Naruto: Hyuga Warlord

Putting together all he had learned, Hyūga Sōshu viewed the so-called Martial Faction not as a fixed group or clear ideology in Konoha, but more like a catch-all label—able to accommodate just about anyone.

The so-called Martial Faction wasn't simply about placing Konoha above all else. A large portion of its members were vengeful extremists—ninja who had lost teammates during wartime and now harbored deep hatred toward other Hidden Villages. Others were old-timers who pined for the good old days, upset over Konoha's fading dominance in the ninja world. Still others were political dissenters who had become aligned with the Martial Faction simply due to their disagreement with policies enacted during Hokage Third's reign over the village.

Then there were the Uchiha Clan—known for their shaky sanity and unstable tempers—who were widely seen as the faction's poster clan.

Yet because the Uchiha faced invisible ceilings and restrictions within Konoha, combined with their naturally proud and aloof personalities, they generally kept their distance from the regular ninja of the Martial Faction. Though ideologically similar, these two groups remained clearly separated, never truly merging.

Of course, just like the Yamanaka and Mitotou youths he'd met before, there were plenty of arrogant hotheads who had never set foot on a battlefield but still burned with some weird, unexplainable enthusiasm for war.

Also not lacking were manipulative opportunists hiding within the faction under false pretenses—in other words—you know exactly who we're talking about: Danzo!

Therefore, it was entirely understandable why the Martial Faction found itself disliked by both the Hokage-aligned moderates and the traditionalist clan factions—the majority powers within Konoha.

After all, nobody really wanted to be caught dead with gloomy, revenge-obsessed types—or nutcases always shrieking about launching full-scale ninja wars.

Moreover, the Land of Fire was already the most powerful nation in the ninja world. During peacetime, Konoha shinobi could comfortably make a living handling routine C-rank or B-rank missions with minimal risk involved. Naturally then, few were eager to disturb this easygoing, pleasant lifestyle.

However, after analyzing the situation further, Sōshu realized something based on knowledge carried over from his past life—he had discovered a blind spot: the all-inclusive nature of the Martial Faction made it potentially fracturable!

For example, by criticizing radicals for not being radical enough or accusing conservatives of insufficient conservatism, one might gradually influence certain audiences through rhetoric, refine the group's identity, and attract followers—and eventually form a dedicated faction of ninja under his command.

In theory, such a strategy was feasible. But the biggest issue remained—Sōshu was merely a member of the Branch House, meaning there were limits to what he could do freely.

Even if his recent unpredictable actions seemed reckless, they were mostly intended to create an image of boldness without intelligence among the Main House elders—to lower their defenses against him. If he were to make any significant moves too soon...

Hyūga Sōshu touched the pattern of the Caged Bird Seal on his forehead and sighed deeply.

He had absolutely no intention of experiencing what the Caged Bird Seal truly felt like.

The next day, the special military funds from the Daimyo's Imperial Treasury were successfully transferred.

This time, the funds were drawn directly from the Imperial Treasury, resulting in the withdrawal of one hundred thousand small gold coins, each valued at ten thousand ryo [a standard currency unit used in the ninja world].

Hyuga Soushu also noticed that during the handover process, the Konoha ninja had thoughtfully divided the 100,000 Gold Kan into ten sealing scrolls.

Among them, two scrolls were directly handed over to Danzo—this part should belong to Konoha's share!

Though Danzo's face darkened with displeasure, there was nothing he could do now—any further protest would only make him look foolish. So he quietly tucked the sealing scroll holding 200,000 Gold Kan securely against his body.

Another scroll was directly taken by Hizashi Hyuga—this portion must have been the distribution for Konoha's ninja clans participating in this joint operation.

As for the final and largest portion—the 700,000 Gold Kan as a commission—it remained directly on the counting table within the Imperial Treasury. With Uchiha Toshimichi leading the way, the cheerful Konoha envoy party immediately prepared to leave.

When the envoy exited the treasury gates, they coincidentally encountered a group of aristocratic officials led by a high-ranking official surrounded by nearly a hundred samurais. The two groups simply passed each other without interaction, likely avoiding suspicion, not even greeting one another.

"Indeed, the ninja world really is just a joke—a makeshift operation run by amateurs."

Soushu Hyuga found himself shaken once more, stirred by an overwhelming sense of emotion.

After completing the final step of their diplomatic mission, the Konoha envoy directly set off back to their village.

Meanwhile, as the aide to Vice Envoy Hizashi, Hyuga Soushu escorted him all the way to the Hokage Tower. After quickly logging the mission at the downstairs registry and turning it in, he considered his duty complete. He then began preparing to return to the clan territory for a bath and change of clothes before going to find Mahiru-chan.

