Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 16: An Unchanged Plot

Katsuragi wasn't aware that at the moment of forming the Shikigami cards, a master-servant relationship had already been established. It was only because the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna obediently followed his commands that he didn't realize the extent of his authority.

Nevertheless, this didn't matter much. As the number of Shikigami in the courtyard grew, Katsuragi would eventually discover this feature.

After leaving the courtyard, Katsuragi didn't go straight to rest. Instead, he used the sense of danger imbued by the Three-Tailed Fox to check for any surveillance before stretching out his hand to practice Yuki-onna's abilities.

The temperature dropped, and white snowflakes appeared out of nowhere in the room, gathering in Katsuragi's palm to slowly form a snowball.

"It's still too slow," Katsuragi sighed as he looked at the snowball in his hand. Even though it formed faster in snowy conditions, the speed was still relatively slow, and he felt that it would be ineffective in real combat.

This slowness was probably due to Yuki-onna being only a two-star and his own scarce and weak chakra. He hoped that once Yuki-onna reached five stars and his chakra reserves increased, the situation would improve.

---

A night passed.

The next day, around noon, Katsuragi, like the previous days, started heading towards the Hyūga clan's residence. As soon as he entered the gate, he sensed something amiss in the atmosphere.

"What is this..."

Seeing the coffin in front of him, Katsuragi was momentarily stunned. He instantly thought of a possibility and murmured, "Hyūga Hizashi..."

His mood plummeted. Although he had anticipated this outcome, the reality of it filled him with sadness and anger—sadness for the village and anger at his own powerlessness to change the plot.

"Sigh!"

With a heavy heart, Katsuragi made his way to Hinata's room. Upon entering, he found the little girl sitting quietly, with an expressionless Hyūga Hiashi in front of her.

"You're here!"

Hyūga Hiashi greeted him monotonously and gestured to a chair next to Hinata. "Sit!"

Katsuragi obediently sat down next to Hinata, giving her a reassuring look before waiting for Hyūga Hiashi's instructions.

"Katsuragi! Our clan has some important matters to handle these days, so let's put your lessons on hold for a few days. Once things are settled, I will send someone to inform you."

"I understand, Lord Hiashi!"

Katsuragi nodded, showing his understanding, then stood up and asked, "Should I leave now?"

"Yes, go rest for now!" Perhaps due to the loss of his younger brother, Hiashi did not elaborate further, only acknowledging Katsuragi's departure.

"Katsuragi…"

As Katsuragi was about to leave, Hinata, who had come to rely on him over these days, softly called out to him, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Hearing Hinata's call, Katsuragi, spurred by his love for adorable characters, disregarded Hiashi's presence. He turned back, ruffled Hinata's head, and comforted her with a smile, "Don't worry! It'll be alright!"

"I'll prepare a gift for you and give it to you next time we meet!"

Feeling Katsuragi's touch, Hinata's cheeks turned bright red. After a furtive glance at her expressionless father, she quietly agreed, "Mmm."

Regaining his senses, Katsuragi awkwardly glanced at Hiashi, who seemed deep in thought, and quickly said, "Then I'll be leaving, Lord!"

"No farewell needed!"

From that response, Katsuragi inexplicably felt a chill, as if Hiashi was somewhat displeased. It seemed that Hiashi was not entirely indifferent to Katsuragi's actions.

As Katsuragi left the Hyūga residence, he couldn't help but look back at the large "Hyūga" sign at the entrance and sighed inwardly.

"If only the Hyūga had the Rinnegan," he thought. If the Hyūga possessed the Rinnegan at this moment, they wouldn't have to endure such humiliation and swallow their pride. In the end, in this world where the strong prey on the weak, freedom could only be achieved through strength.

While lamenting the harsh reality of this world, Katsuragi absentmindedly arrived at the commercial street. As he hadn't eaten lunch due to his visit to the Hyūga house, he decided to grab something to eat.

"Should I go for ramen or barbecue?"

Katsuragi was torn. Although he wasn't spending much thanks to the Hyūga clan, he felt like splurging a little and opting for a barbecue at the Leaf Village.

"But isn't it a bit lonely to eat alone? Maybe next time I'll invite Hinata to join me!"

Remembering that people usually go to barbecue restaurants in groups, he decided to wait until Hinata was available so they could go together and... ahem, deepen their friendship.

"Ramen it is! Ramen!"

Humming a tune, Katsuragi made his way to Ichiraku Ramen, a bustling shop. He oddly remembered Tezuna's warning about staying away from Naruto Uzumaki.

It had been a while, and he hadn't encountered Naruto even once. Maybe Naruto hadn't yet discovered Ichiraku Ramen.

After lunch, Katsuragi returned home with nothing particular to do. Due to his injuries, he couldn't complete any missions, and he had to limit his chakra training to avoid affecting his lifespan.

"Right, I could go to the courtyard and spar with the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna!"

Soon, Katsuragi decided what to do next. In the courtyard, his injuries didn't affect him, making it the perfect place to gain combat experience against the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna.

No sooner thought than done, Katsuragi headed to the courtyard and shared his idea with the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna. Aware of the world Katsuragi inhabited, they readily agreed to help.

However, after sparring, Katsuragi discovered an important detail: he seemed invulnerable in the courtyard, unable to be harmed. The same was true for the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna.

Relieved by this realization, Katsuragi was reassured that even if future summoned Shikigami had incompatible temperaments, they couldn't harm each other.

While the Hyūga dealt with Hizashi's situation, Katsuragi spent his days eating, training his chakra, and battling in the courtyard, seeking advice from the Three-Tailed Fox and Yuki-onna on how to wield their powers.

Of course, Katsuragi hadn't forgotten the gift he promised Hinata. After much consideration, he decided to handcraft a figurine of himself and Hinata together. Ahem, that is, a model!?

Initially, he planned to carve it.

End of Chapter 16