Chapter 299: Seeking People
The Hyuga Clan Head finally understood—Tonari wasn't just here to reprimand them.
His true goal was Hyuga's Byakugan.
Not to steal it, but to bring Hyuga members into the ANBU.
More precisely, into ROOT.
---
The ANBU already had a few Hyuga members, primarily assigned to tracking, surveillance, and close combat.
But in ROOT, even Danzo—who once had near-absolute control—never managed to recruit any Hyuga members.
The reason?
All Hyuga members sent into ANBU or ROOT would be from the Branch House.
However, the Caged Bird Seal restricted them—it sealed their Byakugan upon death and allowed the Main House to control them.
Even Danzo couldn't override this system, so he had given up.
Now, Tonari was pushing to expand the ANBU, but his true focus was ROOT—and the Byakugan and Gentle Fist were exactly what he needed.
---
The Hyuga Clan Head sighed.
"So that's what you're after… If Lord Hokage has taken an interest in our clan, we cannot refuse."
He forced a smile.
"Tomorrow, ten Branch House members, all Chunin-level experts in Gentle Fist, will report to the ANBU."
He paused.
"But… they will all be from the Branch House. I hope you understand—we cannot offer anyone from the Main House."
Tonari smiled faintly.
"Of course, Elder. Your clan's structure is unique, and I won't interfere with it."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone calm but firm.
"But I trust that Hyuga will continue contributing to Konoha. After all… we all have a role to play."
The hidden weight behind his words wasn't lost on the elder.
The Hyuga Clan Head forced another smile, bowing slightly.
"Of course, Lord Hokage."
Tonari stood up, adjusting his cloak.
"Well then, I'll leave you to your business. I look forward to seeing how well Hyuga performs in ANBU."
With that, he turned and left the estate.
---
Watching Tonari's departing figure, the Hyuga Elder's smile faded, replaced by a cold, unreadable expression.
"Father…"
Hiashi and Hizashi—his twin sons—both stepped forward.
The Elder raised a hand, stopping them before they could speak.
His stern gaze settled on Hiashi.
"From this day forth, the Hyuga Clan is yours to lead. The responsibility of protecting and expanding our family falls on you."
Then, his piercing eyes turned to Hizashi.
"Hizashi… support your brother. Do not resent me for this."
Hizashi paused, then let out a small, bitter smile.
"I don't, Father… I understand."
Hiashi, however, hesitated before speaking.
"Father… does Hizashi really have to be a Branch House member? And his son, Neji—does he have to bear the same fate?"
The Elder's expression darkened instantly.
"Hiashi."
His tone was cold and sharp, causing both brothers to stiffen.
"The Caged Bird Seal exists for a reason. If we remove it for one, we must remove it for all—do you think that would end well?"
Hiashi clenched his fists, but after a moment, he bowed his head.
"I understand, Father."
The Elder sighed, finally relaxing.
"… Your child should be born soon, shouldn't he? Focus on him. Raise him to be a true heir to the Hyuga Clan."
Hiashi nodded stiffly.
"Yes, Father."
---
Meanwhile…
Tonari left the Hyuga estate, but he didn't stop—
His next destination was the Uchiha Clan.
The Nine-Tails' attack had caused serious damage to their district, but their response had been swift and decisive.
Unlike the Hyuga, the Uchiha had fought fiercely during the attack, suffering many casualties.
Tonari moved freely through the Uchiha Compound, making his way to one specific person—
Shisui Uchiha.
---
Arriving at a secluded training ground, he expected to see Shisui and Itachi practicing.
Instead, the field was empty.
His brows furrowed slightly.
"That's strange… Shisui never skips training."
A thought flashed through his mind.
"Did he get injured in the Nine-Tails' attack?"
Following his chakra signature, Tonari arrived at Shisui's home.
Inside, he found him alone, sitting in the dark.
His three-tomoe Sharingan glowed faintly in the dim light.
"Shisui."
At the sound of his voice, Shisui slowly lifted his head.
His Sharingan eyes met Tonari's.
"… Sensei."
Tonari sighed internally.
It was as he suspected.
Shisui had awakened his full three-tomoe Sharingan—but the price had been heavy guilt.
Tonari walked over and sat beside him, mirroring his posture.
He reached out, gently ruffling Shisui's hair.
"What's wrong, kid?"
Shisui lowered his head, clenching his fists.
"… Everyone blames me. If I was stronger… maybe fewer people would've died."
Tonari closed his eyes briefly, then exhaled.
"Shisui…"
He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Strength isn't about what you could have done. It's about what you choose to do next."
He patted Shisui's back.
"Your Sharingan awakened not from weakness, but from your desire to protect. That's proof of your resolve."
Shisui blinked.
"… But I still wasn't strong enough."
Tonari grinned, standing up.
"Then let's fix that."
Shisui's eyes widened.
"I'm going to train you properly now."
A small flame of determination flickered in Shisui's eyes.
"… Thank you, Sensei."
Tonari grinned.
"Come on. We'll pick up Itachi on the way."
---
Meanwhile…
The Uchiha Clan was watching closely.
As Shisui and Itachi walked through the streets with Tonari, many Uchiha whispered among themselves.
His Sharingan was still active, and word spread quickly—
Shisui Uchiha had fully awakened his three-tomoe Sharingan at only thirteen years old.
For the Uchiha, this was monumental.
Even Fugaku Uchiha—the Clan Head—was visibly impressed.
Tonari smirked as he saw Fugaku's expression.
"What's wrong, Fugaku? Not satisfied?"
Fugaku crossed his arms, sighing.
"Shisui is exceptional, but Itachi…"
He paused, then shook his head.
"Sasuke still seems… ordinary."
Tonari rolled his eyes.
"Come on, Fugaku. You're expecting way too much."
Fugaku sighed.
"I suppose… as long as Sasuke supports his brother, that's enough."
Tonari chuckled.
"You never know… Sasuke might surprise you one day."
Fugaku just huffed, but he didn't argue.
---
Finally, Tonari got to the main point.
"Fugaku, I came here to recruit Uchiha members into the ANBU."
Fugaku narrowed his eyes.
"How many?"
"Ten."
Fugaku hesitated slightly, but then nodded.
"Fine. But they must all have awakened their Sharingan."
Tonari grinned.
"Of course. What use is an Uchiha without Sharingan?"
Fugaku sighed, but then smirked.
"You're quite greedy, Tonari."
Tonari laughed, placing a hand on Shisui's head.
"Well, I have a strong disciple. I need to keep him on his toes, after all."
With that, the deal was sealed.
---
That night…
Tonari looked up at the sky, feeling the weight of Konoha's future on his shoulders.
The pieces were moving—slowly but surely.
And he would shape the village in his own way.
---
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