Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 234 The Situation

Hyuga Kanan sensed the presence of the golden core within his body. While satisfied with this change, he knew his strength was still far from sufficient. He needed to cultivate continuously to better protect himself and those around him. Therefore, he didn't linger in his joy for long, but quickly adjusted his mindset and prepared to continue cultivating. At the same time, he didn't forget to encourage Hyuga Neji, hoping he could persevere.

For Hyuga Neji, this day was undoubtedly awe-inspiring. He witnessed Hyuga Kanan's breakthrough and felt that immense power. This made him realize that he still had a long way to go. He resolved to train even harder in the future, to emulate his teacher, and to become a powerful ninja who could dominate the entire ninja world.

The training grounds remained as tranquil as ever, as if nothing had changed. However, Hyuga Kanan's breakthrough was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples. After speaking with Hyuga Kanan, Hyuga Hizashi immediately relayed the news back to the Hyuga clan in Konoha. At that moment, within the Hyuga clan's compound in Konoha, Hyuga Hiashi stood quietly in the center of the courtyard, gazing up at the sky. Upon receiving Hyuga Hizashi's message, he didn't say much, merely ordering all clan members in Konoha to live even more discreetly than before. At the same time, he continuously encouraged his clan members to train even harder to enhance their strength.

The Hyuga clan's territory was like a secluded paradise, isolated from the outside world. Lush greenery and abundant flowers created a vibrant atmosphere. However, at this moment, a tense atmosphere permeated the entire territory. Everyone wore a solemn expression, as if they sensed an impending storm.

Hiashi Hyuga stood in the courtyard, gazing into the distance, his mind filled with complex emotions. He knew what Kanan Hyuga's breakthrough meant. Once this news spread, it would undoubtedly attract the attention and vigilance of other forces. For the Hyuga clan, this was both an opportunity and a challenge.

"We must be prepared for whatever the future may hold," Hiashi Hyuga muttered to himself. He understood that the situation had become exceptionally complex, and they could no longer live as comfortably as they had in the past. The Hyuga clan needed to unite and face any potential crises together.

Meanwhile, the younger generation of the Hyuga clan were diligently training in their respective rooms. They knew they bore the expectations and responsibilities of their clan and had to strive to improve their strength in order to protect their family and uphold the clan's honor.

On the Hyuga clan's training grounds, a group of teenagers, their foreheads dripping with sweat, wielded their weapons with unwavering focus, each strike brimming with power. These young men are the rising stars of the Hyuga clan; they will soon become the pillars of the family.

In this magnificent historical tide, can the Hyuga clan uphold their original aspirations and continue their legacy? Only time will tell. But in any case, the Hyuga clan will steadfastly move forward, protecting their glorious legacy.

Inside the Hokage Building in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood silently by the window, his eyes revealing a resolute and determined gaze fixed on the Hyuga clan. At this moment, all power in Konoha was highly concentrated in the hands of these high-ranking figures; the entire village seemed to have become their stage. Konoha was now practically completely under their control. However, even with everything seemingly under their command, one thing deeply troubled Hiruzen Sarutobi—the Hyuga clan of Konoha. This powerful clan possessed unparalleled strength and influence, and their existence played a crucial role in the stability and development of Konoha.

The Hyuga clan is to Konoha like a silent volcano; though outwardly calm, it harbors immense power, far more difficult to deal with than the Uchiha clan. They are like guardians of the village, quietly and steadfastly protecting this land. Unlike the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga clan almost never gets involved in Konoha's political struggles. They seem to have little desire for power, preferring to quietly cultivate their own domain, as unassuming as hermits deep in the mountains.

However, this low profile does not mean they are weak or unimportant. On the contrary, it is precisely because of their existence that Konoha Village has a solid backing. The members of the Hyuga clan are usually law-abiding citizens, living ordinary and peaceful lives in Konoha. Unlike the ambitious Uchiha clan, they dedicate their strength to protecting the village and maintaining peace. They deeply understand that the prosperity and stability of Konoha Village are fundamental to their survival, and therefore, they are willing to give everything for it. Most importantly, the Hyuga clan treats everyone in Konoha Village with warmth and kindness. Whether commoners or ninjas, they are all treated like family. This deep bond connects them closely with the rest of Konoha Village, forming an unbreakable emotional tie. Their friendliness warms people's hearts and makes Konoha Village a truly united family.

