Chapter 122: Conflict!

In Konoha Village, Uzumaki Raiden and Uchiha Fugaku walked out of the Uchiha clan's grounds together, heading toward the Hyuga household.

The second member recruited by the team, Uzumaki Raiden, had set his sights on Hiashi Hyuga. There were several reasons for this. First, it was due to the Byakugan of the Hyuga family. As a rare dōjutsu in the ninja world, the perception and detection capabilities of the Byakugan were top-tier.

For a well-rounded team, having perceptive ninjas was essential. Another reason was Hiashi Hyuga's status. As the next-generation heir of the Hyuga clan, the young Hyuga had already secured a position among Konoha's high-level decision-makers. Recruiting such individuals would greatly aid Uzumaki Raiden's future plans for controlling Konoha.

Uzumaki Raiden never forgot his ultimate goal: to change the current ninja world and protect his loved ones.

As Uchiha Fugaku and Raiden walked and chatted, they soon arrived at the Hyuga clan's estate. Unlike the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga's territory was surrounded by high walls, entirely separating their living quarters from the rest of Konoha.

Moreover, many Hyuga ninjas patrolled the grounds. When Uzumaki Raiden and Uchiha Fugaku reached the estate's gates, they were naturally questioned by the Hyuga guards.

"Stop! What business do you have here?"

The person stopping them was a young Hyuga clansman. Behind him stood three more Hyuga ninjas, all scattered but vigilant. They activated their Byakugan, closely watching Uzumaki Raiden and Uchiha Fugaku.

With Konoha preparing for war, the Hyuga clan had tightened security. There had been previous incidents where outsiders targeted the clan's bloodline limit. Thus, the sight of two unfamiliar visitors made the guards uneasy.

"Hello, I am Uzumaki Raiden. I'm here to see Hiashi Hyuga. No need to be alarmed," Raiden calmly explained, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. He was here on official business and didn't want unnecessary trouble. Despite the Hyuga guards' aloof demeanor, Raiden decided not to hold it against them.

"Master Hiashi? Wait a moment; we need to confirm," the leading guard said. Upon hearing Raiden's name, his expression shifted slightly. After carefully assessing Raiden, he instructed one of the ninjas to report the matter. That ninja disappeared instantly, heading to inform Hiashi.

"The Hyuga Clan certainly puts on airs," Fugaku muttered, arms crossed. "Raiden, it seems meeting Hiashi won't be easy." Although the words were directed at Raiden, Fugaku glanced toward the Hyuga guards with a hint of mockery.

"Fugaku, there's no need for unnecessary comments. It's normal for the Hyuga family to have protocols," Raiden replied, smiling to ease the tension. However, it seemed too late to diffuse the situation. The Hyuga guards had overheard Fugaku's remark, and one of them retorted:

"Not just anyone can enter our Hyuga estate."

"We are the No. 1 noble family in Konoha. People without status shouldn't set foot here."

The speaker, a young Hyuga ninja standing at the back, spoke loudly, his face filled with arrogance and disdain.

"What did you just say?" Fugaku's temper flared. He stepped forward, pointing at the Hyuga ninja.

"Whoever it applies to," the Hyuga ninja sneered, straightening his posture behind the leading guard. Though bold, he strategically positioned himself for safety.

"You insolent fool!" Fugaku growled. "Your Hyuga clan dares call itself Konoha's No. 1 noble family? Pathetic!" His Sharingan activated, and his chakra surged ominously, ready to act.

Raiden sighed, realizing the situation had escalated unnecessarily. Proud individuals meeting proud individuals often led to conflict. He decided not to intervene, confident in Fugaku's ability to handle the Hyuga guards.

"The Uchiha clan? You're an Uchiha?" the mocking guard exclaimed in surprise, noticing Fugaku's Sharingan. The lead guard, too, recognized the danger but tried to maintain composure.

"Even the Uchiha cannot humiliate the Hyuga. Stop now, or we'll detain you and summon your patriarch to fetch you!"

The comment only fueled Fugaku's anger. With no patience for insults, Fugaku cast a genjutsu effortlessly.

"It's a genjutsu! Take him down!" the lead guard shouted, sensing the chakra disturbance. He reached into his ninja pouch, but instead of grabbing a shuriken, he found a venomous snake.

"Aagh!" he screamed as the snake bit his neck, paralyzing him. The remaining guards fell prey to Fugaku's illusion, screaming in terror. Fugaku deactivated his Sharingan as his opponents stood frozen in fear.

"You're stronger now, but your impulsive nature remains," Raiden remarked, attempting to calm him.

"Hmph, they needed to learn that Uchiha is Konoha's true No. 1 family," Fugaku said confidently, his expression illuminated by the moonlight.

Suddenly, a piercing sound echoed through the air.

(End of this chapter)