Chapter 243: Does that Look Like a Degenerate Byakugan?

The Third Raikage had already informed the people of the Land of Iron about his intentions. In response, the Land of Iron's officials merely expressed that as long as the Raikage was content, they had no objections.

"Just stay away from the village. Don't disrupt the lives of our citizens or cause excessive damage."

For them, the Shadow Talks had concluded without any skirmishes during the negotiations, which was enough to satisfy the Land of Iron's neutrality obligations. What followed was no longer their concern.

"As long as the battle doesn't take place in our village, feel free to proceed with your duel."

With that, the Land of Iron left the matter to the Third Raikage and his opponent, maintaining their stance of neutrality.

The Third Raikage had already departed for the designated battleground. Following close behind were Ōnoki, the Third Kazekage, and the Third Mizukage. Despite Ōnoki's animosity toward his long-standing rival, the Raikage, even he had to admit the man's immense strength.

"I don't know what Hyuga Shinki of Konoha is thinking, agreeing to a duel with that brute," Ōnoki muttered.

"Maybe he truly possesses the strength to counter the Raikage," the Third Mizukage suggested, choosing not to belittle the Raikage as Ōnoki did. Despite the frequent disputes between the Cloud and Mist villages over maritime issues, the Third Mizukage refrained from outright insulting the Raikage.

Turning to the Third Kazekage, the Mizukage asked, "Kazekage, your village has done the most thorough investigation on Konoha. What information do you have on this Hyuga Shinki?"

The Third Kazekage frowned, dissatisfied with the meager intelligence his village had managed to gather.

"There's not much detailed information. According to our records, Hyuga Shinki wasn't considered a prodigy within the Hyuga clan. He supposedly suffered from a bloodline-related illness years ago that led to what was described as degenerative Byakugan. He left his original ninja team and began studying medical ninjutsu under Tsunade of Konoha's medical corps."

He paused before adding, "The follow-up intelligence is incomplete."

The reality was that their village's intelligence department had failed to acquire more detailed information. However, the Kazekage wouldn't admit this, as it would reflect poorly on their capabilities.

"Degenerative Byakugan?" The Mizukage and Ōnoki exchanged surprised glances.

"To think someone afflicted by such a condition could rise to prominence. Could it be that the limitations of the Byakugan are evolving? Yet, based on my observations, his eyes seem… unusual," the Mizukage said, struggling to find the right words.

Ōnoki interjected, "They have an almost mysterious quality. Could it be that his Byakugan didn't degenerate but instead evolved?"

While Byakugan evolution was unheard of in the ninja world, the existence of the Uchiha clan's Sharingan evolution gave rise to such speculation.

However, degenerative Byakugan was a known condition. Those who suffered from it typically experienced either a weakening of their Byakugan's powers, a loss of vision, or complete blindness in severe cases. This information had been thoroughly investigated by other villages, given the Byakugan's reputation as a powerful tool.

Despite their efforts, the main Hyuga family, protected by the Caged Bird Seal, kept their secrets locked away. Attempts to steal the Byakugan from branch members were futile due to the seal's protections. As for the Hyuga clan's main family, they rarely left the safety of their compound, much less ventured onto battlefields.

"It's frustrating that we can't obtain concrete information," Ōnoki grumbled.

The group could only speculate about Shinki's abilities as they approached the battleground.

The Third Raikage had arrived ahead of everyone else, accompanied by his son, Ay, and a small entourage of elite guards. As the Third Mizukage and the others took their places to observe the impending battle, they watched as the Konoha team finally arrived.

Hyuga Shinki appeared alongside the Third Hokage and a squad of ANBU members. Among them was Namikaze Minato, who couldn't hide his concern.

"Teacher, be careful," Minato said softly, wary of the Third Raikage's reputation as a fearsome warrior.

"Don't worry about me," Shinki replied with a reassuring smile, ruffling Minato's blond hair. "Just watch from a distance and enjoy the show. You'll see something worth learning."

The Third Hokage nodded in agreement and led the others to a vantage point. Meanwhile, the Third Raikage greeted Shinki with a booming laugh.

"It's been years since anyone dared to accept my challenge for a duel. You're quite bold."

Shinki smirked. "And you're quite bold yourself, old man. Challenging a younger shinobi at your age? Don't strain your back."

The Third Raikage froze mid-laugh, his smile faltering. The subtle jab stung. Though aging inevitably reduced one's physical capabilities, implying it outright was still offensive.

Beside him, Ay glared at Shinki, clearly agitated by the perceived insult.

"Interesting," the Third Raikage finally said, his grin returning. "Let's see if your tongue is as sharp as your skills. Don't disappoint me."

Shinki shrugged. "Let's get started. The sooner we begin, the sooner we finish."

Without another word, the Third Raikage activated his Lightning Chakra Mode. The ground beneath him cracked as his chakra surged, enveloping his massive frame in a cloak of electricity. The lightning crackled and danced around him, making his already towering figure appear even more imposing.

"Be careful, boy," the Raikage warned. His lightning-enhanced speed and power were infamous across the ninja world.

In a blur of movement, the Third Raikage charged forward, fist raised like a hammer ready to crush its target. His speed was so great that even Minato struggled to follow his movements.

"So fast!" Minato exclaimed, his eyes widening as the Raikage seemingly vanished.

>>>>>

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