"A three of diamonds."
"Bomb! Plane!"
"Eh—"
Inside the villa's game room, Tsunade, who was resting during lunch, came over silently to play Dou Dizhu (a card game) with Izayoi.
No matter how many games she lost, the thrill of playing with the charity wildcards kept her hooked.
But this round, she was caught off guard.
Seeing Izayoi simply toss out a three of diamonds, then respond with a hand of bomb and plane cards, instantly ending the round.
Tsunade was stunned, then immediately turned angry, frowning hard: "With such good cards, why didn't you bid to be the landlord?"
"Blame me? You insisted on grabbing the landlord role," Izayoi shrugged, firing back mercilessly, "Besides, Hokage-sama, your luck is terrible — you can't carry the team. Even if I paired with you as farmers, Shizune might have a spring hand."
"What did you say?! You wanna fight, huh?" Tsunade rolled up her sleeves, looking furious.
"Tsunade-sama, calm down," Shizune quickly smiled and tried to soothe her.
But Izayoi was fearless, shaking his head with a sigh: "Playing cards with Hokage-sama is no fun at all. Honestly, I'm afraid you'll gamble away the entire village budget."
"What?! I'm not the kind to embezzle public funds!"
"Who knows? Once a gambler goes blind, they'll do anything, right?"
"You brat, come to the ring and fight me if you dare!"
"No thanks, I don't want to pay to repair the floor myself."
"Ahhh!"
Watching Tsunade grab her head in frustration, steam almost coming out of her ears but unable to do anything to Izayoi, Karin entered carrying a fruit platter and softly said, "Izayoi-kun, don't bully Tsunade-sensei."
"Just speaking the truth."
Izayoi stood and smiled, "Better let Karin play. I'm going to train now."
"Wait—"
Tsunade called out, her expression serious: "Let's switch places. The four of us will play mahjong, and I have something to discuss with you."
Izayoi tilted his head in confusion.
They moved to another table and began playing mahjong.
"You've rested a long time. When are you planning to take on missions?" Tsunade shuffled the tiles and said, "Though you have plenty of money, your achievements are too few. If this continues, it'll be hard for you to take the Chunin exam next year."
"No rush. I'll do it later," Izayoi smiled. "Besides, Shino hasn't been promoted to Chunin yet. Hinata and I can't get too far ahead."
"Actually, the Chunin exam happens twice a year. You only remember the July exam because it's more formal, designed to observe the power balance between allied nations."
Tsunade played a tile and smiled slowly, "To prevent imbalance when some teams already have Chunins, those with Chunins can't join the July exam. But those still Genins can join the exam held in the first half of the year, which is only for our village's Genins."
"I see… Riichi." Izayoi suddenly revealed his tiles.
Tsunade instantly had a black sweat drop and cold sweat, then continued, "Shino's strength is very good. More precisely, members of the Aburame clan are generally strong. Given his skills, the first-half Chunin exam should be easy for him."
"So you'd better work harder next year and not be so lazy."
"At your age, Kakashi was already an all-around Jonin."
"Self-draw, seven pairs."
"What kind of luck is that?!" Tsunade lost her composure again and pushed the tiles aside. "Not playing anymore. No fun at all."
"You don't have to play, but pay up before you leave."
"I'll… owe you later."
Tsunade's fierce tone suddenly weakened, then she changed the topic, her face serious: "Also... once you leave Konoha, be very careful. Jiraiya sent me some intelligence recently."
"The legendary top three dōjutsu, the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, are real."
"And there's more than one pair of such eyes."
"The one who teamed up with Orochimaru to launch the plan to collapse Konoha wasn't the leader of Akatsuki, but a mysterious figure of unknown gender, age, and identity," Tsunade said gravely. "They took advantage of Konoha's chaos to infiltrate Root's underground base, killed Shimura Danzo and Root members, stole the bodies of fallen ninjas, and kidnapped a former Wood Release test subject from the Anbu."
