Naruto World Through Tenseigan - Chapter 14
As the fire of ambition burned hot within his heart, Hyuga Kyo’s thoughts grew sharper and more focused.
From the era of White Fang and the Three Legendary Sannin, the shadow-level powerhouses had either perished, fled, or departed. Now, only Jiraiya remained, who was disinterested in the position of Hokage.
In the generation of the Fourth Hokage and Kushina, apart from the Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki couple, other clan leaders like Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were firm but still fell just short of true shadow-level power.
The talent gap in Konoha had become glaringly evident.
This presented a significant crisis for Konoha but an unparalleled opportunity for Hyuga Kyo.
For him, the real competitors were only Kakashi, Guy, Asuma, Shisui, and Itachi, among the new generation of shinobi.
However, Shisui and Itachi, the two prodigies of the Uchiha clan, were more likely to be suppressed by Konoha’s leadership due to the growing tension with the Uchiha clan, making them less of a threat in the competition.
“The future will be my stage!”
Hyuga Kyo’s heart brimmed with confidence and anticipation for the future.
Hyuga Kyo faced two significant obstacles to seizing power.
The first was his Tenseigan. Though Hyuga clan members did not typically activate their Byakugan randomly, if one did so in front of him, his Tenseigan would be immediately exposed. The Tenseigan, with its starry, cosmic appearance, was noticeably different from the pure white Byakugan.
The second obstacle was his history as a former subordinate of Orochimaru.
Hyuga Kyo had no immediate solution for the first problem other than to avoid other Hyuga clan members as much as possible. The second issue, given the current workforce shortage in the village and the fact that the Uchiha clan was currently the main focus of the village’s leadership, might be manageable with the proper manoeuvring.
His expression turned grim: “As a Chunin, and one promoted during the war, my status is just too low. Anyone can step on me!”
In recent months, Hyuga Kyo had had enough of feeling insignificant.
Being ordered around, marked for cleansing, and the helplessness of his situation had taught him a simple truth.
To avoid being trampled, he needed to climb higher.
“In the village, I need to establish a new persona, one different from the mediocre past.”
Reflecting on how to elevate his status, Hyuga Kyo instinctively thought of the Fourth Hokage.
Indeed, the Fourth was the quintessential example of an ordinary ninja rising to prominence in this era.
If he had to summarise the Fourth Hokage’s traits, the words ‘strong,’ ‘bright,’ and ‘high-profile’ came to mind.
The more brutal the war, the more dazzling the stage.
It was the Third Ninja War that had elevated the Fourth Hokage, allowing him to attain the highest authority in the ninja world at a young age.
Now that the war had ended, if Hyuga Kyo wanted to gain significant fame, he needed to be even more high-profile than the Fourth.
He had to present himself as an unparalleled strongman, making everyone aware of his power so that when considering the next Hokage, his image would naturally come to mind.
Of course, this change in persona needed to be gradual, lest it arouse suspicion from the village leadership.
Having made up his mind, Hyuga Kyo wasted no time and took immediate action.
In peacetime, the quickest way to showcase one’s talent was through missions. A commendable mission record was also crucial for promotion.
With this in mind, Hyuga Kyo headed straight to the mission centre.
Compared to usual, the mission centre was quieter today.
At the counter, Hyuga Kyo said, “I’m Chunin Hyuga Kyo. Please show me the available B-rank missions.”
After verifying his identity, the staff handed him a mission list. “These are the B-rank missions. You should choose from the first few pages; those clients are getting anxious.”
Knowing the severe manpower shortage in the village, with many missions piling up, Hyuga Kyo didn’t waste words and started reviewing the mission list.
Konoha classified missions meticulously. Jonin could take on all missions, including S-rank. Chunin could take on B-rank to D-rank missions, while Genin could only take on C-rank to D-rank missions.
Among them:
– S-rank missions typically involved tasks from organisations, such as assassinating key figures or stealing vital information.
– A-rank missions often included protecting key figures or hunting rogue ninjas.
– B-rank to D-rank missions were usually individual commissions, with B-rank and C-rank involving combat, while D-rank did not.
As a Chunin with special Jonin-level skills (excluding the use of the Third Kazekage puppet), B-rank missions were the most suitable choice for Hyuga Kyo.
After a quick review, Hyuga Kyo frowned.
Most missions required a team, with even the least demanding needing at least two ninjas.
At that moment, a small figure appeared at the adjacent service window.
Hyuga Kyo glanced over and was momentarily surprised.
The boy was none other than Uchiha Itachi, the genius of the Uchiha clan.
Despite being only six or seven years old, Itachi exhibited maturity far beyond his years, diligently examining the mission list like an adult.
After a while, Itachi returned the list to the staff and asked in a childish voice, “Are there any C-rank missions that can be taken alone?”
The staff, accustomed to dealing with the Uchiha clan, was not surprised that such a young child wanted to take on a solo C-rank mission. She calmly shook her head, “No, you need to team up with another ninja for C-rank missions.”
Itachi looked a bit troubled, muttering softly, “I guess I’ll have to wait for Shisui to return to the village.”
Hyuga Kyo chuckled, “Kid, haven’t you graduated yet?”
Itachi respectfully replied, “The school is on a four-month break due to the reconstruction.”
Hyuga Kyo hadn’t realised the ninja academy had been destroyed in the Nine-Tails’ rampage. He said, “Since you’re on break, you should stay home. Doing missions alone is dangerous.”
Itachi, with a severe expression, said, “The village is short on hands now, and many missions are backlogged. If no one does them, it will hurt the village’s reputation, and we’ll receive fewer commissions in the future.”
Hyuga Kyo was momentarily speechless.
After scrutinising Hyuga Kyo for a moment, Itachi asked, “Are you a Chunin, sir?”
Hyuga Kyo nodded.
Itachi’s face lit up with joy. “Are you in need of a teammate? I’m Uchiha Itachi. Although I haven’t graduated yet, I am a competent Genin.”
Hyuga Kyo shook his head, “I’m looking for a B-rank mission. It’s not suitable for you.”
With the village currently suspicious of the Uchiha clan, and considering his own unresolved issues, Hyuga Kyo didn’t want to get involved with the Uchiha clan.
Itachi quickly said, “I’ve reviewed the B-rank missions, and none can be taken solo. You definitely need a teammate.”
Hyuga Kyo pondered for a moment. He realised that in the future, he would inevitably have to deal with influential members of the Uchiha clan, so understanding their combat style in advance could be advantageous.
And Itachi, being one of the brightest stars of his generation, could be useful in establishing a connection early on.
With a smile, Hyuga Kyo made up his mind, “Alright, but you must follow my instructions and not act on your own.”
Itachi promptly bowed to him, “You can count on me, sir!”
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