The next morning.
When Kiyohara got out of bed, he rolled his shoulders to loosen up.
He gathered chakra onto the back of his hand and noticed that the pattern of the curse mark had changed.
Within the center of the magatama symbol, what looked like a diamond-shaped mark seemed to be gradually taking form.
Once Kiyohara dispersed his chakra, however, the pattern disappeared beneath his skin once again.
'It fused faster than I expected.'
Kiyohara thought to himself.
He then walked over to the window and pushed it open.
The cool morning air poured into the room.
His gaze casually swept toward Konan, who was hidden in the shadows as usual, and he could not help but wonder exactly what time she had gotten up.
"Come with me to the ANBU headquarters."
Kiyohara said.
He intended to take Konan there and officially complete the handover.
The ANBU base.
When Kiyohara pushed open the door to the training grounds, someone was already inside.
Kakashi was leaning against the wall, casually holding a small orange-covered book in his hands.
The instant he heard the door open, he had just reached an exciting part.
Without the slightest change in expression, he calmly slipped the book into his shinobi pouch.
"You're here?"
Kakashi's eyes shifted toward Konan standing behind Kiyohara.
His first impression was that she was slender, graceful, and wearing an ANBU mask.
"A newcomer?"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
Kiyohara nodded.
Kakashi's eyes lingered on her for a moment before his brows gradually furrowed.
That person...
She somehow felt familiar.
But he simply could not place where he had seen her before.
Just then, a booming voice echoed from the depths of the training grounds.
"The new recruit!"
A green figure burst forward at astonishing speed, leaving only an afterimage behind.
In the blink of an eye, the figure had already appeared in front of Kiyohara.
Might Guy.
He was wearing the same ANBU uniform as Kakashi.
"Our new teammate!"
His eyes lit up the moment they landed on Konan.
"Welcome to the ANBU! Let us burn with the flames of youth together!"
Konan remained standing where she was without moving an inch.
Deep down, she could not help wondering whether Konoha's ANBU was just a little too cheerful.
She had already noticed Kakashi secretly reading one of those little orange books, and now this loud, energetic Might Guy had appeared.
Was this really the ANBU...
Or was it the Bright Division instead?
"Guy."
Kakashi called out.
"Don't scare the new recruit."
Kakashi had encountered Konan several times before.
Guy, on the other hand, had rarely seen her, so he naturally did not recognize her.
Guy froze briefly before scratching the back of his head.
"That's true. That's true."
He stepped back a few paces, yet he still could not stop himself from sizing Konan up.
"But speaking of it, you look really good in the ANBU uniform. You've got a great figure!"
Konan: "..."
Kakashi walked over and patted Guy on the shoulder.
"That's enough."
He turned toward Kiyohara.
"So, what are we training today?"
Kiyohara thought for a moment.
"We'll start with a warm-up."
Then he looked at Konan.
"You'll be paired with me. It'll help you get familiar with ANBU training methods."
"Right now?"
Konan asked.
Coincidentally, she also wanted to learn some of Konoha's training methods so she could bring them back and apply them within the Akatsuki.
In her opinion, the experience accumulated by shinobi from one of the Five Great Nations was definitely worth studying.
"Right now."
Kiyohara nodded.
Kakashi and Guy paired up and soon left to train elsewhere.
Only Kiyohara and Konan remained.
Before beginning the training, however, Kiyohara planned to take advantage of the opportunity.
"As payment, I'd like you to teach me a few Paper Release techniques."
Kiyohara had always been interested in Paper Release.
Paper Release was an extremely unusual ability.
It was neither a Kekkei Genkai nor a secret technique.
Yet it somehow possessed characteristics of both.
The reason was simple.
Basic Paper Release techniques were actually quite common.
Techniques such as Paper Release: Paper Shuriken Technique were known by quite a few shinobi.
However, to reach Konan's level, where she could disguise six hundred billion explosive tags as an endless ocean that not even the Sharingan could see through...
Or transform her own body into paper to nullify attacks...
Or create wings of paper and soar through the sky...
Only Konan herself had ever accomplished such feats.