"So far, it's confirmed that the Rinnegan can use gravitational forces like repulsion and attraction, can turn corpses into puppets, and even retain their pre-death abilities. Danzo, Root members, and that Wood Release test subject might appear as enemies later."
Tsunade's tone softened with relief, "Luckily, you were smart enough not to reveal Wood Release early. Otherwise, during the Chunin exam, that mysterious person might have targeted you."
"..."
If not for his excellent expression control, Izayoi's mouth would have twitched.
He had thought it was something serious, but it was just a warning to watch out for himself.
Still, he nodded seriously, "Understood, Hokage-sama."
"You have the Kamikura's Mind Eye. I'm not too worried about you. But it's the first time the Rinnegan has appeared; who knows what other powers it has. Better be cautious."
Tsunade stood and patted Izayoi's shoulder, smirking, "The new Book of Seals is ready. If you want to learn forbidden jutsu, I can get you a price. Don't waste your talent."
"Sigh…"
Izayoi shook his head, sighing, "Selling forbidden jutsu... Hokage-sama, you saying you don't embezzle public funds has no credibility at all."
"If you don't want it, fine. You'll regret it!" Tsunade stormed off in anger.
"..."
Izayoi almost couldn't resist a comeback, but stopped himself.
At this moment, Karin waved at him with a smile: "Izayoi-kun, lunch is ready. If you're hungry, just heat it up in the kitchen. I'm going to help in the Hokage building and train."
"Got it, good luck."
After sending off the three women, the villa quickly became quiet.
Hanabi was still on school break; she should still be at the Ninja Academy.
Hinata might be busy and hadn't arrived yet.
The little ones were all out on missions.
The huge villa had only Izayoi.
He didn't feel lonely. Instead, he went to the traditional part of the villa and sent several wooden clones to the underground base to train a certain technique.
His main body sat in a room full of tools, continuing to craft a special birthday gift for Hinata.
...
December 27.
This day was very ordinary for Konoha and the entire ninja world.
But for the Hyuga clan, it was a very important day.
Because it was the birthday of the eldest daughter of the Hyuga main family.
With Hinata's exceptional talent, her status in the clan was many times higher than in the original story.
Before Izayoi revealed Wood Release, the elders repeatedly scolded Hyuga Hizashi for breaking the clan's traditions by not marking Hanabi with the "caged bird" symbol.
If they weren't old, they might have resorted to violence.
After Izayoi revealed Wood Release, Hinata's status in the clan rose even further.
The elders who were already very kind to her became even more gentle and warm.
This year's birthday banquet was more grand than ever before.
Since last night, the branch families had been busy decorating the clan's various locations.
Both main and branch family members had to finish work early and return to the clan to prepare for the celebration.
The last time the birthday was celebrated so grandly was nine years ago.
That day, even the Cloud Village delegation came to Konoha, but the Hyuga clan did not attend the festival outside. Instead, they celebrated the eldest daughter's birthday within the clan.
But after that year, the birthday banquet was no longer held on a grand scale.
The sudden lavishness this year made many clan members smell a whiff of gossip.
For Izayoi, this day was also very special and meaningful.
Nine years ago today, Izayoi used the newbie package rewards from the Talent System to perform a miraculous destiny reversal.
If he hadn't copied Ōtsutsuki Shamon's red-level trait, his current power wouldn't be so astonishing.
Even with copying Uzumaki Naruto's Sage Physique (red) and unlocking Uchiha Sasuke's Sage Eye (red), starting his polarity unification, his strength wouldn't match his current level.
Because those two red traits are quite different from the Ōtsutsuki bloodline (red), and awakening the Rinnegan would take at least another decade.
In contrast, with the Ōtsutsuki bloodline (red) plus the Byakugan Prince (red), Izayoi had already awakened the Transmigration Eye.
Feeling the power in his eyes, Izayoi had a premonition.
