"A single 3."
"King Bomb! Plus a Plane."
"Huh—?!"
Inside the villa's card-and-board game room, Tsunade—who came during her midday break and dragged Shizune along—was in the middle of a round of Fight the Landlord with Izayoi.
No matter how many times the "card queen" loses, her craving to gamble remains strong.
But this time, she was completely thrown off. She had just thrown down a diamond three when Izayoi immediately slammed down a King Bomb plus a Plane, ending the round in an instant.
Startled at first, Tsunade then glowered in rage. "If your hand was that good, why didn't you take the Landlord spot?!"
"Who's to blame?" Izayoi spread his hands and mercilessly pointed out, "You're the one who insisted on being the Landlord. Besides, Lady Hokage, your luck is so awful it drags me down. Even with these cards on the same side, Shizune might've scored a pure victory in no time."
"What did you say?! Are you looking for a fight?" Tsunade rolled up her sleeves, seething.
"Calm down, Lady Tsunade," Shizune said with a helpless smile, trying to placate her.
Izayoi showed not the slightest fear, shaking his head in feigned pity. "Gambling with you is no challenge at all, Lady Hokage. I'm honestly worried you'll end up losing all the military funds the Daimyō allocates if you keep at it."
"What—?! You think I'd embezzle public funds?!"
"Who knows? Once a gambling maniac gets going, they're capable of anything, aren't they?"
"You little punk, if you've got the guts, meet me in the arena for a fight!"
"No thanks. I'd have to pay for any damage to the place myself."
"Grrr… Aaaaah!"
Watching Tsunade, now yanking her hair in fury yet helpless against Izayoi, Karin entered from outside with a fruit platter. Softly, she said, "Izayoi-kun, don't tease Lady Tsunade too much."
"I'm just speaking the truth."
Izayoi stood up with a laugh. "Anyway, why don't you step in, Karin? I'm off to do some training."
"Hold it…" Tsunade stopped Izayoi, now looking serious. "Let's switch places. The four of us can play Mahjong, and in the meantime, there's something I want to talk to you about."
Izayoi tilted his head, a bit puzzled. Then all four relocated to a different table and began a round of Mahjong.
"You've been resting for a good while. When are you planning to take on some missions?" Tsunade asked while shuffling the tiles. "Sure, you're loaded, but you don't have enough combat credits under your belt. At this rate, you'll have trouble taking the Jōnin exam next year."
"No hurry—I'll wait a while," Izayoi said with a smile. "Besides, Shino hasn't been promoted to Chūnin yet, and Hinata and I don't want to leave him too far behind."
"Actually, the Chūnin Exams are held twice a year," Tsunade explained while discarding her tile. "You all remember the big one every July because it's so elaborate, set up for observing the overall strength of allied nations. But some teams that have already produced a Chūnin can't take the July exam again because it would create a skill imbalance. Only those who are all still Genin can participate in July. Others take the mid-year in-village Chūnin Exam, which doesn't receive as much hype."
"Got it… Riichi." Izayoi nodded in realization, then put his hand face-down.
Veins of irritation bulged on Tsunade's forehead, and a hint of cold sweat formed there. She continued, "Aburame Shino's pretty capable. Really, none of the Aburame clan members are weak. He should have no trouble with that mid-year Chūnin Exam."
"All I'm saying is you'd better get serious next year. Don't stay so lazy," Tsunade said with a sneer. "At your age, Kakashi was already a versatile Jōnin."
"Tsumo, Seven Pairs," Izayoi announced.
"Are you kidding me? How do you even draw that?!" Tsunade lost her cool again. She threw her tiles aside. "I'm done playing—this is no fun."
"You can leave but at least settle your tab first," Izayoi said.
"I-I'll pay later…"
Tsunade, who'd been so aggressive a moment ago, suddenly wilted. Changing the subject, she adopted a stern tone. "There's something else. Whenever you leave Konoha from now on, be extra careful. Jiraiya sent me some intel a few days back."
"The rumored top of the Three Great Dōjutsu, the Sage of Six Paths' eyes—they're real. And apparently, there's more than just one pair."
"It wasn't actually the Akatsuki leader who teamed with Orochimaru to launch the Konoha Crush. It was some mysterious figure whose gender, age, and identity are all unknown," Tsunade said gravely. "Taking advantage of the confusion in the village, that person broke into Root's underground base, wiped out Danzo and everyone under him, stole every fallen shinobi corpse, and even abducted an Anbu who was once a Wood Release experiment subject."
"What we do know for sure is that the Rinnegan can utilize push-and-pull forces—like controlling gravity and repulsion. It can also make puppets out of corpses, preserving the abilities they had in life. Danzo, his men, and that Wood Release test subject might reappear someday as enemies."
Tsunade sounded relieved when she added, "Fortunately, you were smart enough not to reveal your Wood Release too soon. Otherwise, during the Chūnin Exams, that mysterious figure might have targeted you."
