Chapter 6: New Organization Member, Strawberry
"Mm!"
Hinata nodded vigorously.
Ever since the time Byakuya had saved her, he had frequently given her private lessons — teaching her all sorts of combat techniques.
But… it hadn't really worked.
Hinata's talent was decent, yet she lacked confidence.
She gave up easily and turned into a blushing, stuttering mess whenever she was in front of the person she liked.
This left Byakuya completely helpless.
Even though he kept guiding her training, Hinata would always end up sneaking glances at him midway through, cheeks flaming red as she spaced out.
When she threw shuriken, she'd miss completely because her mind wandered.
During close-range taijutsu instruction, she once straight-up fainted from embarrassment.
After Byakuya scolded her, she would only cry and stammer promises that "next time for sure!"
And then next time… it would be exactly the same.
So in the end, Byakuya gave up.
Someone like Hinata could only be changed by something like Naruto's unbreakable belief — the kind of inspiration that could truly move her.
Byakuya could probably do it too… but he found the idea way too embarrassing.
Therefore, he decided on a different approach to make Hinata stronger!
He would simply give her power directly!
Once her strength exploded upward, her confidence would naturally follow.
And with confidence… everything else would become much easier.
Then he could slowly and thoroughly train her into an outstanding shinobi.
"Very good.
Come with me~"
Byakuya locked the bookstore's front door and gently led Hinata up to the second-floor bedroom.
"This power comes from a legendary beast — a very powerful one."
He guided Hinata to sit down before taking out the "Thunder God" card.
"There are two forms to this power.
The first is the normal state.
In that form, you'll simply appear very strong — but no one will be able to tell why you're so powerful.
The second is the Jinchūriki Mode.
Once you activate it, your strength will skyrocket… but your body will also change.
You'll turn into a giant yellow chubby mouse.
That means your identity as a Jinchūriki will be exposed immediately.
For the short term, you must remain hidden in the shadows.
So unless your life is truly in danger, do not activate Jinchūriki Mode."
"Why…?"
Hinata tilted her head, puzzled.
"Because a lot of people want this kind of Power.
If they find out you have it, they'll try to capture you and steal it.
Do you remember… when you were little, how Kumogakure tried to kidnap you?"
"Mm…"
Hinata's expression saddened as she nodded.
She remembered the covetous stares other villages had directed at the Byakugan.
"I'll remember."
"Good!"
Byakuya gave a firm nod.
Then he flicked the "Thunder God" card forward.
Hinata's treatment was completely different from Karin's and Rin's.
Karin and Rin had required a soul contract — only after Byakuya gained full control over their souls could the Pokémon card be implanted.
But Hinata didn't need one.
Because he trusted her.
After all… she was the childhood friend he had practically grown up with — his little "promised bride."
Besides, he wasn't ready to reveal the existence of the Spirit Pavilion to her just yet.
"Just have a good sleep. That's all."
After the new Jinchūriki fainted, Byakuya gently laid Hinata on the bed and tucked her in.
He even gave her soft cheeks a light pinch.
Only then did he head up to the third floor.
Just moments ago, Nohara Rin had called him.
Clearly, after nearly a full day of thinking, she had finally decided to join the organization.
"So… you've made up your mind?"
"Yes, Master."
Rin kept her head lowered, showing submission.
Originally, she had never wanted to join this bizarre and overwhelmingly powerful group.
But the organization was simply too strong — too domineering.
She had no room to resist.
In order to see Kakashi and Obito one more time… she decided to temporarily accept joining.
"However…"
Suddenly Rin lifted her head, eyes filled with determination as she stared straight at Byakuya.
"If master orders me to kill people, or forces me to do things I absolutely cannot accept…
then I will firmly refuse the mission.
Even if you torture me to death, revive me, and torture me again…
I will never yield!"
"You have no right to negotiate terms with me."
Byakuya's gaze turned icy.
He immediately activated the invincible power restricted to the bookstore.
Using gravity alone, he slammed Rin's face hard against the floor.
"Mmph…!!"
Only her head was pinned down — the rest of her body could still move.
So she struggled desperately against the wooden boards.
But it was utterly useless.
In the end, she could only stare up powerlessly at the expressionless Byakuya, forced to endure the suppression.
"Don't think of the organization as something evil."
Byakuya suddenly released the pressure.
His voice returned to its usual calm.
"I won't force you to do anything you truly refuse.
But that's not because I'm intimidated by your stubbornness.
It's simply because I disdain doing so.
However…
if you ever dare threaten the organization with anything…
your fate will be far worse than living death.
And at that time, it won't just be you who suffers.
Everyone you care about will be dragged down with you."
"Haa… haa…"
Rin gasped for air.
Wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth, she stared at Byakuya.
Her heart pounded wildly.
The aura Byakuya had just released was terrifying beyond words.
Just thinking about that gaze made her whole body shiver with cold.
I was so stupid…
He's someone who can revive the dead!
From now on, I absolutely cannot resist him head-on or make demands…
Otherwise… Kakashi and Obito might be put in danger…
Rin took a deep breath.
Then she dropped to one knee.
Performing the formal shinobi salute to a Kage, she bowed deeply toward Byakuya.
"This subordinate greets Holy Master!"
"Choose a codename."
Byakuya gave a slight nod.
"You are a core member.
You may select your own codename.
It cannot be changed, and it must be the name of a plant."
"Then… I'll go with Strawberry."
"Very good."
Byakuya nodded once more.
With a casual flick of his wrist, he sent the Pokémon card flying.
…
Time passed slowly.
Before long, it was already deep into the night.
Hinata had woken up long ago.
After waking, Byakuya had promptly sent her home.
Rin had also woken up earlier.
But she was locked in the attic.
In Byakuya's plan, every operation would require at least two or more core members.
Therefore, until he found a suitable teammate for Rin…
he would not let her leave.
And right now…
Under the cover of night, Byakuya slipped out of the bookstore.
He was preparing to revive a new subordinate.