Chapter 80: Chapter 80
The planning area of Shin-Konoha was a challenging landscape. Much of the land was covered with massive rocks, making it impossible to lay a foundation. However, when struck by the ninjas' explosive tags, even the strongest mountains fractured and crumbled.
Despite the earlier intrusion, life in Shin-Konoha returned to normal. Tenten and the other ninjas who had been involved in the mission were warmly welcomed by the villagers.
"Tenten , I didn't expect to see you here!" Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, greeted her with a smile. "How do you like it here? The people are friendly, aren't they?"
Tenten's eyes widened in surprise. "Uncle Teuchi, you're here too?"
She had been shocked to find Ichiraku Ramen closed in Konoha, but discovering it thriving in Shin-Konoha brought a sense of familiarity and comfort.
"How about it?" Teuchi asked. "Are you staying in Shin-Konoha, or are you going back to Konoha as a traitor?"
The question hung in the air as Tentenand the others exchanged glances. Their hesitation was palpable.
Uzumaki Chito, observing the scene from a distance, stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm. "The ship that could have taken you back to Konoha has already left. You've been abandoned, whether you realize it or not."
The weight of his words sank in. For the first time, the ninjas began to see the truth—they hadn't betrayed Konoha. Konoha had betrayed them. The missions they were sent on had been nothing but a ploy, and their survival had never been part of the plan.
Tenten straightened her back, her expression resolute. "I'm joining Shin-Konoha," she declared. "But I'll need a shop."
The other ninjas followed suit, each pledging their loyalty to Shin-Konoha. With their decision made, a sense of relief washed over them.
Tenten in particular, stood out. Known for her expertise in sealing techniques and her role as a weapons dealer, she would become an invaluable asset to Shin-Konoha. Her knowledge and resources made her the perfect addition to the village's growing infrastructure.
The task of blasting through the indestructible rocks became significantly easier with her help. Using her scrolls and sealing jutsu, Tenten efficiently transported debris and cleared the land for construction. Other ninjas contributed by moving rubble and assisting with groundwork, accelerating Shin-Konoha's development.
Meanwhile, far away in the Land of Lightning, Neji Hyuga completed his personal mission. He stood over the lifeless body of a chunin, the final name on his list. Pulling out the worn page he had carried with him, Neji crossed out the last name and let out a long, weary sigh.
"It's done," he murmured. His vengeance was complete. The people responsible for his father's death were no more.
Kneeling on the ground, Neji gazed up at the sky, his eyes brimming with tears. "Father, do you see? I've avenged you."
Naruto and Tsunade stood behind him silently, giving him the space to grieve. When Neji finally rose to his feet, the three of them prepared to leave the Land of Thunder. But not before Naruto left a final mark—he unleashed a Tailed Beast Bomb, obliterating the Daimyo's mansion. The destruction was a bold declaration of Shin-Konoha's presence.
The news spread like wildfire. The world learned of Shin-Konoha's audacious raid on the Land of Lightning, the capture of the Fourth Raikage and Killer B, and the destruction of the Daimyo's mansion. Reactions were swift and varied.
"The world is changing," whispered one shinobi leader. "Shin-Konoha is rising, and the Will of Fire burns anew."
"Impostors," another spat. "Konoha still stands."
"Let them fight it out," mused a third. "The Land of Lightning is in shambles. Let's see how they handle this."
Despite the chaos, no nation dared to attack the Land of Lightning . Though weakened, the Land of Lightning was still a formidable force. Its resources and remaining strength deterred opportunistic aggression.
Back in Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen's fleeting satisfaction evaporated as the reports came in. Hearing of Shin-Konoha's resounding success left him seething. He paced the Hokage's office, venting his frustration by smashing porcelain and furniture.
Jiraiya watched helplessly from the corner, gesturing for the Anbu to replace the broken items. "This is getting old," he muttered to himself.
Konoha's struggles were mounting. Villagers were beginning to flee, seeking safety and stability elsewhere. Though Konoha could punish missing-nin, they had no means of controlling the exodus of ordinary people.
Shimura Danzo, ever the opportunist, approached Jiraiya with a freshly caught fish in hand. "Take it," he said. "Eat it and relax. Sarutobi's outbursts won't change anything."
Danzo's uncharacteristic nonchalance left Jiraiya bemused. The man seemed oddly content, as if he had accepted Konoha's declining fortunes.
In the Hyuga compound, Hiashi Hyuga read the reports pouring out of the Hokage's office. Though his face remained impassive, his heart swelled with pride and satisfaction.
Ever since Hizashi's death, the Hyuga clan had harbored a deep resentment toward the Land of Lightning . For years, they had been powerless to act. But now, Hizashi's son, Neji, had delivered a crushing blow to their old enemy.
Hiashi smiled faintly. "Hizashi, you would be proud of your son. He has surpassed even our expectations."
His gaze shifted to the ancestral hall, where he imagined Hizashi standing with a serene smile.
The success of Neji's mission stirred something within Hiashi. Uzumaki Chito's words echoed in his mind: If your ambition has faded, reignite it. The Hyuga must innovate to survive.
Hiashi realized the truth of those words. The Hyuga clan had stagnated for too long. It was time to adapt, to grow. Konoha was no longer the right place for them.
The Hokage's growing distrust of the clan, fueled by Neji's defection, had eroded their standing within the village. Tasks once entrusted to the Hyuga had been reassigned to other families, leaving the clan marginalized.
Hiashi knew this path all too well. It was the same one that had led to the downfall of the Uchiha.
With renewed determination, Hiashi began to plan for the Hyuga clan's future—a future that might lie outside the confines of Konoha.
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