Chapter 13 : Ōtsutsuki physique

The holographic projection showed two girls, bearing striking resemblance to each other, with their immaculate white eyes.

The older one on the left appeared to be around 12 or 13 years old, while the younger one on the right was around 8 or 9. Their distinct white eyes indicated their lineage from the Hyūga clan.

These two girls were Hyūga Hinata and Hyūga Hanabi, two sisters hailing from the Hyūga family.

Much like Hyūga Neji and Hyūga Natsu, they were both on the list together, even sharing the same reward choices.

24th place : Hyūga Hinata (Intermediate Byakugan)

23rd place : Hyūga Hanabi (Intermediate Byakugan)

Reward options:

1: Advance the Byakugan's level

2: Intermediate Ōtsutsuki physique

"Whoo~"

From the viewing platform in the arena, Hyūga Hiashi let out a sigh of relief. At least two of his family members had made it onto the list, and they were his own daughters, so there was no room for embarrassment.

However, his expression soon turned contemplative.

The concept of the Byakugan's advancement was understandable, as Uchiha Ran had explained. It was about enhancing the power of their dojutsu, allowing them to wield the Byakugan's authoritative presence, just like Neji and Natsu had already achieved.

But what exactly was this Ōtsutsuki physique?

Both options seemed to be somehow connected.

The word Ōtsutsuki triggered a deep resonance within Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, who was awakened from her slumber within the seal on the moon, as depicted in the Golden List.

"Mother!"

In the Land of Rain, Black Zetsu's expression darkened as he read the word Ōtsutsuki. It seemed to stir something within the depths of his memory.

"I will succeed!"

"Even in the face of this Golden List."

Simultaneously, in the Pure Land, Uchiha Madara's eyes narrowed, his attention caught by the term Ōtsutsuki. "Ōtsutsuki, the legendary name. Is it connected to the Hyūga? According to my research, it should be related to both the Uchiha and the Senju."

"Is there a hidden secret within the ninja world that I am unaware of?"

Doubt and curiosity filled Uchiha Madara's mind as he gazed at the live Gold List broadcast, his eyes settling on Uchiha Ran.

Intuition suggested that this young individual might hold the answers he sought.

What an intriguing development!

"Ran-san, what should we choose?"

Hanabi tugged Hinata forward to stand before Uchiha Ran, displaying no hesitation whatsoever.

Hinata, blushing and shy, avoided direct eye contact with Uchiha Ran, fidgeting with her fingers.

"Oh, dear…"

Hyūga Hiashi sighed silently. Was this the right time to ask such questions?

But with Uchiha Ran's reputation for knowledge spreading far and wide, it was only reasonable to seek his guidance.

Hyūga Hiashi shot Uchiha Ran a meaningful look, prompting everyone's gaze to converge on him.

"In this manner, I'll be under considerable pressure."

Uchiha Ran chuckled softly, shaking his head. He extended his hand to pat both Hinata and Hanabi's heads.

"Let's go with option two."

The Ōtsutsuki physique was essentially akin to the Uzumaki and Senju physiques, a type of Sage Body. It embodied the immense power passed down from Kaguya Ōtsutsuki to her descendants, Sage of the Six Paths Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki and his brother.

At the pinnacle of Hashirama Senju's powers, the Senju physique had reached its zenith. It boasted an extraordinary chakra capacity and remarkable resilience. Having harnessed the Yang Release, Hashirama had also awakened the Wood Style kekkei genkai.

At that stage, Hashirama and Madara Uchiha, with his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, were nearly on par—neither clearly surpassing the other. Hashirama, however, had delved into the realm of ninjutsu and achieved a state resembling that of a pseudo-Sage Body, slightly outmatching Madara even when aided by the Nine-Tails.

Madara's subsequent awakening of the Rinnegan, a form of dōjutsu akin to divine eyes, granted him an advantage over Hashirama.

During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto Uzumaki's potential culminated, with his Kurama Mode and Senjutsu mastery bordering on a pseudo-Sage Body. Later, Sage of the Six Paths' influence briefly granted Naruto a genuine Sage Body.

Distinct from the Senju and Uzumaki physiques which is the Ōtsutsuki lineage descended from Hagoromo's second son, Ashura Ōtsutsuki. However, the Ōtsutsuki physique's essence was connected to Hamura Ōtsutsuki, representing Yin Release.

Consequently, their physiques were somewhat comparable.

If the sisters could possess both the Byakugan and the Ōtsutsuki physique, their potential would soar to previously unthinkable heights. Achieving the Tenseigan as a reward was no longer an unattainable goal.

"Agreed!"

Hinata and Hanabi responded with unwavering determination, opting for the second choice before Hyūga Hiashi could intervene.

Two golden beams descended, then swiftly dissipated, the process occurring in an instant.

"This…"

Hyūga Hiashi's mouth twitched as he turned to Uchiha Ran, seeking an explanation. "Ran-kun, is there anything unique about this Ōtsutsuki physique?"

"As the Hyūga Clan's leader, you should be familiar with the Ōtsutsuki name, right?" Uchiha Ran responded, parrying the question with another.

"Yes!" Hyūga Hiashi nodded.

Before long, he recalled where he had encountered Ōtsutsuki before.

The clan elders had passed down a secret for generations—a whispered tale suggesting a connection between the Hyūga and the legendary Sage of Six Paths, hinting at a potential Sage lineage. The Sage of Six Paths' name was rumored to be Ōtsutsuki.

Yet this secret was ancient, and the Sage of Six Paths had become a mere legend. Each clan head had passed it down more as a legend than a fact.

"So, what you know is accurate. Should you have any lingering queries, similar to that situation, I'd be delighted to provide you with a thorough explanation when the time is right." Uchiha Ran affirmed.

He preferred not to divulge many Ōtsutsuki secrets to the public, as some secrets didn't necessarily pertain to others on the Golden List.

"Everything I've heard is true?" Hyūga Hiashi was taken aback.

Was it conceivable that the Hyūga clan indeed descended from the Sage of Six Paths?

Might this fusion of the Ōtsutsuki physique and the Byakugan yield an unforeseen outcome?

With this thought, Hyūga Hiashi's understanding deepened. A comprehensive conversation with Uchiha Ran would unveil the truth.

Yet, those watching the live broadcast were far from calm.

Orochimaru, concealed as the Fourth Kazekage, contemplated capturing Uchiha Ran for interrogation. Instead of opting for an eye upgrade, he had chosen a physique unknown to him.

But why?

"Byakugan, intimidation!"

In this instant, Hanabi's playful voice resonated, enveloping everyone with a familiar pressure, reminiscent of Neji's dominance, albeit less potent.

"Hanabi?"

Hyūga Hiashi's surprise heightened as he witnessed Hanabi's white eyes shifting to a shade of blue.

Could it be… Hanabi's Byakugan was also evolving?

In the Pure Land, Uchiha Madara's eyes widened in disbelief.

As one of the few who understood that the Mangekyō Sharingan wasn't the culmination of the Sharingan but rather the Rinnegan, having unlocked the latter himself, Madara possessed an extensive repertoire of secrets.

"Could the Byakugan evolve to reach a level comparable to the Mangekyō Sharingan and even the Rinnegan?"

*****

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