When Natsuki returned to the residence arranged by Raikage A, he found Neji sitting absentmindedly on the rooftop, gazing into the distance, lost in thought.
He immediately leapt up beside him.
"Neji, what are you thinking about?"
"Natsuki." Neji came back to his senses, shaking his head. "Nothing."
But Natsuki could see the faint sadness lingering in Neji's eyes, and immediately recalled the grudge between the Hidden Cloud Village and the Hyūga Clan.
Back then, the Hidden Cloud had recognized the Byakugan's strategic value and attempted to steal one. During peace treaty negotiations with Konoha, they tried to kidnap the Hyūga heiress, Hinata. But Hiashi Hyūga discovered them and killed the intruder on the spot.
Afterward, the Hidden Cloud shamelessly accused the Hyūga of murdering their envoy, deliberately sabotaging peace, and demanded the perpetrator be handed over.
The Third Hokage didn't stand firm—instead, he caved, pressuring the Hyūga Clan to yield. Hiashi, foolish as he was, even acted as though he would sacrifice himself in exchange for peace.
Regardless of whether Hiashi was sincere or just posturing, the main family would never allow the clan head to die. Naturally, the burden fell onto his twin brother, Hizashi, who became the scapegoat.
Thus, Hizashi left Neji behind and chose death—for the first and only time, making a decision for his own life. This was the root of Neji's hatred toward the main family.
He had spoken of this matter with Natsuki before. Now, being in the Hidden Cloud once again inevitably dredged up those memories.
Natsuki, never one to be reserved, asked directly:
"Neji, do you hate the Hidden Cloud?"
Neji froze, then after a long pause replied, "Perhaps I do hate them, since they were the trigger. But the true cause lies in the main and branch family system. Even without the Cloud, something else would have sparked it. The clan is already rotten. To be precise, my father was killed by the main family's system. My vengeance is directed at them. And the way I'll take revenge—will be to bring the lofty main family crashing down from their throne."
As he spoke, a faint blue light flickered in his eyes.
Natsuki, of course, knew about Neji awakening the Tenseigan. When Neji returned from the Hyūga ancestral grounds, Natsuki had sought him out.
He only wanted to congratulate him. After all, had it not been for Natsuki, Neji would likely still be shackled by fate, drowning in self-pity and despair, never reaching the heights he had today.
As for how Neji chose to act, Natsuki felt no need to interfere.
He knew clearly that Neji's heart was kind. Even if he pursued revenge against the main family, he would never harm the innocent—and that alone was enough.
As for the Cloud, Neji likely was just remembering his father, nothing more.
Natsuki patted his shoulder.
"Do whatever you feel you must. I'll support you. I'll always be your friend."
Neji smiled faintly.
"Thank you. Becoming your friend is my honor."
Natsuki said nothing more, jumping down from the rooftop.
Not long after he went inside to rest, Kakashi came calling, saying it was time to return.
"Return?" Natsuki was still groggy. "Has Lady Tsunade already finished negotiations with the Raikage?"
Kakashi shook his head.
"No agreement. Every time they talk, they just end up arguing—both refusing to budge. And with Iwagakure and Sunagakure not sending representatives, only two villages can't move discussions forward. For now, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki is hidden well, unlikely to be discovered. The real danger is Konoha—Lady Tsunade can't remain away too long, she has to return and oversee the village."
The Cloud had sent requests for aid to Konoha, Iwa, and Suna, but only Konoha responded.
Iwa still had their own Five-Tails Jinchūriki to protect and no spare strength to send.
Suna simply lacked the manpower—aside from Baki, there was hardly anyone of sufficient caliber. If Baki left, who would guard the village?
Thus only Konoha could come, and thanks to the Flying Thunder God, their travel was unhindered.
Even though Konoha had four Jinchūriki to protect, they managed with ease—something the other villages envied greatly.
But as Kakashi said, the Hokage couldn't be away too long. This discussion would have to wait for another opportunity.
Natsuki, Neji, and Sasuke followed Kakashi into the conference room, where they found both Tsunade and Raikage A fuming—clearly fresh from another shouting match.
Kakashi quickly said, "Lady Tsunade, I've brought everyone."
Tsunade nodded.
"Then let's leave. Talking with this muscle-brained fool is nothing but a waste of time!"
Raikage A roared, "Tsunade! Say that again if you dare! You're the one wasting my time! I've had enough—let's settle this with a fight!"
"Fight? Then fight—"
"Wait!"
Natsuki stepped in front of Tsunade.
"Raikage, if you want a fight, I'll stand in for Lady Tsunade. After all, she's a noble Hokage, and a beautiful woman besides. Hardly fitting for her to brawl with a brute like you. I'll take her place. And if you think it's bullying for a young man to fight someone of your age, feel free to choose someone else to stand in. I promise I won't kill them. Come on!"
Raikage A: …
Darui: …
The room fell silent.
Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle.
She knew Raikage was all bark—when faced with someone stronger, he wouldn't dare yap, let alone act.
Sure enough, Natsuki was excellent. Not only was his power overwhelming, but he stood up for his comrades at just the right moments—protecting both the village's dignity and her own as Hokage.
Seeing Raikage rendered speechless, Tsunade felt utterly satisfied.
Finally, Raikage A squeezed out a line:
"I won't lower myself to quarrel with a brat like you! If you're leaving, then leave! You're not welcome here!"
Natsuki shrugged, not interested in staying. Using Flying Thunder God, he instantly warped everyone away.
Raikage A stood in silence for a long time before giving Darui a kick.
"Why didn't you say anything back there? Didn't you see your Raikage getting bullied? Learn from Natsuki, you useless fool!"
Darui: Why blame me? You clearly knew you couldn't win, so you didn't dare fight…
—
Konoha, Hokage's Office.
In a flash, everyone appeared back home, only to see Jiraiya sprawled over the desk, snoring loudly. Papers littered the surface—each page scrawled full.
Natsuki instinctively picked one up, giving it a glance. He sneered.
"Heh. Jiraiya-sama is truly dedicated—writing ero novels in the Hokage's office!"
Neji and Sasuke both face-palmed.
Then Tsunade's monstrous strength fist came crashing down on Jiraiya's head.
"Jiraiya! I left you to guard the village, and this is how you 'guard' it?!"
(End of Chapter)
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