Konoha, now without Danzo and those so-called elders, seemed to have improved a lot.
After the war, the Rain Village showed no signs of movement, focusing instead on internal reconstruction. Iwa seemed to be licking its wounds quietly, though intelligence revealed that Ōnoki personally went to the Land of Earth's Daimyo. It appeared that funding disputes led to a major conflict with him.
Konoha faced the same issue. If Tsunade had not sided with Hyuga Mirai, what she saw would have been a flourishing village, recovering quickly after the war. In truth, Konoha's finances were in dire straits. Due to debts from medicine and weapon supplies, many assets had already been mortgaged, including a commercial street and even Konoha's civilian power grid.
Through the ring terminal, Tsunade could see just how much of Konoha's economy had been taken over.
If Iwa failed to secure funding, it too would likely face Hyuga Mirai's economic infiltration.
The last time Tsunade checked, there were only six trade associations. This time there were already eleven. At first glance, she might have thought Konoha's environment had attracted new businesses, but upon digging deeper, all of them were just fronts for Hyuga Mirai.
Training Ground Two, one of Konoha's larger grounds, was close to the Forest of Death. Apart from the absence of wild beasts and poisonous insects, the environment was nearly the same.
Here, Tsunade sparred with Kiyo Hyuga and Kurenai Yuhi for some time, testing their abilities. Their strength surprised her. Without using her Strength of a Hundred Seal, Sage Mode, Wood Release, or Electromagnetic Field, even she risked losing if careless.
Kurenai's Genjutsu was exquisite, layered and subtle, ready to spring at any moment. Her Taijutsu foundation was also solid, making it difficult for Tsunade to take her down quickly, especially with Kiyo Hyuga pressing the attack.
As for Kiyo Hyuga, her Gentle Fist was formidable, with speed and strength far exceeding Tsunade's expectations. In her normal state, Tsunade could not easily defeat either of them.
"Alright, that's enough."
Tsunade called a halt. The ground around them was shattered, riddled with craters several meters deep. Earth Release shinobi would have to come repair it later.
After the intense sparring, beads of sweat formed on Tsunade's face. Her clothes clung slightly from perspiration, outlining her figure. Kiyo Hyuga, short of breath, found the sight glaring and quickly turned her head away—only to catch another dazzling scene as Kurenai slowly walked up beside her.
"Tch."
Kiyo gritted her teeth silently, then stood up, closed her eyes, and focused on regaining her strength, ignoring distractions.
"I've seen enough. Your strength is excellent—renowned even across the shinobi world," Tsunade praised openly. Kakashi might not necessarily win against them. Even against Kurenai, whom his Sharingan countered, his odds were slim.
Tsunade wasn't sure how others fared with the Sharingan, but even she had fallen under Kurenai's Genjutsu earlier. Though the Sharingan could pierce illusions, Kurenai's methods were tricky enough to still affect Kakashi.
"Your combat styles are already set. Learning my Taijutsu is meaningless. But if you can master certain techniques and Chakra control methods, your strength will greatly improve."
Though Tsunade knew little of Gentle Fist or Genjutsu, she could help them strengthen their weak points.
"Even Taijutsu relies on Chakra enhancement. My technique allows the body to maintain peak condition, and after release, Chakra can further augment speed and power."
A hint of pride crossed her face as she pointed to the violet diamond mark on her forehead. This Ninjutsu had always been her hidden trump card—Chakra stored daily, then released in battle to cover her body with markings, enhancing speed, strength, and granting regeneration.
"Lady Tsunade, you mean to teach us… this Ninjutsu?"
Both Kurenai and Kiyo were shocked. They had done nothing extraordinary, yet Tsunade was willing to teach them her famed S-rank forbidden technique.
"This Ninjutsu is obtainable through the Scroll of Seals based on your merits. As its creator, I'll only share some experience. But don't get too excited. The Strength of a Hundred requires advanced medical skills and precise Chakra control. Whether you can master it is another matter."
She tempered their confidence. Even her student Shizune, skilled in Chakra control, had failed. Though both Kiyo and Kurenai were exceptional, success was uncertain.
"From now on, I'll assign you training tasks periodically. Once you complete them all, you may attempt the Strength of a Hundred."
Kiyo had been of great help to her, and Kurenai was one of Konoha's promising talents. Helping them grow cost her nothing, and it could even trouble Hyuga Mirai—a thought that lifted her spirits further.
After assigning tasks, Tsunade left. With sunset approaching, it was the perfect time for a drink.
Leaving Training Ground Two, Kiyo and Kurenai reached a crossroads and prepared to part ways. But before that, Kurenai mischievously teased Kiyo, then ran off with a laugh.
Kiyo took a deep breath, calmed her expression, and walked back toward the clan compound.
"Clan Head, welcome back."
"Clan Head."
Kiyo responded lightly, "Yes, I'm back."
Branch family members greeted her respectfully. The Hyuga clan now thrived, the rigid traditions and hierarchies torn down by her. Many preferred the new way.
Where once branch members bore the clan's honor out of indoctrination and the Caged Bird seal, now they defended it willingly. Having learned secret techniques like Rotation, Air Palm, and Mountain Crusher, they were eager to raise the Hyuga as Konoha's foremost clan.
At home, Kiyo encountered Neji Hyuga, just back from the Academy. Until graduation, he lived under her roof as her disciple, though technically of the same generation, their age gap was significant.
"Clan Head," Neji greeted respectfully.
"Neji, your strength already surpasses the top graduates. The Academy is of little use to you. From now on, take three days off each week. As long as it doesn't hinder your Gentle Fist training, I want you to learn additional skills. It may be tough—can you manage?"
A flash of joy crossed Neji's eyes. "I can, Clan Head. Thank you for your guidance."
"Good. Come inside."
Just then, Tokuma Hyuga approached.
"Clan Head, many members report someone prying into our affairs. Neji and others have even been questioned on their way to and from school."
"Is that so?" Kiyo frowned and turned to Neji.
Neji recalled, then spoke: "Yes, someone stopped me and asked about my grades and training. At the end, he asked if I'd serve the Hokage in the future. Clan Head, that man was the Hokage's assistant."
"The Hokage's assistant… Yakushi Kabuto. Ignore him for now. His actions are likely linked to the Guard Unit."
Kiyo had her suspicions. If it was the Hokage's assistant, there was no danger for now. After all, Tsunade was even considering teaching her the Strength of a Hundred and superhuman strength techniques.
"Tokuma, are the members for the Guard Unit selected?"
"They're ready, Clan Head. I'll send you the list shortly."
"Good. Bring Iroha as well."
Since she trained by day, Kiyo had to handle clan matters at night, especially with recent reforms and Guard Unit preparations that required her approval.
Back home, Kiyo immediately called for her attendant, Yuu Hyuga. With some nervousness, she lowered her voice. "Yuu, that method you prepared last time didn't work. Do you have anything else that's effective?"
---
"Mirai-sama, I'm back."
The real Hyuga Mirai, Ayaka Uzumaki, who had never gone to the Sand Federation. She ran straight back to Roran. Upon seeing him, she leapt into Mirai's arms.
"I can't breathe—let go."
Hyuga Mirai pushed Ayaka's face back, sighing helplessly. "It's only been a month. You're overreacting, Ayaka."
"The Tailed Beast Chakra?"
Ayaka handed over a nano capsule with a bright smile. Before she could speak, Mirai continued:
"Well done. Go rest for now, Ayaka. I'll have another mission for you soon, and I'll join you then."
(End of Chapter)