Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

Year 62 - A Few Months After Oroshimaru's Attack

The Hidden Village of Konoha was slowly rising from the ashes. Wars, relentless attacks, and years of instability had left visible scars on its landscape. Yet, the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants still shone brightly. The main streets buzzed with activity: merchants set up their stalls, ninjas oversaw the work, and teams of civilians and genin busied themselves rebuilding damaged structures. The scent of freshly cut wood and the sound of hammers filled the air, setting the rhythm of the day.

Among the buildings under reconstruction was the ANBU complex. Isolated and discreet, it was located on the outskirts of the village, surrounded by a dense forest. Two silhouettes, clad in the distinctive ANBU gear with their masks still in place, stepped through the gates of the headquarters.

Shikai Nara, the renowned ninja codenamed DarkRai, and Neji Hyūga, the genius of the Hyūga clan, codenamed Fate, had just returned from a perilous mission at Konoha's border. Their attire bore traces of recent battles: scratches on their light armor and dust on their capes.

They navigated the silent corridors of the complex until they reached a waiting room, where Shikai leaned against a wall, observing Neji remove his ANBU mask. The white irises of the Byakugan sparkled under the soft light.

"You've become faster since the last time," Shikai remarked, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Neji raised an eyebrow, pushing a stray lock of hair back from his forehead.

"Yeah, I'm getting better," he replied nonchalantly. His mask slipped from his fingers and was placed gently on a table.

Shikai nodded approvingly, but his gaze darkened slightly.

"You remember what we talked about? I think it's time."

The young Hyūga averted his gaze for a moment, a hint of tension in his features. But he replied calmly, his voice almost icy:

"Yes, as planned. I'll bring you at least twenty pairs of Byakugan."

Shikai burst into laughter, but it carried an odd, almost bitter tone.

"Ah, don't say it like that. You're getting your revenge on Hiashi, that's the important part." He patted Neji's shoulder with false camaraderie, an encouraging expression on his face.

Neji remained silent, his thoughts evidently elsewhere. Since joining the ANBU under Shikai's tutelage, his ambitions had taken on a sharper, more ruthless form. The resentment he harbored towards the main branch of his clan continued to grow, fueled by Shikai's promises and ideas.

Sensing the opportune moment to change the subject, Shikai added as he stepped out of the room:

"After you've achieved your revenge, we'll go to Uzushiogakure. For now, I'll go report to the Sandaime."

He left the room without a backward glance, leaving Neji alone with his thoughts.

Neji sat down on a wooden chair near the window, watching the workers in the distance rebuild a watchtower. The weight of Shikai's last words bore heavily on him.

"Twenty pairs of Byakugan," he murmured to himself, his tone laced with sarcasm. "If it's for my freedom, I'll bring fifty!"

He knew Shikai was right. It was not just about personal revenge against Hiashi but a unique chance to redefine the Hyūga's role in the village and the ninja world. The Byakugan, long seen as a treasure guarded by strict rules, was to become a weapon in service of a greater ambition.

For Neji, this quest for power was not solely motivated by his bitterness towards the main branch. It was a means to break free, not just for himself but for all those oppressed by outdated traditions.

His thoughts were interrupted by an ANBU who briefly entered, placing a scroll on the table. The masked ninja nodded respectfully before disappearing as silently as he had arrived.

Neji unrolled the parchment and read the orders. A new mission was scheduled in three days: an in-depth reconnaissance of the neighboring lands of Suna. But he paid it only distracted attention. His priorities lay elsewhere.

The village hospital, an emblem of resilience and medical expertise, was particularly bustling. Since her return from the Shikkotsu Forest, Tsunade had performed numerous feats. Now mastering natural energy to enhance her attacks and provide unimaginable healing, she had become a living legend. Yet, the shadow of the elusive Sennin Mode slug, lacking Mokuton, still loomed over her ambitions.

That was why Shikai had asked Oroshimaru to prepare Hashirama's DNA. But for now, Oroshimaru was at Ryuchi Cave, where he could learn the serpent sage mode with Kimimaro's new body. For the time being, Karin was in charge of the laboratory.

Upon his return to the village, Shikai navigated the crowded corridors of the hospital, absentmindedly greeting a few injured ninjas.

Without knocking, he pushed open the door to Tsunade's office, and the scene that unfolded before him caught him off guard. Tsunade was engaged in a training session with Sakura, demonstrating a precise movement to channel chakra.

"Sensei, is it like this?" Sakura asked, focused, as she maintained a shimmering green chakra ball between her hands.

Tsunade nodded, her sharp eyes monitoring every detail.

"Not bad, but you're still wasting energy. Concentrate on the exact flow."

At that moment, Shikai cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"Well, I see you haven't lost your touch, Tsunade."

Tsunade turned her head abruptly, her eyes lighting up.

"Shikai!" she exclaimed, then leaped at him with surprising agility.

He caught her in his arms, laughing softly. But in the movement, his hand inadvertently slipped onto her buttocks.

"Oops," Shikai murmured with an amused smile, while Tsunade, far from being offended, held him tighter.

"It's about time you came to see me!" she declared, sniffing him lightly, as if to assure herself of his presence.

Sakura averted her gaze, clearly embarrassed to see her usually stern mentor behaving with such familiarity.

"I've just arrived," Shikai replied, still smiling.

Tsunade finally released her grip and turned to Sakura.

"Continue your training. If you have any questions, ask Shizune."

Sakura nodded and hurried out, leaving the two ninjas alone.