Chapter 249

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The journey to the moon was immensely fruitful. They acquired two giant Tenseigan, a dozen surviving members of the Ōtsutsuki clan, numerous scrolls and manuals on the application and techniques of the Byakugan, and the method to artificially create a giant Tenseigan.

Additionally, Kyomu learned about a spatial passage from the moon to the ninja world from the remaining members of the Ōtsutsuki clan.

With this spatial passage, returning to the ninja world became much more convenient, sparing Obito from exhausting his ocular power.

Despite this fruitful journey, the brothers Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Homura did not interfere, and Kyomu did not know why nor did he care to speculate.

Using the spatial passage to leave the moon, Kyomu led his team and the surviving Ōtsutsuki clan members back to Ryūgakure, where Mei and Yugito were eagerly waiting.

"Kyomu."

With smiles on their faces, the two women greeted him warmly, and Kyomu reciprocated with equal enthusiasm.

Without much delay, Kyomu began addressing various matters.

First, he dealt with Kimimaro's injuries. This reckless fighter, during the battle with Houshi, had forcibly advanced his Shikotsumyaku to the level of the All-Killing Ash Bones, causing irreversible damage to his body and a resurgence of his nearly cured illness.

Kyomu immediately summoned Tsunade and briefly explained Kimimaro's situation to her.

"That's just reckless!" Tsunade glared at Kyomu and then at everyone else before finally focusing on Kimimaro. "And you, what's the rush? Are you so eager to die?"

"Tsunade-sama, I just wanted to help a little, and as a tool, I should..."

Smack.

Tsunade slapped the back of Kimimaro's neck, cutting him off. "You're not a tool, you're our friend, a member of this village!"

Kimimaro's eyes flickered, and he nodded slightly, then fell silent.

Tsunade sighed, unsure if her words had truly reached him.

Kneeling down, Tsunade took Kimimaro's hand, her palm glowing with a faint green chakra. As the chakra flowed through his body, Tsunade's frown deepened.

"Kimimaro's condition leaves us with two options," Tsunade said, releasing his hand. "If we proceed gradually, given Kimimaro's innate talent and the suppression provided by his Byakugan, his Shikotsumyaku could naturally advance further over time. This is the safest method.

However, Kimimaro forcibly accelerated this evolution, making his Shikotsumyaku advance too quickly for his Byakugan to suppress. The destructive power of the All-Killing Ash Bones is currently destroying his body irreversibly. To resolve this, we need to address both his eyes and his body urgently. Otherwise... Kimimaro has less than three years to live."

Tsunade sighed again, turning to Kyomu. "Kyomu, I want to hear your thoughts."

"Sis, I don't think it's a problem," Kyomu said optimistically. "Our moon journey was very fruitful. Not only did we obtain two giant Tenseigan, but we also acquired more, purer Byakugan."

He looked over at Hiashi, who nodded in understanding.

"Ryūkage-sama, the Byakugan you acquired were not obtained by harming our clan members. You have my support in using them as you see fit."

Hiashi's words were both sincere and strategic. The Hyūga clan had gained significantly from this expedition, so holding grudges over minor issues would be petty.

Kyomu nodded, then turned back to Tsunade. "Sis, these Byakugan can be merged."

He dropped a bombshell, and Hiashi produced an old scroll from a sealing scroll, handing it to Tsunade.

Tsunade was skeptical. "Byakugan can be merged? How? And what will it become after merging?"

Without answering, Kyomu gestured for her to read the scroll.

Hesitant, Tsunade began reading, her eyes widening with each page.

"This... Is this the necessary step for the Byakugan to evolve into a higher form?" Tsunade looked at Hiashi. "You need to keep this scroll secure. This could be dangerous for the Hyūga clan."

Hiashi was well aware of the potential dangers. Anyone who read this scroll would think of transplanting high-purity Byakugan, then either exterminating or confining Hyūga clan members to create a giant Tenseigan for personal use.

This was similar to the internal strife the Uchiha clan nearly faced centuries ago, except the Hyūga clan risked extinction over creating a giant Tenseigan, while the Uchiha faced it over using Izanagi.

"Thank you for the warning, Tsunade-sama. We will keep it secure," Hiashi said, bowing as he took the scroll back.

Tsunade then looked at Kyomu. "Kyomu, do you plan to improve this method, or..."

Kyomu didn't answer immediately. Instead, he instructed Obito, "Fetch Fugaku."

Obito nodded and left, returning shortly with Uchiha Fugaku.

With everyone assembled, Kyomu spoke openly.

"The Hyūga clan can merge Byakugan to create a giant Tenseigan, enabling high-purity Byakugan users to enter the Tenseigan Chakra Mode, temporarily reaching Six Paths level. This is a way for the Byakugan to evolve into a higher form. Similarly, the Uchiha clan's Mangekyō Sharingan, when merged between close relatives or siblings, can evolve into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

Although these methods seem different, they share a common core—fusion."

