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Upon hearing that Yagura might be under someone's control, Mei Terumī could no longer sit still. Despite her weakened state, she immediately returned to Kirigakure.
To ensure her safety, Sasame escorted her part of the way. Though Ei and his men were unlikely to return from the dead, other threats could still lurk.
"Thank you."
Even in distress, Mei maintained the composure befitting a future Mizukage.
"Once I confirm the truth, I'll find you again."
With that, she entered a secluded estate.
Kirigakure – Ao's Residence
"Mei Terumī?"
Ao, a veteran jōnin of Kirigakure and a highly respected figure, looked up in surprise.
His most notable feature? The title "Byakugan Killer"—earned after he claimed a Hyūga's eye as a war trophy during the Third Shinobi World War, now embedded in his right socket.
"Why so shocked to see me?" Mei narrowed her eyes.
Did he know about Ei's assassination attempt?
"It's rare to see you change your hairstyle. Quite… youthful."
Ao chuckled before turning serious. "What brings you here?"
Hairstyle?
Mei blinked but quickly dismissed the thought, cutting straight to the matter of Yagura's possible manipulation.
"That's… impossible."
Ao's expression darkened. "With the Mizukage's strength, no one could control him."
"Yet his actions these past years defy logic," Mei countered coldly. "As if he's an entirely different person."
After a tense silence, Ao finally relented. "I'll investigate."
If false, he'd merely apologize to Yagura.
If true—the implications were unthinkable.
One of the Five Kage, puppeteered like a doll? Kirigakure's honor would be shattered.
Meanwhile – Elder Chōjūrō's Chambers
After Ao's departure, Mei sought out the village elder, recounting everything.
Even the seasoned Chōjūrō fell into stunned silence.
This… was beyond his experience.
The idea that Kirigakure had been ruled by an outsider for years was unbearable.
While waiting, Mei recalled Ao's earlier comment.
Curious, she approached a lakeside courtyard, gazing at her reflection.
Instead of the battle-tangled mess she'd expected, her hair was neatly styled—soft waves framing her face.
Sasame had done this.
A strange warmth flickered in her chest before she steeled herself.
Just who… are you?
Elsewhere – Konohagakure
Bored and restless, Sasame considered visiting Uzumaki Ena—until he realized he hadn't seen Hyūga Hinata in ages.
Locating her via chakra sensing, he performed the Reverse Summoning Technique.
"What's on your mind?"
Hinata sat deep in thought, her delicate brows furrowed—a picture of adorable concentration.
"S-Sasame-nii!"
She jolted, eyes lighting up before she literally sprinted toward him—only to skid to a halt, cheeks blazing.
Sasame crouched, giving her a brief hug before pulling back.
Even that fleeting contact sent Hinata into a steaming blush.
"So? What were you thinking about?" he asked gently.
Hinata hesitated before confessing: "N-Neji-nii… I told him I'd free him from the Caged Bird Seal, but… he didn't believe me. Said I was… lying."
Sasame's eyebrow twitched.
Oh, you little—
"Know why he dismissed you?" He cupped her chin, tilting her face up. "Because you haven't beaten him yet."
Hinata's eyes widened.
"Breaking the seal is near-impossible. If you can't prove your strength, why would he believe you?"
"B-But… I can't win against Neji-nii," she whispered. "He's… better than me."
"Wrong." Sasame's voice turned firm. "Your talent surpasses his—it's just untapped."
While Neji had mastered the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven through sheer genius, Hinata had created her own equivalent—Protective Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
And under Sasame's care, she'd already outpaced her original timeline's growth.
The real issue?
Psychology.
Hinata froze under pressure—especially against Neji and her father, Hiashi.
"Come on." Sasame ruffled her hair. "Let's train. I'll help you unlock that potential."
Seeing his determination, Hinata nodded eagerly. Any extra time with him was a gift.
Training Ground – Forest of Death
Under Sasame's Mangekyō Sharingan, Hinata was thrust into a nightmarish illusion—a carefully calibrated simulation of her deepest fears.
Unlike Itachi's brutal torture of Sasuke, Sasame gradually escalated the challenge, desensitizing her to Hiashi and Neji's intimidation.
When the genjutsu finally lifted, Hinata collapsed into his arms, trembling.
"Shhh… It's over. None of it was real."
He stroked her hair until her breathing steadied—only to realize she'd fainted.
…From embarrassment, not fear.
"Too cute."
Chuckling, he carried her back to the Hyūga compound.
Later – Hyūga Household
"How do you feel now?" Sasame asked as she stirred awake.
"S-Scared… but not too much." Hinata peeked up shyly.
"Good." He patted her head. "After dinner, wait by your window. I'll show you something special."
With a crimson nod, Hinata watched him vanish.
Nightfall – A Sky of Fireworks
As Hinata finished her meal, the night sky exploded into color—countless fireworks blooming just for her.
Orochimaru's Hideout
After the spectacle, Sasame appeared in a familiar lab—his first visit since stealing Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyō.
His goal this time?
The Flying Thunder God Technique.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 140 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 35 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
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