"Aren't you already proficient in countless ninjutsu? People even call you the 'Professor of Ninjutsu.'"
Konan asked in confusion.
Nowadays, Kiyohara was already known by many as the Professor of Ninjutsu.
After all, just like the Third Hokage in his youth, he had mastered all kinds of chakra natures.
"Not at all. At best, I'm only at the undergraduate level."
Kiyohara shook his head.
Of course, there was no such thing as undergraduate education in the shinobi world.
Konan frowned beneath her mask.
Undergraduate?
What was that supposed to mean?
"In any case, I'm still far from reaching the end. There are still plenty of things I need to learn. After all, there's no harm in knowing more techniques."
Kiyohara smiled.
The more thoroughly he mastered different forms of chakra transformation, the easier it would become to synthesize Kekkei Genkai, Kekkei Tota, and eventually even the ultimate Bloodline Expansion, the Kekkei Mora.
If he already possessed a Kekkei Mora, then anyone below Six Paths level would be crushed through an overwhelming difference in dimensionality.
"I can't guarantee you'll actually learn it."
Konan felt Kiyohara was being somewhat overambitious.
Thinking about it carefully, besides the five basic nature transformations, he already knew Storm Release, Magnet Release, space-time ninjutsu, and many other techniques.
There were simply too many.
She genuinely had no idea where he found the time to learn all of them.
"You don't need to make sure I master them. Just demonstrate each technique a few times. I'll remember them."
Kiyohara replied.
As long as he did not repeatedly use Susanoo or his Mangekyo-exclusive abilities, simply relying on the Mangekyo Sharingan's basic perception consumed relatively little chakra and placed only a modest burden on his eyes.
Itachi had always been extremely conservative with his Mangekyo techniques, treating them as ultimate trump cards.
Even while suffering from a terminal illness, it had still taken more than ten years before his eyesight finally failed.
If Kiyohara used his Mangekyo at the same frequency as Itachi had, he probably would never go blind even after an entire lifetime.
"Then I'll begin."
Seeing that Kiyohara insisted, Konan prepared to demonstrate the techniques.
The chakra she refined entered a special state, transforming into countless sheets of white paper.
Kiyohara stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"So every sheet of paper is created directly from chakra?"
Hearing the question, Konan shook her head.
"Of course not. If every sheet were made entirely from chakra, I wouldn't have nearly enough chakra."
She took out a small sealing scroll from her clothing and slightly parted her lips.
"I've sealed plenty of paper inside these scrolls, and sometimes I also summon paper when necessary."
"I see."
Kiyohara finally understood why Konan always seemed to possess an endless supply of paper.
Although chakra could indeed produce paper, using real paper from the physical world was obviously much more efficient.
"So the paper you're using now is oil-treated paper?"
Kiyohara continued.
"More or less. It's all been specially treated to resist fire."
Konan nodded.
In reality, it had not only been made fire-resistant.
It had also been waterproofed.
Otherwise, in the constantly rainy Land of Rain, it would become soaked far too easily.
As she spoke, countless white sheets swirled and danced above her palm like fluttering butterflies.
The paper quickly began splitting and reshaping.
One sheet became two.
Two became four.
In the blink of an eye, the floating paper transformed into dozens of kunai.
The paper kunai hovered around her body, every sharp tip aimed at the wooden training posts ahead.
"Paper Release: Paper Kunai."
Konan spoke calmly.
"Infusing chakra into paper and hardening it into weapons is one of the most basic Paper Release techniques."
She waved her hand.
The paper kunai shot forward.
With a series of sharp thuds, they embedded themselves deeply into the wooden posts.
Despite being made entirely of paper, they were no weaker than real kunai.
Kiyohara nodded.
The power was quite respectable.
While Konan had been demonstrating, he had already activated his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Every movement of chakra was perfectly reflected within his eyes.
He slowly raised his right hand.
Chakra similar to Konan's gathered in his palm before flowing out through the chakra points in his hand.
The chakra rapidly transformed into sheet after sheet of white paper.
Within moments, dozens of paper kunai floated around him.
