Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 155: The Second "Pot Shadow" – Senju Tobirama

Senju Tobirama took a deep breath. "You chose to focus on the smaller nations personally because you have no expectations of them, correct?"

"Hmm." Hyuga Fuji nodded. "The smaller nations' shinobi villages don't even have enough medical-nin. The reforms of the great nations are irrelevant to them."

"And if the great nations fail to meet your expectations?"

"What do you think?" Fuji asked with a smile.

"…They'll be divided and taken apart."

Exhaling lightly, Tobirama cast a complicated glance at Fuji. He was beginning to understand Fuji's vision.

Only when the shinobi world had developed to the point where it could rest temporarily or when unification left a constant external threat to keep it moving forward would Fuji deem it the right time for unification.

Until then, it was all about "cultivating the strongest."

The great nations, the Akatsuki, the Land of Snow... they were all whetstones, sharpening each other until one broke and fell out of the race.

The younger generation, Fuji's "recruits" from various lands, would undoubtedly be the fastest-growing and most dynamic players in this scenario.

As Tobirama thought of the talented shinobi Fuji had "poached" from across the nations—especially those he had taken from Konoha—his expression turned a little stiff.

In this regard, Fuji had a clear advantage.

Noticing Tobirama's expression, Fuji smiled. "You're here for research, aren't you? Black Zetsu's research is paused for now. I'll go meet the daimyo, so I'll leave this laboratory to you."

"Rest? You call this rest?"

Tobirama glanced at the back of the lab, where countless shadow clones of Fuji continued their experiments in full force.

"…Forget it. I'll go with you," Tobirama said, unwilling to remain surrounded by those countless Byakugan in the lab.

…

When Fuji and Tobirama arrived at the daimyo's residence, Hyuga Yuki, who was handling administrative affairs, temporarily put down his work to greet them and led them to the castle's keep.

The current daimyo of the Land of Snow was still Kazahana Doto.

He sat expressionlessly in the keep, staring at the three arrivals with dead eyes. Clearly, he was already numb.

In the past, when Yuki and the others first arrived, Doto had dared to challenge them. But after experiencing the harshness of reality, he had been forced to bow his head.

Even when the strongest Hyuga in the group, Hyuga Miyuki, left to train in puppetry, Doto thought he had an opening. Yet, what came instead was the arrival of an S-rank rogue ninja.

He had conspired with the Snow Ninja to kill his brother and claim the daimyo's position, but now he was nothing more than a puppet.

Utterly ridiculous.

He knew exactly why they kept him around.

"So, how many sins have I taken on for you today?"

Hyuga Yuki turned to Fuji, who nodded. "Three noble families opposed the establishment of an academy. You exterminated them and their clans."

Yes, that was Kazahana Doto's sole value—to act as a scapegoat.

The Land of Snow, as a small nation, originally lacked facilities like schools. Its citizens didn't understand the benefits these institutions brought and naturally wouldn't support them.

Many, fearing a threat to their interests, actively resisted these reforms.

Policies that faced strong resistance—especially those with long-term benefits that were slow to show results—needed both a strong ruler and a scapegoat.

Having come to power through a coup, Kazahana Doto was perfect for both roles.

To the public, he appeared as a greedy leader blindly copying the Fire Nation's policies without considering the realities of his own country.

He had fulfilled his role brilliantly.

"And beyond that?"

As Yuki began listing more crimes, Doto's previously calm expression broke. He erupted into curses:

"The day you turn the Land of Snow into what you want it to be will also be the day I die, won't it? You bastards are all bound for hell!"

Yuki looked at him without a hint of emotion, as if silently saying, Isn't the shinobi world already hell?

This silent response only deepened Doto's gloom.

"Don't worry, you won't die," Fuji said with a faint smile. "Your scientific research skills are impressive. Those suits of armor in your room—you designed them yourself, didn't you?"

"Hmph. And what if I did?"

Doto snorted coldly. "You think I'd willingly help you improve your armor? Aren't you afraid I'll take the chance to…"

He stopped mid-sentence.

The chilling gaze from the shadows reminded him that these people had no fear of his betrayal.

Seeing Doto fall silent, Fuji nodded slightly. "It seems you've agreed. Just don't resort to futile resistance or suicidal acts. They're meaningless."

Tobirama couldn't help but agree with this sentiment.

For someone like Fuji, certain individuals, especially researchers, were far more valuable than combat-oriented shinobi. Fuji had a way of holding onto these people tightly.

Even Hiruko, who had died long ago, had been brought back through Edo Tensei to tirelessly continue his experiments under Fuji's forced command.

There was nothing more tragic than being unable to choose even the circumstances of one's death.

Once you fell into Fuji's hands, even death wouldn't free you—he'd just bring you back to work for him.

Truly an evil Hyuga brat!

Still… the efficiency of undead researchers was undeniable. Tobirama couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't thought of this before.

Doto, meanwhile, glanced at Tobirama—the once-dead Second Hokage—and his expression turned hollow.

Even death was no longer an option for him.

If he could go back in time, he would never have taken the position of daimyo. He would have fled as far away as possible, never to return.

Seeing Doto's vacant expression, Yuki silently clicked his tongue.

The man had been utterly broken.

But he could understand why.

When he first saw Fuji lead so many people teleport into the Land of Snow, Yuki had been just as stunned.

And the string of shocking events that followed had left him numb.

He had known Fuji was powerful but hadn't imagined he could split Konoha, or even bring back the Second Hokage...

Glancing discreetly at Tobirama, Yuki's expression turned a bit odd. Moving closer to Fuji, he whispered, "Fuji-senpai, shouldn't you put a stop to those rumors?"

Ever since Fuji had brought his group to the Land of Snow, certain elder members of the Hyuga Clan—those who had left Konoha months ago—had begun quietly speculating about Tobirama.

To many, his identity was now an open secret.

Or rather, most had suspected the truth long before.

After all, among the Hyuga Clan, Fuji was the standout of his generation.

But Tobirama's presence had sparked all kinds of strange rumors.

For example, some wondered whether the Second Hokage had been involved in the Fourth Hokage's rise or Danzō's imprisonment.

Others speculated that Tobirama, disillusioned with Konoha, had joined forces with Fuji to overthrow the older generation of the village.

Initially, these rumors had circulated only among the Hyuga elders. But now, even Fuji's subordinates were discussing them.

It was as if they were trying to shift some of the blame for Fuji's actions onto Tobirama, turning the Second Hokage into the "Second Pot Shadow."

This was ridiculous—Tobirama hadn't even been active when most of these events occurred!

Fuji glanced at Yuki and shook his head slightly. "You're too naïve. They know perfectly well that these things have nothing to do with Tobirama. Think about where this will lead."

Yuki frowned and thought carefully before muttering, "The elders start the rumors, and the younger generation, unaware of the truth, will believe them. Over time, people will think the Second Hokage was aligned with you from the beginning, plotting everything behind the scenes…"

Yuki trailed off, shocked by the implications. The elders' strategy was ruthless.

This wasn't just about spreading rumors—it was a psychological attack designed to undermine Konoha's legitimacy from within.

(End of Chapter)