In contrast, the Uchiha clan appeared excessively arrogant and conceited. They only saw powerful ninjas, ignoring ordinary or weaker ones. This arrogant attitude led to a growing rift between the Uchiha clan and other Konoha ninjas, causing their relationships to gradually deteriorate. They always presented themselves as unapproachable, making them difficult to connect with. This cold attitude ultimately contributed to the Uchiha clan's downfall.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face didn't show much emotion regarding the annihilation of the Uchiha clan. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his lips. He knew that the Uchiha clan had always been arrogant, believing their strength and contributions to Konoha were enough to place them above other clans. However, this time, they failed to realize that their arrogance and overconfidence ultimately led to their destruction.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware that the Uchiha clan posed a certain threat to his position as Hokage. Although they appeared loyal to the village, they harbored a deep-seated pride and were unwilling to fully obey the orders of Konoha's higher-ups. This attitude unsettled Sarutobi, who feared the Uchiha clan would become an obstacle to his control of Konoha. Therefore, he decided to take measures to weaken the Uchiha clan and ensure his authority remained unchallenged.

Thus, Hiruzen Sarutobi began meticulously plotting a conspiracy. He skillfully sowed discord within the Uchiha clan, exploiting their internal conflicts and divisions, creating widespread anxiety and fear. Simultaneously, he secretly cultivated and recruited a group of young Uchiha geniuses, bringing them under his control and further weakening the clan's overall strength. Through these methods, Hiruzen successfully plunged the Uchiha clan into a predicament of internal and external troubles, while he watched from the sidelines, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

Finally, on a dark and stormy night, the Uchiha clan was attacked by Danzo and his elite Anbu forces, resulting in the massacre of the entire clan. This sudden tragedy shocked the entire Hidden Leaf Village, with everyone speculating about who had orchestrated the bloody massacre. However, only Hiruzen Sarutobi knew the truth: he had orchestrated it all. He had successfully eliminated the Uchiha clan, a major threat, solidified his position as Hokage, and removed a potential threat from the Hidden Leaf Village.

The Uchiha clan is destined to be erased from the history of Konoha, and this is only the beginning. Next, he will adjust the education of the younger generation, so that the Uchiha clan, this once glorious and powerful family that helped found Konoha, will fade from view like the Senju clan, ultimately disappearing from the village. At that time, everyone in Konoha will remember him—Hiruzen Sarutobi—and Konoha will become the Sarutobi clan's possession. From then on, Konoha will forever belong to the Sarutobi clan.

Currently, within Konoha, the only force threatening the Sarutobi clan's complete control over the village is the Hyuga clan. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi cannot immediately take action against the Hyuga clan. He knows that Konoha, having just lost the Uchiha clan—a crucial fighting force—cannot afford to lose another strategic power like the Hyuga clan. Otherwise, other ninja villages would undoubtedly seize this golden opportunity and attack Konoha without hesitation.

Another crucial reason preventing Hiruzen Sarutobi from easily attacking the Uchiha clan was his uncertainty about whether Hyuga Kanan was still alive. If Kanan was truly dead, he could deal with the Uchiha clan without hesitation; however, if Kanan was alive, the renewed pressure and threat from him would bring immense uncertainty to Konoha. Therefore, Hiruzen had to proceed cautiously and avoid rash actions. After all, if Kanan were still alive and exerted pressure again, it could plunge Konoha into chaos and crisis. Thus, Hiruzen had to weigh the pros and cons and make a wise decision.

Taking advantage of this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi can utilize his position as Hokage to mobilize Konoha's resources to increase investment in the Sarutobi clan. This will give the Sarutobi clan the opportunity to cultivate more and stronger ninjas, thus accumulating greater strength. At that point, even if the Hyuga clan wants to compete with them, they will have to consider their own capabilities.

Thinking this, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but smile smugly. He believed that as long as the Sarutobi clan was given enough time and resources, sooner or later, the entire Hidden Leaf Village would fall into their hands! And he would become the greatest Hokage in the history of the Hidden Leaf Village!