When it came to the Hyuga clan, most would call them a prestigious bloodline family like the Uchiha. However, if one looked deeper into their combat performance and high-end power capabilities, the truth was clear: Byakugan simply didn't hold up against the Sharingan.
In an attempt to preserve their legacy and maintain control, the Hyuga clan had developed a complex structure: a Main House and a Branch House. To keep the Branch House subordinate, they implemented the cursed Caged Bird Seal, effectively crippling the full potential of the branch members' Byakugan.
As a result, the Byakugan had been reduced to a mere surveillance tool—used more for boxing and detection than true combat power.
That said, its ultimate evolution, the Tenseigan, was a completely different story. The Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion nearly split the moon in half. The Tenseigan Chakra Mode even provided Truth-Seeking Orbs, rivaling Sage of Six Paths-level abilities.
"If it weren't for the insane price of Byakugan in the system's mall," Andrew muttered to himself, "I might've bought one just to mess around with..."
Meanwhile, back at the Uchiha compound, Fugaku was reviewing a recent message from the Hokage.
"What's this? The Third Hokage wants me to support Konoha in the Cloud Shinobi talks?" Fugaku said, raising an eyebrow.
Uchiha and the village leadership had long lived in a state of cold detachment: "You don't provoke me, and I don't care about you." So to suddenly be invited to join diplomatic talks was… unexpected.
Andrew shrugged casually. "It's not hard to figure out. Cloud Shinobi and Konoha have always had a tense relationship. You can bet they're coming here to stir trouble. But right now, Konoha's biggest deterrent against outside threats... is us."
Itachi's brutal dismantling of the Shimura clan had sent shockwaves not only through the village, but through neighboring nations. Konoha's power dynamics had clearly shifted.
"Hmph! What a joke!" a nearby clan member muttered. "Back when they were persecuting us, they couldn't have been more shameless. But now that they need strength, Sarutobi Hiruzen doesn't hesitate to call us!"
Fugaku didn't respond immediately. His eyes narrowed as he considered the weight of the situation.
"Should we go? If Cloud Shinobi is planning something against Konoha..."
Andrew nodded firmly. "We have to go. Like it or not, we're still Uchiha of Konoha. If we refuse, it'll give them an excuse to accuse us of disloyalty. Besides... I've got a feeling Cloud Shinobi's not here for just diplomatic talks."
"You think they're here for the Sharingan?" Fugaku's voice dropped, filled with tension.
"Possibly. They've tried worse in the past." Andrew recalled how Cloud Shinobi had attempted to kidnap Kushina, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. If not for Minato's quick actions, she might've ended up as a Cloud weapon.
"If they dare target the Uchiha's Sharingan—let them come! Four pairs of Mangekyō... I'd like to see them survive that!" one of the younger clan members spat.
But Andrew shook his head. "Unlikely. The Fourth Raikage may be brash, but he's not stupid. After what we did to the Shimura clan, even Cloud Shinobi will tread carefully. If they're here to make demands, it's probably... the Hyuga."
Fugaku's eyes sharpened. "Hiashi Hyuga... We know each other. I'll find a way to warn him."
Andrew smirked. "I'll handle the Hokage's meeting. But while I'm gone, tell the Anbu stalking our compound to take a walk. It's annoying being watched like a criminal every day."
He remembered the canon timeline—how Hyuga Hizashi ended up dying to protect his brother from Cloud's unreasonable demands. If he could intervene now, maybe things would turn out differently.
More importantly, Andrew realized: This was the perfect opportunity to remove Konoha's surveillance of the Uchiha. If they were going to support the Hokage diplomatically, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't dare refuse such a simple request.
With no more eyes on them, the Uchiha could more easily begin secretly moving civilians and weaker shinobi away from Konoha, laying the groundwork for eventual independence.
When the day of the meeting came, Andrew entered the Hokage's office and took his seat—the second position to the right of the Third Hokage. Sarutobi Hiruzen was visibly relieved.
Uchiha still supported the village. At least for now.
Andrew, however, rolled his eyes.
"Don't think one small gesture of 'goodwill' is enough to bring Uchiha back to the fold," he thought, exasperated. Sarutobi's hopeful gaze felt naïve at best.
While the Hokage tried to play diplomat, the elder council was far less subtle.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stared at Andrew with thinly veiled contempt.
"Do the elders think I shouldn't be here? Why the dirty looks?" Andrew said coldly, challenging them outright.
The tension thickened. These two had always sided with Danzo's anti-Uchiha sentiments. Andrew wasn't about to back down just to make them comfortable.
"Hmph! At least you know you're unwelcome!" Koharu snapped.
Andrew's chair screeched as he stood.
"Then I'll take my leave. I didn't want to be here anyway."
The room fell dead silent.
Third Hokage's expression immediately darkened, and he turned toward Koharu with visible irritation.
"Koharu, are you insane? Do you even understand the situation we're in?" he seemed to scream silently with his eyes.
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Realizing her mistake, Koharu bit her lip. As much as she disliked Andrew's attitude, she couldn't deny that Konoha needed the Uchiha clan right now.
Sarutobi quickly tried to smooth things over.
"Cough! Andrew, Elder Koharu is just... blunt. It's not personal."
Even he didn't believe his own excuse, but it was the best he could do.
Andrew sat back down reluctantly. "Master Hokage, it's not about being targeted. But let me say this clearly: We Uchiha don't like being dragged into your little political shows. Don't call us unless it's important. The clan is busy supporting families. Fugaku is handling internal affairs. I'm clocking in every day at the police department. Very busy."
"Busy? You show up, drink tea, and leave in ten minutes," someone whispered—but no one dared say it aloud.
Shortly after, the Cloud Shinobi delegation arrived, escorted by Anbu. The room shifted into official diplomacy mode as both parties exchanged formal greetings.
As the representatives from Kumogakure took their seats, Andrew's eyes locked onto one of the female ninjas. His gaze sharpened, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
Meanwhile, far from the meeting room, the massive gates of Konoha opened slowly.
A tall, rugged figure strolled through, white hair flowing and a massive scroll strapped across his back.
Jiraiya had returned.
Recalled personally by the Third Hokage, the legendary Sannin had finally returned home—just in time for Konoha's next storm.
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