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Starlight speckled the sky when Tsuru awoke.
The Land of Rain was strange.
The constant downpour did nothing to dim the brilliant starscape.
It defied all logic.
Seated around him on the tatami were Shisui, Jƫri, Might Dai, and Hizashi Hyƫga.
Huh?
Hizashi Hyƫga?
Tsuru perked up.
"Sensei Hizashi."
Tsuru pushed himself upright, looking at the Hyƫga jonin.
Hizashi's expression was gentle. He offered a small smile. "Tsuru. You're awake. You should eat something."
Shisui retrieved an elegant platter of sushi from a nearby low table.
Tsuru ate while listening to Shisui explain how they'd found Hizashi.
"We couldn't find Sensei Hizashi at first. Then a huge explosion echoed from a street over. JĆ«ri and I went to check, worried something had happened. That's when we ran into Sensei Hizashi, who was heading the same way."
Tsuru froze for a heartbeat.
His Corona Mode Clone had been blasted to pieces. They shouldn't have recognized it⊠right?
"By the way, Tsuru, what happened to you?" JĆ«ri finally tore his gaze away from Tsuru as he ate, his expression serious. "We came back to find you passed out cold on the floor!"
His heart had nearly stopped when he'd seen Tsuru collapsed earlier.
Tsuru shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "It's nothing. Just⊠haven't had much proper rest these past days running around. Must have finally caught up with me."
A faint blush tinged his cheeks.
Their eyes immediately softened with concern.
So Tsuru had been pushing himself so hard all this time?
JĆ«ri gritted his teeth. He'd make sure Tsuru had nothing but comfort from now on!
On the other side of the village, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato had traded the corpse of "HĆzuki ShĆ«getsu" for a substantial reward. They'd hired a medic-nin.
The medic worked for a full day, barely managing to stabilize Hanataki's body.
Then, they discovered a critical problem.
Hanataki was⊠gone.
In the literal sense. He'd become a vacant shell.
The medic said it was likely severe brain trauma from the explosion.
No explanation changed the fact. Hanataki was mindless.
"Hanataki?"
Konan's voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes as she called softly.
Hanataki lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, his eyes devoid of light.
"âŠUghâŠ"
Konan couldn't hold back. A sob escaped her.
"Hanataki⊠he's like this because of us!"
Yahiko's eyes were red-rimmed. He placed a hand on Konan's shoulder. "We'll find a way to help him. I know we will."
Even Nagato, watching the lifeless figure, gave a rare, solemn nod.
[Ding! Affection from target [Yahiko] has reached 90!]
[Ding! Affection from target [Konan] has reached 90!]
[Ding! Affection from target [Nagato] has reached 70!]
Tsuru listened to the notifications in his mind, a smug grin spreading across his face.
He was a natural at this.
His [Corona Mode Clone] skill was still crude, barely functional. That "Hanataki" clone had no true consciousness. But once Tsuru's soul power grew stronger and he mastered the skill further, he'd be able to remotely control both his main body and his clones simultaneously.
Double the efficiency. Zero overlap.
And that explosion? Perfect cover for the clone's soulless state. It only made Yahiko's trio more grateful, more moved.
Every day, the clone's vacant stare would remind them of Hanataki's sacrifice. Affection would keep ticking up, bit by bit.
And he'd made a clean exit.
Perfection.
Even the picky system had to silently acknowledge the host's cunning play.
Night fell.
In the luxurious inn room, Shisui and the others slept soundly.
Tsuru lay awake, mind buzzing, waiting for the moment.
[Ding! Target [Nagato]'s affection has reached 70.]
[Skill allocation available. Host may choose to [Accept New Skill] or [Enhance Existing Skill].]
A new option?
Tsuru's spirits lifted.
"Enhance? How much enhancement?"
His [Kotodama Jutsu] was only at 20% mastery. Could the system max it out in one go?
"Enhancement does not equate to the host's delusional fantasies," the system replied coldly.
"System, it's the middle of the night," Tsuru said, glancing at the starry sky outside his window. "Not exactly 'day'-dreaming."
"..."
The system had no retort.
[Please choose: Enhance?]
