Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 87: Prototype of the Giant Tenseigan

After observing the Byakugan in front of him for a while, Hyuga Fuji suddenly closed his eyes, shifting his consciousness to his body in Mount Myoboku.

At that moment, his clone was still training, the distinctive eye shadow of Sage Mode faintly visible around his eyes. However, Fuji dispelled it after a moment of focus and began walking deeper into Mount Myoboku.

Currently, if anyone in the ninja world could provide insight into the Tenseigan and Rinnegan, the Great Toad Sage would be the best choice.

With the ability to foresee the future, the Great Toad Sage could also help Fuji navigate risks—a resource he was determined to make full use of.

As he walked, no toads blocked his path, and Fuji soon arrived at the Great Toad Sage's chamber.

"You're here," the Great Toad Sage said, stirring from its drowsy state.

"I don't actually know as much about the Tenseigan as you might think," the sage continued. "But I did learn something from Hamura and Hagoromo. What do you think these Kekkei Genkai dojutsu eyes really are?"

Fuji's expression shifted slightly as he recalled his research on the Byakugan, Sharingan, and Ketsuryugan.

"They are organs," he replied. "Organs that convert chakra into visual abilities—or perhaps, they're better described as seals."

The Great Toad Sage's eyes opened a little wider as it looked at Fuji with some admiration.

"Exactly. They are seals," the sage confirmed.

Seals, originally developed by Indra, served as a simplified method for converting chakra into corresponding ninjutsu.

When transplanted, the eyes could allow other ninja to use their associated dojutsu, further proving that they were essentially seals that transformed chakra into visual abilities.

"Since you understand this much, you must already see the difference between regular Kekkei Genkai and dojutsu-based Kekkei Genkai," the sage added.

Fuji nodded.

"Dojutsu-based Kekkei Genkai differ from many other Kekkei Genkai. The evolution of dojutsu is driven by Yin Release chakra, which mutates the eyes into organs capable of directly converting chakra into specific techniques."

"In contrast, Kekkei Genkai like Scorch Release or Boil Release are the result of synthesizing specific chakra types, with the user developing techniques suitable for that combination."

This fundamental difference in mechanism explains why dojutsu Kekkei Genkai have greater potential for further evolution.

All it requires is an enhancement of Yin Release chakra!

"The reason the Byakugan can evolve into the Tenseigan," Fuji continued, "is a process of quantitative change leading to qualitative change. The key factor in this transformation is the quality of Yin Release chakra. As its quality improves, it pushes the Byakugan to evolve…"

"No," Fuji corrected himself mid-sentence. "It's not just about improving the quality of Yin Release chakra—it's about aligning it. My Yin Release chakra is aligning more closely with Otsutsuki Hamura's, isn't it, Great Toad Sage?"

"Indeed," the sage replied in its ancient voice. "As a descendant of Hamura, the Hyuga clan naturally carries his chakra. Though diluted across generations to the point of being nearly imperceptible, it still exists within your body."

The Great Toad Sage continued, "The path you've chosen is the right one. It's similar to that of a certain Uchiha ninja. By transplanting Hashirama's cells, he combined the chakra of Indra and Asura to align more closely with Hagoromo's chakra, awakening the Rinnegan."

"In your case, both the giant Tenseigan on the moon and your own Byakugan rely on gathering large quantities of Yin Release chakra to align with Hamura's chakra."

"However," the sage added with a sigh, "there's one issue I suspect you've already considered. While your Byakugan evolves, there will be a gestation period. This applies not only to the Tenseigan stage but also to any future stages of evolution—it will take time."

Fuji's curious gaze prompted the Great Toad Sage to explain further.

"I can't answer your question. The exact amount of time required, I do not know. I haven't seen that future," the sage admitted.

"Thank you," Fuji said with a nod.

No matter how stable the Byakugan seemed, its evolution would inevitably cause disruptions in its abilities, especially during moments of qualitative transformation.

During that time, Fuji might temporarily lose the Byakugan's powers, resulting in a dip in his overall strength.

However, Fuji had already accounted for this possibility.

Konoha's internal situation was stable, and the external threats had been thoroughly suppressed. The village's strength was at its peak, and Obito wouldn't dare to make any moves.

Fuji had intentionally shaped the current circumstances to ensure a period of uninterrupted development.

The most harmonious four months would be enough to stabilize his visual powers.

And more importantly…

"If the next stage of the dojutsu is born, will it align with my plans?"

The Great Toad Sage fell silent for a long time before closing its eyes and wearily answering,

"It will."

The sage had begun to glimpse the altered future Fuji was crafting.

It was indescribable.

Ignorance might be bliss, but for those in the know—except for Fuji's loyal subordinates—it was almost impossible to accept.

So be it. At least there would no longer be a need to worry about the Otsutsuki clan's invasion.

"That Hyuga girl might surprise you," the sage added cryptically.

Hearing this, Fuji chuckled softly and sent his consciousness back to his Sage Mode clone, instructing it to continue training while delivering more toad oil to his main body.

At the same time, in his underground laboratory, Fuji opened his eyes and turned to Ranmaru.

"Go and rest," he said.

"Yes, Lord Fuji!"

Ranmaru left the lab, his movements unhindered thanks to Fuji's genetic treatment.

Once alone, Fuji stepped forward—not to immediately absorb the visual power of the Byakugan, but to combine ten pairs of Byakugan around a core pair.

When individual Byakugan evolve, the process also enhances the user's chakra, indirectly strengthening their body. The transformation involved in creating a giant Tenseigan, however, is fundamentally different.

Although the Great Toad Sage hadn't explicitly said so, its mention of Uchiha Madara suggested that the final stage of evolving the Tenseigan might require an extensive amount of time.

How long had it taken Madara to awaken the Rinnegan after transplanting Hashirama's cells?

From his prime to his twilight years.

The process had likely spanned decades.

Fuji's current path resembled Madara's, so a similarly long timeframe couldn't be ruled out.

But with a steady supply of Byakugan available in the foreseeable future, creating a giant Tenseigan wouldn't hinder his own evolution—so why not?

As the combined visual powers began to merge, emitting a faint golden glow, Fuji's lips curved into a smile. His own Byakugan shone with a faint blue light, resonating with the prototype of the giant Tenseigan.

In the future, no one but Fuji would be able to use this enormous Tenseigan without his permission.

…

Two days later, the Kazekage arrived, and Minato personally welcomed him.

"Lord Kazekage, thank you for making the long journey," Minato said courteously.

"Lord Hokage, you're too kind. Konoha's growing strength as an ally brings great reassurance to Sunagakure. I hope our villages can continue to coexist peacefully," Rasa replied.

As he surveyed the welcoming party, a faint trace of coldness flickered in Rasa's black eyes.

Among those present were Tsunade, one of the Sannin; Uchiha Fugaku, rumored to control a tailed beast; and Hyuga Fuji, the Hokage's advisor and a master of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Each of them radiated an oppressive presence, and Fuji's faintly discernible aura, in particular, made it difficult for Rasa to maintain his composed demeanor.

Is this intimidation?

Even as the thought crossed his mind, Rasa dared not show any displeasure.

The reports on Konoha's war with Kirigakure had already reached him, and neither village was one Sunagakure could hope to defeat.

In the face of such power, weakness left no room for diplomacy.

The Hokage personally leading such a high-level reception was already a gesture of sincerity.

(Chapter End)