"I think the development of these Central-Southern districts has been fairly decent," said Hyuga Soushu, leading his group while inspecting the Central-Southern Border Defensive Force area alongside Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane. "Not only have they moved away from the old rural centralized production model, but even the primary processing seems to be going well."
"All of this is thanks to learning from our colleagues at the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation," Mitokado Homura modestly replied.
"Of course," Koharu Utatane quickly added, "the various ninja clans have also provided considerable technical support, which shouldn't be overlooked."
On the surface, her words seemed to commend the unity and cooperation among the ninja clans within the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation. But in reality, she aimed to remind Hyuga Soushu that the Ruling Four Ninja Clans still had their supporters!
In addition to the Boar–Deer–Butterfly (Ino–Shika–Cho) Alliance, the relationships between the Ruling Four Ninja Clans and other ninja families had remained relatively cordial, even allowing for mutual technical exchanges—this was exactly what Koharu intended to emphasize.
"We need to keep introducing and applying advanced technology across the entire system. Only by enhancing productivity can we achieve greater economic returns," Hyuga Soushu remarked seemingly unaware, just spouting off typical bureaucratic fluff as usual.
The Central-Southern Region, once under the jurisdiction of the Hokage faction in Konoha, had become the most underdeveloped area within the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation faction.
However, this situation was actually intentional. Although it was somewhat related to the poor management by the Ruling Four Ninja Clans, that wasn't the main factor.
The root cause of this underdevelopment lay in the authoritarian pyramid-style economic system devised by Hyuga Soushu.
From its inception, the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation had never been a tool for equal wealth distribution. Its greatest purpose since establishment had always been clan profit accumulation rather than providing benefits for common civilians.
After all, in Hyuga Soushu's eyes, the indigenous population of the Ninja World were nothing more than NPCs—non-player characters with no real agency. He placed little value on the lives of ninjas themselves—let alone those of ordinary civilians.
But any system—especially a pyramid structure—inevitably required a base level, and the most suitable group to serve as this foundation naturally became territories governed by the opposing Hokage faction.
Therefore, during his inspection tour, Soushu deliberately ignored numerous deficiencies in the Hokage-controlled regions, while enthusiastically praising even the smallest improvements observed.
This somewhat eased the concerns of Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane.
After completing the inspection of the Hokage faction's territory, since Mahiru Uchiha suddenly felt unwell, Hyuga Soushu canceled all subsequent inspection plans and immediately returned to the Central Command Post in Hakone Prefecture.
Meanwhile in Konoha, after quietly getting married, Hiashi Hyuga accepted the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Anbu Patrol Forces, appointed by Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, and began recruiting members for the Ninja Force within Konoha.
In the age of one village, one nation, when the Five Great Countries stood in balance, Konoha's official Standing Ninja Army stationed within the village was formally composed of only two branches: the Anbu directly under the Hokage and the Policing Department led by the Uchiha Clan. However, after the Uchiha Clan gradually moved into and assumed de facto control of the Western District, the Policing Department naturally experienced continuous personnel reductions, leaving Konoha's internal security increasingly vulnerable.
Although the Hyuga Clan had taken over the Western District Security Squad with Hiashi Hyuga appointed as commander for public order affairs, due to structural jurisdictional restrictions, this unit operated solely within its assigned area and had no jurisdiction outside of it.
Therefore, the sudden decision made by Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen to establish a new patrol force subordinate to the Anbu wasn't merely about seizing what remained of the hollowed-out Policing Department—it was more importantly in response to Konoha's urgent security needs.
Even though the Ninja World had become relatively peaceful, Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen dared not relax too much—because certain things, once allowed to decay, would prove extremely difficult to rebuild.
Thus, Hiashi Hyuga became the only viable candidate still available for such responsibilities. Considering his original status as head of the Hyuga Main House, securing his cooperation was relatively straightforward, so the Third Hokage smoothly transferred responsibility for rebuilding the security force to him.
Naturally, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't allow himself another potentially troublesome authority figure similar to the former Policing Department. Therefore, during the Patrol Force's formation stage, he handpicked three elite Anbu squads and integrated them directly into the Patrol Force, placing them in middle-ranking command roles.
This action strengthened both the Patrol Force's capabilities and efficiency while establishing a delicate balance and system of checks within its organizational structure. It effectively prevented power from being concentrated in any one person, ensuring that under Hiashi Hyuga's leadership, the Patrol Force could operate efficiently while remaining firmly under the Hokage's direct control.
