At the Hyūga clan compound.
Hyūga Hoheto stood at the entrance, welcoming guests with a smile.
Today was Hizashi's wedding day.
"You're here? Please, come inside—Hizashi-niisan has been waiting for you for a long time!"
"Committee Member Sakumo—ah, it's been a long time since I last saw you…" Hoheto greeted everyone warmly. Although it was Hizashi's wedding, he himself felt just as happy.
The current Hizashi was, without question, the leading figure of the branch family.
He was also a "Konoha Committee Member," a trusted aide by the Hokage's side.
In the past, they had tactfully advised Hizashi to leave behind descendants…
But Hizashi had said that his life had already been entirely dedicated to Hokage-sama, and that he would absolutely not engage in such energy-wasting matters!
'Hokage-sama really is the best—ordering Hizashi-niisan to get married…'
Hoheto did not know about the experiment Hizashi was going to undergo.
Only Tenzō, as both a "Konoha Committee Member" and Hizashi's father, had been informed by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But Tenzō did not resent it—instead, he felt a trace of admiration for his youngest son.
To carve out a brand-new life while bearing the storm of blades and frost of the Caged Bird seal… truly—
"Committee Member Kurama, this way please!"
"Candidate Minato—ah, when are you coming back to the Academy? We're all waiting to see your performance…"
As more and more guests arrived, the excitement in Hoheto's heart steadily grew.
Hizashi-niisan's connections were truly vast…
Meanwhile, Hyūga Kō, a main family member who had voluntarily come to help with the wedding, couldn't help but feel envious at the sight.
This was too powerful—too well-connected…
He might be from the main family, which sounded impressive, but once he stepped outside, who would even recognize him?
The current Hizashi—just by standing in Konoha—
Even if not to the point of shaking the ground with a single step…
He was still someone no one could ignore.
'I heard that even Danzo treats Hizashi with some respect, because he is the Hokage's eyes…' Hyūga Kō sighed unconsciously.
A thought even surfaced in his mind…
Had he been born too early back then? If he had gone to the branch family instead, maybe he could have replaced Hizashi…
'Better help Hizashi out. I used to put on airs in front of him quite a bit.'
'I've got to repay that… I still want him to put in a good word for me with Hokage-sama, maybe get me a chance to advance…'
Hyūga Kō shook his head and put on a smiling face.
The Hyūga clan was a thousand-year noble clan; their etiquette was thorough and elaborate.
For example—the "guest announcement segment"…
Whenever a jōnin arrived, Kō would channel chakra and loudly announce their presence.
It was both a sign of respect and a display of the Hyūga clan's prosperity.
"Committee Member Hiruko has arrived!"
"Committee Member Isshin has arrived!"
"Committee Member Tsunade has arrived!"
The more Kō announced, the more numb he felt.
Out of the twenty "Konoha Committee Members," more than half had already arrived!
And that didn't even include various officials with positions, like Shinnosuke and other veteran jōnin.
As a member of the main family, Kō had some standing within the clan—but outside, who knew him?
The current Hizashi could be said to have eyes and hands reaching everywhere in Konoha.
'It's only because Konoha under Hokage-sama's rule has been getting better and better…'
'In the past, someone at Hizashi's level—if he had a grudge against me—he could plant me in the ground and claim he was growing medicinal herbs, and no one would dare say a word…'
Kō sighed, and that was precisely why he held no resentment in his heart.
Hiruzen had indeed drawn in Hizashi from the branch family, but he had not treated the main family poorly either…
Clan head Tenzō was also a Konoha Committee Member and currently held an important position.
Father and son—Hizashi and Tenzō—had now reconciled.
One handled internal affairs, overseeing everything for the Hokage.
The other handled external matters, responsible for overseas infiltration.
Kō's pupils suddenly shrank—he saw two heavyweight figures approaching.
"Is this where we place the gifts?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru walked over together, smiling as they nodded at Kō.
"This is my gift. And this monetary gift is from Jiraiya—he's currently in Mount Myōboku undergoing closed-door training, so although he couldn't come, the gift has arrived. Please pass along a message to Hizashi for me…"
Kō nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, Hokage-sama!"
Inwardly, he couldn't help but marvel—just look at the circle Hizashi now moved in.
There were no chūnin to be found in his company—only committee members!
Even Jiraiya, while training in a sage region, had to entrust Hokage-sama to deliver a gift.