Soon, the Transmigration Eye would stir for a second awakening.
...
At dusk, after showering, Izayoi put on the white robe that the Hyuga sisters had given him and smiled at Karin.
"Karin, come with me to Hinata's birthday banquet."
"Eh? Th-That might not be good," Karin scratched her head, a little embarrassed. "The Hyuga clan invited only you, Izayoi-kun. If I go with you, won't it make things awkward?"
"Don't worry. You're family. They'll only treat you well," Izayoi said, patting her head and smiling. "Besides, Hinata specially told me to bring you."
"Hehe... then I won't hesitate to come along and mooch some food and drinks," Karin smiled brightly, bouncing. "Izayoi-kun, wait a moment, I'll bring the gift."
When Karin came out, she had changed into a purple kimono patterned with petals, instantly giving off the aura of a noble heiress.
Immediately, the two of them stepped out of the house and headed toward the Hyuga clan territory.
Along the way, Izayoi became the center of everyone's attention; numerous villagers enthusiastically greeted him.
Every time Izayoi went out, this kind of treatment awaited him in the main street.
It was somewhat better now—at least he could still walk through the streets.
At the beginning, the villagers were even more fervent, forcing Izayoi to travel by flying whenever he went out.
Wearing a mask-like smile on his face, Izayoi nodded in response while quickening his pace.
After passing through several streets, Izayoi and Karin finally arrived at the Hyuga clan territory.
The Hyuga clan seemed to have received news of Izayoi's visit in advance, or perhaps they had been waiting at the gate for some time.
When Izayoi and Karin reached the clan's entrance, two elders with white hair, flanked by several clan members—whether heirs or subordinates was unclear—immediately stepped forward and warmly greeted them, saying, "Welcome, Lord Izayoi. We are truly honored by your presence."
"Uh..." Karin was startled by this grand reception.
Izayoi was slightly taken aback as well.
Seeing that neither elder bore a cursed seal on their foreheads, it was obvious they were heads of the main branch, apparently holding very high status.
Coming to his senses, Izayoi politely bowed, "Greetings. Sorry for the intrusion."
Seeing Izayoi's amiable attitude, the two elders smiled even more broadly. One quickly said, "The clan leader and the heiress have been awaiting inside for quite some time, Lord Izayoi. Please, follow me."
With that, the two elders flanked Izayoi—one on each side—yet respectfully did not step ahead of him. They simply raised their hands to point the way and led Izayoi into the Hyuga clan grounds.
Their warmth and demeanor far exceeded Izayoi's expectations, astonishing Karin and even causing some Hyuga clan members who happened to see the scene to drop their jaws.
These elders, each holding great authority in the family and revered as seniors, often made decisions that even the clan leader could not oppose.
To members of the branch family, these elders were as high and mighty as the clan leader himself.
Yet now, these distinguished figures stood beside Izayoi with no dignity to speak of—their wrinkled faces shining with such bright smiles that their eyes were barely visible.
Their kindly expressions looked less like elders treating a favored junior and more like servants flattering their master.
It was quite the eyesore, seriously damaging their image.
Thus, the elders' fawning over Izayoi immediately made him the focus of attention within the Hyuga clan.
Both main and branch family members curiously sized him up as he walked by, subjecting Izayoi to all kinds of side glances.
Some who recognized Izayoi paused in realization and then, as if understanding something, became equally excited and enthusiastic.
After Izayoi and the elders left, discussions began to spread quickly throughout the clan grounds.
It turned out the grand birthday banquet for the heiress this year was held to honor the awakening of Izayoi's Wood Release.
Sure enough, the heiress and Lord Izayoi were not merely classmates or companions.
This descendant of the Senju clan was the future son-in-law of Konoha and their future!
The atmosphere in the Hyuga clan instantly became lively.
Meanwhile, led by the elders, Izayoi made his first visit to Hinata's home.
"Onii-chan..."
