Chapter 209: Hinata Hyūga's Teacher
After two days of travel, the group finally reached Konoha Village.
"Teacher Chen, Uncle Hizashi, I'll see you tomorrow." After registering at the Konoha main gate, Hoshikawa bid farewell to Chen Rōshi and Hizashi Hyūga.
"Wait, Hoshikawa ." Hizashi Hyūga suddenly remembered something and extended an invitation. "If you're free tonight, you can come to the Hyūga Clan for dinner."
He considered that Hoshikawa was returning to the village alone this time. More importantly, Hizashi Hyūga had previously received a message from Hiashi Hyūga instructing him to build a good relationship with Hoshikawa . His exceptional participation in the supply convoy was for this very reason.
"Alright." Hoshikawa thought for a moment and did not refuse. An invitation from one of Konoha's major ninja clans was significant. Furthermore, the Byakugan was of strategic importance, and both Tsunade and he would need their support when they became Hokage.
Hoshikawa turned and walked toward the Hokage Building. As the leader of this supply convoy, he had to report the mission status to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. However, for him, this was secondary; his main goal was the Flying Thunder God Technique.
As Hoshikawa entered the Hokage Building, many people greeted him. In the Third Shinobi World War, he had captured the Four-Tails alive and killed the Third Mizukage. With such illustrious military achievements, his reputation was naturally maxed out.
When he reached the door of the Hokage's office, he paused slightly, seeing the Anbu ninja Hare standing by the door.
"Lord Hoshikawa ." Hare bowed slightly. "The Hokage is waiting for you."
Hoshikawa blinked. He recalled that Hare had previously addressed him by name, so why the change in address today? Clearly, strength is everything.
"Thank you." Hoshikawa replied and pushed open the door to the Hokage's office.
"You've arrived, Hoshikawa ." Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at him, a happy smile on his face.
"Lord Hokage." Hoshikawa stepped forward. "The supply convoy has successfully arrived in Konoha. We need two months' worth of supplies this time."
"I've already arranged for the Anbu to prepare them. You can return to the Land of Rivers tomorrow," Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly, then praised him. "Your feat of killing the Third Mizukage truly astonished me."
"It was all luck." Hoshikawa replied with a smile. The Third Mizukage specialized in Water Release. With the bonus from his titles, Hoshikawa 's Water Release had a slight edge over his, which allowed him to win. Had it been the Third Hokage, Third Raikage, or Third Tsuchikage, he wouldn't have been so confident in defeating them. In terms of pure strength, the Third Mizukage was probably the weakest among the Five Kage; even the Third Kazekage was stronger, as his Magnet Release could suppress the One-Tail Shukaku. Of course, another reason was that Madara Uchiha's manipulation had created a one-on-one duel environment for him and the Third Mizukage.
"Excellent, you're much more humble than Tsunade." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with satisfaction. He had been worried that Hoshikawa , being young and possessing such formidable power, might become arrogant and complacent. Judging by this, even though Tsunade was eccentric, she had taught her student well.
"Did you rush back alone for something specific this time?" Hiruzen Sarutobi proactively asked. With Hoshikawa 's strength and status, there was no need for him to serve as the leader of a supply convoy. He must have come back to Konoha for a purpose.
"Lord Hokage." Hoshikawa didn't hesitate and stated his goal directly. "I hope to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"The Flying Thunder God Technique is not easy to learn," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with some surprise.
"I want to try." Hoshikawa explained, "If I learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, I can do more for Konoha."
"It's commendable that you have this ambition." Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but smile. He stood up and said, "Come with me."
The Flying Thunder God Technique held immense significance and capability, so it naturally couldn't be handed out as casually as other ninjutsu.
Hoshikawa followed Hiruzen Sarutobi, making several turns inside the Hokage Building for a few minutes before entering an underground secret room.
"This room holds all of Konoha's S-rank ninjutsu and forbidden techniques," Hiruzen Sarutobi introduced.
Hoshikawa glanced around, his attention drawn to the huge scroll in the center.
"That is the Scroll of Seals," Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed his gaze and said with a light chuckle. "It records dangerous forbidden techniques."
"I see." Hoshikawa nodded. He was now more certain that Naruto Uzumaki's ability to easily steal the Scroll of Seals in the original story was due to Hiruzen Sarutobi's manipulation. Otherwise, there was no reason for such an important scroll to have absolutely no protective measures.
