Becomes a Rebel Ninja After Annihilating the Hyuga Clan
Chapter 124

“My name is Hiruko.”

It took Zabuza a moment to realize that this was the entirety of Hiruko’s introduction. And even after he spoke, Hiruko seemed to fix his gaze on Haku, barely acknowledging anyone else.

This irked Zabuza. The defiant spirit he had suppressed under Hashirama’s command suddenly flared up. “Hey!” he snapped, pointing at Hiruko. As Hiruko finally turned to look at him, Zabuza warned, “What’s with that look? You want me to gouge your eyes out?”

Hiruko didn’t even bother addressing Zabuza. Instead, he turned to Hashirama and remarked coldly, “Such impudence… Is this how you train your subordinates?”

Zabuza’s brow furrowed. How dare this guy speak to Hashirama-sama in that tone?

“They’re not my subordinates,” Hashirama responded calmly. “We are comrades, all working toward the same goal. And between comrades, respect is key.”

Hearing Hashirama’s words, Zabuza felt a strange mix of emotions. He hadn’t expected to be referred to as a “comrade” by someone as powerful as Hashirama. It left him feeling both bewildered and, oddly, humbled.

After a brief pause, Hiruko glanced at Haku, then at Zabuza, before chuckling darkly. His laugh echoed from beneath his high-collared robes, causing Hashirama’s gaze to sharpen. Zabuza scowled and asked, “What’s so funny?”

“Can you truly call yourselves ‘comrades’ when the difference in power between you and Hashirama Senju is so vast?” Hiruko’s voice grew louder as he gestured toward Zabuza. “Do you even believe that yourselves?”

Before Zabuza could answer, Hashirama interrupted, his voice cold and firm. “You need to stop projecting your own pain onto others. This isn’t Konoha, and these people aren’t you.”

Hiruko spun around, glaring at Hashirama. His anger simmered for a few moments before he eventually calmed down, muttering, “You know more than I expected… Joining your organization wasn’t a mistake.”

“Let’s save unrelated topics for later,” Hashirama said evenly. “Since you’ve chosen to join Yang Guang, you’ll follow its rules. One of those rules is that I will not tolerate attacking your comrades.”

Zabuza, assuming the rebuke was directed at him, cast a sidelong glance at Hiruko, smirking. “You got lucky.”

Only Hiruko knew that Hashirama’s warning was aimed at him. Begrudgingly, he withdrew the dark thoughts he had about Haku.

With everyone silent, Hashirama nodded and moved on to the main subject. “For the upcoming Mist Village revolution, I won’t be directly involved until the situation stabilizes. But rest assured, I will be watching.”

“First, Zabuza,” Hashirama began, “you will work with Mei Terumi and proceed with the plan. Ignore any approaches from the noble clans. Our goal is to sow division within the village. If anyone contacts you, refuse them—they’re likely setting a trap. Treat the noble clans as potential enemies, as they will have no place in the Water Country we are creating post-revolution.”

Zabuza’s expression turned serious. He didn’t care whether the noble clans had a place or not. He only knew how to kill, and if Hashirama-sama declared them enemies, Zabuza would be ready to kill any that got in his way.

“Next, Haku,” Hashirama continued. “We’ve learned that Yagura’s successor, Utakata, a Jinchuriki of the Six-Tails, is undergoing an experiment by his mentor, Harusame, to extract the tailed beast. Your job is to gather as much information as you can about this technique before the Six-Tails goes berserk.”

Haku nodded. His mission wasn’t about assassination but ensuring the chaos of the Six-Tails’ rampage. It was a difficult task, but necessary to bring the Mist Village to its knees. The fact that Haku, a survivor of the Yuki Clan, was the one to trigger this catastrophe only added to the irony.

“Lastly, Hiruko,” Hashirama’s gaze shifted toward him. “In the southwestern mountains of the Land of Water, there is a rogue clan called the Taketori Clan. They have always been rebellious, and not even Zabuza was able to deal with them. They are currently plotting a revolt. I need you to…”

“Wipe them out?” Hiruko interjected.

Hashirama chuckled lightly. “You wouldn’t be able to. But the Mist Village can. I need you to convince the Taketori Clan to seize this opportunity. They will agree.”

Hiruko smirked inwardly. Even the great Mist Village was being manipulated into this elaborate plot. The internal chaos of the Six-Tails’ rampage and the external threat of the Taketori Clan’s attack would leave the Mist Village shattered.

Hiruko thought back to the other rogue ninjas Hashirama had gathered under Zabuza and Mei’s leadership. When they returned as so-called “saviors” to the ruins of the Mist Village…

“Brilliant,” Hiruko muttered. “Such ruthlessness… And to think that the famed ‘God of Shinobi’ would devise such a plan.”

“If Genji, the Mist Village elder, hadn’t chosen to resist, I wouldn’t have taken such measures,” Hashirama replied. “War is harsh, but it’s a necessity. If you know of any other ways to reduce the casualties among innocent villagers, feel free to suggest them. We are an open organization.”

