Naruto: Hyuga Warlord

When Hyuga Soushu and Uchiha Mahiru stepped out of their tent at the campsite, it was already nearly noon the next day.

Throughout this rather sweet and prolonged battle, Soushu had been diligently honing his techniques like a scholar refining poetry — carefully carving and polishing each move with meticulous precision. Meanwhile, Mahiru fought back fiercely, repeatedly falling yet persistently rising again, growing stronger with every defeat.

Although Mahiru now walked unsteadily, her face flushed with energy, she clung tightly to Soushu's arm like someone who never wanted to let go.

And Soushu, having basically achieved a great victory and scored the first kill, appeared somewhat pale, his steps unstable. He looked exhausted from overexertion, bearing the cost described in the old saying — "a thousand enemies slain at the price of eight hundred of one's own." Truly confirming that attacking always comes at a heavy price for both sides.

Of course, even though the process had been quite arduous — isn't life all about those heart-pounding moments?

Therefore, neither Soushu, still starved for more action, nor Mahiru, now addicted to the thrill, were ready to stop fighting just yet. If not for the fact that the Military Rations Pill used to replenish energy had long been consumed during the extended fight, the two might have kept going for another full day and night.

In addition to these rather suggestive little changes, Soushu also made one notable adjustment — he properly wore the Konoha forehead protector on his forehead.

The purpose of doing so was to cover up the fading Caged Bird Curse Seal.

As a Jonin, he naturally enjoyed certain privileges; in the ninja world, strict hierarchy wasn't enforced. Although the western frontline camp faced numerous practical difficulties, the living conditions and food standards for Jonin were significantly better than those for ordinary Chunin and lower-ranked ninjas. Moreover, whether because all the other Jonin were away on missions, the dining area reserved for Jonin was nearly empty right now.

After spending nearly an hour practically smooching over lunch in full view of everyone, a female kunoichi cautiously peeked through the entrance of the dining area, glancing nervously toward Soushu and Mahiru.

"Come here!"

Soushu called out irritably, disliking this timid kind of hesitation the most.

"Honorable Soushu Jonin good day, Mahiru Chunin greetings," the female ninja quickly ran over and whispered to the pair enjoying their meal. "A special envoy from the village has arrived at the camp. After receiving Squad Leader Hamako's report regarding the elimination mission, the envoy has requested a conversation with you. Therefore, Honorable Lady Namiko sent me to find you."

"An envoy?"

Upon hearing this word, Soushu immediately felt something was off.

"In weather this bitterly cold, how could an envoy from the village possibly arrive at the Western Front within just a day and a half?"

Even if they had summoned messenger animals to report the news to Konoha immediately after yesterday's battle ended, the higher-ups at the Hokage Tower wouldn't have received the message until at least noon. And regardless of how efficiently the Hokage processed official matters, even if they'd dispatched someone right away upon receiving the report, there's no way they could have reached the Western Front base camp this quickly.

Keep in mind — it's the middle of winter! Under these conditions, traveling is completely different from usual ninja speeds!

According to what Hyuga Soushu knew from his time on the Rain Country battlefield, those messengers usually assigned by the Konoha Administrative Department shouldn't arrive this fast. They'd often take their time halfway through the trip, waiting until the front lines were clearly stabilized before arriving.

So naturally, Hyuga Soushu was skeptical about the news of a messenger's arrival.

Clearly, Mahiru Uchiha had considered this issue as well. She put down her chopsticks and narrowed her eyes coldly at this unusually prompt kunoichi.

"Well, here's the thing," the messenger kunoichi said quickly. "Since Lord Danzo happened to be on official business in southern Rain Country, the Hokage decided to have him come directly instead."

"Dan...zō?"

Upon hearing that name, Hyuga Soushu instinctively took a cautious step back, frowning deeply with suspicion as he asked grimly, "When did he arrive?!"

"I-I received instructions from Lady Namiko about half an hour ago, telling me to find you. But when I arrived at your tent earlier, you weren't there..."

"I see."

Hyuga Soushu slightly raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Then where are we supposed to meet them?"

"At Lady Namiko's central command tent!"

The messenger kunoichi immediately replied, taking advantage of Soushu's more relaxed tone: "Also, Captain Yechame Hamako and others have already arrived!"

"In that case, I'll head over then!"

Hyuga Soushu exchanged glances with Mahiru Uchiha and gave a slight nod.

Naturally, Mahiru understood his meaning instantly and rose to return to headquarters alongside him.

After all, if it were indeed the central command tent of the western line garrison, there wasn't much to worry about when it came to unexpected trouble.

Even though Danzo was arrogant and domineering, he wouldn't dare make a move against an elite jounin fresh from achieving battlefield success while surrounded by fellow borderland captains.

Moreover, since advancing to level seven, Soushu was confident that even in a conflict situation, both he and Mahiru could fight their way out of the western garrison encampment.

Although Soushu still hadn't spent Coins to buy equipment, on his way toward the main tent, he silently switched [Purify] for [Ignite], ensuring he could strike first and create shock if any confrontation occurred.

"Captain Soushu, you're finally here!"

As soon as Soushu lifted the curtain into the main tent, Yechame Hamako—a sharp-eyed observer—noted his arrival immediately and stood up to welcome him, signaling for him to sit beside her.

Without hesitation or modesty, Soushu seated himself in the second spot on the left side of the large tent.

None of the Konoha jonin objected.

To ninjas—especially bloodied border jonin used to living on the edge—it was clear: experience didn't matter. Only strength earned respect. Soushu had already proven his power during the previous night's operation, so being seated just below the honored seat as the second most powerful person present was completely fitting and reasonable.

Under Soushu's bold gaze, the familiar face acting as the envoy occupying the top seat wore a similarly unfriendly expression, shooting a glare back at the impudent Hyuga.

"The village leadership is very pleased with our recent elimination mission."

"Shirakawa Namiko repeated the official speech again out of courtesy to Hyuga Soushu, who had just arrived: 'As Soushu Jonin is the core combat personnel of this clearance operation, he deserves tremendous credit for his outstanding contributions to the village!'

'Hmph!'

As expected, Danzo gave a cold snort without the slightest regard. He loudly declared, 'Is this how a prestigious member of the Hyuga Clan displays their upbringing — making our mission commander, assigned Jonin, and village envoy wait idly for you? Is this how Soushu Jonin treats his colleagues?'

Indeed, trouble was brewing!

Hyuga Soushu narrowed his eyes, his expression turning fierce.

Meanwhile, Yechame Hamako, seated beside him, discreetly patted Soushu's knee beneath the table, urging him to keep his composure.

But such a subtle gesture naturally didn't escape the notice of Danzo, who sat in the superior seat.

Exactly as suspected!

There must be problems on the western front!

Just because nothing went wrong before doesn't mean everything's fine — there must be serious hidden issues!

With this preconceived notion firmly planted, Danzo's face darkened further.

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