Chapter 14 : Naruto on the List

"Indeed, there's only one explanation."

"Back then, the strength of my eyes could have been stronger, but the fundamental quality remained the same. It was Hashirama's power that supported me."

"Based on my investigation, both the Senju and Uchiha clans are connected to the Sage of the Six Paths."

"Then, Byakugan and Ōtsutsuki... could it be..."

"Interesting!"

Uchiha Madara grinned widely, his gaze seemed to fixate on Uchiha Ran through the golden screen.

Originally, Madara had only aimed to complete Project Infinite Tsukuyomi, but now he unexpectedly found a new sense of excitement.

Though it was only a bit.

However, if an opportunity arises, he definitely intends to have a good conversation with this young talent.

At this moment, all across the Ninja world, most were displaying expressions of surprise.

People like Madara who had some knowledge of the news were few in number.

As Uchiha Ran had speculated, and from the changes previously seen in Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Natsu, the pressure of Byakugan's coercion... could it be the inherent ability awakened by Byakugan evolving to an advanced level?

Why did they let a young girl from the Hyuga clan choose a relatively unknown physique?

"Hahaha, I knew that the little devil of the Uchiha clan was just blabbering."

"The unique power of Byakugan has no connection to the so-called eye level. It's based on one's own talent."

"The Second Miss Hanabi is truly fitting to be the heir of the clan head. Her talent is astonishing. After witnessing Neji's coercion, she picked it up!"

Hyuga Wende, who was the Hyuga clan, couldn't help but burst into laughter. He was filled with excitement while observing Hanabi's commanding presence and forceful coercion.

His conflict with Hyuga Hiashi was rooted in the "Caged Bird" attitude, but the stance of the clan had always been the same.

But for Hyuga Hanabi, he didn't hold any grudges.

"Is that so?"

Those around Hyuga Wende couldn't help but speculate.

"Definitely!" Hyuga Wende affirmed, "The branch house is aiming to surpass the main family, that's a joke."

"This should be a unique manner of using the eyes, and so on..."

As Hyuga Wende kept on talking, he started imagining a scenario where both Neji and Natsu shared their use of coercion. That way, the Hyuga clan's overall strength would experience a substantial enhancement.

And he, Hyuga Wende, as the leader, would take on the lion's share of credit for that accomplishment.

Perhaps he could even leave a remarkable legacy in the annals of their clan's history.

However, before he could conclude, a surprised exclamation escaped from Hanabi's lips via the golden screen.

"Really!"

"After integrating the Ōtsutsuki physique, I sensed that the power within my Byakugan's pupils became significantly more potent. As the quality improved, the use of Byakugan's coercion naturally awakened within my consciousness."

"It doesn't seem like an illusion—my Byakugan has truly evolved."

As soon as these words were uttered, many individuals felt a jolt in their minds.

The choice lies in one's physique, and the outcome is the evolution of the Byakugan?

This implies that the Ōtsutsuki physique, a previously unfamiliar term, has the potential to drive the evolution of the Byakugan?

It's a double-layered joy!

Is that even plausible?

"Not at all!"

As if struck by lightning, Hyuga Wende exclaimed, "It's a coincidence!"

"Indeed, it must be a coincidence!"

In this moment, on the golden screen, Hyuga Hanabi leaned toward Hyuga Hinata, embraced her arm, and inquired, "Sister, elder sister, you also evolved your Byakugan, right?"

"Ah, yes." Hinata glanced at Uchiha Ran and nodded bashfully.

Ran-kun is so formidable, evolving not only her Byakugan but also helping them in gaining an intermediate Ōtsutsuki physique.

She could sense the alterations within her body—the volume of chakra, physical strength, cellular vitality—all showing a significant enhancement.

And as Hinata nodded, everyone was left dumbstruck.

Both women, as high-level Byakugan masters, were now capable of wielding coercion.

Consequently, their speculations were validated.

The little-known Ōtsutsuki physique does indeed cause the Byakugan to evolve!

Upon careful reflection, this is the sole reasonable explanation.

Hyuga Hinata appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen, while Hyuga Hanabi looked to be around eight, yet with her Genin-level strength, she easily matched the mastery of a peerless prodigy.

Nevertheless, she could execute the very coercion that eluded Hyuga clan Jōnin!

Clearly, this is an innate ability!

This insight leads to a conclusion: the Byakugan possesses levels, and with the advancement of these levels, unique abilities awaken, akin to the Sharingan.

All of this substantiates Uchiha Ran's conjecture.

Thus, he firmly guided the two women to opt for the Ōtsutsuki physique, and he likely knew this all along.

"Ran nii-chan, did you already know that Ōtsutsuki physique could evolve the Byakugan?" Hyuga Hanabi inquired, her expression showing genuine surprise.

In reality, she had purposely showcased her coercion earlier to confirm to everyone that her interpretation was indeed accurate!

"Hmm!" Uchiha Ran nodded.

Denying it would be futile. the evidence was laid bare.

Truthfully, he hadn't intended to boast, and he had even considered keeping this revelation to himself for a time.

However, the Ōtsutsuki physique unexpectedly proved to be so impactful, producing immediate results.

"I reckon Hanabi and Hinata's Byakugan purity has reached the intermediate threshold. After all, the latter's eyes transformed into the Tenseigan shortly after being acquired from Ōtsutsuki Toneri, and Hinata was even addressed as 'Princess Byakugan' by Toneri."

"Moreover, the reward bestowed by the Golden List should represent the pinnacle within the same tier."

"When both factors converge, there's a synergy."

With each thought, Uchiha Ran could barely contain his amusement.

Instinctively, he adjusted his black-rimmed glasses, which he'd previously concealed.

To onlookers, this scene radiated an aura of composure, calm assurance, and triumphant grace.

In this moment, Uchiha Ran's presence grew even more enigmatic, erudite, and charismatic!

"Pfft~"

Hyuga Wende, who had been slapped with reality once more and had his dreams shattered again.

As the surrounding Hyuga clan members observed, they were rendered speechless.

...

At the Hidden Stone Shinobi Village,

"Grandpa, should we ask Uchiha Ran for guidance on next selection?" Kurotsuchi questioned Onoki.

Onoki: ...

Recall, when the Hidden Stone is mentioned in the list, consult Uchiha Ran first.

Hashirama-sama mentioned that the world of ninjas thrives on unity and compassion. Surely he will offer his aid, right?

…

"I ought to consult Uchiha Ran to help me decide on my choice."

"In return, how about considering a union through marriage?"

"If we wed promptly, we might just catch the final train of the wedding period."

Within Kirigakure, Terumi Mei, assured of her position on the list, contemplated.

And across the entire ninja world, there were numerous individuals sharing her sentiment, just as the Kurotsuchi did.

At this juncture, Uchiha Ran in the image spoke anew: "Naruto, you're on the list!"

Oh?

The crowd reacted.

Both Hyuga Hanabi and Hyuga Hinata had made their choices, and the ninth person on the list was unveiled.

Uchiha Ran's pronouncement indicated that the ninth candidate hailed from Konoha as well.

Hence, the static display on the live broadcast indicated that the next person in line was also from Konoha!

Damn, isn't Konoha going to make a way for others?

*****

Support me on my ko-fi account and read upto 30 early chapters for only $1 by joing the membership.

https://ko-fi.com/aayume