After officially assuming duties several days later, Hiashi found that aside from some grumbling among Branch members previously assigned to the Western District Security Squad, neither Hyuga Soushu nor any key stakeholders voiced objections. He then completely relaxed and launched large-scale recruitment efforts, beginning intense training operations.
At the same time, he collaborated with Black Zetsu to eradicate various criminal factions hidden in Konoha's underworld. Once the Patrol Force achieved initial success through reorganization and training, these criminal organizations were used as public examples—executions followed one after another, swiftly improving public order across all districts. Through these actions, Hiashi Hyuga quickly rose to fame and public acclaim.
Yet for Black Zetsu, everything Hiashi had done held little real significance.
What truly mattered was how Hiashi could ascend through manipulation into Konoha's upper echelons of leadership, obtain the legendary [Impure World Reincarnation] technique from the Scroll of Seals controlled by the Hokage, and then refine and perfect this forbidden jutsu.
Although Madara Uchiha had secretly obtained part of the Scroll of Seals before his feigned death, the original version of the Impure World Reincarnation technique was merely used in conjunction with Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags for suicide attacks. He had no concern about how powerful the resurrected warriors might be.
But Black Zetsu's objective was entirely different.
Although theoretically speaking, Hiashi Hyuga's Byakugan and Madara Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan both originated as offshoots of the Otsutsuki bloodline, their effects were completely different.
Moreover, no matter how much the Byakugan evolved, it could never unleash a supreme genjutsu like [Infinite Tsukuyomi].
Therefore, to rescue the goddess trapped on the moon, Black Zetsu needed to use forbidden techniques like Impure World Reincarnation to bring back the fallen Madara Uchiha. Then, after gathering all the Tailed Beasts to become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, he would activate [Infinite Tsukuyomi].
Though it seemed like a long and roundabout route, Black Zetsu had no other choice—it was the only viable path left.
"Do not indulge yourself in these futile powers. Only returning to your innate abilities is the true foundation for a Hyuga ninja's existence."
In the dead of night, Black Zetsu returned to Hiashi Hyuga's mansion and whispered into his ear: "Moreover, those so-called subordinates are nothing but fickle opportunists who shift allegiances with the wind—they're definitely not worth trusting!"
"Then what exactly is trustworthy? You?"
Hiashi Hyuga retorted.
"Not just me alone."
Black Zetsu molded his mud-like body into arm shapes while clapping his hands together.
Moments later, countless pale white heads burst from the ground, their wide-eyed smiles fixed eerily on Hiashi Hyuga.
"They—this is the real heritage and treasure of our Hyuga clan, your most reliable attendants."
So claimed Black Zetsu.
From Hiashi Hyuga's point of view, however, the White Zetsus' very appearance—and their grotesque smiles—was deeply unsettling.
Forget considering them trusted confidants—Hiashi felt that even looking at those white freaks was an insult to his own eyes!
"Have them leave—for now."
Hiashi closed his eyes slightly, choosing to ignore them.
Sigh...
Black Zetsu appeared quite helpless. After clapping again as a signal, the White Zetsus vanished immediately.
"These count as our Hyuga clan's heritage?"
Only then did Hiashi open his eyes and ask about what Black Zetsu had said.
"That's indeed the case. And the reason they've become like this is because they suffered under [ancient sealing] for thousands of years and endured constant starvation."
Black Zetsu began weaving one lie after another: "Long ago, they were originally Hyuga ninjas who received the power of the Tennin just before death, granting them physical immortality. However, time's force ultimately overpowers human strength, so gradually over long years, they underwent certain mutations."
"Mutations…"
Although Black Zetsu's explanation contained numerous inconsistencies and contradictions, Hiashi Hyuga didn't dwell on those but instead directly focused on one key point: "Can they achieve immortality?"
"It's only physical immortality though, since those Hyuga ninjas were already severely injured back then. That's why they recklessly used this forbidden power."
Black Zetsu continued trying to persuade him, "But for these clan members, being able to preserve their physical forms and protect their people was already an extraordinary feat. It was also a result of the limitations of their era. Even the Tennin, honored master of that time, had no better alternatives."
"Are you saying these were former members of the Hyuga Clan?"
Hiashi Hyuga's eyebrows knitted together so tightly they could almost crush a fly.
"They were once ninjas belonging to the Hyuga Clan."
Black Zetsu spoke with firm conviction.
Hiashi remained skeptical.
"This is the intelligence I've gathered and organized for you,"
Black Zetsu immediately took out a scroll and placed it in front of Hiashi Hyuga, attempting to divert his attention.