In truth, Hiruzen had paid it on behalf of that foolish disciple—Jiraiya didn't even know about it…
"Hokage-sama…"
Hiruzen looking over the guest list, Kō gathered his courage and asked: "Do I… have a chance to serve under you as well?"
Hiruzen was slightly surprised.
The main family—weren't they already living quite comfortably within the Hyūga clan? Still seeking advancement?
"Of course. But what can you do?" Hiruzen asked with a smile.
Hyūga Kō froze.
What could he do?
He did have a pair of pure Byakugan, but his Gentle Fist was mediocre—neither strong in offense nor in technique…
His face flushed instantly.
"Young man, anything is fine—just say it boldly," Hiruzen said, smiling as he patted his shoulder. "It doesn't have to be combat-related. Everyone has different strengths…"
Hiruzen was quite willing to draw more main family members into his camp.
Politics was the art of balance.
If he pressured the main family too much, the Caged Bird technique would become a hidden danger.
Hyūga Kō hesitated for a long time.
What could he do?
"Don't be shy," Hiruzen said. "Let me hear it."
"I can…"
"I'm quite familiar with noble etiquette. I understand the customs of great clans, and I'm good at communication…"
Orochimaru's expression did not change, but inwardly he sneered.
Wasn't this just like those foolish nobles of the Land of Fire? Climbing the ranks, flattering the powerful, currying favor…
The more Hyūga Kō spoke, the redder his face became.
He had always been thinking about how to become Hizashi—but had forgotten the hardships Hizashi had endured to get there…
"Not bad…"
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "In some time, come see me. Work hard."
Hyūga Kō was stunned—someone like him could actually be useful?
Orochimaru felt puzzled.
Aside from those pure Byakugan—which could serve as experimental material—this Hyūga Kō was practically useless.
After Hiruzen walked forward—
Hyūga Kō's heart raced, but he forcibly calmed himself and prepared to register the gifts.
Yet he couldn't help but click his tongue in shock—
The item listed was once Senju Tobirama's personal sword…
The Sword of the Thunder God!
"Hokage-sama personally presents to the groom Hizashi: the former personal blade of the Second Hokage—one of the greatest treasures of the shinobi world, the 'Sword of the Thunder God'! Congratulations to the newlyweds!"
Channeling chakra, Hyūga Kō loudly announced the gift like a ceremonial chant.
His voice echoed across the entire clan compound.
At once, waves of astonished admiration erupted—everyone marveled at the Hokage's generosity and Hizashi's good fortune…
Hiruzen's eyes flickered slightly.
Hyūga Kō… was actually quite clever.
"Congratulations, Tenzō. Hizashi is getting married today…"
Hiruzen smiled as he spoke to Tenzō, who had jogged over.
"Hokage-sama, this gift is too heavy—far too heavy!" Tenzō beamed, waving his hands repeatedly.
"My sensei once told me that this sword should be placed in the hands of the ninja most loyal to Konoha…"
"Hizashi is worthy of it."
"And so is the Hyūga clan," Hiruzen added with a smile.
As far as he knew, Tobirama had originally forged this sword to counter Tōenmaru…
But research always involved failures—instead of a water sword, he had ended up with a lightning sword, so it was sealed away.
Now that Tobirama had obtained Izuna's former blade…
Letting this one gather dust would be a waste.
"You flatter us, Hokage-sama!"
"May Hizashi and his wife be united forever—just like Konoha and the Hyūga…" Tenzō said with a broad smile.
"As it should be," Hiruzen replied.
On the wedding stage, hearing Kō's loud announcement, Hizashi unconsciously grasped his wife's hand.
Hokage-sama had truly given him immense face…
Hizashi swept his gaze across the venue. At this moment, both main and branch families looked at him with envy.
Even someone like Hizashi felt a trace of intoxication.
"People spend their whole lives healing the shadows of their childhood—but Hizashi has stepped out of it…" Orochimaru said secretly through genjutsu to Hiruzen.
"That's understandable. Returning in glory—otherwise it's like walking at night in fine clothes…"
"A person only gets this once in their life—let him enjoy it properly," Hiruzen replied with a smile.
"Sensei, what are you planning to have Hyūga Kō do? I don't see much ability in him," Orochimaru asked casually within the genjutsu.