At the entrance of the clan leader's residence, Hyuga Hizashi and the Hyuga sisters had long been waiting.
The youngest, Hanabi, immediately threw herself into Izayoi's arms without formality.
Seeing this, Hizashi and the elders did not scold her; on the contrary, their smiles grew even warmer.
The better the relationship between the future son-in-law and the future clan leader, the greater the benefit to the Hyuga clan.
That way, they would not have to worry about the heiress marrying out and severing ties with the Hyuga clan.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Hanabi."
Izayoi embraced the rushing Hanabi and gently patted her head.
At the same time, he looked toward Hinata's side at Hyuga Hizashi—his first time meeting his future father-in-law.
Taking Hanabi's hand, Izayoi bowed slightly and said, "Nice to meet you, Uncle. I am Izayoi. Please accept my greetings."
"Welcome to the Hyuga clan, Izayoi."
A smile appeared on Hyuga Hizashi's usually stern face as he bowed in return, "Thank you for taking care of my daughter all these years."
Seeing this, the elders all smiled with satisfaction and then advised, "Hizashi, please look after Lord Izayoi well. Do not neglect him."
"Happy birthday to heiress Hinata. I will not disturb you further."
"Please, elders, take care."
Having already toured the clan grounds with his father earlier, Hinata immediately bowed.
After the greetings ended, Izayoi took a closer look at today's Hinata, his eyes shining slightly as he sincerely complimented, "Hinata, happy birthday. You look absolutely stunning today."
Hinata, still dressed in her white kimono adorned with petal patterns and a purple sash, was different from the usual combat-ready attire. This was the traditional kimono worn only on important occasions, with the hem almost reaching her ankles. She wore a pair of wooden clogs.
Her silky black hair was styled in a princess-like manner, giving her the aura of nobility.
Her delicate, pretty face was lightly made up, and combined with a height and figure similar to her Shippuden self, Hinata shone brilliantly.
Seeing Izayoi's praise, a faint blush appeared on Hinata's cheeks, but she did not shy away or lower her head. Instead, she responded with a gentle smile, "Thank you, Izayoi-kun. You're just as handsome as ever today."
The two exchanged another warm smile.
"Let's go inside and talk."
Led by Hyuga Hizashi, Izayoi took his first steps into Hinata's home.
This was a good start, marking the fact that Izayoi would no longer have to wait outside the Hyuga grounds to visit Hinata; he could come and go freely.
Inside Hinata's dining room, the table was already filled with delicacies, including traditional celebratory foods like red bean rice, mochi, and kelp soup. In the center sat a five-layer cake.
"Sis, make a wish and blow out the candles," Hanabi lit the candles and then ran to turn off the lights, urging Hinata.
Hinata performed a prayer gesture with her hands, closed her eyes, and began to make her wish.
In no time, Hinata blew out all the candles in one breath, showcasing impressive lung capacity.
"Happy birthday, Hinata."
After Hanabi turned the lights back on, Karin immediately laughed and presented her gift—a carefully wrapped box.
"Thank you, Karin," Hinata said with a gentle smile as she accepted it.
Hanabi looked curiously at Izayoi, who held no gift in his hands, and asked, "Onii-chan, where's your birthday present?"
Hinata also looked at him with eyes full of expectation.
Izayoi patted Hanabi's head and smiled, "My gift is a bit special. I want to give it to Hinata alone later."
Hearing this, Hinata's anticipation grew.
"Let's eat first."
The usually formal Hyuga Hizashi immediately invited Izayoi and the others to sit down.
In front of Hizashi, Izayoi and the others felt a little reserved.
Even the unruly Hanabi was careful about etiquette.
Perhaps sensing their awkwardness, Hizashi ate for only about ten minutes before standing up and saying to Hinata, "I'm going over there for a moment. Hinata, please stay and entertain Izayoi and your friends. Also, ask Izayoi what he thinks."
After saying this, Hizashi nodded to Izayoi and left the house.
