Chapter 4: Konoha Year 53

Konoha Year 53

April 7 - Squad Training

Adapting to stealth tactics. Learning essential ANBU jutsu such as the Body Flicker Technique and Hiding with Camouflage Technique.

May 3 - Surveillance of the Uchiha Clan Grounds

In his free time, training in Konoha-style taijutsu with Bull.

June 13 - Abduction of the Land of Lightning's Daimyō's Aide

Spending spare time learning chakra shape transformation and practicing the A-rank jutsu, Chidori.

June 25 - Assisting Guy's Squad in Eliminating a Kumogakure Team

Developed the A-rank taijutsu technique Sealing Thunder Palm, which injects lightning into the opponent's body, paralyzing them instantly.

July 18 - Surveillance and Protection of Uzumaki Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki

Continuing to hone the Hyūga Gentle Fist style in secret. Developing hybrid techniques such as Lightning Rotation and Wind Pressure Palm by combining taijutsu and ninjutsu.

...

August 3 - Library Duty

Hyūga Gakuya and his teammates arrived at the records room, where Kakashi took the keys from the previous squad.

"You've worked hard," Gakuya greeted a fellow ANBU member he was acquainted with.

"It's nothing. I'll be off to catch up on some sleep now." The ANBU member patted Gakuya on the shoulder and lowered his voice. "This mission's great—no danger, no enemy ninja sneaking in to steal useless documents. If you get bored, just read the files like a novel."

"Got it." Gakuya nodded without much change in expression.

As usual, he did his shift with his squad. Around midnight, he began casually flipping through the records, pretending to read at random. Eventually, he pulled out a file on Konoha's rogue ninja.

The first page featured the infamous Uchiha Madara—a founder of Konoha, yet also one of its greatest adversaries. The file detailed his abilities, including his Mangekyō Sharingan. At the very end of the document was a name that stood out: Senju Tobirama.

Gakuya recalled Tobirama's infamous words: "The Uchiha are born evil. Right now, I will..."

He continued flipping through the pages, searching for something more recent. Finally, he found what he was looking for.

Konoha A-rank Rogue Ninja: Hiruko

Defected in Konoha Year 50. Charged with conducting human experiments and researching the Chimera Technique. Discovered and pursued by the Third Hokage but ultimately escaped. Current whereabouts unknown.

Reference: Chimera Technique - Sealing Room 3-9.

Gakuya memorized the number 3-9.

"What are you reading so intently?" A voice sounded from behind him. Kakashi peered over his shoulder.

"Rogue ninja records. Just something to pass the time."

"You haven't done this kind of duty before. How about reading this instead?" Kakashi handed him a book.

Gakuya glanced at the cover: Icha Icha Paradise. His face stiffened. So this is when Kakashi started reading these things?

"No thanks. There are three great taboos for a shinobi—I'd rather read classified files to expand my knowledge."

"Ignorance." Kakashi shook his head regretfully and walked away, disappointed he hadn't gained a fellow book enthusiast.

With his goal achieved, Gakuya resumed flipping through the records nonchalantly.

...

September 1 - Contacting a Spy Within Kumogakure to Exchange Intel

Training his Byakugan and obtaining an eye-enhancing medicine from his uncle, Hizashi.

September 10 - Sealing Room Duty

Unlike the records room, the Sealing Room required 24-hour vigilance. Two teams worked in shifts, monitoring each other.

After familiarizing himself with the environment, Gakuya located section 3-9. A while later, he feigned stomach pain and requested an hour's leave from the squad captains. Thanks to the relationships he had built within ANBU, no one questioned him—they simply told him to hurry back.

Leaving a shadow clone to head toward the restroom, Gakuya slipped into a room above the Sealing Room. Swallowing the Byakugan-enhancing medicine, his vision sharpened instantly. His veins bulged as he activated the Byakugan, scanning the room below.

There it was—the unfinished Chimera Technique scroll, resting within one of the compartments.

But as soon as he tried to analyze it further, he encountered a sensory barrier. His vision was immediately blocked, preventing him from seeing any deeper.

Gakuya sighed inwardly. As expected, this won't be easy.

Executing his backup plan, he took out a sheet of paper and carefully sketched the scroll's appearance, noting its color and shading.

Hiding the drawing securely, he deactivated the Byakugan and returned to his post, clutching his stomach as if he had suffered from severe diarrhea.

"You've been taking too many soldier pills, haven't you?"

"They're fine in emergencies, but you need proper meals when you're resting."

"Understood."

"It's a common problem. Nine out of ten ANBU have experienced it. Some medicine should help," another ANBU member chimed in.

"Got it."

"By the way, Daisuke, how long have you been in ANBU? When are you planning to retire?"

"Soon, soon. Once the war with Kumogakure is over, I'll retire and live a peaceful life."

Gakuya continued chatting naturally with his squadmates.

...

With his mission complete, he swiftly returned to the Hyūga compound. Ever since joining ANBU, he rarely had time to visit.

"Hizashi-sama, I need a favor."

"Speak. I'll do what I can."

"I need you to forge a scroll for me."

Gakuya handed over his rough sketch.

Hizashi recognized it immediately.

"That's a Konoha Sealing Room scroll. Why is there no color? You used the Byakugan to look at it?"

"Yes. This is important to me." Gakuya bowed deeply.

"Alright, I'll try. When I was younger, I saw several Konoha sealing scrolls. However, their colors vary depending on the year."

"If I tell you the year, will it help?" Gakuya's eyes lit up. "It's from three years ago—Konoha Year 50."

That was the year Hiruko defected. Seeing Kakashi, who had transplanted a Sharingan, had reinforced his resolve, driving him further into his research.

"Understood. I'll have it ready in a month."

Gakuya nodded. "The Hyūga main family is planning something against you. The clan council is about to vote on branding you and Neji with the Caged Bird Seal."

His eyes narrowed. His growing reputation and power had finally made them act.

So they couldn't hold back any longer?

"I understand. I'll handle it."

"Then I'll take my leave, Hizashi-sama."

"Mm."

Leaving the room, Gakuya found Neji waiting outside.

His cousin was only three years old, and soon he would be marked with the Caged Bird Seal. Was there any way to delay it? If he could hold out long enough, he could either reform or destroy the Hyūga system entirely.

And then, there was the upcoming Kumogakure peace talks. Next year, Hinata would be kidnapped, and Hizashi would be sacrificed to maintain the fragile peace. How could he prevent that?

"Big brother, you're back! How long will you stay this time? I've been training hard! I learned lots of new moves—wanna see?"

"Sorry, Neji. I still have work in ANBU. Next time, I'll bring you a gift."

He ruffled Neji's hair.

As Neji watched him leave with reluctant eyes, Gakuya vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

...

A plan formed in his mind. At the end of the year, there would be an annual sealing inspection. The Sealing Corps would reapply barriers and inventory all items while ANBU provided security. That would be his chance.

His forged scroll would replace the real one.

And so, Gakuya prepared—purchasing supplies, adjusting his weaponry, and shifting his image. He stopped carrying a straight sword, replacing it with a seal-laden scroll packed with ninja tools.

Over time, everyone would get used to him carrying it.

And when the time came, the real heist would begin.