A Sage's Pursuit of Power

As night fell, Yumi carefully prepared a new outfit for Aoba, meticulously smoothing out every wrinkle.

Aoba initially wanted to say that there was no need to be so particular. After all, he was in the dominant position in this negotiation, so such meticulous preparation was unnecessary.

However, at moments like this, he generally enjoyed Yumi's care and attention. Thus, he didn't resist, allowing her to adjust his outfit again and again.

The Hyuga clan had arranged a family dinner, with only the main members of the Hyuga family waiting for Aoba.

"Lord Hyuga, thank you for waiting," Aoba said, presenting a bottle of expensive sake that Yumi had prepared for him.

This gesture deepened the smile on Hiashi Hyuga's face.

There were many rumors about Kawakami Aoba in the village. He was incredibly well-known, but very few truly understood him.

Most people saw him as strong but reclusive.

Indeed, although Aoba actually had many friends, those outside his circle perceived him as a loner. This was because, apart from his close friends, he rarely participated in social activities, devoting nearly all his time to training and research.

Sage techniques, the Flying Thunder God, the fusion and manipulation of Tailed Beast chakra, Hashirama cells, Sharingan, sealing techniques, and even the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Studying and researching these topics consumed the majority of his energy. As a result, many young shinobi who idolized him rarely had the chance to see him in person.

Initially, Hiashi's impression of Aoba was that he would be a difficult and arrogant person. However, during this formal meeting, he found Aoba unexpectedly courteous and well-mannered, far from what one might expect from someone of civilian ninja origins.

"Lord Aoba, you are too kind."

Hiashi addressed him as "Lord Aoba" because Aoba held no specific position in Konoha, and his official status was clearly higher than Hiashi's. Of course, as the head of the Hyuga clan, this form of address subtly elevated Aoba's standing.

Hiashi's wife served a simple yet elegant spread of food and drink for the two before quietly leaving the room. She didn't reappear, leaving Hinata to attend to them.

Hinata knew Aoba, as her teacher, Kurenai Yuhi, was on good terms with him. However, whenever she saw Aoba, her attention often gravitated toward his student, Naruto. Consequently, her understanding of Aoba was limited.

Hinata rarely saw her father treat a civilian ninja with such formality. However, considering Aoba's numerous achievements, her father's actions were entirely understandable.

The dinner was simple yet exquisite, and Aoba found it satisfying. Being a foodie, even though the main focus tonight wasn't the food, he still mentally rated the meal an 8 out of 10.

Hinata prepared the tea utensils for the two, officially marking the start of the evening's discussions.

"As Konoha's strongest ninja of the younger generation, you are now the Hokage's right hand. I've heard that the Hokage intends to balance the relationship between the ninja clans and the civilian ninjas. Is that true?"

Although Hiashi's question was phrased tactfully, to Aoba, it was already very direct, just shy of outright asking whether the Hokage was planning to take action against the ninja clans.

The reason Hiashi directed the question at Aoba was clear, he knew Aoba's influence was behind this policy.

"Well, how should I put it? I can only say that the rumors are inaccurate. Konoha's upcoming policies aren't about balancing the relationship between ninja clans and civilian ninjas.

What everyone is seeing now is merely the opening act of a major transformation. The real changes are just about to begin."

"Real changes? But it seems to me that Konoha has already undergone substantial change. The advanced ninja academy has provided countless civilian ninjas with greater opportunities. The orphanage for war orphans has significantly improved its resources and support.

The Konoha Research Institute has already achieved several incredible breakthroughs. Isn't all this significant change?"

Hiashi made no effort to hide his interest in the research institute. In truth, very little escaped the Hyuga clan's attention in Konoha. Aoba himself hadn't deliberately concealed anything.

Still, Hiashi's sharp intuition surprised Aoba. It seemed the Hyuga clan leader was more astute than he had initially thought. Despite only the early stages of reform, Hiashi had already sensed the potential crisis.

"In your eyes, are these really changes?" Aoba countered. "Look around you, what have we truly changed?

Civilian ninjas are still civilian ninjas. Ninja clans are still ninja clans. The Hokage remains from the traditional Hokage lineage. Even the turnover rate for shops on the commercial street is less than ten percent.

Take a look around... Nothing has truly changed. Allowing orphanage children to have enough to eat and waiving tuition and meal fees for war orphans, this is merely what Konoha should have done all along. These are not reforms."

Aoba's words caused Hiashi's expression to shift slightly, though he maintained the composure befitting the head of Konoha's most prestigious clan.

"Then, Aoba, what do reforms look like in your eyes? Or rather, what kind of Konoha do you hope to create?"

"Me? That's a rather complex question. I've thought about it in private. I believe my reforms will be successful when, one day in the future, any child born in Konoha has the possibility of becoming the Hokage."

Crack! The sound of the tea cup in Hiashi's hand shattering broke the silence. When Aoba uttered those words, Hiashi finally couldn't maintain his composure.

Although Hiashi's presence in the original story was limited, Aoba had already noticed during their brief interaction that this head of the Hyuga clan was far more formidable than depicted. Not in terms of strength, but in terms of vision, political acumen, and overall awareness. Those qualities that far surpassed those of ordinary ninja clans.

The Hyuga clan's ability to maintain its position as Konoha's top noble family was clearly well-earned.

Hiashi's voice grew heavier as he finally spoke.

"Do you understand what kind of challenges this path will bring?"

"Do I need to?" Aoba retorted.

Hiashi hesitated at Aoba's response. He hadn't expected Aoba to be so resolute, exuding an air of indifference toward any obstacles.

And in truth, that was exactly how Aoba felt. After his recent direct confrontation with Obito, Aoba clearly felt that time was running short, prompting him to accelerate his plans.

The ninja clans were obstacles to his reforms, but compared to the enemies he would face in the future, even Konoha's so-called most prestigious clan was nothing more than a crying infant. Perhaps annoying, but ultimately incapable of posing any substantial threat.

A long silence settled between Aoba and Hiashi, the atmosphere tense enough that Hinata nearly forgot to breathe.

Eventually, Hiashi broke the silence.

After a moment of deliberation, he cautiously asked, "I'd like to know, Aoba, how many banquets like this have you attended?"

Aoba chuckled. "You're the first!"

Check out the patreon and get 43 chapters in advance -> SaintXI

Currently on Chapter 184 - Pre-War Arrangements