Chapter 26: I Was Terrified

More than a dozen members of the Hyuga clan attacked Haru from different directions.

Even though they were from the branch family, they possessed the ability to activate their Byakugan and could easily see all the acupuncture points on Haru's body.

None of them held back; they aimed for Haru's vital points, wanting to teach him a harsh lesson.

In their eyes, the consequences Haru faced were entirely self-inflicted.

Both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hizashi felt somewhat troubled.

After all, Haru had instigated this conflict himself.

Especially for Sarutobi Hiruzen, he had initially planned to use this opportunity to better align with the Hyuga clan, but he never expected things to escalate to this point.

However, no one anticipated that this was merely one step in Haru's plan.

From the moment he entered the room, Haru's only goal was to provoke the Hyuga clan, compelling them to attack him.

And the more ferociously, the better.

This way, when he acted, it would be seen as self-defense.

No matter how excessive his words were, they would merely be considered a friendly exchange.

They could rebut him in the same manner.

But if they chose to resort to violence, the nature of the situation would change.

Most importantly, there were not just one or two people attacking him; nearly all the younger generation present charged forward.

"Get back!"

Hizashi was torn but ultimately made a choice.

Haru was still a child, and he had clashed with the main family because of him.

Since he was going to his death anyway, it would be better to throw Haru out of the way first.

However, Hizashi had not anticipated that through his Byakugan, he would see the chakra flowing within Haru's body.

For a thirteen-year-old boy, such a chakra level was unexpected.

In fact, it wasn't just Hizashi who noticed this; those from the Hyuga clan who activated their Byakugan also saw it.

A flicker of surprise crossed their eyes.

But in the next moment, their expressions shifted from surprise to shock.

Haru remained unflustered, exuding an aura of calm. He pressed his palms together forcefully, forming the Snake hand seal.

This sight left Sarutobi Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura in shock.

Especially Sarutobi Hiruzen; even a quick glance would make him recognize that jutsu!

In an instant, his eyes widened, and he leaped to his feet.

"Wood Release: Advent of the Trees!"

With Haru's powerful shout, the ornate floor shattered in an instant as several trees grew at a visible speed from the earth, their branches swiftly spreading out to ensnare those attacking Haru.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

The trees that erupted from the ground quickly struck the ceiling, blocking all those attempting to attack Haru.

"This is my limit on restraint…"

Haru remarked casually.

This was not just bravado.

The Wood Release jutsu was far more tyrannical than Haru's abilities; if he hadn't rapidly restrained his chakra, in just two or three breaths, the entire ceiling would have been shattered by his technique.

He could transform the Hyuga clan residence into a primitive forest.

And Haru believed that the ones who understood this best were the members of the Hyuga clan.

They were born with the Byakugan, capable of seeing the chakra flowing within him clearly.

Even the elder of the Hyuga clan's astonished expression proved his suspicions right.

"He just… used the Wood Release that only the First Hokage could wield."

"This is as if the God of Shinobi has revived in modern times…"

Homura involuntarily swallowed hard, stepping back a few paces in shock at the sight of the Wood Release.

Importantly, despite his age, his hearing had not diminished.

He clearly heard Haru say, "This is my limit on restraint," not "This is my limit."

In other words, Haru was essentially telling everyone that he had made every effort to minimize destruction.

In fact, it wasn't just Homura and Koharu.

Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had experienced many trials, having seen the First and Second Hokage's strengths and known as the Professor of Ninjutsu, was stunned.

He felt a buzzing in his brain, falling into a blank state.

Though he had considered the possibility long before, witnessing the Wood Release firsthand, a technique only Hashirama Senju, known as the God of Shinobi, could wield, the impact was still immense.

Hiruzen couldn't help but think of dragging Danzo here.

"Quick, look! It's Wood Release!"

"It's not on the same level as the Yamato created through human experimentation!"

"This is the real Wood Release!"

"Wood Release…"

The Hyuga elder gasped, his expression more pained than if he had swallowed something vile.

Everyone knew that the original Hashirama Senju had used this bloodline limit to stabilize the chaotic world and establish Konoha.

Most importantly, even a fool could see the current situation.

As long as Haru had even a hint of murderous intent, he could slaughter all the main and branch family members gathered here.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that the youth before them could very well be the one to change the future landscape of the ninja world.

Haru's hands naturally fell to his sides as he slowly scanned the expressions of everyone present.

He was fully aware that his goal had been achieved.

Everyone was astonished by his display and intimidated by him.

If he had used the Advent of the Trees from the very beginning, these people would undoubtedly have seen him as a being akin to Uchiha Obito. (???)

However, due to his design, although it was still a form of intimidation, the effect it produced was entirely different.

In other words, it gave the impression that… he had no intention of taking action; he merely wanted to live a low-profile life as a member of the Senju clan.

A sunny young man.

Yet this was the result of forcing him to act.

"Lord Hokage…"

Haru took a deep breath, shook his head helplessly, and a wry smile appeared on his face.

"Seeing dozens of jonins rushing toward me earlier, I was terrified."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "???"

Homura: "???"

Koharu: "???"

Hizashi: "???"

Hyuga Elder: "???"

Other members of the Hyuga clan: "???"

What do you mean you were terrified? We were the ones trembling in fear!

We're still stuck here, firmly ensnared in the trunks, unable to move!

Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his mouth, wanting to say something but faltered.

What should he say?

Comfort Haru? Express understanding?

But given the current situation, he felt the Hyuga clan needed comforting.

However…

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't dislike Haru's approach; rather, he was quite pleased with this unexpected turn of events.

Meanwhile, Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, equally thrilled.