"…"
If Izayoi weren't so good at controlling his expressions, the corner of his mouth might have twitched by now. So it all boils down to a warning to "beware yourself." He maintained a solemn face, nodding. "Understood, Lady Hokage."
"I know you have Mind's Eye of the Kagura, so I'm not too worried about you, but the Rinnegan is brand-new in our world. Nobody knows if there are more powers it's hiding. You need to stay cautious," Tsunade told him, patting his shoulder with a wry grin. "By the way, I've prepared a new Scroll of Seals. If you want to learn some forbidden jutsu, I can hook you up for a price. Don't waste your ninjutsu talent."
"Sigh…" Izayoi shook his head. "Selling forbidden jutsu now, Lady Hokage? And you insisted you wouldn't embezzle—this doesn't exactly help your case."
"Fine, if you don't want it, forget it! You'll regret this, punk!" Tsunade huffed and stormed out.
"…"
Izayoi nearly fired off a retort but swallowed his words at the last second.
At that moment, Karin smiled and said, "Izayoi-kun, lunch is ready. Just warm it up if you get hungry later. I'm heading over to the Hokage Tower to help out and fit in some training."
"All right. Keep at it."
Once Tsunade and the other two women were gone, the villa felt empty. Hanabi was still in classes right now since she hadn't begun winter break yet, and apparently, Hinata was busy and hadn't come over. The "Rookie Nine" were off on missions. The big villa was all Izayoi's.
He didn't feel lonely. He returned to the traditional-style part of the house, created a few Wood Clones, and sent them down to the underground base to train in a particular jutsu. Meanwhile, Izayoi himself went to a tool-filled room, sat at a desk, and continued working on a birthday gift he'd been crafting for Hinata.
…
December 27th.
To Konoha and the wider ninja world, it was an ordinary day. But for the Hyūga clan, it was a day of great importance: the birthday of their main-family heiress.
Since Hinata had showcased such remarkable talent, her standing in the clan had soared far beyond anything in the original story.
Even before Izayoi's Wood Release was revealed, the elders, wanting to secure Hinata's position, repeatedly berated Hiashi, blaming the clan head for "violating tradition" by refusing to brand Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal. If they weren't so old, they might've come to blows.
Once Izayoi's Wood Release came to light, Hinata's status rose even higher. The clan elders who already favored her grew even more loving and enthusiastic. Hence, this year's birthday banquet was extraordinarily grand.
Since last night, the branch members had been busy decorating throughout the clan grounds.
Today, every clan member—main or branch family—got off work early to return home and celebrate Hinata's birthday.
The last time it was this lavish was nine years ago, when not even a diplomatic visit from Kumogakure deterred them from celebrating the heiress's birthday at home. After that, Hinata's birthdays were never so large.
The sudden splendor this year set the Hyūga members abuzz with curiosity. A hint of gossip was in the air.
Meanwhile, December 27th was also a very special, personally significant day for Izayoi. Nine years ago, he'd used his system's beginner package to change his fate.
Without copying Otsutsuki Toneri's red-tier trait, Izayoi wouldn't be anywhere near his current level, even if he had copied Naruto's Sage Body (Red) or Sasuke's Sage Eyes (Red). Indeed, those are strong, but still behind the Otsutsuki Bloodline (Red). Awakening the Rinnegan would likely take another ten-plus years. But with his Otsutsuki (Red) + Prince of the Byakugan (Red), Izayoi had already awakened the Tenseigan.
Sensing its ocular power, he had a feeling that soon, the Tenseigan would undergo its second fetal movement…
…
Late afternoon, Izayoi finished bathing and donned the white robe given to him by the Hyūga sisters. Turning to Karin, he said, "Karin, come with me to Hinata's birthday banquet."
"Huh? Isn't that…not so appropriate?" Karin rubbed her head, a little embarrassed. "The Hyūga clan only invited you. If I tag along, won't that put you in a tough spot?"
"Don't worry—you're family to me. They'll just be eager to flatter you," Izayoi said, patting Karin's hair with a smile. "Besides, Hinata specifically told me to bring you along."
"Heehee… Then I'll shamelessly join in to snag some free food and drinks," Karin said happily, hopping in place. "Wait a sec, let me grab the gift I prepared."
When she came back out, she was also dressed in an elegant purple kimono with a flower petal design, exuding a hint of noble refinement.
They left the house and headed for the Hyūga clan's compound. As usual, Izayoi drew countless stares from the villagers.
Many greeted him with enthusiasm. Lately, whenever Izayoi strolled through the central streets, it was always like this—though it had cooled off somewhat compared to the frenzy at first, when he couldn't even walk and had to fly instead. With a polite, masked smile, he nodded back and hastened his steps.
