"Big Brother, someone is following us."
Despite growing up in the isolated and relatively peaceful subterranean world of the Moon, Toneri's perceptiveness far exceeded Shinichi's expectations. As they strolled through the bustling border town, the young boy had already pinpointed the "tails" clinging to their shadows.
Shinichi glanced at him with a proud smile. "You noticed? Impressive, Toneri. You have the makings of an elite shinobi."
Shinichi didn't hold back his praise. He knew that for a child of Toneri's age, encouragement was the key to unlocking potential. He led Toneri toward a secluded part of town, acting as though he hadn't noticed a thing.
"Come, Toneri. Since you'll be living in the ninja world from now on, consider this your first lesson."
The Alley Encounter
Minutes later, they turned into a narrow, dead-end alley flanked by high stone walls. As they reached the back and turned around, four men stepped out from the shadows, blocking the exit.
They looked like ordinary laborers in rough winter coats, but Shinichi's Tenseigan saw through the charade. Beneath the heavy fabric were lean, conditioned muscles and a variety of hidden ninja tools. They were spies—likely long-term plants waiting for a chance to strike gold.
And in the ninja world, two pairs of "unclaimed" Byakugan were the ultimate jackpot.
"Who are you?" Shinichi asked casually, his posture relaxed.
The men didn't answer. In the world of espionage, silence is a weapon. Instead, they signaled each other. If they could secure these bloodline limits, their mission would be a legendary success, far outweighing years of gathering scrap intelligence.
The Attack:
The Opening: Several kunai whistled through the air, aimed directly at Toneri. The attackers viewed the child as the weak link.
The Shield: Shinichi blurred into motion, appearing in front of Toneri. He raised a hand, and a black Truth-Seeking Orb manifested, flattening into a thin, indestructible shield. The kunai shattered against it like glass.
The Counter: Before the enemies could adjust their "Square" formation, Shinichi's Truth-Seeking Orb morphed into a spiked "sea urchin" shape and expanded. Four black needles shot out, piercing the vital organs—heart, brain, liver, and lungs—of the attackers simultaneously.
Two died instantly. The other two, lungs and livers punctured, collapsed in agony, their blood staining the winter slush.
"Toneri," Shinichi said, his voice cold. "Finish the last two."
The Nature of a Moon Child
Shinichi expected hesitation. He expected a moral struggle. Instead, Toneri lunged forward without a word. With two precise, heavy palm strikes to the back of their heads, he ended their lives.
Toneri's expression didn't even flicker. There was no guilt, no shaking hands—only a chilling, mechanical efficiency.
This child... Shinichi thought, his brow furrowing slightly. He isn't soft. He's cold.
Shinichi realized his educational approach needed to shift. Toneri wasn't a fragile flower; he was a potential killing machine. If guided poorly, he would become a heartless weapon. Shinichi needed to anchor himself to something human.
"Toneri," Shinichi called out, beckoning the boy over. He pointed to the bodies. "Our eyes are treasures that others will always covet. To protect yourself and those you care about, you must use overwhelming force against your enemies. Do you understand?"
Toneri gripped Shinichi's sleeve, seeking a shred of security. "I understand, Big Brother. Your orders are absolute."
Shinichi realized that Toneri's loyalty was currently centered entirely on him. He decided then and there to raise Toneri as a "Family Man"—someone whose world revolved around protecting his kin and his bonds.
The Return to Konoha
The rest of the journey was spent teaching Toneri the basics of human interaction and the values of "bonds" and "family." Shinichi wasn't a preacher of the Will of Fire, but he knew that a sense of belonging was the best way to stabilize a powerful, isolated soul like Toneri.
Late December, Year 59 of Konoha.
The festive atmosphere of the upcoming New Year filled the air as the two arrived at the main gates. Shinichi didn't sneak in; he walked through the front entrance, as bold as a returning hero.
The guards were immediately put on high alert. A stranger with white hair and a Byakugan? It was a tectonic shift in village politics. Reports were instantly dispatched to the Hokage's office.
But Shinichi had his priorities straight. In the Hyuga clan, internal recognition was more important than village approval. He led Toneri straight to the Hyuga compound.
Word had already reached the clan. At the massive gates of the Hyuga estate, Hiashi and Elder Shin stood waiting, surrounded by the clan's elite. Their eyes were fixed on the boy walking beside Shinichi—a boy who bore the mark of their ancestors' blood.
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