[Yes] / [No]
Tsuru blinked. He hadn't even picked yet. Since when was this a forced sale?
"Can't I choose a new skill?"
"You can," the system stated. "Data analysis indicates enhancement is currently more optimal for the host's growth trajectory."
[Note: Data calculations provide the most suitable development path.]
"?"
How⊠considerate?
Tsuru blinked again.
[Please choose: Enhance?]
[Yes] / [No]
He pressed [Yes].
[Initiating enhancement for host skill: Hie Hie no Mi.]
[Do not interrupt the process.]
[1⊠2⊠3⊠4⊠5⊠6âŠ]
[Enhancement successful!]
Tsuru immediately checked the skill.
[Hie Hie no Mi Techniques: [Ice Block], [Ice Saber], [Ice Time Capsule] remain for host to unlock through practice. [Ice Path], [Ice Ball], [Ice Time], [Twin Ice Spears], [Ice Block: Pheasant] have been unlocked via enhancement. Remaining locked technique: [Ice Age].]
Better than waiting who-knows-how-long to unlock them himself. Useful.
A shame [Ice Age] was still locked, though.
At first light, after breakfast, they set out to meet Hanzo privately.
Amegakure's architecture was distinctive.
Constant rain rotted wood easily, so the village was built of steel and iron. The ever-present gloom lent the buildings a heavy, oppressive style.
Laced with a strange, grotesque beauty.
Tsuru walked the streets, a conical hat shading his face, admiring the bizarre structures.
The administrative tower stood at the village's highest point, its sharp spire stabbing into the leaden sky.
Hizashi presented the Hokage's official scroll to the Amegakure guards at the base.
The guards saw his Byakugan and knew immediatelyâKonoha.
Trained by Lord Hanzo, they remained expressionless, nodded, and swung the heavy doors open.
No announcement needed. Straight in.
That was their confidence in Hanzo's power.
Warm, yellow lamplight from wall sconces illuminated the long, spiraling staircase inside. They climbed to the very top.
A figure stood with his back to them before a massive floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the steel-and-iron village.
From this height, Tsuru's vision stretched far.
He suddenly understood Hanzo's later descent into power-hungry paranoia.
Standing at the absolute peak, holding an entire village in your palm⊠it must be a heady feeling.
Hanzo didn't speak. He stood, hands clasped behind his back. Every move reeked of deliberate, theatrical gravitas in Tsuru's eyes.
The man dubbed a "Demigod" of the shinobi world exuded palpable pressure. Hizashi hesitated to break the silence.
Finally, after what felt like an age, Hanzo spoke.
"The Hokage sent you for a peace treaty?"
His gaze landed on Hizashi.
The old treaty had expired. Konoha ninja in Amegakure now could mean only one thing.
"Yes."
Hizashi nodded. He unrolled a scroll, displaying the terms dictated by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hanzo's eyes scanned the contents. A faint, contemptuous smirk touched his lips. "The Hokage lacks sincerity. Amegakure lost the last war, yes. But dragging those old, lopsided terms into a new agreement? Unacceptable."
The previous treaty had been punitive, full of humiliating clauses for the defeated Land of Rain.
And the Third Hokage wanted to renew them?
Did Hanzo look like a pushover?
His eyes darkened. His gaze swept over Hizashi and the genin.
Hizashi's scalp prickled. "The Hokage is sincere in fostering friendship with Amegakure. He would never insist on maintaining those clauses."
With that, he produced a second scroll from his pack.
Tsuru's eyebrow twitched.
A classic move. Slap them, then offer candy.
So very⊠Hiruzen.
ButâŠ
Tsuru's eyes flicked to Hanzo. This guy didn't seem like he'd play along.
"Play along" was an understatement. Hanzo looked ready to spit fire, feeling utterly toyed with by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He finished scanning the new scroll and let out a series of cold, humorless laughs. His eyes lingered on Hizashi's Byakugan. "If the Hokage desires a true alliance⊠he should show some sincerity."
Tsuru knew exactly where this was going.
The old snake was about to start squeezing.
"The Hokage knows our situation. The Land of Rain is poor. Resources are scarce. Our people sufferâŠ"
Hanzo adopted a pained expression. "If Konoha were to offer⊠substantial aid to help our nation and village recover⊠we would be most willing to sign a treaty of mutual friendship and support."