Kyomu snapped his fingers. "Moreover, the Hyūga and Uchiha clans share a common ancestry. So, I'm wondering if the steps to merge Byakugan into a giant Tenseigan and Mangekyō Sharingan into Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could be mutually beneficial. If so, refining these methods could make it easier for both clans to obtain higher-level eyes. This is worth exploring.

That's why I've gathered you both here today—to hear your thoughts."

Kyomu's gaze shifted between Hiashi and Fugaku, awaiting their responses.

"Ryūkage-sama, who will lead this research?" Fugaku asked.

"Naturally, Tsunade will oversee it," Kyomu replied, pointing to Tsunade. "However, your clans must refrain from involvement until the research is complete and the refined methods are available."

This was to prevent the original methods from being leaked, which could lead to mutual targeting, especially with the Uchiha potentially eyeing the Hyūga.

Hiashi understood this concern and asked, "Ryūkage-sama, what about the original methods after they're refined?"

"They won't be kept as backups, and I will personally destroy them," Kyomu said, serving as the intermediary. "I assure you, Tsunade won't keep them either."

Hearing this, both Hiashi and Fugaku felt reassured. Kyomu had never broken his word.

"We will follow Ryūkage-sama's arrangements," Hiashi and Fugaku agreed simultaneously.

Kyomu smiled. With their agreement, Tsunade's research had a clear direction, benefiting not only the Hyūga and Uchiha clans but also Kimimaro.

If the fusion method of Byakugan and Sharingan worked, it could potentially create pure Tenseigan instead of giant ones. Similarly, Mangekyō Sharingan could evolve into Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan or even giant Rinnegan without needing sibling eyes.

The possibilities were vast, but regardless of the outcome, the research would significantly benefit both clans.

However, Tsunade still had concerns.

"Kyomu, while the fusion methods have great potential, Kimimaro's condition can't wait."

Tsunade was deeply worried about Kimimaro, knowing the research could take an uncertain amount of time while his survival had a definite limit.

"I know," Kyomu replied, turning to Yugito before changing his mind. "Tsunade, if Kimimaro had a tailed beast inside him, could it improve his condition?"

"It should help," Tsunade nodded. "The chakra of a tailed beast has strong regenerative properties. Making Kimimaro a Jinchūriki could extend his life and potentially save him. For his eyes, I plan to replace them with Byakuya's eyes, which are much purer and more powerful. I'll also inject White Zetsu cells into him to further strengthen his body."

Tsunade laid out her medical plan, apologetically glancing at Kimimaro, who didn't seem to mind. He could endure any hardship as long as he was needed.

"Alright, I'll leave Kimimaro to you," Kyomu said, shifting the topic to the Hyūga clan.

"Hiashi, now that the Hyūga clan has a giant Tenseigan, can the branch family's Caged Bird Seal be lifted?"

Hiashi nodded. "Ryūkage-sama, aside from the Ōtsutsuki on the moon, our clan no longer needs the permanent Caged Bird Seal. We can remove it immediately and only reapply a temporary seal during missions or wars to protect the Byakugan."

"Good, let's proceed that way," Kyomu agreed, resolving the potential conflict between the Hyūga main and branch families.

This interference in their affairs would ultimately benefit Ryūgakure's development.

"Neji is four years old now, right?" Kyomu asked.

"Yes, Ryūkage-sama," Hiashi replied, unsure why Kyomu was interested in Neji. "He is a promising young member of our clan."

"Train him well; I have high hopes for him."

Hiashi nodded. "Rest assured, from now on, there will be no distinction between the main and branch families. All clan members will have equal access to our heritage."

This was a move to rival the Uchiha clan, and Hiashi glanced at Fugaku as he spoke.

With their restored heritage, the Hyūga clan's Byakugan would no longer be limited to close combat and sensory support but would include powerful mid-to-long-range attacks.

The Hyūga clan now had the strength to compete for the title of the foremost Dojutsu clan in the ninja world.

Fugaku, however, remained unfazed. The Sharingan had dominated the Byakugan for centuries and would continue to do so.

The Uchiha feared no challenge!

Seeing the subtle rivalry between Hiashi and Fugaku, Kyomu couldn't help but smile. This healthy competition was beneficial for both Ryūgakure and himself.

"Alright, the third matter is preparing for the Fourth Ninja World War," Kyomu declared, his aura rising. "We now have the top combat power to crush the four great nations, and our war reserves are ample.

What we lack are ordinary soldiers. Conquering territory is easy, but governing it is challenging. So, everyone, I hope we can muster an army of ten thousand ready ninjas in two years!"

(End of Chapter)