"What opinion?" Izayoi looked at Hinata, puzzled.
"There's actually another banquet outside, but Father and the elders worried that you might not like that kind of atmosphere, and that clan members might accidentally offend you. So they arranged a separate family feast," Hinata explained softly. "The elders want to meet you and introduce you to the clan members. They asked me to check with you if you want to attend."
"I see," Izayoi said, a little amused.
Wow, the Hyuga clan really knew how to read the situation, considering everything so thoughtfully.
No wonder they sent an invitation but hosted a family banquet instead—it even took his feelings into account.
Very loyal!
One had to admit, the Hyuga clan had successfully won Izayoi's favor.
But on the surface, he shook his head and smiled, "Maybe another time. Right now, I just want to celebrate Hinata's birthday with you."
"Mm-hmm..."
Hinata nodded repeatedly; she didn't like those kinds of occasions either and preferred a simple family gathering.
"Onii-chan, did you bring your camera?"
After his father left, Hanabi immediately showed her true self, climbing onto Izayoi's lap and teasing, "Sis looks so pretty today. Don't you want to take a picture?"
Izayoi's eyes lit up. Rubbing Hanabi's cheek, he said with a smile, "It's all Hinata's fault—she dazzled me right at the gate. If Hanabi hadn't reminded me, I'd have forgotten."
Rolling up his sleeves, Izayoi took out the camera stored inside a sealed scroll, loaded fresh film, and snapped a photo of Hinata who was now stuffing her face, her cheeks puffed out like little buns.
Hearing the shutter sound, Hinata glanced over with a puzzled look.
The princess styled Hinata holding a large chicken leg might seem rough, but instead gave off a charming contrast; with her puffed cheeks and confused eyes, this moment was eternally captured.
"Onii-chan, make a clone so we can take a group photo with Sis and Karin," Hanabi suggested.
"Okay!"
Although Izayoi and Hanabi didn't eat much, they began to stir things up.
Passing the camera to the wooden clone, Izayoi pulled Hanabi and Karin to Hinata's side, giving the center spot to the birthday girl, then took a group photo at the dining table.
At first, the photos were normal, not disturbing Hinata who had just gotten into the mood.
After Hinata swept through the dishes like a whirlwind and only a bit of the five-layer cake remained, Izayoi and Hanabi exchanged a knowing glance and each grabbed a handful of cream.
Izayoi slapped cream onto Hinata's face, causing the girl to tilt her head in confusion and disbelief.
Hanabi suddenly betrayed her beloved Onii-chan, smashing the cream in her hand right onto Izayoi's face.
Izayoi stared at his clingy little pillow in disbelief.
Karin covered her mouth, laughing quietly beside them.
Click!
The shutter sound rang out as the wooden clone captured the scene.
"Izayoi-kun..."
Hinata stood, clenching her tiny fists, her eyes shadowed and emanating a dark aura.
"Ahem, ahem... my bad, my bad. It's all my fault."
Izayoi took out a handkerchief and wiped the cream off Hinata's face and the dark aura from her body, smiling as he changed the subject.
"Hinata, I prepared a surprise for you. Let me show you now."
He then said to Karin, "You stay here and keep Hanabi company, or let Hanabi take you out for a walk."
In an instant, Izayoi and Hinata's figures vanished into thin air.
The wooden clone disappeared along with them.
"They disappeared!"
Hanabi, holding a handful of cake ready to retaliate, exclaimed in surprise, "There's not even a sound. How did Onii-chan and Sis disappear?"
Karin formed hand seals and released her Kagura's insight to the fullest, then looked shocked: "There's no chakra from Izayoi-kun or Hinata in Konoha. That was... space-time ninjutsu!"
"Amazing!"
Although Hanabi didn't understand what space-time ninjutsu was, when she heard Izayoi and Hinata were no longer in Konoha, her beautiful eyes sparkled, "Onii-chan will be able to take me traveling anytime!"