After crossing a few streets, they arrived at the Hyūga grounds. It seemed the clan had either received word of Izayoi's departure or had simply been waiting at the gate.
Two white-haired elders stood there, backed by a few other clan members, uncertain whether they were their children or subordinates. The moment they saw Izayoi and Karin, they greeted them warmly:
"Welcome, Lord Izayoi. We are so honored to have you here at the Hyūga clan."
"Uh…"
Karin was startled by the show of hospitality. Izayoi, too, froze briefly. Realizing they were apparently high-ranking main family elders (neither had the Caged Bird Seal), he nodded politely. "Hello. Sorry for the intrusion."
Seeing Izayoi so approachable, the elders' smiles widened. One quickly added, "The Clan Head and Lady Hinata have been waiting inside for quite some time. Please follow us, Lord Izayoi."
With that, the two elders took positions at Izayoi's sides, not daring to walk even half a step ahead, merely gesturing for him to proceed.
Their eagerness and deferential attitude left Izayoi astonished. Karin was likewise stunned, as were a few Hyūga members who were in the middle of setting up a buffet or something and accidentally witnessed it.
Elders in the Hyūga clan are authoritative, highly respected. Their decisions can even override the clan head's.
To branch family members, these elders stand just as high as the clan head—usually aloof. But here they were, beaming with wrinkles and humbly flanking Izayoi, looking more like servants flattering their master. It was quite the sight, and their dignified image took a severe hit.
Naturally, Izayoi—caught between these two elders—instantly became the center of attention among the Hyūga.
Both main and branch families looked on with curiosity, pelting him with their Byakugan stares. Some recognized him, had an epiphany, then grew visibly thrilled.
Once Izayoi and the elders moved on, the clan compound filled with chatter, the rumors spreading like wildfire.
So that's the real reason for the extravagance of Lady Hinata's birthday this year—to host Lord Izayoi, the newly-awakened Wood Release user.
Indeed, Lady Hinata and Lord Izayoi clearly aren't just classmates or fellow trainees. He's the descendant of the Senju clan, the future of Konoha, and their future son-in-law!
The entire Hyūga compound buzzed with excitement.
Meanwhile, the two elders led Izayoi to Hinata's home within the clan. For the first time, he had arrived at Hinata's actual residence.
"Onii-san…"
At the entrance to the clan head's home, Hyūga Hiashi and the Hyūga sisters were already waiting.
The moment she saw Izayoi, the younger sibling, Hanabi—showing no restraint—rushed straight into his arms.
Neither Hiashi nor the elders scolded her; if anything, the elders smiled even more broadly. The better the relationship between their future son-in-law and the future clan head, the better for the Hyūga. They didn't have to worry that once Hinata married out, she'd cut ties with them.
"Did I keep you waiting long, Hanabi?"
Izayoi patted the little girl's head, then set her down and looked over at Hinata's father, Hyūga Hiashi. This was his first time meeting his future father-in-law face-to-face. Leading Hanabi by the hand, Izayoi came forward and bowed slightly. "Greetings, Uncle. I'm Izayoi—pleased to meet you."
"Welcome to the Hyūga clan, Izayoi," Hiashi said. Despite his usually stern features, a small smile touched his lips, and he returned the bow. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter all these years."
The elders all looked gratified, reminding Hiashi, "Clan Head, please be sure to entertain Lord Izayoi properly. Do not slight him."
"Yes, indeed," another added. "Lady Hinata, a happy birthday to you. Now we'll take our leave. We won't impose."
"Take care, Elders."
Having already done a walkthrough of the compound with her father, Hinata bowed.
After these formalities, Izayoi turned his gaze to Hinata, who looked radiant today, and his eyes lit up. He sincerely praised her: "Hinata, happy birthday—you look absolutely beautiful today."
She was dressed in her usual white kimono adorned with flower-petal motifs and wore a purple sash, though this time it was a formal kimono down to her ankles, with wooden sandals.
Her glossy black hair had been styled in a princess cut, evoking the aura of a noble lady. With light makeup on her delicate face and a height and figure akin to her "Shippūden version," Hinata shone so brightly that Karin, who still looked like her "Part I" self, felt a pang of inferiority.
At Izayoi's compliment, a faint blush colored Hinata's cheeks. Yet she didn't shyly avert her gaze. She smiled softly back: "Thank you, Izayoi-kun. You look as handsome as ever."
They exchanged a warm grin.
"All right, let's go inside," Hiashi said, guiding them into Hinata's home for the first time.
It was an excellent start, meaning Izayoi wouldn't have to wait outside the Hyūga compound anymore whenever he wanted to see Hinata. He could freely come and go.
Arriving in the dining room, they found a sumptuous spread already laid out—delicacies of all kinds, along with the traditional red bean rice, mochi, and kelp soup for birthdays. In the center was a five-layered cake.
