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Shin arrived at the Hyūga Clan ancestral lands with Hinata. The buildings here, remnants from the Warring States period, looked sowhat dilapidated.
Although the Hyūga clansn had made repairs after returning, they hadn't rebuilt everything from scratch, so the place still appeared a bit worn down.
Shin had brought Hinata here for a visit, sothing he'd done several tis already.
Notably, Hinata now had a younger sister—Hanabi Hyūga had been born.
"What's happening with Hinata's eyes?" Hiashi Hyūga asked Shin. He had noticed sothing unusual about Hinata's eyes. Within the pure white, there was a faint hint of blue. Though subtle, Hiashi's keen observation hadn't missed it.
"You have your Hyūga ancestors to thank for that."
The change in Hinata's eyes was due to the ocular power of Hamura Ōtsutsuki's Tenseigan.
The Tenseigan's power was helping Hinata's Byakugan evolve. Barring any unforeseen circumstances—Hinata's eyes would eventually evolve into the Tenseigan.
"The contribution of my Hyūga ancestors?" Hiashi looked puzzled, not understanding Shin's words.
"In short, it's a positive change. Hinata's Byakugan will evolve into the Tenseigan, but it will take ti."
———
While Shin and Hiashi were talking, Hinata returned, having just visited her mother and younger sister.
"Shin-nii." Hinata ran over to Shin and sat down beside him.
Hiashi, watching nearby, felt a pang of discomfort. His own daughter was closer to Shin Uzumaki, an outsider, than to him—It was a bitter feeling.
"Hinata, did you see your sister?" Shin asked Hinata with a smile.
"Yes, Hanabi is very cute." Thinking of her sister Hanabi, Hinata couldn't help but smile.
"Could Hinata stay here for a few days?" Hiashi asked Shin.
"That's up to Hinata. Ask her yourself." Shin gestured for Hiashi to ask Hinata directly. Though Shin suspected Hinata would likely refuse, he hoped Hiashi wouldn't be too disappointed.
"Hinata, what do you think?" Hiashi looked at Hinata.
Hinata looked up at Shin, then shook her head at Hiashi. "Father, I think I'll go back with Shin-nii."
Just as Shin predicted—Hinata refused Hiashi. Shin couldn't read Hiashi's expression behind his usual stoic mask, but he wondered how Hiashi felt. Hiashi always looked like soone owed him money.
"Shin, there's sothing I need to ask of you," Hiashi suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Shin, and spoke seriously.
"Bowing first? Are you afraid I'll refuse?" Shin asked.
Hiashi remained silent. Shin knew he wasn't the most talkative person.
"Go ahead, tell what it is. Then I'll consider whether to agree."
"The Hyūga Clan has left Konoha—Although things are okay for now, we can't continue like this indefinitely," Hiashi said gravely. He wanted to discuss the future developnt of the Hyūga Clan.
Having left Konoha, they hadn't faced any trouble yet. But Hiashi knew this was because Konoha was preoccupied with its own issues and wary of Shin Uzumaki.
This situation wouldn't last forever. The Hyūga Clan needed security.
What if Konoha decided to attack the Hyūga Clan one day? Would they ask Shin Uzumaki for help?
Shin might agree the first ti, for Hinata's sake, but what about the second or third ti?
"Get to the point. What is the Hyūga Clan's objective?" Shin interrupted, seeing Hiashi was about to launch into a long speech. Shin wasn't interested in the intricacies of the Hyūga Clan's developnt plans.
"I plan to lead the Hyūga Clan to the Land of Water, to Kirigakure, and take action against them."
Hiashi revealed his goal, stunning Shin.
'Attack Kirigakure? You've got guts!'
"Ambitious plan. Too bad you lack the strength to achieve it."
Shin didn't mince words, disregarding Hiashi's pride. In Shin's view, Hiashi was being unrealistic. Even a weakened Kirigakure wasn't sothing the Hyūga Clan could take on alone.
Hiashi didn't get angry. He knew they lacked the strength; that was precisely why he was asking Shin for help.
"I know the Hyūga Clan's strength alone is insufficient. That's why I want to ask for your help."
Saying this, Hiashi felt his face burn—Making such a request felt sowhat shaless.
But for the sake of the Hyūga Clan, Hiashi could swallow his pride. His ambition was for the Hyūga Clan to prosper forever.
"Help? I don't work for free," Shin told Hiashi. He wouldn't help for free; he wasn't a tool.
"Of course. Shin, if you can help the Hyūga Clan establish a foothold in Kirigakure, the entire village will be at your disposal," Hiashi promised.
He had made up his mind—If relying on Shin Uzumaki could ensure the Hyūga Clan's developnt, so be it!
Shin Uzumaki was certainly stronger than Hiruzen Sarutobi. In Konoha, the Hyūga had relied on Hiruzen—practically licking his boots—yet they were ultimately betrayed.
Shin stroked his chin. Hiashi's objective was clear:
—[Beco the Mizukage and control Kirigakure.]
And the deal essentially involved Hiashi pledging allegiance, becoming Shin's subordinate.
"Alright. I don't mind lending you a hand." Shin finally nodded.
Helping Hiashi offered benefits with no real drawbacks. Most importantly, it required minimal effort from him.
Though Kirigakure was a Major Hidden Village, Shin could handle it easily.
"Thank you, Shin! I won't forget this." Hiashi said solemnly. Shin Uzumaki helping the Hyūga Clan made him their benefactor. Hiashi would forever be grateful.
"I see why you're so ambitious. Your strength has increased."
Shin looked at Hiashi, sensing his chakra was much stronger than before. He should be Kage level now.
No wonder Hiashi suddenly had such ambition. Without increased strength, Hiashi probably wouldn't have dared. Strength breeds ambition.
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