Hiruko shook his head. “No, no. I admire your methods—elegant, efficient. My only concern is whether I’ll get what I want…”

“There’s a Bloodline Limit ninja in the Mist named Nakatsu, a powerful sensor type. He’s our primary target for elimination,” Hashirama explained. “Once you’ve dealt with the Taketori Clan, Zabuza will help you take care of it.”

Hiruko fell silent, recognizing the subtle power play. While he could collect Nakatsu’s abilities, it was clear Hashirama intended for Zabuza to assert dominance in the process. Still, Hiruko wasn’t fazed. As long as he could absorb enough Bloodline Limits to complete his transformation into an immortal being, he didn’t care about Zabuza’s antics.

Once the meeting’s details were settled, Hiruko opened his eyes, returning to the dimly lit cave. He stepped outside, gazing at the Eye Ring on his hand, marveling at its mysterious power.

“How was it? I told you he’d help you get what you want,” a soft voice called out from nearby.

Hiruko frowned, clearly displeased. He responded coldly, “I can gather Bloodline Limits on my own, given time. What’s your true purpose in bringing me into Yang Guang? You didn’t come with me to the Land of Waves, but now that I’m in the Land of Water, here you are again.”

Perched in a tree, her legs swinging, a young girl with a mischievous smile twirled her hair absently. “The Land of Waves has a pesky tree—a small one, but it’s already fortified the whole country. If I went there, I’d be discovered.”

“As for my purpose?” She giggled. “I just needed to deliver you to him two years early, to give him more time to prepare.”

“What are you talking about?” Hiruko narrowed his eyes.

“No need to worry about the details. Just think of yourself as a…gift, to make sure the meeting goes smoothly.” The girl grinned wider.

Hiruko had no patience for her nonsense, but her overwhelming power kept him in check. He had no choice but to listen.

“I’m off to carry out Yang Guang’s mission,” Hiruko said, voice cold. Even if he had been forced to join, the organization’s goals aligned with his own twisted desires. Hashirama’s plan wasn’t just a “reform” of the Mist Village—it was an ultimate upheaval, a complete destruction of both the village and its noble clans.

“Which mission?” the girl asked, curious.

“I’m going to incite the Taketori Clan to attack the Mist Village.”

The girl smiled, then suddenly let out an “ah!” as if realizing something. Hiruko stopped and turned toward her.

“What is it?”

“He’s testing you,” the girl said with a knowing look.

Hiruko paused, thinking it over. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll understand when you get there,” she replied with a sly grin. “But knowing you, you’ll probably mess it up. Don’t worry, I’ll come along.”

Hiruko sighed inwardly. He knew he should’ve ignored her. Now, with this girl tagging along, the mission would be far from peaceful.

The journey to the Taketori Clan’s settlement wasn’t far. As Hiruko studied his map, the girl suddenly exclaimed, “We’re here!”

Hiruko glanced at her. She hadn’t even looked at the map once.

Crossing a hill, they arrived at a low-lying valley marked on the map. Hiruko frowned. The ground was barren, and the entire area bore scars of battle. In the distance, he could see white-haired

warriors, all brandishing bone weapons, engaged in vicious combat with each other.

“This is the Taketori Clan?”

Only now did Hiruko realize how naive it had been to think he could “wipe out” the Taketori Clan. These were war-crazed fighters, people who would fight each other to the death even without an enemy to face.

“They’re born for battle,” Hiruko murmured, admiring their raw power.

Inciting these bloodthirsty warriors to rebel against the Mist Village wouldn’t be difficult.

Steeling himself, Hiruko stepped out of the bushes and approached the Taketori Clan’s camp.

The girl stayed behind, waving as she watched him go.

Hiruko ignored her, adjusting his robe as he walked forward.

The sound of battle gradually faded. A horn blew in the distance, followed by the flutter of birds taking flight. Then came the steady march of footsteps—dozens, maybe hundreds.

Hiruko had only walked a short distance when he heard heavy breathing behind him. He turned, seeing the girl still smiling at him from her perch.

Before he could respond, the war cries grew louder. From the shadows, warriors of the Taketori Clan emerged, wielding their bone weapons, all eyes locked on Hiruko.

“What are you doing?” Hiruko hissed.

“They just misunderstood you,” the girl laughed, her smile wide.

“What do you mean?” Hiruko demanded.

She giggled, her feet swinging lazily. “You have white eyes—didn’t anyone ever tell you how much they resemble the Hyuga Clan’s?”

“Do they have a grudge with the Hyuga?”

“Quite the opposite. The Taketori and Hyuga were close allies,” the girl’s grin faded slightly. “But because of one man’s betrayal, the Taketori now believe anyone with white eyes is their enemy.”

“Simple-minded fools…” Hiruko scoffed. “Is this the ‘test’ you mentioned?”

“No.” The girl shook her head, her smile returning as she pointed toward a figure approaching from the Taketori ranks—a man flanked by a sickly-looking youth.

Kimimaro.

This, Hiruko realized, was the true test.

Hiruko’s eyes widened, breath catching in his throat. He stared at Kimimaro, his body trembling with excitement.

“That body… That potential…”

“I need him,” Hiruko whispered urgently.

The girl smirked. “If you want to die, go ahead.”