The Hyūga clan was not like the Sarutobi clan.
Since Hiruzen took office, the Sarutobi clan had undergone three relocations, each time moving closer to the center of Konoha.
Especially after the Senju clan was wiped out, the Sarutobi clan directly occupied half of the Senju's territory, placing their clan right next to the Hokage Building.
As for why only half and not all of it—well, that was because Tsunade was still alive.
The Sarutobi clan might not have cared about appearances, but as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen had to maintain his image as a benevolent teacher, a loving father, and a perfect Hokage.
Because of this, despite being part of one of Konoha's most prestigious clans, Tanaka and Hizashi had to walk for a full half-hour just to reach the Hokage Building.
Unlike the captain of the ANBU, Shinnosuke, who could leave his home, take a turn, and be at the Hokage Building in less than ten minutes.
That was right.
The three-thousand-strong Sarutobi forces were stationed right next to the Hokage Building.
Tell me—if you were attending a meeting, wouldn't you bring some backup?
Fugaku, who had also just arrived at the Hokage Building, certainly wouldn't go in alone.
"Hizashi, long time no see."
Fugaku paused in his steps and looked at Hizashi, who was also standing at the entrance of the Hokage Building.
"If I remember correctly, the last time we met was in the Land of Water, when we fought against Kiri."
"Fugaku." Hizashi nodded. "Yes. But things are different now."
"We'll have plenty of opportunities to interact in the future. Wouldn't you agree?" Fugaku looked at Hizashi with a meaningful expression.
"Let's not talk about that for now. Allow me to introduce someone."
"This is my disciple, Tanaka, and also the Hyūga clan's heir."
Hizashi, of course, understood the underlying message in Fugaku's words.
In the past, as the leader of the branch house, he was under the control of the main house and had no right to interact with the Uchiha clan leader.
But now things were different.
As the new leader of the Hyūga clan, they were now equals—both powerful bloodline clans with dōjutsu. Naturally, they had reason to interact.
"The clan heir, huh?"
"So that's how it is."
Fugaku and Setsuna exchanged a subtle glance, both seeing the same serious realization in each other's eyes.
As members of a bloodline clan themselves, they understood what the title "Hyūga heir" meant.
If he didn't have real authority, how could an eight-year-old become the clan's heir? Not to mention, being personally brought to the Hokage Building by Hizashi to attend a high-level meeting.
After all, since the founding of Konoha, there had never been an eight-year-old ninja participating in such a meeting.
"Fugaku-sama."
"Setsuna-sama."
Tanaka nodded at the two and greeted them.
"Truly enviable! If only our Uchiha clan had a genius like you, Tanaka."
Fugaku, having only recently become clan leader, was at the height of his ambition. True to the Uchiha style, he might not look down on others openly, but he still carried an air of pride.
However, the Uchiha also respected strength.
In a clan that revered power and dōjutsu, even though Tanaka was an outsider, as long as he had outstanding talent and strength, age didn't matter—he would earn their respect.
Because of this, the Uchiha leader—known for his fearsome reputation in the Second Great Ninja War—was not only unthreatening toward Tanaka but even spoke to him with warmth.
"For the Uchiha clan, I doubt that would be difficult. After all, from a young age, all I ever heard about the Uchiha was that they were the cradle of geniuses."
Coming from the Hyūga clan, Tanaka knew exactly how to deal with the Uchiha clan.
Say things they like to hear.
Sure enough—
"You are such an honest child!"
Both Fugaku and the notoriously cunning Setsuna looked at Tanaka with nothing but kindness in their eyes.
If anyone else had said this, even if it were true, they would have just taken it as a given and not thought much of it.
But Tanaka was different.
---
Identity: Hyūga clan heir.
Achievements: Overthrew the entire main house.
Talent: Cracked the Caged Bird, created his own space-time ninjutsu.
Most importantly—age: 8 years old.
---
An eight-year-old saying such words must be telling the truth. And with his status, accomplishments, and talent, his words struck right at the Uchiha's pride.
Especially now, when Shisui had yet to grow up, and Itachi wasn't even born.
Without anyone possessing the Mangekyō Sharingan, if the Uchiha clan could truly produce a genius on par with Tanaka, both Fugaku and Setsuna would probably laugh themselves awake from their dreams.
Since they were about to attend a high-level meeting and were inside the Hokage Building, neither Hizashi nor Fugaku intended to engage in any deep conversation. After exchanging some polite words and agreeing to have more interactions between their clans in the future, they proceeded toward the meeting room together.
Click.
As they stepped into the Hokage Building, they could feel an indistinct yet persistent sense of being watched—even without activating the Byakugan or Sharingan. This silent surveillance only faded away as they reached the entrance of the meeting room.
Clearly, the ANBU operatives hidden within the Hokage Building had momentarily withdrawn their probing gazes.
"Please, come in."
Two ordinary chunin stood guard at the entrance. Upon seeing Tanaka and the others approach, they immediately turned to open the door.
Click.
The moment the representatives of the Hyūga and Uchiha clans stepped into the meeting room, the large hall suddenly grew much quieter.
Then, a wave of scrutinizing gazes swept toward them.
Of course, most of these eyes were focused on Tanaka.
Setting aside the rise of the Hyūga clan, the fact that someone of his age could appear in this room made him stand out like a crane among chickens—naturally attracting attention.
Quite lively, isn't it? Tanaka wasn't just being observed—he, too, was examining everyone present.
Scanning the room, he saw an oval conference table at the center, surrounded by many chairs, most of which were already occupied.
Many of the faces were familiar.
For example, the Legendary Sannin.
The three clan heads of the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance.
And other prominent figures, such as the leaders of the Aburame, Kurama, and Gekkō clans.
For ninja clans that were not part of Konoha's noble bloodline families, nor considered major clans, there was no such thing as arriving late.
As for outright tardiness? That was even more impossible.
In Konoha, only the Hokage had the privilege of being late to a meeting.
So, you've come? I finally get to see you, Tanaka. Sitting near the head of the table, Orochimaru fixed his predatory yet strangely ungreedy gaze on the young Hyūga heir.
Having not yet lost the Fourth Hokage election, and not yet developed the Living Corpse Reincarnation, hr had not embarked on his later dark path. At this moment, his eyes reflected pure curiosity.
As for why his gaze still carried an air of aggression—aside from his natural disposition, it was also because he had just returned from the battlefield.
For a Kage-level warrior who had fought throughout the entirety of the Second Shinobi War, it would be stranger if his gaze wasn't a bit intense.
You're frighteningly young! If the intelligence is accurate, then it's understandable why the Third Hokage would be wary of you.
Orochimaru wasn't the only one studying Tanaka.
Tsunade was observing him as well.
However, unlike Orochimaru's sharp gaze, hers carried more pure curiosity and admiration.
To be branded with the Caged Bird and, within a single day, turn the entire situation around—not only wiping out the main house but also leading the branch house to rise and becoming the Hyūga clan's heir…
This was beyond mere genius.
At the very least, when she was his age, Tsunade was still busy gambling!
Is this kid really like Minato—able to use a space-time ninjutsu similar to the Flying Thunder God?
And not only that, but he developed his own space-time technique, unlike Minato, who learned it from the Second Hokage.
Upon seeing Tanaka's distinctly youthful face, Jiraiya—despite having already read the intelligence reports and seen the photographs provided by Hiruzen—couldn't help but be amazed when meeting him in person.