Hizashi's face tightened.
Tsuru frowned.
Konoha was fighting on two fronts against Iwa and Kumo, with Kiri harassing the coast. Manpower and resources were stretched thin. Where would they find extra to give to Amegakure?
Hanzo's demand was impossible.
Hanzo settled into his office chair, enjoying Hizashi's strained expression.
"Lord Hanzo⊠I lack the authority to decide such matters. I must return to the village and inform the Hokage."
Hizashi seemed to sense danger. He took a step back, starting to reroll the scrolls.
A glint of mockery appeared in Hanzo's eyes. "There is⊠another way to secure our alliance."
Hizashi paused.
A cold knot formed in Tsuru's gut.
Hanzo was cut from the same cloth as DanzĆ. His words were poison.
"The Byakugan⊠a truly remarkable Kekkei Genkai."
Hanzo mused, his tone thoughtful.
Hizashi's face went as dark as a storm cloud.
They all understood.
Hanzo wanted a Byakugan.
ButâŠ
Tsuru's gaze dropped to Hizashi's hands, clenched so tightly the knuckles were white, veins bulging.
Hizashi was of the Branch Family.
His eyes were sealed by the Caged Bird. Removal meant destruction.
Hizashi wasn't just furious at Hanzo's greed. He was choking on the bitter hatred of his own cursed fateâthe Main Family, the Caged Bird Seal, the hypocritical elders, every covetous eye turned his way.
Hanzo's gaze turned icy. He tapped the desk. "One pair of Byakugan. For the treaty. A fair trade, don't you think?"
Suddenlyâa spark.
A connection flared in Tsuru's mind.
In that instant, he thought of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
And everything clicked into place.
Why did he assign this mission specifically to Hizashi Hyƫga?
A cold dread crawled up Tsuru's spine.
He'd been so caught up in acting, in collecting affection points⊠he'd forgotten.
The world of shinobi held pure warriors and martyrs.
And it held cold, calculating, utterly ruthless schemers.
The Byakugan and Sharingan were the most coveted Kekkei Genkai. And the Hokage had sent a HyĆ«gaâthis HyĆ«gaâon this mission.
Tsuru's hands and feet went numb. He looked at Hizashi.
A disposable pawn?
Hiruzen knew about the Caged Bird. The secret wouldn't leak. But Hizashi⊠Hizashi could die here.
If Hizashi died in Amegakure, Hiruzen would hold all the moral high ground. He could pressure Hanzo, get his treaty, maybe even extort more concessions.
And what about him, Shisui, JĆ«ri, and Might Dai?
More pawns?
A bitter, mocking smile twisted Tsuru's lips.
He was just an orphan. But he had ties to Tsunade. A good reputation among the lower and mid-rank ninja.
If he died here⊠it would ignite Tsunade's rage. Stoke the hatred of countless ordinary shinobi. Boost morale and fighting spirit on the front lines.
Shisui and JĆ«ri? Uchiha. Promising geniuses of their generation.
Their deaths would cripple the Uchiha's future and sow discord between the Uchiha and Hyƫga clans, keeping Konoha's two great families locked in checkmate.
How many birds was he killing with this one stone?
Tsuru had to admitâif the timing weren't so damn awfulâhe'd want to give Hiruzen Sarutobi a standing ovation.
The art of balance, of manipulation⊠the old man had mastered it to a terrifying, brilliant degree.
"It seems that won't be possible, Lord Hanzo."
Hizashi's voice was flat. He reached up and untied his hitai-ate.
The green, X-shaped mark of the Caged Bird Seal was laid bare for all to see.
"What is this?"
Hanzo frowned, confused.
Shisui and the others stared, shocked.
The Caged Bird was a closely guarded secret. Only Konoha's highest brass and the Hyƫga clan knew.
"A clan restriction. It destroys the Byakugan upon removal."
Exposing his deepest shame, his brand of servitude, in front of strangers⊠it cost Hizashi dearly.
Tsuru sighed inwardly.
What was the point?
Sure, the seal offered some "protection." But at what cost to a man's soul?
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