Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 94: Tobirama Senju: The Inherently Evil Hyuga Brat

"I agree. What the next generation of shinobi inherits from us shouldn't be only slaughter!"

Yakumaru abruptly turned to Minato. "In the past, we only gave the younger generation 12 years of life with no choice at all. But now, Konoha has the strength to provide them with more time to think and grow."

Minato remained silent for a moment before responding softly, "I agree as well."

Yakumaru broke into a faint smile and immediately turned to Haneda Fuji. "Alright then, tell us the detailed implementation plan. When the time comes, I'll throw the younger members of my clan straight into this school!"

That one sentence had left a lasting impact on him.

He had previously discussed this matter with many of his clansmen, even using genjutsu in some cases, and found that their minds were all somewhat warped—without exception.

Even he couldn't claim to be entirely normal.

Compared to other shinobi, the Uchiha were far more prone to extremism.

But no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't find a way to change the situation. Fortunately, someone else had now thought of a solution.

Education. Yes, education!

If children were taught differently from the traditional ninja academy curriculum from an early age, perhaps the situation could be fundamentally reversed.

A person's values are shaped bit by bit by their life experiences, and family and schooling play an enormous role. If the school were to implement transformative changes, it could certainly alter many things.

"The plan is already in your hands, isn't it?"

"I can't make sense of it!" Yakumaru said matter-of-factly. "There are some courses I can't understand without an explanation. And why bother setting up a new school? Why not just change the ninja academy's rules and have them do this instead?"

Hearing Yakumaru's thoughtless remark, Minato sighed helplessly. "If it were that easy, there wouldn't need to be a whole plan for it. The ninja academy already challenges the interests of the shinobi clans by making ninja techniques accessible to the civilian class. Expanding education further would not sit well with them."

"Haven't the clans already been suppressed?" Yakumaru snorted coldly, his Mangekyō Sharingan activating. "I'd like to see who dares to oppose this!"

"It's not just the clans," Haneda Fuji added. "Many civilian shinobi won't see the significance of this plan either. They only want their children to go to the academy and become ninjas; they won't accept sudden changes to the academy's policies."

"Don't think you can accomplish everything in one step—it's unrealistic."

Moreover, children in the ninja world matured early. At five or six years old, they were already talking about love and contemplating life. While their psychological maturity developed quickly, what they lacked was proper ideological education and guidance.

If their minds were properly cultivated and they were released into the world around the age of sixteen, they wouldn't be as likely to go down extreme paths.

Seeing Minato nod in agreement, Yakumaru gave up on his initial idea and muttered, "Fine, just tell me what to do, and I'll help."

"The most important thing is money, isn't it?" Minato said with a wry smile. "I heard that you've been gathering merchants to form a trade association and even personally got involved. It's all to secure more funding, isn't it?"

Haneda Fuji explained, "In addition to this new school, there's also the newly established Technology Development Bureau. Both require significant financial investment. The daimyo's allocations are insufficient."

"…"

Minato, of course, was already aware of this. In fact, the Technology Development Bureau was originally formed because a group of them had collaborated on researching sealing techniques.

Kushina, Minato, and Fuji were all members of that team.

Even Lady Tsunade had joined. They had initially wanted to invite Orochimaru, but he had declined with a cryptic, intrigued expression.

Fuji had recruited many others as well, including a consultant named Tobi, whose research abilities were truly extraordinary. Together, they had made remarkable progress.

Minato had been deeply impressed, only to discover that this Tobi was a former Root researcher who had changed his name out of admiration for Tobirama Senju and his love of research.

And so, Minato had gone ahead and added yet another offense to Danzo's record.

Talented shinobi, spies, researchers—Root had truly wasted far too much potential.

With so much talent, the Technology Development Bureau's funding could not be allowed to stop. It had already produced many breakthroughs.

As for this new educational system… Minato wanted to implement it, but if Konoha could still afford the school's expenses even after addressing other expenditures, he couldn't help but ponder one thing:

Konoha's economy was becoming self-sufficient.

Ever since Fuji had been given control over the village's finances, Minato had noticed a marked increase in available funds.

Even some of the Technology Development Bureau's research results had been monetized by Hyuga Fuji.

For instance, by studying Jiraiya-sensei and the former Mist ninja Fuguki Suikazan's bodies, the Bureau had developed a hair growth serum that Fuji had successfully brought to market.

Casinos in Konoha, which had previously only had minor dealings with Fuji, had decided to fully back him after seeing how profitable his ventures were, providing him with substantial financial support.

With funding from the daimyo, reparations gradually arriving from Kirigakure, and investments paying off handsomely, Konoha had not only sustained but increased its income.

At this rate, Konoha could achieve complete financial independence.

And if that happened… what use would the daimyo's allocations even be?

Some shinobi, taking this line of thought further, might even question the daimyo's relevance to modern Konoha.

Had he not suppressed these discussions, Minato didn't know how the daimyo would have reacted.

Sigh… Fuji, you've really given me a tough problem to solve.

...

Under the cover of night, Hyuga Fuji walked alone toward his home.

But he hadn't gone far when a figure blocked his path on the deserted street.

"Watching Konoha march step by step toward destruction under your guidance—does it make you happy?"

"I think 'rebirth' is a better word."

Hyuga Fuji looked at the long-haired middle-aged man in the shadows and offered a calm smile.

"The secrets of White Zetsu's body are numerous. Your transformation technique isn't perfected yet and requires constant control. You should head home, release the jutsu, and give yourself some mental rest."

"That's none of your concern!"

The figure stepped out of the darkness, his appearance shifting until it became identical to the face etched on Konoha's Second Hokage's monument.

If anyone were to witness this scene, they would undoubtedly be terrified.

Tobirama Senju… Among Konoha's current elite, many were connected to him in some way—as his successors, his students, or even his granddaughter.

Yet this long-deceased man seemed to know Haneda Fuji well, walking alongside him down the empty street and speaking in a cold, detached tone:

"Ever since the Caged Bird Seal was undone, your smile has become much more frequent."

"At this point, maintaining a reserved and taciturn image does me no favors," Hyuga Fuji replied calmly, his measured tone carrying over to Tobirama.

"I'd advise you to take better care of your new body, Second Hokage. Orochimaru-sensei has long since discovered that I summoned you prematurely. If he sets his sights on you, I might not be able to protect you."

Tobirama's gaze turned icy. "I already told you—I don't need your concern, you inherently evil Hyuga brat!"

(End of Chapter)