Naruto: I, Shikotsumyaku, Byakugan Princess

The atmosphere inside was somewhat subdued.

His old, thin fingers tapped the solid wood tabletop. Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at his disciple, who suddenly seemed unfamiliar to him, and felt quite uncomfortable.

Just a few days ago, she was a fair-skinned little girl, but in the blink of an eye, she has grown taller than him. Her gentle and soft temperament has disappeared, replaced by an abyss-like heaviness.

The overwhelming mysterious gray light, the upheaval that swept through the ninja world starting in Konoha, and the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage all seemed to have come true.

Ashikaga is undoubtedly the key figure who caused the change in the ninja world!
"You're not the type to invite trouble... Just say what your purpose is!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared intently at the dark eyes beneath the gray glass mask, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

He knew his apprentice's personality very well, and he also knew that Hui Li's initiative to volunteer to receive troublesome ninjas from other villages was definitely not for pure purposes.

He didn't really care what the other party wanted to do or what kind of changes it would cause in the ninja world. He was already half-buried in the ground, and even if some major upheaval occurred in the ninja world, he probably wouldn't be able to experience it firsthand.

What he really wanted to know was whether Haili's actions would affect the peaceful status quo in Konoha.

"The Jonin leading the team from Kirigakure who participated in the exam is Ao!" As he mentioned the name of the newcomer, a cold smile appeared on Hui Li's lips.

When you've mastered your divine skills, your enemies will come to you on their own. Is there anything luckier in the world?

青？
Upon hearing the somewhat familiar name, Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment before realizing the person's identity.

Ao, a veteran elite Jonin from Kirigakure.

He became famous for killing a member of the Hyuga main clan during the Third Shinobi World War and stealing the Byakugan blood that the Hyuga clan had not lost for a thousand years.

He is known to outsiders as the 'eye-rolling killer'.

It's unclear who came up with this name, but it not only indicates that Ao possesses the Byakugan and assassination abilities, but also severely mocks Konoha and the Hyuga clan. It can be said that he successfully rose to power by stepping on the face of the Hyuga and Konoha!

As a result, Aoya was placed on Konoha's most wanted list, with a combined bounty of over 100 million on the black market and in Konoha!
Thinking about the grudge between Hui Li and Qing, he finally understood why the other party insisted on taking on the task of welcoming the ninjas from other villages.

"This is during the Five Nations Joint Examination period; if we were to make a move against him..."

"teacher!"

Hui Li interrupted Hiruzen Sarutobi's lecturing in a low voice, looking at his aged face and saying slowly and deliberately:

"On this one point, there's no room for discussion!"

The words fell.

The air fell eerily still. Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kairi were locked in a fierce confrontation, while Jiraiya, who had been watching the drama unfold, kept shifting his gaze between the two.

He felt a strong sense of déjà vu about the current scene.

It was like a scene that often happened in the office, except that the gloomy and cold old man had been replaced by a tall and mysterious woman.

Who is she?
She was the one who created the gray light! Is she the Child of Prophecy? When did Sarutobi-sensei take on a new disciple?

What am I supposed to do then? Wasn't I supposed to guide the future path of the prophesied child?
Was the Great Toad Sage's prophecy wrong?
Countless questions flashed through Jiraiya's mind. He wanted to ask, but the heavy atmosphere before him clearly wasn't the time to answer them. He could only keep all his questions bottled up for the time being. The emotional light above his head bubbled up like boiling water in a steamer.

blah blah blah!

Staring at Hui Li for a long time, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say anything, just took a puff of his pipe, exhaling the smoke before it even reached his lungs.

He really didn't want to fall out with Gray Glass over a wanted criminal from Fog Shadow.

Qing plotted to steal Hyuga Tenkui's Byakugan, and Hui Li sought revenge for her mother; this was a perfectly justifiable act!
But with the Five Nations Joint Examination just around the corner, and the other party being a teacher leading the team to take the exam, what would the other countries' ninjas think if they attacked them?
Who would dare to participate in the Chunin Exams held by Konoha in the future?

On one hand, there was the reputation that Konoha had built up over many years, and on the other hand, there were his disciples with whom he had spent many years. His indecisive nature once again took over, and he was really hesitant to make a decision.

No wonder Danzo kept saying that Hiruzen Sarutobi was not suitable to be Hokage!

Hui Li felt that her other teacher wasn't so extreme either. It was indeed very annoying to let a dove like Hiruzen Sarutobi, who always sought stability, take power.

Whether Hiruzen Sarutobi stops her or supports her, it's the right choice from his perspective; it's just that his current indecisiveness is most disappointing.

A fleeting, deathly light flashed in his eyes.