Although the Byakugan can see through genjutsu, no one would dare use it on the Hokage in a setting like this…
"Have him make contact with the nobles of the Land of Fire. Arrange a position for him in the administrative department…"
"If he can move so smoothly among the Hyūga main family, then given that they're also a thousand-year noble clan, the aristocrats will recognize that sort of thing."
Orochimaru froze for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.
If it was that kind of work, then Hyūga Kō really was quite suitable for it.
Before attending the wedding, Hiruzen and Orochimaru had held a coordination meeting in the Research Department.
The production output of the "Sage Region Pills" had already achieved another breakthrough.
After nearly a year, the Nara and the other "industrial worker ninja" had finally built up their proficiency.
The formula had also been upgraded.
And with the initial breakthrough in "chakra sustained-release technology," "Sage Region cosmetics" could now begin to be launched as well.
It was not enough to simply sell them—after-sales follow-up and keeping people wanting more would also require ninja to carry out.
Naturally, using ninja from the regular combat sequence for that would be a complete loss.
But someone like Hyūga Kō, a master of feudal social maneuvering, was actually very well suited for this kind of work…
"Sensei, you really do put people to the best use according to their talents!" Orochimaru said with genuine admiration.
"So-so. I only learned how to do that in the last few years. Teaching a genius like you from childhood spoiled my standards." Hiruzen raised his brows.
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth unconsciously lifted—just listen to what Sensei was saying!
Why did it feel so comfortable to hear…?
Next, Hiruzen served as Hizashi's witness at the wedding.
After the wedding ended, Hizashi hurried off in a rush to enter the bridal chamber.
Interestingly, Hizashi was not lustful—he truly had no interest in that sort of thing.
It was only because Hiruzen had forcefully required that he leave behind a bloodline before he could go undergo the Chimera Technique experiment…
In Hizashi's view, as long as his wife became pregnant, then there was no need to wait for the child to be born!
He could go directly sacrifice himself for Hokage-sama and for the village—delaying even one more day would mean he had no conscience!
...
On the streets of Konoha, Orochimaru and Hiruzen walked side by side.
During this period, Orochimaru had not only been working with Hiruko to prepare the Chimera Technique ritual for Hizashi, striving for success so that this fierce general of the Hokage could be elevated…
He had also gone to the so-called "Longevity Village" and brought back a great deal of valuable research material.
Orochimaru discovered that the people of that village were innately capable of absorbing natural energy.
Based on their bodily fluids, it might be possible to research a way to break through into sage techniques, even if only an inferior version.
Orochimaru named this experimental project the "Curse Mark."
"Sensei, are you sure this Curse Mark is to be developed at the lowest possible potency?"
Orochimaru said thoughtfully, "Then the degree of enhancement will be quite limited…"
"Not the lowest possible potency—the safest possible method."
Hiruzen corrected him. "The logic is the same as when researching the First Hokage's cells…"
"For the sake of limited enhancement in one individual, crippling ten or even dozens of good seedlings is absolutely not worth it."
"Besides, by your own account, when the people of that village absorb natural energy, they become berserk and are consumed by the urge to kill. So what use is that kind of unstable power?"
According to Orochimaru's estimates, if cost were no object, he could rapidly develop a finished product.
But the price would also be extremely cruel.
In Orochimaru's conception, the Curse Mark would be divided into two high-level categories: the "Heaven Curse Mark" and the "Earth Curse Mark."
The rest would be ordinary Curse Marks.
But even the ordinary Curse Marks had an extremely low survival rate upon implantation, probably not much better than Hashirama's cells…
Though they indeed could allow one to grasp some natural energy.
"This is going to waste a lot of funds, Sensei…" Orochimaru said with a light laugh. "I should make that clear to you first!"
"You, honestly—talent is the most precious thing, and the advantage is on our side right now."
Hiruzen shot his disciple a glance.
"Next time, just say what you mean. I'm not going to rush your experimental progress just because the research cycle is long…"
"I think what you really want to tell me is that, for the profits from the next batch of Konoha products, a larger share should be tilted toward the Research Department, right?"
"There's no way you don't understand how I think by now, kid."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "This is a little awkward—Sensei saw right through me…"
"Of course I understand and agree with your way of thinking. It's just that Danzo has been mocking the Research Department lately, saying we put in the motion but not the force. Do you think I can strike back in a reasonable way?"