They were completely identical to Konan's.
Konan's eyes widened.
"You..."
She had assumed Kiyohara would need to watch the demonstration several more times.
Or at least wait for her explanation.
Instead...
He had performed the technique immediately.
"Continue, Konan."
Kiyohara dispersed the paper.
He wanted to learn more advanced Paper Release techniques.
Konan took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the shock in her heart.
She slowly raised both hands.
Chakra flowed out once more.
This time, instead of becoming weapons, the paper adhered to her body.
From a distance, it looked as though her skin itself had transformed into paper, complete with its unique folds and texture.
A magnificent pair of pure white wings unfolded behind her.
The enormous wings were composed of countless sheets of paper, stretching outward with an impressive wingspan.
Her body slowly rose from the ground until she floated effortlessly in midair.
The wings gently flapped, stirring a soft breeze.
"This is Dance of the Shikigami."
Her voice drifted down from above.
"It allows me to completely transform my body into paper, create wings to fly through the air, or reshape the paper into weapons."
The Mangekyo pattern inside Kiyohara's eyes slowly revolved.
This could definitely be considered one of the rare flying ninjutsu in the shinobi world.
Then he slowly raised both hands as well.
Sheets of white paper attached themselves to his body layer after layer.
A gigantic pair of white paper wings spread open behind him.
His body gradually lifted into the air until he hovered effortlessly above the ground.
His posture was identical to Konan's.
Konan's eyes widened even further.
"Th... This... How is that even possible?"
Kiyohara looked at her as the corners of his mouth slowly curved upward.
"Your techniques..."
"They're very interesting."
Kiyohara flapped the paper wings behind him and circled through the air.
The countless sheets of paper danced gracefully with every movement, responding with incredible flexibility.
After flying around for a while, Kiyohara quickly came to a conclusion.
Compared to using Magnet Release for flight, maintaining this technique consumed far less chakra.
"This really is convenient for traveling."
He muttered to himself.
Curious, he stretched the paper wings even farther.
As the wingspan increased, his flying speed noticeably improved as well.
"And if I use this ability to make explosive tags..."
"The efficiency should be extremely high."
Kiyohara extended one hand.
Several blank sheets of paper immediately appeared before him.
He casually began inscribing the fuinjutsu formula used to create explosive tags onto one of them.
In truth, the method for producing explosive tags was not considered particularly secret knowledge.
While studying fuinjutsu techniques and curse marks, Kiyohara had already learned the related principles.
The real difficulty lay elsewhere.
Crafting explosive tags demanded exceptional precision, and the quality of the material used as the medium was equally important.
Konan silently watched him.
For a long moment, she found herself unable to say anything.
The Dance of the Shikigami that Kiyohara had just performed...
Was completely identical to hers.
No...
If anything...
It was even smoother.
Whenever she controlled paper herself, there would occasionally be one or two sheets that refused to move exactly as she intended.
But under Kiyohara's control...
Every single sheet behaved as naturally as though it were another one of his own limbs.
"You... Is this really your first time using this technique?"
Konan's pleasant voice carried unmistakable uncertainty.
Kiyohara looked at her.
"Yes."
Konan fell silent.
At that moment...
She finally understood why Nagato regarded Kiyohara with such caution.
This man's learning ability...
Was simply terrifying.
...
That afternoon.
After leaving the training grounds, Kiyohara returned to Tsunade's house.
Waiting for him there was an invitation.
Shizune handed the invitation over.
"It was sent by the Hyuga Clan."
Kiyohara accepted it and unfolded it.
The handwriting was neat and elegant.
The wording was respectful.
The general message expressed gratitude for his contributions during the war and invited him to attend a banquet that evening.
After reading it, Kiyohara closed the invitation.
"The Hyuga Clan..."
He murmured quietly.
This invitation...
Had arrived at exactly the right time.
The selection of the next Hokage was drawing near.
The Hyuga Clan had clearly decided...
It was time to choose a side.
He turned toward Konan.
"Prepare a gift."
Konan nodded before quietly leaving.
...
