Chapter 5: The Village and the Clan

One day later.

Yuto Hyuga stopped running and slowly walked out of the forest.

Ahead lay a vast plain with dense clusters of buildings. Behind the buildings, a massive rock face stood silently, carved with three gigantic faces.

This was Konoha.

The shinobi village of the Land of Fire, one of the world's "Five Great Shinobi Countries." For much of history, Konoha was the most powerful.

Yuto calmly looked at the village gate and walked towards it.

The chunin on duty at the gate saw him and nodded slightly in greeting.

The Land of Fire and Konoha always had a large population, but the village wasn't very big. Even if you didn't know everyone, you'd recognize faces after a while.

Moreover, over the past year, the name "Jewel of the Hyuga" had gained some influence. Yuto's exceptional appearance made him memorable.

Konoha's buildings had a traditional charm. Though there weren't many tall buildings, the village wasn't backward; electricity was common, and the roads were wide. The large trees with lush foliage broke the sunlight into pieces, casting dappled patterns on people. The smell of food from street shops filled the air, giving the place a lively atmosphere.

Despite all biases, even Yuto admitted that Konoha was full of life.

In his previous life, reading manga or watching TV, he had a good impression of Konoha. He had imagined that if he ever transmigrated, he would stand on the side of justice in the Fourth Shinobi World War, watching Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha battle Madara.

"Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum." This line had once made his blood boil, leading him to faithfully follow the manga and accompany the blond underdog.

But things were different when he was truly reborn as a baby in the Naruto world.

—Who in their right mind would brand a "Caged Bird" on the forehead of their comrades?

Yuto sighed silently and continued walking through the streets.

As a chunin returning from a mission where all but himself had perished, the proper procedure was to report to the Hokage's office immediately, detailing the mission and handing over the valuable intelligence he had obtained.

But Yuto knew he couldn't do that.

He was Yuto Hyuga, the "Jewel of the Hyuga," a genius of the branch family, indoctrinated from a young age to serve the main family.

His first action upon returning to the village should be to report to the clan leader. Every action must align with his identity, concealing his true intentions.

With these thoughts, Yuto quickly arrived at the Hyuga clan's compound.

Unlike the Uchiha, the Hyuga clan occupied a large area near the village center. Even with ordinary eyesight, one could easily see the Hokage's office from the compound's entrance.

Yuto didn't enter through the main gate but signaled the guards and entered through a hidden path, heading straight for the deepest part of the compound.

Living in the Naruto world for twelve years, Yuto understood that the world wasn't as bright and sunny as the manga portrayed; there were many dirty deeds to be wary of.

During this period, both the Hyuga and Uchiha clans held significant power in Konoha and enjoyed many privileges.

Even "returning to the clan compound immediately upon returning to the village" was an overreach that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, would tolerate, as long as it wasn't too blatant.

If Yuto had brazenly walked into the village and directly entered the clan compound, it would have been a direct slap in the face. It would either be seen as a child's homesickness or as the Hyuga clan's disregard for the Hokage's authority.

Sneaking into the compound was a way to save face for everyone.

Soon, Yuto arrived outside a courtyard and knelt on one knee, looking down at his toes.

"Yuto-kun? Come in."

A voice from inside invited him, and Yuto respectfully responded and bowed before slowly entering the house.

Inside, a young shinobi in a spacious kimono sat quietly in the center.

His long hair and white eyes, combined with his calm demeanor, exuded an air of authority. He wore no forehead protector, and his forehead was unmarked.

"Clan leader," Yuto said respectfully, kneeling on one knee.

The young man before him was the recently appointed head of the Hyuga main family, Hiashi Hyuga.

"Yuto-kun," Hiashi said with a slight smile. "How did your mission go?"

"Clan leader, there were complications, but I obtained the intelligence from Kumogakure."

"Complications?"

"Yes. Tetsuro Sugiura, and genin Satou Masato, Reiro Yamagata, and Eiji Hirahara, all perished."

Hiashi's brow furrowed slightly.

"Even Tetsuro Sugiura..."

The young clan leader sighed and was silent for a moment before speaking again.

"The world is dangerous. I'm glad you made it back alive."

"It's all thanks to the clan's teachings," Yuto replied flawlessly.

Hiashi pondered for a moment before continuing.

"Your reconnaissance squad accomplished much, but with everyone else dead, the credit will fall to you alone. The Hokage is fair and will reward you. Have you thought about what you want?"

"I will follow the clan leader's arrangement."

"Well said," Hiashi snorted. "Even I can't change the Hokage's decision, understand?"

"Yes, I understand."

"You may leave. If the Hokage wants to reward you immediately, you can delay it. Positions in the Anbu, barrier team, or the Hokage's office, or a direct promotion to Jonin would all be beneficial to the clan."

Only considering the Hyuga clan, without a thought for me? Yuto thought coldly but maintained his respectful demeanor as he left.

Unexpectedly, just as he was about to leave, Hiashi spoke again.

"Lumiko, Yoshihiko, and Kengo are all almost three years old. They will have their ceremony this week. As one of our outstanding members, I permit you to serve as a guard for the event. It is an honor."

"I'm honored, clan leader."

Ha... Branding three-year-olds with the Caged Bird seal, turning them into slaves. And witnessing this cruel ceremony is a privilege for an older slave like me...

Yuto bit his tongue to keep his expression steady as he left Hiashi's courtyard and exited the compound.

Outside, he took a deep breath, suppressing all his emotions.

He knew his difficult task had only just begun.

Killing Tetsuro Sugiura and claiming all the credit was a risky move, all for the actions he would take next.

Yuto looked up at the distant Hokage's office standing tall.

(End of Chapter)