Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 138: Yakumaru: Hyuga Fuji Dead? Who Would Believe That!

"What kind of place is this alternate dimension? And was the person who just attacked us one of its inhabitants?"

As the aftermath of the attack subsided and no further assaults followed, Hozuki Gengetsu frowned and asked, "And who exactly is this Otsutsuki clan you mentioned earlier? What's their connection to you?"

"This is a spatial passage between the moon and the Shinobi World, created for convenient travel. As for the Otsutsuki clan, they are a powerful lineage, with the moon's inhabitants being one of their branches..."

Hyuga Fuji's gaze fell on the three before him, his lips curling into a smile. "Judging from the unannounced attack we just experienced, it's clear—they are my enemies."

"..."

The earlier attack carried immense chakra—far beyond anything ordinary. Its sheer magnitude rivaled Fuji's own oppressive chakra presence.

The revelation that beings of such strength resided on the moon—and were part of a whole clan—left the trio deeply unsettled.

Tobirama Senju took a deep breath and said, "So, this is why you've been strengthening your forces so extensively—to prepare for such deeply hidden adversaries. Earlier, you said there were many beings far beyond us. Just how many exist across the Shinobi World and the moon?"

"Not many," Fuji replied. "Counting those in weakened states, fewer than ten."

Fewer than ten…

The three exchanged glances, falling into silence.

Were they too naïve in their understanding of the Shinobi World?

To learn that so many beings vastly stronger than themselves were still alive… Were the true powers of this world all ancient relics?

Otherwise, why had they never even heard of these figures before?

After a moment of contemplation, Tobirama found the number manageable and pressed on, "What are their objectives?"

"They vary—making the world fall into an eternal dream, turning the people of the Shinobi World into White Zetsu, destroying the Shinobi World altogether… The last one, annihilation, is the goal of the Otsutsuki on the moon."

In other words… these individuals were essentially enemies of the entire Shinobi World?

Tobirama's eyelid twitched.

Only the goal of plunging everyone into an eternal dream seemed remotely understandable, possibly born from a desire for peace. But the rest? Ridiculous.

If it weren't for Fuji's credibility, Tobirama would've assumed he was making up stories to toy with them.

Facing their skeptical looks, Fuji smirked. "You're welcome to verify the information yourselves or seek out beings who've lived for centuries. You'll likely find answers."

"The Three Great Sage Lands…"

Hearing Fuji's suggestion, Tobirama's mind immediately connected the dots. Considering Fuji's evident mastery of Sage Mode, the ancient sages of the Great Sage Lands seemed plausible sources of such knowledge.

"They're ancient beings who've lived for over a thousand years. They probably know more about the secrets of this world than we do. Is that how you obtained your information?"

Fuji simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying it.

If these adversaries truly harbored such goals, it was safe to assume they had the means to achieve them. That made them more dangerous than even Madara Uchiha.

Once the three processed the weight of this new information, Fuji's tone deepened.

"Well, have you made up your minds?"

"If your enemies are those individuals, then our objectives align—for now. From here on out, we'll rely on your guidance."

Tobirama responded resolutely.

Both Mu and Hozuki Gengetsu nodded in agreement, stepping closer to Fuji.

Seeing this, Fuji glanced at the now-silent exit of the lunar passage. Knowing that his trial had been sufficient to sway their decisions, he turned to Tobirama with a faint smile.

"Time is nearly up. Would you like to greet your loved ones, Tobirama-senpai?"

"...I suppose a brief meeting wouldn't hurt."

…

"Sarutobi-sensei, what a shame."

Orochimaru gazed at the motionless Sarutobi Hiruzen, sighing softly. "I thought you had abandoned hesitation, but it seems you're still held back by doubt."

Such a pity.

Hopefully, once this genjutsu is lifted, you'll find clarity.

With a wave of his hand, Orochimaru dispelled the two Edo Tensei summonings. Casting a glance at the terrified ANBU operatives nearby, he ignored them and turned toward the direction of the Fire Nation's capital, his expression cold.

After today, he and Tsunade would embark on separate paths.

Jiraiya… what will you choose?

…

"Fuji is dead? Like hell I'd believe that!"

Yakumaru's face twisted with determination as he stared at the distant Fire Nation capital.

That bastard! The last time it was Tsunade-senpai's handiwork, but now you've pulled the same stunt again? Do you think I can't tell by now?

The moment my dojutsu didn't work on that corpse, I knew it—you're just faking your death!

Just wait. I'll find you and drag you out of hiding!

Charging into the capital, Yakumaru swiftly made his way to the Daimyo's palace. Ignoring the Konoha shinobi cleaning up the battlefield, he headed straight for the innermost sanctum.

If Fuji's goal in faking his death was to witness Tsunade-senpai killing the Daimyo, then there was only one place he might be.

The highest point of the Daimyo's palace—its keep, a symbol of authority and power. From there, one could oversee the entire palace grounds.

Yakumaru's mind had never been clearer.

Within seconds, he arrived at the keep, where numerous shinobi had already gathered. Tsunade stood at the forefront, her expression grim.

The keep's massive doors were wide open, offering a clear view of its depths.

And yet, no one stepped inside.

No one dared to.

Standing at the threshold, Yakumaru quickly understood why.

Chakra… a tangible, oppressive force emanated from the figure deep within. The suffocating aura far surpassed that of a Tailed Beast, keeping everyone outside paralyzed with fear.

Though the person inside was unmistakably familiar, they felt eerily alien—as though radiating an unfathomable, terrifying presence.

Tsunade's gaze remained fixed on the figure. When she noticed Yakumaru beside her, she finally overcame her hesitation, quelling her fears. Lifting her left foot, she stepped into the keep.

Yakumaru and a few others followed her lead.

But many chose to remain outside, unable to summon the courage to proceed.

Inside the keep, Tsunade ignored the scattered corpses littering the corners and fixed her eyes on Hyuga Fuji, seated silently near the Daimyo's throne.

Her voice was cold. "I have many questions right now. For instance, why are you still alive? Why did you fake your death? Why did you stand by and let all this happen?

"But most of all, I want to know—did you have any involvement in the deaths of the Fourth Hokage and Jiraiya?"

Fuji remained seated, his expression calm.

Facing Tsunade's composed yet piercing inquiry, he smiled faintly and replied, "No."

"Did you know about it, then?"

"That depends on what you mean." Fuji's tone remained level. "If you're referring to the black market's retaliation, isn't that something we all knew? What they didn't understand were their own methods."

Hearing Fuji's calm response, Tsunade remained silent.

But beside her, Yakumaru's pupils contracted as he clenched his fists.

"So you just stood by and watched?!"

(End of Chapter)