That evening.
The Hyuga Clan compound.
By the time Kiyohara arrived, Hyuga Hiashi was already waiting outside the entrance.
He was dressed in the traditional robes of the Hyuga Clan.
The white outer garment bore the Hyuga family crest embroidered upon it.
The clan's emblem resembled a fan with a flame enclosed within it.
Normally, Hiashi's face was stern and expressionless.
Today, however, a faint smile rested upon it.
It was obvious that he had been in an exceptionally good mood lately.
"Kiyohara-kun."
Hiashi spoke first.
"Welcome."
Kiyohara returned the greeting with proper etiquette.
"You are too courteous, Lord Hiashi."
Hiashi stepped aside.
"Please."
Kiyohara walked into the compound.
It was considerably larger than he had imagined.
Wooden plaques hung above the entrance to every residence, each bearing the name of the family living there.
At the end of the road stood an even larger building.
The Hyuga Clan's Main House.
Hiashi personally led Kiyohara inside.
Passing through several corridors, they eventually entered an exceptionally spacious Japanese-style room.
The banquet had already been prepared.
The low dining tables were covered with exquisitely arranged dishes, accompanied by several bottles of fine sake.
"Please, have a seat."
Hiashi gestured toward the seat of honor.
Kiyohara did not decline.
He calmly sat down.
Hiashi took the seat opposite him.
Several members of the Hyuga Clan knelt quietly along both sides of the room, serving sake and arranging dishes.
Kiyohara casually observed them.
Every one of them wore forehead protectors covering their foreheads.
Members of the Branch Family.
He immediately reached that conclusion.
When members of the Main Family were inside Konoha, they always revealed their foreheads openly.
Only members of the Branch Family had reason to conceal theirs.
The banquet officially began.
Hiashi personally poured sake for Kiyohara.
"Kiyohara-kun."
"Your performance on the battlefield left an unforgettable impression."
He raised his cup.
"This toast is to you."
Kiyohara also lifted his cup.
"You flatter me, Lord Hiashi."
The two drank simultaneously.
The smooth sake slid down his throat, carrying a rich and mellow fragrance.
Kiyohara gently set his cup back down.
"I doubt Lord Hiashi invited me here solely for drinks."
Hiashi smiled.
"Kiyohara-kun truly is straightforward."
He placed his own cup down and waved a hand.
The clan members kneeling nearby immediately understood.
One after another, they quietly stood and withdrew from the room.
The sliding door closed softly behind them.
Now...
Only Kiyohara and Hiashi remained.
Hiashi looked directly at him.
"The Hokage selection is approaching."
"How confident are you?"
Kiyohara did not answer immediately.
Instead, he smiled faintly.
"What does Lord Hiashi think?"
Hiashi remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Minato possesses extraordinary military achievements."
"He enjoys overwhelming popularity."
"He is also the representative of the civilian shinobi."
"As for Orochimaru..."
"He is one of the Legendary Sannin."
"His qualifications are impeccable..."
He paused briefly.
"But..."
"He has become far too close to Danzo."
Kiyohara lifted his sake cup and took another sip.
"Are you analyzing my competitors for me?"
Hiashi met his gaze.
"Kiyohara-kun is an intelligent man."
"So I'll skip the unnecessary formalities."
He slowly placed his hands together upon his knees.
"The Hyuga Clan..."
"Is willing to support you."
Kiyohara quietly looked at him.
Within those pale white Byakugan eyes...
There was unmistakable sincerity.
"Why?"
Kiyohara asked.
"The Hyuga Clan has always remained neutral."
"So why choose a side now?"
Hiashi remained silent for several moments.
"Because..."
"The Hyuga Clan also needs a future."
His voice became noticeably lower.
"Over these past years..."
"Our position within the village has become increasingly delicate."
"The conflict between the Main Family and the Branch Family..."
"The suspicion directed toward us from outsiders..."
"And those..."
He stopped speaking.
He never finished the sentence.
But Kiyohara already understood.
The Hyuga Clan's situation...
Was actually very similar to that of the Uchiha Clan.