"With your current achievements, you are already qualified to look through the Scroll of Seals," Hiruzen Sarutobi said after thinking for a moment. "However, forbidden techniques are very dangerous, so you must choose carefully what you wish to learn."
Hoshikawa 's eyes lit up. His first thought was the Impure World Reincarnation. But upon reflection, the unrefined version, before Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi's improvements, was not very useful. Furthermore, Tsunade would definitely not want him to learn a ninjutsu that required living sacrifices.
"The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique," Hoshikawa said after a brief thought.
"The greatest danger of this technique is its excessive chakra consumption," Hiruzen Sarutobi paused. "But since you were able to learn your master's Water Release, it indicates you have more chakra than the average ninja."
As he spoke, he walked to the Scroll of Seals.
"Because the Scroll of Seals is very important, you can only memorize the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique here," Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, pulling over another ninjutsu scroll. "The same goes for the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Understood." Hoshikawa stepped forward. The Scroll of Seals was already open, showing the contents of the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. The ninjutsu scroll in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand was the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Memorize these first," Hiruzen Sarutobi handed him the ninjutsu scroll. "If you have any questions during the learning process later, you can ask the relevant ninja." He was clearly referring to Minato Namikaze, as he was the only one who knew the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Hoshikawa opened the ninjutsu scroll and began reading.
The Flying Thunder God Technique was largely as Tsunade had described, requiring three extremely strict conditions, which he had mostly met. Thanks to the 100% memory bonus from the B-rank title 'Hentai Master', Hoshikawa memorized everything in under twenty minutes.
"Young people, indeed," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a trace of emotion.
"Lord Hokage is not old either," Hoshikawa said with a smile. "You are in your prime."
"You are quite the smooth talker," Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm speaking the truth," Hoshikawa said without changing his expression.
"The future of Konoha belongs to you young people," Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand.
Hoshikawa 's heart felt a strange sensation. That phrase sounded very familiar. However, in the original story, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained Hokage until his death. In other words, he had another ten-plus years left to serve. Of course, with Hoshikawa as the butterfly now, it would be difficult for him to remain in the position for so long.
"Hoshikawa , who do you think is suitable to be the next Hokage?" Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly changed the topic and asked.
"I believe in promoting the worthy, even family. I choose my Master," Hoshikawa was momentarily stunned.
"You're honest, alright." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Your Master is indeed very qualified."
Hoshikawa blinked. Was he preparing to step down voluntarily?
In the original story, Hiruzen Sarutobi's reason for stepping down was to offer an explanation for the ninja who sacrificed their lives in the Third Shinobi World War. In addition, there was pressure from the Konoha elders and the Fire Daimyō. In simple terms, it was pressure from Danzō Shimura. It was a shame that despite all his planning, he hadn't anticipated Minato Namikaze becoming the Fourth Hokage instead of his preferred candidate, Orochimaru.
"You've had a long journey today. Go back and rest." Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't pursue the topic further, chuckled, and said.
"Yes, Lord Hokage." Hoshikawa turned and left the Hokage Building. He glanced at the sky; it was already nearing dusk.
Hoshikawa thought for a moment and went to the nearby commercial street. Since he was going to the Hyūga Clan for dinner, going empty-handed would be impolite.
Hoshikawa 's biggest impression of the Hyūga Clan was their rigid adherence to tradition, making them seem like feudal nobles among the ninja clans. Especially the Caged Bird Seal, which resembled a form of slavery. But that was not his concern for the time being.
Hoshikawa casually picked out a few valuable gifts and then headed to the Hyūga Clan compound. As he walked, he pondered the Konoha Dragon God technique that Chen Rōshi had taught him the night before. Although it was categorized as Taijutsu, he felt it was more of a Nintaijutsu. Its principle was simple: the body spins at high speed to form a tornado, and nearby enemies are sucked into the vortex and shredded. This was the application of Taijutsu combined with Wind Release ninjutsu.
However, it also had a weakness: the eye of the tornado. One would not be harmed inside the eye. In the original story, Chen Rōshi's weakness was exploited by Rock Lee, who successfully countered the Konoha Dragon God. But this weakness wasn't a big concern for Hoshikawa . If he mastered the Lightning Release Chakra Mode and then used the Konoha Dragon God, the weakness would vanish.
Hoshikawa gave a slight sound of surprise. He suddenly realized he could use the Konoha Dragon God to conceal the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. After transforming into a tornado, all one could see was a massive dragon, obscuring the user's actual condition. This was a happy accident.