Hiashi immediately picked up the scroll and started flipping through it.
Though under house arrest in Konoha, Hiashi took a keen interest in various events occurring throughout the Ninja World. Taking advantage of this, Black Zetsu specially arranged for a large number of White Zetsus to gather all sorts of intelligence from across the Ninja World, which was then sorted and submitted to Hiashi.
The ultimate purpose of all this was to ignite Hiashi's ambitions and guide him into following Black Zetsu's plans and performing certain actions accordingly.
Although Jiraiya had strong aversion toward Root, he still accepted Tatsuma Aburame, who had been dispatched by Danzo, and secretly traveled to the former Daimyo's court in the Land of Fire to meet with the deposed Minamoto Daimyo.
Though he had long lost his previous power and influence, due to the geographical location of the Daimyo's court, the Minamoto Daimyo still maintained considerable wealth and lived in continuing luxury.
Yet for the noble Minamoto Daimyo, living behind closed doors as a rich man wasn't what he truly wanted. Especially heartbreaking for him was the complete loss of coinage authority.
Therefore, with Danzo brokering the deal, the Minamoto Daimyo secretly recalled the Guardian Ninjas he had previously disbanded and began training them again, waiting for the right moment.
The Minamoto Daimyo also showed remarkable patience. During the period when the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation operated steadily, he made no rash moves whatsoever. He simply obediently collected tolls or commercial taxes within the designated quotas, almost making himself completely undetectable in terms of any misconduct. His behavior appeared both legally compliant and modestly restrained.
When Jiraiya secretly arrived at the Daimyo's court, the Minamoto Daimyo received him promptly.
"I know exactly what you're doing!"
The Minamoto Daimyo spoke bluntly, offering not even a word of polite small talk with Jiraiya.
In his eyes, all ninja were potential rebels—only differentiated between those overtly or covertly defiant. Thus, his ability to speak calmly with Jiraiya was actually a testament to his extraordinary self-control.
"It seems Your Highness isn't quite satisfied with the current situation either!"
Jiraiya, naturally a free-spirited person, didn't take offense at the Minamoto Daimyo's attitude.
"Since Lord Danzo considers you trustworthy, I won't mind investing a little money in support."
The Minamoto Daimyo softened his tone slightly.
"Once the Ninja World is set right, the one-village-one-nation system will surely be restored."
Jiraiya quickly offered lofty promises.
After all, everything was currently just hypothetical, and he didn't mind painting a beautiful pie in the sky for the Minamoto Daimyo.
"Excellent!"
"Minamoto Daimyo, as the former ruler of the Land of Fire, naturally understood that such promises were nothing more than empty talk — but he didn't care.
Right now, the most important thing was to stir up the stagnant waters of the Ninja World currently overshadowed by the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation. Only in the ensuing chaos could Minamoto Daimyo fish for his own benefit.
Otherwise, if the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation remained in power too long, noble courtiers like Minamoto Daimyo would be erased from history altogether!
That would truly leave him completely helpless, with nowhere to turn for help!
"Fifty billion!"
Jiraiya shot out boldly. "I hope Your Highness can fund me fifty billion annually so I can develop the righteous forces of the Ninja World!"
"Empty words won't cut it."
Minamoto Daimyo gave a slight shake of his head.
"I'll raise my banner within five years and pacify the Ninja Clan turmoil within ten years!"
Jiraiya kept making big promises.
He wasn't entirely sure how strong he would become in the future, but he believed firmly that the forces of Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave wouldn't stand by while he faced danger.
After all, Elder Toad Sage had already decided to intervene directly in the Ninja World's affairs. The only uncertainty was when the Ninja Frogs of Mount Myoboku and the Ninja Snakes of Ryuchi Cave would be deployed in full force.
"Really?"
Minamoto Daimyo couldn't help sitting upright.
In Danzo's plan, the timeline stretched over several decades. It might have sounded solid and credible, but that wasn't what Minamoto Daimyo wanted.
He believed the task he needed to accomplish — restoring the Minamoto family's rule — must happen within his lifetime. Decades were far too long; he simply wouldn't live to see such distant results.
"With support from two Holy Places, it shouldn't be a problem!"
Jiraiya kept boasting.
"In that case..."
Minamoto Daimyo thought for a moment, then habitually countered with a lower offer. "How about thirty billion a year?"
"Great!"
Jiraiya didn't even try to haggle — he agreed right on the spot!
Oops! That was too quick — way too high!
Minamoto Daimyo immediately regretted his decision.
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