Read 20+ Chapter's Ahead in Patreon
"I hope you understand—this is a necessary measure."
Kyosuke wasn't stingy with trust, but he had learned to assume the worst about people.
Helping Hyūga Yayoi? No problem. Spending 15,000 points to do so? That was also acceptable, as long as she proved valuable.
However, complete trust was out of the question.
A single show of allegiance wasn't enough. For true cooperation, he needed to have control over her life and death.
In just three days, Kyosuke fully absorbed the knowledge of the Caged Bird seal and successfully helped Yayoi remove her curse.
In the process, he accomplished two additional tasks:
First, he requested Uzumaki Mito's help to seal the Otsutsuki cells, while also using the Eight Trigrams Seal to disguise it as the Caged Bird seal.
Second, he would cast a new curse on the girl, one that would not affect her Byakugan, but would allow him to take her life at any moment.
Hyūga Yayoi was smart. She knew that only by submitting to such measures would Kyosuke truly trust her.
"This is the price of freedom," she said.
Kyosuke planted the new seal on her wrist, embedding it with a Flying Thunder God marker for additional control. Once the work was done, he handed her a second document.
"This is a guide to cellular transplantation techniques. Master it, and perhaps you can eventually remove what's on your face."
"Of course, I don't recommend that you do so."
With only the two of them present, Kyosuke didn't hide the existence of the Tenseigan.
As he explained, Yayoi finally understood that the source of her torment came from the cells of her clan's ancient ancestors.
When she learned that the Tenseigan could grant her power rivaling clan leaders, it only took her three seconds to decide—she would keep the cause of her pain.
All for the sake of gaining strength.
Kyosuke commended her for her resolve and shared numerous warnings based on his knowledge.
"The new Caged Bird seal I've placed on you is incredibly deceptive. Unless I activate it, even Hyūga Tenjin won't notice anything unusual."
"Personal strength is crucial, but until you reach a certain level, never underestimate the power of a group."
"Set aside your hatred. Use the Hyūga clan as a tool in your hands. That will be the ultimate revenge for a branch family member like you."
Indeed, Kyosuke didn't just want a talented researcher; he wanted an ally to help him overthrow the entire Byakugan clan.
When the time came, he would simultaneously wield the power of the Hyūga and Uchiha clans.
Compared to such gains, the cost of 15,000 points was insignificant.
"Control the Hyūga clan, huh..."
Yayoi accepted the research materials, her eyes gradually revealing an ambitious gleam.
Seeing this, Kyosuke smiled and said, "I want you to understand that I'm not looking for a mindless puppet. I need a partner who can fight alongside me.
"The dangers we'll face in the future may exceed anything you can imagine. To be honest, I'm not confident I can face them alone."
"Hurry up and get stronger. The day you reach the level of a clan leader, I'll personally remove your curse seal."
A mix of strict discipline and calculated encouragement. The method was simple but effective.
Combined with Kyosuke's knack for painting a grand vision, Yayoi no longer had the heart to think of anything else.
She was deeply moved.
For Kyosuke, it was merely a few points he had spent.
But for Yayoi he was the person who saved her from misery, freed her from her curse, and gave her precious knowledge.
"Moved" wasn't enough to describe the waves surging in her heart.
Locking eyes with Kyosuke, Hyūga Yayoi spoke with determination:
"Rest assured. Yayoi will not disappoint you."
"Good. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can achieve."
After concluding this critical meeting, Kyosuke turned to focus on two matters before him:
First, to eliminate the threat posed by the Uzumaki clan.
Second, Mito Uzumaki was finally leaving.
At the camp's entrance, Mito stood with her pack slung over her back, glaring daggers at Kyosuke.
"What?"
Kyosuke asked in confusion. "I'm letting you go. Why do you look like you want to kill me?"
If he hadn't spoken, it would've been fine—but once he did, Mito exploded.
"You bastard! You spread the rumor that I'm going back to the clan to prepare for childbirth?!"
Pfft—Kyosuke almost choked on his spit.
After coughing hard, he waved his hand dismissively.
"Of course not! We're friends now. How could I spread such a rumor?"
"Really?" Mito asked, still skeptical.
She was indeed heading back—not to prepare for childbirth but to help her father with clan affairs.
The next time they met, it would likely be on the battlefield.
Thinking of this, Mito's anger dissipated, replaced by a sense of irritation and frustration.
As a princess of Uzushiogakure, her status constrained her, often forcing her to suppress her emotions.
After staring at Kyosuke's face for a while, she suddenly grabbed his arm and bit down hard on his wrist.
"What the hell?!" Kyosuke yelled.
"Hmph."
After biting him, Mito stood with her hands on her hips and declared confidently, "This is a warning. Next time we meet, I'll make you regret it!"
Mito turned away, her lips moving as if silently mouthing something. Then, without looking back, she disappeared from Kyosuke's sight.
"Don't forget me," she said.
With an escort team ensuring her safety, Mito returned to the Uzumaki clan's territory without incident.
Her arrival was met with jubilation from the Uzumaki ninja, who celebrated as if they'd won a war.
Her father, Uzumaki Ashina, was pleased but maintained a stern demeanor as he called her into his tent.
When he learned she wasn't returning to prepare for childbirth, Uzumaki Ashina finally sighed in relief.
"Those damned Uchiha—no daughter of mine will marry into their clan."
For some reason, Mito felt a sharp pang in her heart. After a long silence, she softly said, "Father, teach me Adamantine Sealing Chains."
This powerful sealing technique was difficult, and she had previously resisted learning it. But now, Mito understood one thing:
Only with sufficient strength could she turn the impossible into reality.
This was a lesson Kyosuke had taught her.
"Hahaha, good. That's the spirit of a princess of Uzushiogakure."
Uzumaki Ashina was delighted. After a year of trials, his daughter had finally matured.
With the will to grow stronger, he was confident she would become a top-tier ninja under his guidance.
At that time, he would definitely find a chance to avenge himself, preferably by capturing that Uchiha brat.
After a year of fighting, Uzumaki Ashina had enough of the elusive boy.
If you asked him which ninjutsu he hated the most, the Flying Thunder God would undoubtedly be at the top of the list.
"Forget it, let's not think about that for now. Let's let the soldiers celebrate today," Uzumaki Ashina said, smiling with relief.
[Chapter End's]
---
[Author Note]
Today is a special day for me as I turn 18 years old officially and I just wanted to take a moment to Thank you all for the incredible support you've shown for this novel. Your responses mean so much to me, and I'm truly grateful for each of you. I promise to keep giving my best effort in every chapter.
Also I'm currently working on a new novel and I'll do my best to post it as soon as I can. Once again, thank you so much for your unwavering support—it truly means everything.
---
🖤 Night_FrOst/ Patreon 🤍
Visit my Patreon for Early Chapter:
https://www.patreon.com/Night_FrOst
Extra Content Already Available