"Captain Soushu!"

Toshimichi Yamanaka, who had already shaken his hand earlier, came over eagerly with an invitation: "I wonder if you have any free time this afternoon? If possible, I'd like to formally invite you to join our gathering on behalf of my school."

"A school?"

Though Soushu had heard the term before, he didn't know much about it.

"I serve as the external liaison officer for the Rōyi-ha (Expel Foreigners Faction) of Konoha. Please rest assured, our organization has been officially registered and approved by the Hokage Tower. Our purpose is merely mutual assistance and supporting each other through difficulties."

Standing right in front of the Anbu guards stationed outside the Hokage Tower, Toshimichi lied smoothly without batting an eyelash.

The Anbu ninja who had just completed the mission registration for Hyuga Soushu simply acted as though he had heard nothing, completely ignoring Toshimichi's words.

Of course, even someone as naïve as Soushu wouldn't buy such transparent lies!

Let alone the fact that they proudly called themselves the *Rōyi-ha*—what kind of mutual aid could there possibly be?

Yet it did reflect another reality—that the infinitely splittable Martial Faction actually operated openly within Konoha.

However, the very existence of these so-called registered schools already appeared quite suspicious. Whether this was an intentional entrapment strategy by the Hokage Tower remained unknown.

"Sorry, I've got other plans this afternoon. Perhaps we can reschedule another time."

Soushu wasn't interested at all in attending such a premature social gathering filled with shallow connections and no shared interests.

He had no desire to walk into a den where spies probably outnumbered real Martial Faction members—and waste time making small talk.

Besides, after the commotion at the Daimyo's court, all he needed to do was quickly return to his inconspicuous state and secretly figure out the so-called composition of the Martial Faction ninjas before seizing the right opportunity.

"That's truly a pity,"

Toshimichi Yamanaka said with a regretful tone. "Our Rōyi-ha ninjas have already heard about your deeds and really hope to make your acquaintance."

"Next time, definitely!"

But Hyuga Soushu brushed it aside with his usual indifference.

Just then, another ninja from the Hyuga Branch House appeared at the entrance of the Hokage Tower and beckoned to Hyuga Soushu. It was a timely escape from the awkward situation.

"What is it?"

Although he had never met this Branch House ninja before, Hyuga Soushu immediately walked over quickly.

"The clan leader summons you. Please come back with me to the Clan's Territory."

"Got it!"

Hyuga Soushu turned back, waving goodbye to Toshimichi Yamanaka who still looked regretful, then followed this clansman and used [Body Flicker Technique] directly to return to the Hyuga District.

"How did your trip to the Daimyo's court turn out?"

Upon arriving at the Main House's reception hall, the first words from the Hyuga Clan Leader were very straightforward.

"I've seen a lot I didn't expect."

Hyuga Soushu vaguely replied.

Certainly, there had been gains, but if he talked about them, he'd give away too much.

After killing that disguised Guardian Ninja samurai from the Land of Iron, Hyuga Soushu managed to nearly max out his Level 5 experience bar. Based on past experience, perhaps defeating just one more Genin would bring him to Level 6—which meant he'd soon be able to unleash a powerful ability!

In addition, he received a Tokubetsu Jonin-level kill reward, gaining 50 Coins. He now had no less than 152 Coins remaining.

Although still far from assembling a full set of legendary gear, he believed in the saying that every great undertaking begins with small steps. Hyuga Soushu indeed possessed some patience.

"Hmph!"

Clearly dissatisfied with Hyuga Soushu's answer, the Hyuga Clan Leader sipped his tea slowly and then spoke: "Nowadays, your great achievements at the Daimyo's court are known to everyone."

"Just dealt with a few hot-headed hotheads."

Hyuga Soushu modestly replied.

"Some ninjas in the village have even called you the rising star of the Martial Faction. What do you think about that?"

The Clan Leader asked next.

"My heart belongs only to the Hyuga Clan. I don't know anything about the Martial Faction nor have I ever had any dealings with them!"

Without hesitation, Hyuga Soushu stared fiercely while lying through his teeth.

"Lies! Impudence!"

The Clan Leader rebuked him harshly, feigning anger without actually being upset—even nearly suppressing a chuckle.

Who would have thought that the originally rebellious Hyuga Soushu would start uttering insincere flattery? Although quite clumsy at it, it must be admitted that it was indeed a significant improvement!

It's like breaking a wild hawk. Even if its initial obedience was merely a pretense to gain freedom, pretending long enough while mixing proper measures of kindness and firmness would ensure that even when eventually released from the cage, the hawk would no longer fly away.

<><><><><><><><>

Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!

~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!

<><><><><><><><>

~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!

~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!

patreon.com/Tansnovel

<><><><><><><><>