Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 108: Konoha's Sun Should Only Rise Over Konoha

A young noble, seemingly visiting for the first time, glanced at the two red-haired girls serving him on either side and asked:

"You two seem to be part of the so-called Uzumaki clan of shinobi, right? If sold, how much would you be worth?"

One of the girls trembled at the question, lowering her head as she replied, "Sir, the Uzumaki clan is renowned for its sealing techniques, but we were too young to learn them when we left Uzushio. All we know is chakra refinement, so we're nothing compared to those with real bloodline abilities."

"So, you're worthless, huh?"

The young noble frowned, then turned to a merchant nearby. "Could these two be traded for a stronger shinobi?"

The merchant shook his head, rejecting the idea. The noble's face grew cold as he glared at the two girls.

Before coming here, he had learned the rules of the island.

This was a place where wealth and status were everything. Recognized elites came here to enjoy themselves and engage in transactions. Bloodline users were considered playthings, thrown into gladiator-style arenas for fights, with the victor's owner claiming both combatants as property.

On this island, shinobi were nothing more than slaves.

The noble had planned to use the two red-haired girls as trade pieces for a stronger shinobi and test his luck in the arena. But now, hearing that the supposedly impressive Uzumaki clan produced such useless individuals, he felt swindled.

The merchant who sold him the sisters had boasted that Uzumaki shinobi were of great value. But these two? Just trash.

He had spent ten million ryo on them—what a waste. Perhaps he would simply toy with them and then discard them when he returned home.

"They're not strong, but their bodies seem decent," the merchant suddenly said, his lips curling into a sly smile. "The Uzumaki clan has always been known for their strong vitality. Some buyers have a particular preference for that sort of thing. Shall I introduce you to someone?"

The Uzumaki sisters' eyes widened in fear. They instinctively huddled closer together, trembling but not daring to flee.

Only individuals deemed worthy could leave the island with others.

Wealthy elites, nobles, renowned shinobi—all were allowed to take others with them. But the sisters? They had no such privilege.

From the moment they were brought here, their fates had already been sealed.

The young noble's eyes lit up. "You're saying they could fetch a good price?"

"Absolutely," the merchant said with a sly laugh.

Watching this unfold, Uzumaki Ashina's rage boiled over, his eyes glinting with murderous intent.

My clansmen… reduced to nothing more than commodities for sale?!

A terrifying wave of chakra surged from Ashina, forcing the surrounding crowd to retreat in fear and drawing the attention of nearby shinobi.

Clad in a black cloak that concealed his entire body, Ashina's face was hidden, making him stand out among the well-dressed nobles.

The island's underground black market attracted all kinds of people: rogue ninja, wandering samurai, merchants who had fallen out of favor with their governments…

In a place filled with outcasts and misfits, no one had paid much attention to Ashina before.

But now it was different.

His overwhelming chakra was rare, even in a place like this.

As the shinobi accompanying the merchant grew wary, a hand suddenly rested on Ashina's shoulder, instantly suppressing his chakra.

"Calm down. You'll have your turn soon enough."

Dressed in a black trench coat with no forehead protector to identify his allegiance, Hyuga Fuji stood beside Uzumaki Ashina.

Many in the crowd recognized Fuji's face.

One middle-aged noble narrowed his eyes, a faint smile on his lips. "What brings the Hokage's advisor to our humble gathering? Surely you're not here to kill us, are you?"

"Recently, Konoha has been busy sweeping through the black markets of neighboring nations. Out of respect for your village, we stepped aside and ceded those operations," the noble continued.

"But this place is different. The upper echelons of every major nation have invested in its growth. Surely, the Sun of Konoha doesn't intend to shine its light here, does it? After all, too much sunlight can be harmful. The Sun of Konoha should remain over Konoha, don't you think, Advisor Fuji?"

Hyuga remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Seeing this, the noble's smile widened. "Of course, if you're here as a guest, we'd be happy to welcome you. In fact, we can even offer you some gifts."

The noble clapped his hands, and two shinobi stepped forward.

"These are shinobi with the Swift Release and Dark Release bloodline abilities. They may not rival Konoha's jonin, but their abilities are comparable to those of elite chunin or special jonin. What do you think, Advisor Fuji?"

Hyuga ignored him, his gaze fixed on the Uzumaki sisters and the merchant who had been brokering their sale.

"Souma Takumi, cousin to the Daimyo of the Land of Woods," Haneda said, his tone calm. "He purchased two Uzumaki shinobi. But when Konoha investigated, we didn't even find their bodies. As one of our so-called 'partners,' where do you think they ended up?"

The merchant glanced at the shinobi who had gathered around him, their presence emboldening him. He turned his gaze to the trembling Uzumaki sisters and smiled faintly.

"You see, Advisor Fuji, these two sisters clearly recognize you. Yet they won't even look in your direction. It's obvious—they trust us more than they trust Konoha. The Uzumaki clan may have been Konoha's allies once, but shouldn't you respect their wishes as well?"

"And let's not forget—after Uzushio's fall, it was merchants like us who provided food and funding to the survivors. If anything, their loyalty to us is only natural."

What happened to the bodies? the merchant thought to himself with a smirk. Obviously, they were eaten.

When people achieve wealth and power, what more could they desire? Longevity, of course!

By spreading false rumors that consuming Uzumaki flesh could extend one's lifespan—and leveraging the clan's naturally high vitality—these merchants had found eager buyers willing to pay exorbitant prices.

As for the repercussions from Konoha?

They had long since accepted that they were walking a fine line. They profited from atrocities, and their survival depended on staying within the boundaries of this lawless zone.

The merchant chuckled inwardly. Let them come. I've made enough money to last several lifetimes. As long as I stay on this island, Konoha can't touch me.

"This island is a haven, a sanctuary for all black-market dealings. Even the Daimyo of major nations have sanctioned its existence. What will you do, Hyuga Fuji? Challenge the entire world?"

The previously courteous noble's expression darkened as Hyuga continued to ignore him.

"Is Konoha looking to settle old scores?" the noble said coldly. "When Uzushio fell, Konoha didn't step in to save them. Bringing it up now is a bit late, don't you think? Besides, these shinobi belong to their masters. Shouldn't you ask their owners first?"

"That's right," the young noble chimed in, emboldened. "They're my property. I can do whatever I want with them!"

Hyuga finally turned his gaze to the two nobles, his lips curling into a faint smile.

"You're right—it has nothing to do with me. But they… they'd like to have a word with you."

Uzumaki Ashina's eyes darkened as he quickly formed hand seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Dozens of coffins rose from the ground.

(To be continued)