"You two can play your own games—just don't affect the other ninja…"
Hiruzen waved his hand. "I think you've been wanting to trip him up for a long time already!"
"Sensei, you're quite good as Hokage. I'm not in any hurry at all…" Orochimaru said with complete sincerity.
What he wanted most was Sarutobi Hiruzen's recognition, and besides, what time would being Hokage leave for research…?
"It's just that seeing Danzo acting as your assistant really annoys me…"
"He's always pointing fingers, using the title of assistant to pressure me. Who does he think he is?" A trace of coldness flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.
Having once worked under Danzo counted as one of the black marks in his life.
"Keep the force under control. If there's a chance, I'll let you operate a stint as an assistant too…"
Hiruzen smacked Orochimaru on the head and scolded him with a smile: "I really ought to thank you for not making me anxious to step down!"
"You could keep doing this for another fifty years and I still wouldn't be in a hurry!"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up.
He knew that Hiruzen's promises counted.
...
At the Uchiha clan compound.
Isshin hummed a little tune as he returned from the Hyūga compound.
When he passed Tobirama's house, he slowly and leisurely knocked on the door.
And the moment he entered, he deliberately pressed an ear against the door as if checking whether anyone had followed him.
Tobirama's face darkened.
How was it that after losing the Mangekyō, calm and steady Isshin had become a bit of a comic act…?
Was the impact really that great?
"Clan Head Isshin, what brings you here?"
"Well, I just came back from attending Hizashi's wedding, so I thought I'd stop by and see you…"
Isshin lowered his voice and said, "Did Yata Spirit Invocation work successfully?"
"It did. I met Young Clan Head Izuna." Tobirama coughed lightly.
Isshin instantly became incomparably excited, his fists clenching tight.
"Ancestors above, heaven truly has eyes!" Isshin wanted to shout it loudly, but still suppressed his emotions.
"Well? Did Young Clan Head Izuna agree to give you his power?"
"What impression did he have of you? Did the two of you communicate smoothly?"
Just the thought that he might be able to meet Izuna in the future made Isshin feel like a fan about to meet his idol.
"He agreed, yes…"
Tobirama said slowly, "And I guess his impression of me was fine too. But I think he's a pretty ordinary sort of person. Not only did he make up a whole story about my background, he also said a bunch of random nonsense…"
"Your background?" Isshin scratched his head in confusion.
But worrying that this might be one of Seisui's old scars, he did not ask further.
He planned to find a chance to speak with Izuna in the future and see what exactly it was about…
But Isshin could more or less guess—probably something like Izuna's grandson or the like.
As for making things up, that was probably because he had slept with too many women, and once he started talking about them one by one, Seisui got annoyed…
"So what do you mean by random nonsense…"
"He said Mito-sama is still around, so I'd better stay far away from Uzumaki Shio. Didn't the clan elders say it before? Back then Mito-sama nearly used Adamantine Sealing Chains to whip his face open…"
Tobirama coughed. "He also said it's best not to touch Uchiha girls either. If your luck is bad, it's easy to run into an extreme one, and they're incredibly dangerous!"
Isshin blinked.
That part actually was true, but the problem was, you couldn't leave a kid with that kind of impression…
Leaving Uzumaki Shio aside, what was wrong with girls from their own clan?
Wasn't there also a good girl like Mikoto? Though she really was an exceptional case…
Having just attended a wedding, Isshin was looking forward to Tobirama getting married and having children as soon as he came of age.
'Sorry about this, Young Clan Head Izuna. Well, it's not like you can hear it right now anyway…'
Isshin muttered inwardly, 'It's all for the sake of the clan.'
"Look, Seisui! Don't listen to Young Clan Head's bragging on this sort of thing. Back in the Warring States era, it was all fighting and killing, so everyone was a little pent up…"
"Young Clan Head just made up stories for everyone to hear. How could there really have been that many women who liked him?"
"If he talks to you about battle, or the clan's policies and the like, then you should study seriously."
"But if it's about emotional matters, just take it as a joke and leave it at that. We're just humoring him…"
Tobirama nodded thoughtfully.
Then he turned to Izuna inside him and said with a teasing look: "Well now, so it was all fake?"
Even Izuna couldn't hold it in at that moment. Rarely, he actually swore: "Let me possess your body, Seisui!"
"Damn it, that little brat Isshin actually dares spread rumors about me!"
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