"Submit?"
(T/N: did I stutter!)
Hyuga Hiashi's pupils shrank, his expression turning ugly.
As one of the shinobi world's universally acknowledged dōjutsu bloodline clans, the Hyuga had been rivals with the Uchiha ever since Konoha was founded.
The debate over which was the strongest dōjutsu bloodline—whether the Uchiha's Sharingan or the Hyuga's Byakugan—had never truly ended.
And now Uchiha Yuzuru was asking the Hyuga clan to submit…
Wasn't this tantamount to announcing to the entire world that the Hyuga's Byakugan stood beneath the Uchiha's blood-red eyes?
With that thought, Hiashi spoke in a low voice, "Clan Head Yuzuru, I think this request of yours is inappropriate."
"We can follow your command when attacking Konoha, but asking us to submit goes too far."
"You should understand the value of the Byakugan. Even a single Hyuga shinobi can provide tremendous advantages on the battlefield—let alone our entire clan!"
Hearing Hiashi's response, Yuzuru merely chuckled and shook his head, raising an eyebrow as he asked, "Hiashi, do you really think I need the Hyuga clan's strength to attack Konoha?"
A terrifying surge of chakra erupted skyward as Yuzuru's presence climbed higher and higher.
Hiashi immediately felt an indescribable pressure bearing down on him, his breathing turning sluggish.
Under that immense pressure, he instinctively activated his Byakugan.
But in the very next second, cold sweat streamed down his forehead.
"T-this… this level of chakra…"
From Yuzuru alone, he felt something even more terrifying than when the Nine-Tails rampaged through Konoha years ago.
That colossal Susanoo from several years back surfaced in his mind, and clarity struck him all at once.
That's right.
Back then, Yuzuru had single-handedly reduced all of Konoha to ruins.
Even now, many areas on the outskirts of the village were nothing more than clusters of makeshift shanties.
If one Uchiha Yuzuru could do this much on his own, then if he led the Cloud Village in an assault on Konoha, the village wouldn't stand a chance at all.
Why would he need the support of the Hyuga clan?
With that realization, Hiashi asked in confusion, "Clan Head Yuzuru, then what did you mean when you said you needed to borrow our clan's prestige?"
"Exactly what it sounds like," Yuzuru replied calmly. "Konoha was founded by the Uchiha clan. Naturally, I intend to lead the Uchiha back in a dignified return."
"Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo branded the Uchiha as traitors. Then I'll make them fall from grace as traitors themselves."
"With the backing of major shinobi clans, things will go much more smoothly."
After hearing this explanation, Hiashi finally understood.
Because of the Byakugan bloodline, the Hyuga clan held immense prestige within Konoha.
If they publicly supported the Uchiha and accused Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, and the others as traitors, it would deal a devastating blow to the legitimacy of the Hokage faction.
"Of course," Yuzuru added indifferently, "the Hyuga clan's support is merely icing on the cake. Even without it, my plans wouldn't be affected."
"You also know that it's not just the Uchiha anymore. The Senju clan's sole heir, Tsunade-hime, is living in the Cloud Village as well."
"And there's also Orochimaru, Hatake Sakumo…"
"With these cards in hand, it's already more than enough."
A faint breeze drifted into the room, and Hiashi couldn't help but shudder.
Only then did he realize that his back was already soaked through with sweat.
Yuzuru had likely been planning all of this for who knew how many years.
Such deep scheming combined with that terrifying strength…
In Hiashi's heart, Yuzuru instantly became someone he could never afford to provoke.
"So?" Yuzuru asked. "Have you made your decision?"
Hiashi snapped back to himself and nodded respectfully. "I have. I will lead the Hyuga clan in submitting to you."
"Clan Head Yuzuru, do you require the support of other shinobi clans as well? I can help make the rounds."
Since he lacked the power to change anything, the best option was to demonstrate his value as much as possible.
Hiashi felt it would be wise to bring more clans along to submit to Yuzuru.
That way, not only could the Hyuga earn some merit in Yuzuru's eyes, but being one among many clans would at least preserve a shred of dignity.
However, Yuzuru simply shook his head slightly. "Back when the Uchiha were still in Konoha, those clans didn't hesitate to act as accomplices."
"If they want to submit, they'll have to suffer a little first."
Hearing this, a sense of relief unexpectedly welled up in Hiashi's heart.
He had harbored some resentment about the Hyuga being forced to submit, but now he realized that the other clans wouldn't even be given this chance to surrender early.
Once war broke out between the Cloud Village and Konoha, countless clan members would die.
By comparison, the Hyuga were already extremely fortunate.
With that in mind, Hiashi's attitude grew even more respectful. "Thank you, Lord Yuzuru, for granting us this opportunity. We will follow you without reservation."
Yuzuru waved his hand dismissively and continued, "That's only one of the conditions."
The smile on Hiashi's face froze as he asked uneasily, "Lord Yuzuru… do you have any other requirements?"
Yuzuru let out a light chuckle. "No need to be nervous. My request is very simple."
"The Hyuga clan must abolish the Caged Bird system and allow clan members to marry outsiders."
The moment those words fell, Hiashi stood there in a daze.
He had imagined many possibilities.
Money. Supplies. Secret ninjutsu scrolls…
But never had he imagined Yuzuru would make such a demand.
Abolish the Caged Bird system? Allow intermarriage with outsiders?
No matter how one looked at it, that was purely an internal matter of the Hyuga clan.
"Lord Yuzuru… why would you have such an idea?"
Hiashi truly couldn't understand what benefit this condition brought to Yuzuru.
Yuzuru offered no explanation, replying only calmly, "You just need to tell me whether you accept it or not."
As a transmigrator, Yuzuru knew all too well the true potential of the Byakugan.
When the Byakugan evolved to its ultimate form, it would awaken the Tenseigan.
And the Tenseigan stood shoulder to shoulder with the Rinnegan—its offensive power even surpassing it.
Most importantly, the Tenseigan Chakra Mode was simply outrageously cool.
'Coolness is a lifelong matter,' and Yuzuru naturally had no intention of missing out.