It simply had not deteriorated to such an extreme degree.
"If Kiyohara-kun becomes Hokage..."
"The Hyuga Clan hopes to receive your protection."
Hiashi looked directly into his eyes.
"In exchange..."
"The Hyuga Clan will devote its full support to you during the Hokage election."
Kiyohara looked back at him.
Within those pale eyes...
He could see a trace of expectation.
"You place that much faith in me?"
"It isn't faith."
Hiashi shook his head.
"It's a wager."
He paused again.
"Konoha's future must eventually be carried by someone."
"Minato is outstanding."
"Orochimaru is also excellent."
"But..."
He looked straight at Kiyohara.
"You are younger."
Kiyohara remained silent for several seconds.
Then he smiled.
"Lord Hiashi truly is a wise man."
He picked up his sake cup.
"This toast..."
"Is to the Hyuga Clan's judgment."
Hiashi raised his own cup.
The two cups gently clinked together.
Then both men emptied them at the same time.
After several rounds of sake and countless dishes...
The banquet gradually approached its conclusion.
Just then, Hiashi suddenly spoke again.
"Kiyohara-kun."
"Hm?"
"After you become Hokage..."
"Will you continue accepting disciples?"
Kiyohara looked at him.
"Why ask that all of a sudden?"
Hiashi remained quiet briefly before finally answering.
"My wife..."
"Is pregnant."
A slight change appeared in Kiyohara's expression.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Hiashi looked at him seriously.
"That child..."
"Will become the heir of the Hyuga Clan."
Regardless of whether the child was a boy or a girl.
That fact would not change.
"I want to find the best possible teacher for her."
Kiyohara looked at Hiashi.
"You want me to accept your child as my disciple?"
Hiashi nodded.
"I know this request may be somewhat presumptuous, but..."
"I accept."
Kiyohara interrupted him before he could finish.
Becoming Hinata's teacher...
Was something that fit perfectly with Kiyohara's own plans.
Hiashi froze.
"Kiyohara-kun..."
"You agreed just like that?"
Kiyohara smiled slightly.
"The heir of the Hyuga Clan is bound to possess remarkable talent."
"And besides..."
"It would be an honor for me to accept the Hyuga Clan's heir as my student."
Hiashi looked at him.
The smile on his normally stern face became even broader.
"Kiyohara-kun truly is straightforward."
He raised his cup once again.
"This toast..."
"Is to the future master and disciple."
Kiyohara also raised his cup.
The two gently clinked them together once more.
Then they drank everything in a single swallow.
As Kiyohara lowered his cup...
An image naturally appeared in his mind.
A little girl.
Straight-cut bangs.
Pure white eyes.
Hyuga Hinata.
Those incredibly pure Byakugan...
Were indeed exceptional talent.
Then...
Another thought suddenly crossed his mind.
If Hinata's mother was already pregnant...
Then Naruto should also be only a few months away from being born.
This time...
Would the Nine Tails' attack still happen?
...
By the time the banquet ended, it was already late into the night.
Hiashi personally escorted Kiyohara to the entrance.
"Kiyohara-kun."
"Take care on your way back."
He gave a slight bow.
Kiyohara returned the gesture.
"Please don't trouble yourself any further, Lord Hiashi."
He turned and began walking into the moonlit night.
The moonlight shone down upon him, stretching his shadow far across the ground.
After taking several steps...
He suddenly stopped.
"Lord Hiashi."
He turned around once more.
"What will the child's name be?"
Hiashi blinked in surprise.
Then he smiled.
"We haven't chosen one yet."
He looked at Kiyohara.
"If Kiyohara-kun is willing..."
"You could help us choose one."
Kiyohara thought quietly for a moment.
"Hinata."
He spoke calmly.
"Hyuga Hinata."
Hiashi softly repeated the name to himself.
The more he said it...
The more pleasing it sounded.
"A wonderful name."
He nodded approvingly.
Kiyohara smiled faintly before turning around and continuing into the night.
After all...
That had been the name they were always destined to choose.
Naturally, they found it perfect.
(End of Chapter)