"So, you became the new head of the Hyūga—and pushed through the reforms?"
At Natsuki's home, Natsuki poured Neji a cup of tea. He phrased it like a question, but he didn't look surprised.
With the (Tenseigan), Neji wasn't just powerful—he was the Hyūga's future. The old guard in the main house would naturally back him, and reform would move smoothly.
"That's right."
Neji inclined his head. "And I have to thank you for your advice back then. Without it, I might have stayed the same as before—with no future at all."
Tenten came out smiling with snacks. "So, you abolished the (Caged Bird) seal. Aren't you worried other people will covet the Byakugan?"
Neji's answer was confident. "A bird that locks itself in a cage may be safe, but it loses the chance to fly. If we grow stronger—if we soar like eagles—why fear anyone's greed?"
"Well said!"
Natsuki and Tenten both applauded him.
Neji had fully grown—not only in strength, but in temperament and thinking.
He would make an excellent Hyūga clan head. The clan's glory would be realized in his hands.
"I also came to discuss the (Tenseigan) with you," Neji added. "Natsuki, you're widely read. How much do you know about it?"
Natsuki had shared intel before that mentioned the "Sage Eyes," but the details were sparse. That was why Neji had come to ask in person.
Natsuki thought for a moment. "The (Tenseigan) and (Rinnegan) are both Sage Eyes, so their ocular arts might overlap. You can study Pain's case as a reference and develop your Tenseigan more deeply. As for your level—you're already beyond a Kage-tier; push toward a 'Super-Kage.' One day, you may even reach the (Rikudō) Six Paths level."
"Kage-tier? Super-Kage? Six Paths?" Neji blinked. "There's a system like that?"
"It's a new framework, but easy to grasp," Natsuki said patiently. "Kage-tier is roughly the Five Kage level—Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sensei, and the like. Super-Kage is far beyond the Kage—like the Deva Path of Pain, or the legends Hashirama and Madara. As for Six Paths—that's the Sage of Six Paths realm, power on another dimension. You'll have to reach for it yourself."
Truth be told, even Natsuki wasn't fully sure where the true Six Paths threshold lay.
He himself stood at Super-Kage. If he opened the Seventh or Eighth Gate, he might match Six Paths in raw power—but crossing into that realm was another matter entirely.
That was a different dimension; not something one reached lightly. Even Madara needed the Ten-Tails to become its jinchūriki, while Naruto and Sasuke required the old Sage's blessing.
For Neji, further development of the (Tenseigan) was key—like Toneri at the end of that tale.
A concrete milestone would be forming (Gudōdama) Truth-Seeking Orbs.
But telling Neji that now wasn't useful. He just needed to keep getting stronger. One day, he would step into the Six Paths domain—standing among those who guard the shinobi world.
Neji nodded thoughtfully. This was something he'd have to explore on his own—too high a level for even Natsuki to map out.
"Oh—Neji, there's something you should be careful about," Natsuki added. "In the truth I published, I wrote that the Sage's younger brother went to the moon. There are people on the moon—with Byakugan, like the Hyūga. They might descend someday. Friend or foe—it's hard to say. You should be prepared."
Neji's expression sharpened, and he bowed his head. "Understood. Thank you—I'll stay vigilant."
He had no doubts about Natsuki's warning. If Natsuki was this cautious, the lunar Byakugan bearers were likely a threat.
A few days later, the village fully calmed, returning to its usual peace and bustle.
Tsunade-sama seized the moment to convene a meeting—partly to recognize merit and grant rewards, and partly to discuss future measures. From Jiraiya-sensei she had learned that Nagato and Konan intended to continue their plans, so a clear response was needed.
What no one expected was that the rat from the gutter also came.
When Natsuki noticed Danzo's presence, he paused. This guy never brought good news.
Sasuke's hand tightened on his sword. Killing intent stirred before he forced it down—now wasn't the time. He didn't dare look at Danzo for fear he'd unleash an Amaterasu on the spot.
Everyone arrived, even Jiraiya-sensei. Tsunade-sama didn't waste words and was about to begin—
—but Danzo slapped the table, seizing the initiative. "Tsunade! What kind of Hokage are you? The village suffered a powerful assault and such heavy losses—that's your fault!"
People stared, not sure what tantrum he was throwing.
Homura and Koharu looked utterly calm. They'd seen this many times; usually it ended with the standard political back-and-forth.
This time, though, they seemed ready to watch a show.
Tsunade-sama's smile turned cold. She'd been wondering how to deal with this old viper—and now he'd leapt out himself.
Excellent. Since the sewer rat had crawled into the light, she'd crush him on the spot.
"Danzo, what do you mean by that?"
…
Tsunade-sama narrowed her eyes and met his gaze. "In this Akatsuki incursion, we fought as one and repelled the enemy, protecting the village. Casualties were minimal; the main issue is property damage. You call that 'huge losses'?"
Danzo slapped the desk again. "Why isn't it huge? The villagers' property is the village's most precious wealth! You failed to protect that wealth—proof you aren't up to the job! Since you lack ability, let me assist you—like I did for the Third. Make me your Hokage Assistant. I will lead the village to glory!"
Ah. There it was—his real aim.
Hokage Assistant? Why not just say you want the hat—now?
The jōnin filled with disdain. Shinobi from clans Danzo had hurt stared at him with naked anger.
Tsunade-sama smiled and beckoned Shizune. Shizune, understanding, produced a folder and handed it to Shikamaru, the council aide, gesturing for him to read it aloud.
Shikamaru wasn't surprised. Danzo had been audacious enough to suggest executing "traitors" not long ago.
Now that he'd jumped out and tried to strike first, there was no way Tsunade-sama would sit and take it. She would slam him flat.
But when Shikamaru's eyes flicked over the contents, even he blinked.
It wasn't just Danzo. Homura and Koharu were also slated for removal.
In a flash, Shikamaru understood. Tsunade-sama meant to use this moment to pull out Konoha's ugliest weeds—so they could no longer poison the village.
(End of Chapter)
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