Squeak! Squeak!
Without any warning, a stone platform suddenly rose from the office floor, startling both Jiraiya and Hiruzen Sarutobi, who were deep in thought!
Their eyes met.

The stone platform is a standard cylindrical shape, with a surface of gray and white concrete, and embedded with spiral steel bars as thick as an adult's thumb.

It didn't rise slowly, inch by inch, like a normal earth escape technique, but rather it was like a spring that had been compressed to its limit and rebounded instantly.

Reaching the right height and then stopping abruptly, the extreme motion instantly turned into extreme stillness. The stone platform seemed to appear directly across space, giving people a feeling that was both dangerous and awkward!
click!
Facing the hesitant Hiruzen Sarutobi, Hui Li rested her elbow on the table, her fair and delicate fingers spread out like flower petals: "If you really can't decide, then let's settle this in the ninja way!"

Let's arm wrestle!

What a ridiculous way to handle this! Jiraiya thought to himself, pursing his lips.

Although he didn't know why this mysterious woman wanted to attack Qing, it would obviously cause Konoha to lose credibility, even leading to a serious diplomatic incident, and if not handled properly, it could very well break out into war!

How could you possibly decide this by arm wrestling...

"it is good!"

Ignoring Jiraiya's ghost-like expression behind him, Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment before suddenly smiling. He then took two steps forward and stood opposite Gray, also resting his elbows on the table.

One was fair and delicate, the other was old and strong. As their hands clasped together, Hai Li and Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at each other across the air, and terrifying chakra fluctuations surged in the air.

"Wait, wait a minute!"

After serving as a backdrop for quite some time, Toad Sage Jiraiya stepped on one foot and raised both arms, directly stopping this strange arm-wrestling match.

"you are?"

Although she knew perfectly well the identity of the lecherous immortal, Hui Li still pretended not to know and asked.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to introduce Jiraiya's identity to Kairi, his question seemed to trigger some kind of fixed routine. Jiraiya, with his arms outstretched and red wooden clogs pointing skyward, began to introduce himself with an air of arrogance.

"There's nothing to hide. I am one of the three invincible ninjas who can't distinguish east from west or north from south, the white-haired toad messenger, the handsome man who can shut up even a crying child..."

Kaka!

As he recited his words like a tongue twister, he struck a strange pose similar to the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure pose and confidently proclaimed, "Lord Jiraiya, that's me!"

Call ~
A breeze blew in from the window, scattering Jiraiya's silver ponytail, making the office even quieter than before.

Hui Li turned her head to look at the eccentric, lecherous sage, always feeling that oddballs like Hashirama, Naruto, and Jiraiya were out of place in the blood-soaked ninja world.

But all three of them are ridiculously strong and extremely skilled in Sage Mode. Could it be that ninjas with a 'pure heart' are more likely to enter the state of 'unity of heaven and man'? Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was about to introduce Jiraiya's identity to Hairi, licked his lips and swallowed back his words when he saw this situation.

No matter what, Jiraiya absolutely cannot be found out by Hairi; it would be too embarrassing!

"Oh! You're also a disciple of the master. I've seen your information in the database." Hui Li, unwilling to acknowledge this guy as her senior brother, glanced at the slightly flushed Sarutobi and asked directly:
"What's the matter with you?"

"Of course there is something!"

Jiraiya stood tall and straight, looking very serious.

"Although I don't know what you're arguing about, taking action against ninjas from other villages is undoubtedly a very serious political issue. How can it be resolved so easily by arm wrestling?"

With your brain, it's right that you didn't become Hokage!
Hui Li sighed inwardly.

Didn't she and Hiruzen Sarutobi know that arm wrestling was childish? Since they chose to resolve their conflict in this way, there must be a reason.

She had a very clear understanding of herself; her character was really not good, and she had done a lot of arson, murder, and looting. The only thing worth praising was that she was quite clear about her grudges.

What Hiruzen Sarutobi's initial purpose in taking her as a disciple is no longer important. A gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. At least over the years, he has not done anything to wrong her. On the contrary, he has devoted himself to teaching her ninjutsu training and helping her cure her Shikotsumyaku bloodline disease.

She accepted this kindness!

But despite the gratitude, the hatred between Kirigakure and Ao, the grudges between the Hyuga main family, and the later goal of plundering the tailed beasts meant that she and Hiruzen Sarutobi were destined to have a disagreement.

With her strength, there's practically nothing in the ninja world that can stop her.

However, when faced with people like Guy and Sarutobi who had helped her, she did not want to resort to pure violence. Even Kotoamatsukami, which could change wills, was never used on those around her.

This is one of the few things she has to do.

Therefore, seeing that Hiruzen Sarutobi was hesitant, she took the initiative to suggest resolving the conflict by arm wrestling.