"Sis, time to make a wish and blow out the candles," Hanabi said. She lit them, dashed off to turn out the lights, and then impatiently urged Hinata.
Hinata, fully in the mood for ceremony, pressed her hands together in prayer and closed her eyes to wish. Then, showing off her impressive lung capacity, she blew out all the candles at once.
"Hinata, happy birthday."
Once Hanabi flipped the lights back on, Karin stepped up with a meticulously wrapped gift box, smiling: "Here's mine."
"Thank you, Karin," Hinata said softly, taking it.
Hanabi turned to Izayoi, eyes wide with curiosity. "Onii-san, where's your birthday present?" Hinata looked expectantly over as well.
Izayoi ruffled Hanabi's hair. "My gift's a bit special—I'd like to give it to Hinata in private, later."
At that, Hinata's excitement only grew.
"All right, let's eat."
Hiashi—the older, more serious adult—invited them to take seats. With him present, the younger crowd held back, including usually cheeky Hanabi, who behaved with good manners.
Noticing their reserve, Hiashi only ate for about ten minutes before excusing himself. "I need to attend to something. Hinata, you stay here with Izayoi and your friend. Also, be sure to ask Izayoi for his thoughts."
And with that, Hiashi stepped outside.
"What does he mean by that?" Izayoi wondered.
"There's another banquet being held outside," Hinata explained softly. "Father and the elders worried you might not like that kind of scene—or that the clansmen might unwittingly offend you. So they set up a private 'family feast.' The elders want to meet you too, and they'd like me to ask whether you want to attend the general gathering."
"Oh, I see." Izayoi nodded, feeling a bit amused. The Hyūga sure were considerate, apparently careful to cater to his preferences. Their deference was truly impressive.
He was quite satisfied with his impression of them so far. On the surface, though, he simply shook his head with a gentle laugh. "We can do that another time. Right now, I just want to spend your birthday with you."
"Mhm…"
Hinata nodded emphatically, also preferring something simpler.
"Onii-san, did you bring your camera?"
Now that her father was gone, Hanabi showed her true colors, clambering onto Izayoi's lap and teasing him. "Sis looks so gorgeous today—aren't you going to get any pictures?"
Izayoi's eyes brightened. He pinched his sister-in-law's cheek affectionately. "You're right. Blame Hinata for stunning me the moment I walked in. Without you reminding me, I'd have forgotten."
Rolling up his sleeve, he retrieved his camera from a sealed scroll and loaded fresh film. He snapped a picture of Hinata, who at that moment was chomping down on a big drumstick, cheeks bulging.
Hearing the shutter, Hinata turned inquisitively, the big piece of chicken in her hand. Her princess haircut and fancy attire contrasted with the image of her munching a drumstick—and her confusion gave the scene a strangely cute vibe. It was preserved forever on film.
"Onii-san, can you create a clone and let's all take a group photo—Sis, Karin-neechan, and me?" Hanabi suggested.
"You got it!"
Izayoi and Hanabi, joined by Karin, moved next to Hinata. They gave the birthday girl center stage, while a Wood Clone snapped a shot of them seated at the table. Initially, it was all normal enough, not disturbing Hinata's mealtime mood.
Then, after Hinata had swept clean dish after dish—leaving only most of the towering cake in the center—Izayoi and Hanabi exchanged a mischievous look.
They each grabbed a handful of whipped cream. Izayoi slapped a handful onto Hinata's face, making her stare up at him in blank bewilderment, while Hanabi double-crossed her beloved Onii-san and smacked cream into his face.
He gazed at her in disbelief at the betrayal. Karin stood to the side, holding back laughter.
Click!
The shutter popped once more as the Wood Clone captured the scene.
"Izayoi-kun…"
Hinata rose to her feet, fists clenched. Her eyes were in shadow, and a dark aura radiated from her.
"Ahem… I messed up, all my fault."
Izayoi quickly produced a handkerchief, wiping the cream from Hinata's face and gently banishing the gloom around her. Smiling, he changed the subject, "I've got a surprise for you, Hinata—let me show you now."
He then turned to Karin. "You and Hanabi stay here or go for a walk if you want."
In the next instant, Izayoi and Hinata vanished without a trace. The Wood Clone disappeared as well.
"They vanished!"
Hanabi, who'd been ready with another piece of cake to fling, squealed in surprise. "There wasn't a sound. How did Onii-san and Sis just disappear?"
Karin formed a seal, pushing her Kagura's Mind Eye to its max. She, too, was stunned. "There's no sign of Izayoi-kun or Hinata anywhere in Konoha. That was…space-time ninjutsu!"
"W-wow, that's amazing!"
Hanabi didn't fully grasp what "space-time ninjutsu" meant, but hearing they'd left Konoha in an instant made her eyes sparkle. "So Onii-san can just take me traveling anytime he wants now?!"
~~~
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