Chapter 46: Uchiha and Hyuga

After successfully “persuading” his clan chief to agree to his plan, Uchiha Li strode out of Fugaku’s office.

Along the way, the clansmen on duty saw Uchiha Li walking out with confidence, and their eyes were filled with admiration. On the night of the Nine-Tails’ rampage, Uchiha Li had also been like this—just a few words and he subdued their clan chief. And now, he had done it again. The chief chose to bow his head!

As Uchiha Li’s figure disappeared, several guards began whispering among themselves. “How do you think Lord Li does it? Why is the chief so obedient to him?” “I think it’s because Lord Li’s words make a lot of sense. He’s always so eloquent. Wasn’t it the same at yesterday’s clan meeting?” “You’re right, but just that shouldn’t be enough to make the chief back down.” “So what do you mean?” “I’ve never seen the chief value anyone like this. Do you think Lord Li has some dirt on him? Maybe the chief is secretly…” Their conversation grew more and more outrageous, until they noticed Uchiha Fugaku standing behind them with a dark expression. “You all seem to have plenty of time, don’t you? Good, the police department’s toilets haven’t been cleaned in ages…”

A chorus of pleas for mercy echoed throughout the building.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Li headed straight toward the Hyuga clan’s territory after leaving the building. The fact that Cloud’s envoys were coming to the village had inspired a brilliant plan in his mind. With this plan, not only could he obtain the Sharingan needed by Orochimaru, but the Uchiha clan could further improve their position in the village.

Of course, all of this depended on Cloud’s envoys attempting to steal Hinata Hyuga’s Byakugan, as in the original story. Now that events were happening earlier, Uchiha Li couldn’t be sure Cloud would still try, but he believed it was likely. And since the plan was already set, even if Cloud didn’t act, that didn’t mean Uchiha Li couldn’t give them a little help…

Walking and thinking, Uchiha Li soon arrived at the streets near the Hyuga clan’s domain, and the number of hostile looks he received increased. At that moment, he sensed a familiar figure watching him from a distance.

Uchiha Li paused and waved to Shisui, signaling him to come over. Ever since Shisui had returned from the battlefield, he hadn’t been keeping an eye on Li, but now he was at it again.

Shisui saw Uchiha Li’s gesture and walked over without hesitation. “So, nothing to do in the Anbu, so you have time to watch me? Or is it because of yesterday’s clan meeting?” Uchiha Li tilted his head as he spoke.

Shisui shook his head. “I really don’t understand you anymore.”

He had known from their last encounter that Uchiha Li didn’t mind being watched. But to chat so casually with his own observer—didn’t Li feel awkward at all? Shisui couldn’t make sense of it. He felt as if he were the one being watched, though he didn’t know why.

Seeing Shisui’s reaction, Uchiha Li smiled. “It’s fine if you don’t want to say. Want to walk around with me?”

“Our relationship with them isn’t exactly friendly. It might not be a good idea to just walk in,” Shisui hesitated. “Besides, why do you want to come here?”

Uchiha Li’s expression didn’t change. “I just want to have a look. We’re all part of the village. Is it so wrong to visit?”

Shisui didn’t answer, suspicion in his eyes undiminished. Clearly, he didn’t believe Li’s excuse. Uchiha Li didn’t mind; no matter what reason he gave, Shisui would never believe it so easily.

As two bloodline clans with eye techniques, the Uchiha and Hyuga had no overt enmity, but they were always subtly competing. The debate over whether the Sharingan or the Byakugan was superior never ceased.

In Uchiha Li’s view, neither eye was inherently better; each had its own strengths. The Sharingan offered dynamic vision, could evolve step by step, and granted unique and powerful eye techniques, not to mention Susanoo. The Sharingan’s boost to individual power was terrifying. The Byakugan, meanwhile, had abilities like telescopic and x-ray vision, as well as keen insight. Although its impact on individual strength wasn’t as pronounced, it was vital for teams, especially in large-scale warfare.

Moreover, although the Byakugan’s evolution was difficult, once achieved—whether Tenseigan or Purified Eye—it was a tremendous leap. Uchiha Li wasn’t clear about the Purified Eye, but the Tenseigan was comparable to the Rinnegan, their abilities highly similar.

Refusing to delve deeper, Uchiha Li stepped into the Hyuga domain, whether or not Shisui followed.

Shisui watched Li’s back, bit his lip, and finally decided to catch up.

As soon as they entered the Hyuga territory, the Hyuga branch members around them began to watch closely. Though none stepped forward to block their way, suspicion and vigilance were written on their faces.

Surrounded by countless Byakugan gazes, Uchiha Li was unfazed—he had prepared for this. Shisui, on the other hand, was much less comfortable, his tension evident. “Li, what are you really here for?”

Uchiha Li glanced around. “I told you, just having a look.”

“Do you take me for a fool?” Shisui pursed his lips, his gaze flickering.

Uchiha Li shook his head, displaying a helpless look, and kept walking. He was indeed here to walk around—just, in the process, he was memorizing the layout of the surroundings. Even if the information might not be useful, it was better to be prepared than not.

Time passed bit by bit. Uchiha Li and Shisui circled the Hyuga domain, not venturing too deep. There was no explicit rule in the village forbidding entry to other clans’ territories. Clans wouldn’t refuse visits from other clans or civilians. But real-world circumstances had to be considered.

Among all of Konoha, the Uchiha were the most isolationist; their territory rarely saw outsiders except by invitation. The Hyuga weren’t as exclusive, but their rules were complex, so their situation was only slightly better.

Seeing that nothing untoward had happened, Shisui sighed in relief. He had truly feared Li would cause trouble within the Hyuga domain. Fortunately, Li made no unnecessary moves; he simply walked around the outer area as he said.

Uchiha Li, observing the silent Shisui, suddenly asked, “What do you think of the Hyuga? Is there any possibility our Uchiha could establish a good relationship with them?”

Shisui shook his head seriously. “Not likely. Our relations with the other clans are all poor, let alone with the Hyuga.”

“Is that so.” Uchiha Li neither agreed nor disagreed, then changed the subject. “I’m heading back. Are you free these next few days?”

Shisui became wary. “Why do you ask?”

Uchiha Li smiled. “Nothing much. Have you figured out the questions I asked last time?”

Shisui shook his head. “Not yet. There’s still a lot I don’t understand.”

Uchiha Li nodded. “That’s perfect. In a few days, when I have time, I’ll treat you to a late-night meal. Maybe you’ll find your answers then.”

He tilted his head again. “What I said today counts as a private secret between us. You won’t report it to the Third, will you?”

He decided to test Shisui, to see how things stood.

Shisui hesitated. “I…”

Patting Shisui on the shoulder, Uchiha Li walked away alone, saying, “It’s fine. If you want to report, I won’t mind.”