Next Bonus Chapter, 200!
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"WE SHALL ALL FOLLOW THE GRAND SAGE!"
Thousands of voices rang out in the Hyūga courtyard, their words spreading through the compound and rising into the sky. At the front, a few white-haired elders stepped forward. Their clouded eyes showed their determination as they bowed deeply to Manji.
They had lived for nearly a century and witnessed the endless turmoil of the shinobi world. To them, following the Sage of Six Paths felt like the only real way to escape that cycle and protect what remained of their lives.
"The Sage's kindness is more than we could ever repay. Our lives are already nearing their end. Rather than remain in the compound and wait for death, we would rather follow you and see where this journey leads. Even if all we can do is serve at your side, it is still better than spending our final years in this broken world."
Manji gave them a faint nod.
The old-timers certainly knew how to make themselves sound noble.
They could have just admitted they were afraid of dying...
"WE FEEL THE SAME!"
The rest of the clan looked just as resolute. Their faces reflected a clear yearning for the new home Manji had promised them.
The shinobi world had never known true stability, and many believed that only by following the Sage could they find real safety, far from war and bloodshed.
Manji surveyed the expectant faces below before speaking.
"The shinobi world is still unstable, so some of the clan must stay here to protect your ancestral home. Moving away will not break your connection to the shinobi world. I will create a way for you to travel between the two places whenever needed."
His attention shifted toward the Hyūga Clan Head and the senior elders.
"You can decide among yourselves who will leave and who will stay. I can allow up to two-thirds of the clan to move. Only a smaller group needs to remain and take care of the compound."
"We obey the Sage's decree!"
The Clan Head and elders bowed, then started organizing the move.
The Hyūga split into small groups to discuss their choices.
After about half an hour, they picked several hundred people who wanted to stay in the shinobi world. Most were older retainers who did not want to leave their ancestral homes, along with some middle-aged clansmen who felt responsible for guarding the old compound.
The rest—several thousand from the Main and Branch Families—packed what they could carry.
Some held young children, while others carried bundles of clothes and family keepsakes. Their eyes were full of hope as they waited for Manji to lead them to their new home.
When everything was ready, the Clan Head walked up to Manji and bowed. He looked serious, but there was a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "Grand Sage, how are we to reach this new land?"
Manji looked at him, eyes narrowing slightly.
"You intend to relocate as well? You are the head of the Hyūga Clan."
The man nodded right away, and his face relaxed with relief.
"What use is that title if the Sage is leaving? I have already transferred leadership to a respected elder who possesses the judgment and experience to bear the responsibility. From this moment forward, I am only another member of the Hyūga Clan. I will follow you and never turn my back on that decision."
His name was Hyūga Sennin. From this point on, he would no longer be called the Hyūga Clan Head.
Manji nodded calmly, accepting his choice. Sennin had made his decision, and there was no reason to argue.
Manji brought his hands together.
A wave of summoning chakra swept over the courtyard, covering every Hyūga who was ready to leave. The technique reached several thousand people before they even had time to react.
"Summoning Jutsu."
They suddenly felt weightless. Moments later, they vanished from the courtyard.
Only the few hundred Hyūga who chose to stay were left behind. They stood in silence, staring at the place where their relatives had disappeared.
..............
Mount Myōboku
When the relocated Hyūga opened their eyes, nearly every one of them drew a sharp breath.
Towering mountains rose before them, their peaks touching the clouds. Pale mist curled around the slopes, giving the land a magical beauty. The air was clean and full of natural energy, making them feel refreshed with every breath.
In the distance, large residential areas extended between the mountains. Some buildings stood on the ridges, while others floated in the sky above the valleys, as if gravity did not touch them.
"Is this the paradise the Sage spoke of?"
A young Branch Family member stared at the sight, his eyes beginning to sting.
He had spent his whole life trapped between the wars of the shinobi world and the Caged Bird Seal. He never imagined a place this peaceful and free from conflict could truly exist.
While the Hyūga were still amazed, the ground shook beneath their feet. Suddenly, a figure burst from the earth and landed in front of the crowd.
It was Tobi.
"Grand Sage, you're finally back!"
Tobi rushed toward Manji, unable to hide his excitement.
"I'll let Lady Kaguya know right away. While you were gone, she came by every day to ask if there was any news. She's been waiting for you to return safely!"
Manji raised a hand and stopped him.
"Kaguya can wait. What happened with the task I assigned you?"
Tobi immediately stood up straighter, his playful energy replaced by a respectful posture.
"Everything is taken care of, Grand Sage. The clan from the moon has already moved to Mount Myōboku. As you asked, I cleared a large residential area near the western foothills and prepared enough homes for everyone. They're waiting for your next instructions."
Manji nodded and gestured toward the people behind him.
"These people are from the Hyūga Clan. They will live on Mount Myōboku from now on. Settle them in the same district as the lunar Ōtsutsuki. Since both clans share the same ancestry and have the Byakugan, living together will help them support each other."
"Yes, Grand Sage!"
Tobi bowed and accepted the order.
Manji then turned to Sennin.
"Sennin, you will continue to manage the Hyūga Clan's internal matters. Tobi will show your people around Mount Myōboku and explain its customs and laws. If anything needs my attention, let me know through him."
Before anyone could respond, Manji disappeared.
"Farewell, Grand Sage!"
The Hyūga all bowed together. Their voices resounded through the mountains and carried beyond the valleys on the wind.
After Manji left, Sennin straightened his robes and walked over to Tobi. He gave a deep, respectful bow.
"Honored emissary, the Hyūga have just arrived at Mount Myōboku, and there is much we do not yet understand. We will have to rely on your guidance. I hope you will look after us."
Tobi had been staring at the spot where Manji vanished. Being called 'emissary' snapped him out of it, and he pointed at himself with wide eyes.
"Emissary? Are you talking about me?"
"Yes..." Sennin nodded.
The Hyūga behind him also regarded Tobi with open respect.
Tobi immediately became shy. He scratched the back of his spiral-patterned head with both hands and shifted his weight from side to side.
"Oh, come on. I'm nothing that important."
He lowered his voice, sounding almost shy.
"I'm just a student with a secret crush on Grand Sage Senpai..."
Sennin froze.
What had he just said?
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