Both were ninjas specializing in taijutsu, and they could discern each other's strengths and weaknesses with just one exchange of blows.

Without resorting to violence, and without disrupting harmony.

However, from now on, Konoha's decision-making power will be divided into primary and secondary roles, and the winner of this arm-wrestling tournament will become the true leader of Konoha in the future.

This bloodless and sacrifice-free solution was exactly what Hiruzen Sarutobi, a dove, wanted to see. The other party also tacitly understood Hairi's intention, which is why she agreed to the seemingly bizarre arm-wrestling match.

"Ignore him."

Facing his disciple's challenge, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes shone with confidence, and the solution proposed by Kairi was exactly what he wanted.

While Konoha's reputation and stability are important, it is equally important to prevent Hai Li from leaving Konoha due to escalating conflicts. Now, as long as we can defeat Hai Li in taijutsu, everything can be perfectly resolved!

As for whether or not we will lose?

He doesn't think he'll lose in a simple arm-wrestling contest; physical skills are his most confident ability.

If he really loses, it means that the gap between him and his opponent is already very large. The student surpasses the teacher, so what's wrong with handing over the future of the village to a stronger young person?
Wasn't his initial purpose in training Haili to leave Konoha a strong pillar when he and Danzo grew old and frail?

Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi made up his mind even more, his five fingers, slightly thickened from years of practicing staff techniques, firmly gripping the back of his jade-like hand:

"Jiraiya, you be the referee!"

"That's...okay!"

Seeing that Sarutobi had made up his mind, Jiraiya could only resign himself to his fate and lower his head. He shifted his strong body slightly to stand between the two men, looking at the two arms, one big and one small, and felt that the outcome was already very clear.

"3!"

Jiraiya held one hand in mid-air like a knife, poised to strike downwards.

boom!
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately unleashed his chakra, and the muscles in his withered arms instantly swelled up, making the cuffs of his bodysuit bulge!

The atmosphere inside suddenly became extremely tense.

Hui Li showed no expression in response; her slender hands were as soft as willow leaves, which made Jiraiya shake his head even more.

Although the teacher has no bloodline limit and does not possess ninjutsu that enhances strength like Tsunade, he inherits the lineage of the ape clan and has consumed the immortal peaches of Huaguo Mountain, enabling him to rival the Nine-Tails in strength!

Even when he activated Sage Mode and gained ten times the power, he was still no match for his teacher. Now, even though he is old and frail and his power is not what it used to be, he is still far superior to this delicate girl in front of him.

"2!"

Jiraiya's voice carried a hint of excitement. He hadn't seen his teacher unleash his power for many years, and the thought of that unparalleled strength filled him with anticipation.

Kaka!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression grew even more serious. A sound like ice formed emanated from his arm as Earth Release chakra climbed up his arm and forearm, quickly covering his wrist and palm.

The power that the human species can unleash comes from two sources: pure muscle strength and physical sturdiness. People with naturally strong bones are often able to unleash greater strength.

He knew that Hui Li possessed the Corpse Bone Vein of the Bamboo Clan, and her power was definitely not as weak as she appeared.

To ensure his victory over Haili, he used the enhancement effect of Earth Release to further increase his physical strength. As one of the few all-around ninjas in the ninja world, he was proficient in all five elemental release techniques, taijutsu, and sealing techniques, but his greatest confidence undoubtedly lay in Earth Release and taijutsu.

They've already given it their all!

"1!"

Seeing that his teacher was ready, Jiraiya kindly waited a while longer, but when Hairi still didn't react, he regretfully called out the last number.

brush!
As the palm strike followed the words, Hiruzen Sarutobi's back arched like a brown bear, and the expansion coefficient of his arm muscles increased by another dimension!
Jiraiya vaguely saw a second later, Hiruzen Sarutobi pressing the girl's hand onto the stone platform.

Is this the prophetic magic of the Great Toad Sage?

His mind was racing, and just as he was about to announce the winner of the competition, he noticed that the two arms on the stone platform were motionless, like two stone ornaments nailed to the spot.

creak creak!

His elbows creaked as they pressed down on the reinforced concrete below, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's muscles bulged as he trembled as if electrocuted from the frenzied exertion.

On the other hand, Hui Li simply stretched out her arm calmly, without using any ninjutsu to enhance it, nor did she show any signs of unleashing chakra, and she didn't even seem to exert much force.

Jiraiya's eyes widened suddenly, and the relaxed and carefree appearance of Kairi contrasted sharply with Hiruzen Sarutobi's trembling body.

Sarutobi-sensei actually lost in a pure contest of strength!
Although Hairi didn't actually press Hiruzen Sarutobi's arm onto the table, Jiraiya, as a fair and discerning referee, believed the winner of this arm-wrestling match was already obvious. (End of Chapter)