"Hoshikawa !" a familiar voice called out.
Hoshikawa looked up and saw Hizashi Hyūga standing at the gate. He raised an eyebrow. Hizashi Hyūga was personally waiting to welcome him? He was now fully aware of the change in his status.
"Uncle Hizashi." Hoshikawa stepped forward and handed him the gifts.
"Why bring gifts just for dinner?" Hizashi Hyūga said with a smile. "You are too kind."
"Just a small token of appreciation," Hoshikawa said casually.
"Come in." Hizashi Hyūga accepted the gifts and led him into the courtyard.
Hoshikawa looked left and right, inwardly confirming, Truly worthy of a thousand-year ninja clan; they are wealthy.
"Hoshikawa ." Inside the living room, Hiashi Hyūga stood up and greeted him.
"Uncle Hiashi." Hoshikawa stepped forward and sat across from him. Besides Hiashi Hyūga and Hizashi Hyūga, there were two women in kimonos. He learned through introductions that they were their respective wives. In other words, one was the mother of Hinata and Hanabi Hyūga, and the other was the mother of Neji Hyūga.
The level of hospitality was quite high. Hoshikawa felt they were hosting Tsunade rather than himself. But he didn't mind; he ate and drank as usual.
The Hyūga Clan was less fanatical than the Uchiha Clan. Perhaps that was why their Byakugan found it so difficult to evolve into the Tenseigan. After all, in the original story, the Byakugan only had two evolutionary paths. One was the chakra of the Ōtsutsuki Clan combined with the Hyūga Clan's Byakugan. This path was largely blocked because the remaining Ōtsutsuki Clan were on the moon. The second was the fusion of a massive number of Byakugan. Theoretically, the Hyūga Clan was the one that needed a Night of the Massacre more. However, due to the existence of the Caged Bird Seal, a prodigal son like Itachi Uchiha was unlikely to emerge. No matter how much Neji Hyūga resented his fate in the original story, he could never escape the Caged Bird Seal or do anything radical.
Hoshikawa ate while lost in thought.
"Hoshikawa , do you plan on becoming a Jōnin leader in the future?" Hiashi Hyūga asked after they had mostly finished eating.
"Probably," Hoshikawa paused, saying with uncertainty. Although he wanted to be on the same team as Tsunade forever, that was clearly impossible. Once she became Hokage, she wouldn't have as much time to manage their ninja squad. Moreover, Hoshikawa wouldn't remain a Chūnin forever; he would eventually become a Jōnin.
But he was more curious about why Hiashi Hyūga suddenly brought this up. Could it be...?
"Your strength is extraordinary; becoming a Jōnin is only a matter of time," Hiashi Hyūga said with a smile. "I would like to reserve a student slot for you."
"For whom, may I ask?" Hoshikawa raised an eyebrow.
"That's my fault," the woman in the kimono sitting next to him said with an apologetic look. "I asked him to help me find a good teacher for my unborn child."
"I see." Hoshikawa smiled. "No problem."
It was clear they were talking about Hinata Hyūga. This was undoubtedly a way to foster a closer relationship. However, Hoshikawa did not refuse. In his past life, he had a good impression of Hinata Hyūga. Moreover, as one of the original protagonists, Hinata Hyūga was bound to bring him new titles.
"Then it's settled." Hiashi Hyūga felt relieved upon hearing this. Having Hoshikawa as a teacher was not just about finding a good instructor; it was about securing the status of having a ninja from the Hokage's lineage. With this status, they were closer to the Hokage, which was also a guarantee of safety within Konoha. Besides, the Hyūga Clan only taught the Byakugan and the Gentle Fist. Hoshikawa couldn't really teach her much else anyway.
The lavish dinner concluded. Hoshikawa left the Hyūga Clan under their farewells and returned to Tsunade's house. The reason he didn't return to Kurenai Yūhi's house was that Shinku Yūhi was also away, making the detour unnecessary.
Since there was still time before bed, Hoshikawa began practicing the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Although he wanted to master the Flying Thunder God Technique, fuse Wood Release, and learn Konoha Dragon God, he had to proceed step by step. His immediate priority was to first learn the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Fortunately, he still had plenty of time.
A New Day
The supplies were ready, filling an entire convoy. Hoshikawa , Chen Rōshi, Hizashi Hyūga, and the others escorted the convoy back toward the Land of Rivers.
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