Chapter 114: The Awkward Hyuga
Masahiko stayed in Konoha once again.
His original plan was to meet Tobirama once and then return to the Uzumaki clan.
Unlike the First Great Ninja War, where Masahiko knew the trigger was Hashirama's death and was somewhat prepared, he knew very little about the Second Great Ninja War. He didn't even know when the war would start, only recalling the Battle of the Sannin and Jiraiya taking three disciples. However, since the Third Hokage was about to be selected, Masahiko decided to grab a batch of Witness Points before leaving.
"Speaking of three disciples... The Uzumaki clan shouldn't have had any members wandering outside all these years, so will Nagato be born within the Uzumaki clan?"
Nagato's talent was very high in Masahiko's eyes. The Rinnegan wasn't something just anyone could bear if they wanted to. In his heart, he feared Nagato was like Kakashi, dragged down by those eyes; otherwise, he might have been even stronger.
"If he is born in the Uzumaki clan, could I take another disciple? When he grows up, he can help me guard the Uzumaki clan, and I can relax a bit..." Masahiko suddenly had this thought.
"As for Madara, take your time finding someone else to resurrect you. Don't get any ideas about my Uzumaki clan." Masahiko chuckled inwardly.
Masahiko pushed the door open and looked out at the Senju clan grounds. The Uzumaki compound in Konoha had been occupied half by the flourishing Sarutobi clan and half by the Shimura clan, so Masahiko could only stay with the Senju clan this time.
Sensing the chakra around him slightly, Masahiko sighed with emotion.
"Mito is truly amazing. Even at this age, her chakra volume is still growing. She must be even more proficient in using the Tailed Beast."
Masahiko made a few turns and arrived at Mito's door. Just like yesterday, before Masahiko could knock, Mito pushed the door open.
Masahiko was stunned. After ten years, Mito's appearance hadn't changed at all.
"It's still more comfortable seeing you. Your looks are the same as back then. Seeing Tobirama this time, I found he has aged..."
"Great-Uncle, you've actually gotten younger," Mito said with a smile. "If I couldn't maintain my appearance, I'm afraid I would be stepping towards death."
Masahiko nodded and didn't say much more about age.
"I'll stay in Konoha until the Third Hokage is selected. Do you have any suggestions for the candidate?"
"I don't really have any suggestions, but I lean a bit more towards 'Monkey' (Hiruzen)."
Masahiko paused. "Because he is Hashirama's disciple?"
Mito shook her head. "After perfectly mastering the Nine-Tails' chakra, I can sense malice in people. That child Danzo, on the surface, is hot-blooded and positive, but occasionally there is malice in his heart."
Masahiko looked enlightened. He had forgotten about this function of the Nine-Tails.
"Then why didn't you tell Tobirama..."
Mito smiled bitterly. "Basically everyone has malice in their hearts occasionally. Tobirama has no less than Danzo. I lean towards Monkey because his malice is relatively less."
Masahiko paused, then nodded. "Right, how can there be a completely purely good person?"
Mito smiled. "There are some. That child Nawaki is one. Hashirama might have been one too. I feel that Nawaki resembles Hashirama more than my two sons."
Masahiko sighed. "True, only a fool like Hashirama... As for Nawaki, maybe it's because he's still young. What about me?"
Mito smiled and shook her head. "I cannot sense your thoughts."
Masahiko was stunned. He estimated internally that the System could block this kind of mind-reading ninjutsu. Otherwise, having his inner thoughts probed at will and exposing the System's existence wouldn't be good.
He smiled. "You don't consider how long Great-Uncle has lived. If I let you see my thoughts at will, I would be a failure."
Mito smiled and shook her head, not refuting him, but probably not believing him either.
Masahiko was about to explain further when a voice suddenly came from outside. "Elder Masahiko, someone outside the clan grounds seeks an audience!"
Waving to Mito, Masahiko walked out and asked, "Who is it?"
"It is the Hyuga Clan Head."
Masahiko was confused. "What does he want with me?"
Without saying more, he walked out.
Outside the Senju clan grounds, the Hyuga Clan Head, looking quite aged, stood straight. Behind him followed two identical little boys.
Masahiko's expression shifted, and he smiled. "Haven't seen you in ten years. You've aged quite a bit."
The Hyuga Clan Head smiled bitterly. "And you are getting younger and younger."
Masahiko didn't pick up on that comment. He turned back. "Come in and tell me what it's about."
One adult and two children followed closely behind Masahiko, entering the Senju guest room where Masahiko was staying.
"Elder Masahiko, these are my two grandsons, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi. I hope you will accept them as disciples!"
"Cough... cough!" Masahiko had just sat down to drink some water but almost choked, speechless for a moment.
Masahiko wasn't surprised that these two boys were Hiashi and Hizashi; he had guessed that earlier. But he absolutely didn't expect the Hyuga Clan Head's purpose.
"What's going on? Why would I take Hyuga clansmen as disciples..." Masahiko muttered, his face full of confusion.
However, after pondering for a moment, Masahiko gradually understood the Hyuga clan's awkward position in Konoha.
The battle for the Third Hokage was basically settled between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo. After the change in Hokage, it would be time to change the Konoha Elders.
Of the two competing, the loser would likely get an Elder seat. The Uchiha side had Kagami. The remaining seat would likely be contested between the Hyuga and Tobirama's other three disciples. The Hyuga's chances were slim, hence this move; he was looking for outside help.
"However, taking disciples..." Masahiko smiled bitterly in his heart. Having taken Nanako as a disciple, he made Kushina effectively Minato's grandmother-generation (in seniority). If he took Hiashi as a disciple, he would make Hinata Naruto's grandmother-generation.
"Eh?" Masahiko paused. "That actually seems quite harmonious. Both grandmothers and grandsons. Interesting..."
Looking up at the nervous old man and the two ignorant children, Masahiko smiled. "I agree. Send me a copy of your Hyuga Gentle Fist technique tomorrow."
The Hyuga Clan Head was overjoyed at first, then stunned. "The Gentle Fist? You don't have the Byakugan; what use is it to you?"
Masahiko was also stunned. "You asked me to teach your two grandsons; I have to understand a little Gentle Fist, right?"
The Hyuga Clan Head smiled bitterly. "The two children are only six years old. You just need to teach them the basics. I will teach them the Gentle Fist." The Hyuga Clan Head clearly meant to build a relationship with Masahiko, not expecting Masahiko to actually teach them anything specific.
However, Masahiko wasn't having it...
"Teach basics? Refining chakra and throwing kunai? Or the Three Basic Jutsus? You sought out such a powerful senior like me just to teach two kids that stuff? Goodbye!"
The Hyuga Clan Head smiled bitterly and was about to explain, but found himself and the two children floating up and drifting out the door.
Looking at the tightly closed door, the three of them looked completely dumbfounded.
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