Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

Hyuga Neji stared at Sasuke's back, a mixture of shock and envy flickering in his pale eyes.

Neji had witnessed Sasuke's power firsthand during their recent confrontation. Even from the sidelines, he could sense the immense energy surging within Sasuke's body, an energy that seemed almost untouchable.

Orochimaru… that kind of power… can I have it too? Neji's unrelenting pursuit of strength burned as fiercely as that of anyone else, and seeing Sasuke wield such overwhelming force sparked a deep yearning within him.

However, when Neji voiced his thoughts aloud, Orochimaru shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips.

"That power is far too dangerous. I wouldn't dare use it on you," Orochimaru replied, his tone tinged with both caution and mockery. "Besides, if I did, Lord Chito would come after me herself."

At the mention of Uzumaki Chito, Orochimaru's eyes flickered with something akin to fear. The mere thought of his strength was enough to dissuade him from entertaining such a reckless experiment.

"You'd best focus on the path Lord Chito has already laid out for you," Orochimaru advised, his gaze narrowing as he scrutinized Neji's eyes. "There's immense potential in the Byakugan. I can feel it. In time, it might rival, if not surpass, the Sharingan."

Neji listened in silence, his pride slightly soothed by Orochimaru's words. His Byakugan, which had been subjected to countless experiments, were now more than just a tool—they were a gateway to something far greater.

"How are your eyes feeling now?" Orochimaru asked, tilting his head as he observed Neji's reaction.

"There's no discomfort," Neji replied confidently. "The rejection tests seem to be stabilizing."

For months, Neji had undergone grueling experiments to replicate the power of the Byakugan. The process was painstaking, but at last, it seemed to bear fruit. The replicated Byakugan worked seamlessly, or so it seemed.

"Have you noticed any irregularities when using them?" Orochimaru probed further, his curiosity evident.

"The replicated Byakugan's power is weaker than the original," Neji admitted, his tone laced with frustration. "I can't tell if it's a limitation of the replication process or something else entirely."

Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully, jotting down Neji's observations in a worn notebook. This was the third journal he had dedicated solely to Neji's experiments, a testament to the sheer volume of data collected.

"Understood. I'll refine the replication process and test a fusion of the Byakugan to see if the results improve," Orochimaru said, closing the notebook with a sharp snap.

The room fell silent as Neji mulled over his next steps. The power he sought was within reach, but the journey to claim it was fraught with obstacles.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Fire, Naruto Uzumaki set foot on familiar soil. The last time he had been here was during the Chūnin Exams, but much had changed since then.

Naruto was no longer the same boy who had left Konoha. His strength had grown exponentially, and his presence now carried a weight that was impossible to ignore.

As he disembarked from the boat, Naruto headed straight for the Daimyō's mansion. His steps were purposeful, his resolve unshakable. Yet, unknown to him, his arrival had already been reported to Konoha by the Anbu stationed at the port.

"He's alone… as expected of the son of the Fourth Hokage," Jiraiya mused aloud, a mix of pride and worry etched on his face. The thought of Uzumaki Chito, the powerful figure backing Naruto, tempered his concern.

"With a guardian like him, it's no wonder he's so fearless," Jiraiya added with a resigned sigh.

Danzo, standing nearby, scoffed. "No matter how strong Uzumaki Chito is, he can't shield him forever. One day, Naruto will be vulnerable, and that's when we strike."

A third voice interrupted, its tone seething with resentment. "A clone can only protect him for so long. Uzumaki Chito won't always be there to save him."

The speaker was none other than the spirit of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Though trapped in the ethereal plane, his hatred for the Uzumaki Chito had not diminished. His translucent form hovered near the others, his frustration evident as he slammed a phantom fist onto an invisible surface.

"All of this is his fault," Hiruzen growled, his spectral eyes burning with malice.

Danzo, sensing an opportunity, suggested a plan. "Let the Inuzuka clan take the lead. Inuzuka Kiba Injuries and subsequent death happen by Naruto's hand. They have every reason to act, and their involvement will shield us from direct suspicion."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement, his ghostly figure trembling with pent-up rage. "The Inuzuka clan will serve as the perfect pawns. Let them exact their revenge, and when the time is right, we will finish what they start."

[EN*: They actually mention this earlier, but I thought it is translation error, since I wouldn't imagined Naruto to straight up killed Kiba, so here I edit it again saying that Naruto injured Kiba and since there is no figure like Tsunade around, Kiba finally die]

==============================================

Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.

==============================================