One day later.
Hyuga Yuto stopped running and slowly emerged from the forest.
Before him was a vast plain where a dense cluster of buildings stood. Behind the buildings, a giant rock face stretched quietly, with three enormous human-faced statues carved into it.
This was Konoha.
The Hidden Village of the Land of Fire, one of the "Five Great Shinobi Villages" in the world. In fact, most of the time, Konoha was the most powerful force on earth!
Hyuga Yuto calmly looked at the village gate and walked slowly towards it.
The Chunin on duty guarding the village nodded slightly at him, a simple greeting.
The Land of Fire and Konoha had always been densely populated, but the village was only so big. Even if you didn't know everyone, after living here long enough, you would vaguely recognize some faces.
Moreover, in the past year, the name "Hyuga's Jewel" had gradually gained some influence. Hyuga Yuto's appearance was also quite outstanding, making him easily recognizable.
The architecture of Konoha was quaint, with few tall buildings. However, it wasn't backward. Electrical facilities were everywhere, the roads were wide, and the thick branches of large trees were lush and leafy, cutting the sunlight into pieces that dappled the people walking by. The aroma of shops along the street wafted in the wind, filling the air with a strong sense of everyday life.
Setting aside all prejudices, even Hyuga Yuto had to admit that Konoha was indeed full of vitality.
When he read the manga or watched the TV series in his previous life, he had a strong affinity for Konoha. He even fantasized that if he really transmigrated, he would stand on the side of justice on the battlefield of the Fourth Shinobi World War and witness the epic battle between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, the two peerless prodigies, against Madara.
"Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum." This quote had made his blood boil in his past life, and he had followed the manga rain or shine, accompanying that yellow-haired dead-last.
However, things didn't go as planned. After actually transmigrating into the Naruto world as a baby, his thoughts completely changed.
"Which normal person would brand a cage bird seal on their comrade's forehead?"
Hyuga Yuto sighed silently and continued walking down the street.
Logically speaking, as a Chunin who had gone on a mission with a Jonin outside the village and returned with his entire team wiped out except for himself, this was no small matter. He should report to the Hokage Building immediately, recount the entire mission, and hand over the hard-won intelligence.
But Hyuga Yuto knew he couldn't do that.
He was Hyuga Yuto, the "Hyuga's Jewel," a genius of the Branch Family who had been indoctrinated with the idea of prioritizing the Main Family since childhood.
For someone like him, the first thing to do upon returning to the village was to report back to the clan head.
Every action must be consistent with his identity, and he couldn't reveal his true intentions. With this thought in mind, Hyuga Yuto soon arrived at the Hyuga Clan's compound.
Unlike the Uchiha Clan, although the Hyuga Clan also occupied a large area, its location wasn't far from the center of the village. Even with ordinary eyesight, one could easily see the Hokage Building from the entrance of the compound.
Hyuga Yuto didn't enter through the main gate but instead made a few hand gestures to the Hyuga guards and entered a secret passage leading directly to the deepest part of the compound.
Having lived in the Naruto world for twelve years, Hyuga Yuto understood that this world wasn't as "sunny" as the manga portrayed. There were too many dirty things to be aware of.
During this period, the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans held significant power in Konoha and enjoyed many privileges.
Even the presumptuous act of "a ninja returning to the village and going straight to their clan's compound" would be overlooked by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The premise was that you didn't go too far and embarrass the Hokage Building.
If Hyuga Yuto swaggered back to the village and directly entered the Hyuga compound, it would be like slapping the Hokage in the face. At best, it would be seen as a childish act of homesickness. At worst, it would be interpreted as the Hyuga Clan looking down on the Hokage.
By discreetly entering the compound, everyone saved face. It was a win-win situation.
Not long after, Hyuga Yuto arrived outside a courtyard and knelt on the ground, lowering his head to look at his toes.
"Is that you, Yuto? Come in."
A voice came from inside the courtyard. Hyuga Yuto respectfully responded and slowly entered the house.
Inside, a young ninja wearing a loose kimono sat quietly in the center.
He had long hair and snow-white eyes. His lightly pursed lips exuded an air of authority. He wasn't wearing a forehead protector, and his forehead was smooth and devoid of any markings.
"Clan Head," Hyuga Yuto said respectfully, half-kneeling.
The young man before him was none other than Hiashi Hyuga, the newly appointed head of the Hyuga Main Family!
"Yuto," Hiashi said with a smile, "How did the mission go?"
"Reporting to Clan Head, there were some setbacks, but we managed to obtain the intelligence from Kumogakure."
"Setbacks?"
"Yes, Sugisaki Tetsujiro-senpai and the Genin Sato Masahito, Yamagata Reiro, and Hirahara Eiji all died in battle."
Hiashi's brow furrowed imperceptibly. "Even Sugisaki Tetsujiro..."
The young clan head sighed and remained silent for a moment before saying, "The world is a dangerous place. I'm glad you made it back alive."
"It's all thanks to the clan's teachings," Hyuga Yuto replied flawlessly.
Hiashi pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Your reconnaissance team has made a great contribution this time. But with all the other members dead, the credit falls entirely on you… Lord Hokage is always fair in rewards and punishments. He will reward you. Have you thought about what you want?"
"I leave it to the Clan Head's arrangement."
"Don't say that." Hiashi snorted. "Even I cannot change Lord Hokage's decision, understand?"
"Yuto understands!"
Hiashi waved his hand. "You may leave. If Lord Hokage wants to reward you immediately… just stall. Positions in the Anbu, the Barrier Team, the Hokage Building, or even a direct promotion to Jonin… In any of these places, you would be of great help to the clan."
He only considers the Hyuga Clan and doesn't care about me at all, does he? Hyuga Yuto sneered inwardly, but his expression remained respectful as he acknowledged and backed out of the room.
However, to his surprise, as he was about to exit, Hiashi suddenly said thoughtfully, "Rumiko, Yoshihiko, and Kengo… these children are almost three years old. We will be holding a ceremony for them this week. You are an outstanding junior of our Hyuga Clan, and I will make an exception to allow you to witness it as a guard. This is an honor bestowed upon you."
"Yuto is deeply honored, Clan Head."
Ha… Branding three-year-old children with the cage bird seal, turning them into slaves with no control over their own lives, and watching this cruel ceremony is considered a favor for me, a slightly older slave?
Hyuga Yuto pressed his tongue against his lower jaw, trying his best not to show any abnormality as he calmly walked out of Hiashi's courtyard and left the Hyuga compound.
When he came out, he took a deep breath and suppressed all his emotions.
He knew that his difficult task for today had just begun.
The risky decision to kill Sugisaki Tetsujiro and take all the credit for the mission was all for the sake of what was to come.
Hyuga Yuto looked up at the majestic Hokage Building in the distance.