Sasuke and Karin remained unharmed. The Sound Four, including Kidōmaru’s corpse, were bound like dumplings and hung from the colossal tree’s branches.

Sasuke and Karin merely delivered finishing blows to finish off the Sound Four—shinobi capable of matching Hidden Leaf’s elite Jōnin—who’d been neutralized in an instant.

Izayoi watched, more impressed than regretful at their efficiency.

Landing before them, he praised, “Well done.”

“Heh… Sasuke could’ve handled them alone. I barely helped,” Karin chuckled, scratching her head.

Sasuke fixed Izayoi with a stare. “Wood Release, huh? You’ve been hiding that deep.”

“It’s not that I hid it,” Izayoi smirked, “just that no one’s ever forced me to use it.”

“Tch.” Sasuke feigned disinterest.

Suddenly, Karin turned toward the dark forest. “Someone’s coming.”

Moments later, figures streaked into view. Leading them was Shizune, who’d rushed from the village center upon hearing the news.

Seeing them safe, she exhaled in relief. “Hokage-sama requests your presence.”

“We’ll go.”

Izayoi, Sasuke, and Karin nodded.

“Retrieve the bodies and send them to the interrogation unit,” Shizune ordered her subordinates before leading the trio toward the Hokage’s office.

The village was far from quiet tonight.

The Wood Style and Trinity Barrage had caused a spectacle. From the city outskirts, anyone could see the towering forest of colossal trees. The mushroom cloud from the explosion was visible across half the village.

Those who’d entered the forest could see the massive crater left behind.

Even before Izayoi finished reporting to Tsunade, news spread like wildfire.

The prodigy who’d dazzled the Chūnin Exams with five nature transformations, Storm Release, and flight techniques—promoted from Genin to Chūnin in under six months—was a Senju descendant who’d awakened the legendary Wood Release bloodline limit.

The entire Hidden Leaf buzzed with excitement.

Someone had clearly orchestrated the leaks. Even civilians learned the forest and mushroom cloud were the work of their own shinobi—a boy named Izayoi who’d awakened the Wood Release, a power unseen since the First Hokage.

From commoners to noble clans and the village’s highest ranks, all of Hidden Leaf now spoke of Izayoi.

The most excited among the Hidden Leaf Village's elite were undoubtedly the Hyuga Clan.

Even Neji Hyuga knew about Izayoi's relationship with Hinata Hyuga, mocking him for lacking self-awareness - how could someone like Izayoi ever be worthy of Lady Hinata?

The Main House elders were naturally aware of Izayoi's existence. After all, Hinata's talents had far surpassed her original storyline incarnation. Her Byakugan possessed extraordinary purity, her chakra reserves immense. At just twelve years old, she'd mastered the Gentle Fist and even the advanced Twin Lion Fists technique, eclipsing her father Hiashi Hyuga's abilities entirely.

The elders had repeatedly pressured Hiashi to place the Caged Bird Seal on Hinata's younger sister Hanabi, solidifying Hinata's position as heir. Initially, they'd dismissed Izayoi as a delusional outsider, planning to separate the couple once they reached marriageable age. The Main House's Byakugan could never be allowed to "escape" through marriage. Hinata's exceptional Byakugan purity made dilution through an outsider's bloodline unthinkable. Even if Izayoi became a Hyuga in-name-only through marriage, it would never be acceptable.

But Izayoi's stunning performance during the Chūnin Exams - showcasing extraordinary ninjutsu talent - had shifted the elders' perspectives slightly. Marriage might not be so bad after all, especially if Lady Hinata truly loved him. After all, Hinata's current strength owed much to his guidance.

Now, Hiashi Hyuga - the future father-in-law - still hadn't recovered from his shock when servants summoned him to an emergency clan meeting. Entering the hall, he heard an elder's relieved voice:

"Clan Head, you've raised an exceptional daughter."

"Indeed... Hiashi truly has foresight. Fortunately we hadn't branded Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal yet."

"His Byakugan must've revealed Izayoi's unique chakra nature long ago. We're all in awe of his vision."

"Thank heavens I never sent warnings to that boy before - I'd be a clan traitor now!"

Watching the chattering elders' sudden admiration, Hiashi remained bewildered.

What the hell? he thought. I'm just a socially awkward doting father. If my daughter's happy, I'll use my clan head authority to make it happen regardless of your opinions. In fact, if you'd opposed this harder, I'd have made Hanabi heir and exiled Hinata, saving both girls from the Caged Bird Seal. Not that it matters now - Izayoi's become Leaf's ace, and you couldn't stop us anyway.

He paused, lips twitching. Though I genuinely didn't know he was a Senju with Wood Release!

A sudden grin broke through. Struck gold! He'd been wise years ago to let their relationship develop after discovering Izayoi secretly training Hinata. Who'd have guessed this "commoner prodigy" - already surpassing Kakashi and rivaling Minato Namikaze - would turn out to be a legitimate Senju heir?

Wood Release meant everything. The elders understood perfectly - this boy was destined to become the Sixth Hokage. No one else would gain consensus among the shinobi clans. The village was founded on Hashirama Senju's Wood Release power, and loyalty to the Senju remained absolute.

Hiashi's smile widened. Both daughters saved from the Caged Bird Seal. No one dares oppose a Hokage marriage, not even the Hyuga. Let the Main House fight over producing Wood Release descendants - Hinata's marrying out, and Hanabi will inherit.

As elders eagerly debated wedding plans, Hiashi's twitching lips betrayed amusement. You're all so transparent. If you'd just shut up about Wood Release, maybe Hinata wouldn't mind...

An elder proposed, "We should formally announce Hinata and Izayoi's engagement!"

"Excellent! Let's host a birthday banquet for Lady Hinata, inviting Izayoi specially."

"Brilliant! This gives everyone a chance to meet our future 'honorary son-in-law'!"

Hiashi finally spoke, "Let the youth decide their own hearts. But since they're clearly devoted, a birthday celebration sounds appropriate."

The elders erupted in agreement. So much for clan dignity, Hiashi mused, watching their sudden eagerness to gift him grandchildren. Guess even elders become grandpas at heart.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end