Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 249 Class Assignment

Hiruzen Sarutobi was in high spirits, a relieved smile on his face. He didn't put on any airs of a Hokage, but instead spoke to Hiashi Hyuga in a friendly tone: "Clan Head Hiashi, you've finally arrived, and you even brought Neji along. How have things been decided? By the way, regarding Hinata Hyuga, I'm planning to assign Jonin Kurenai Yuhi as her mentor, along with Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka. What do you think of this arrangement?"

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's polite words, Hiashi Hyuga felt a sense of unease. Sure enough, the gazes of the surrounding Konoha ninjas all focused on him, their eyes flashing with strange light. Some ninjas looked surprised, seemingly confused by this sudden conversation; others wore expressions of bewilderment, clearly questioning the relationship between the Hyuga clan head and the Hokage; still others had envious glints in their eyes, perhaps yearning for the Hyuga clan's high status; however, a few others revealed obvious resentment in their eyes.

Hiashi Hyuga knew perfectly well that Hiruzen Sarutobi had been plotting against the Hyuga clan all along. Through this scheme, he had successfully cultivated an image of benevolence and kindness in the public eye, while simultaneously thrusting the Hyuga clan into the limelight. In this way, he could reap the benefits, gaining both fame and fortune.

For the Hyuga clan, this isolation was a harsh reality. The clan head was naturally labeled arrogant and lacking in respect, leaving a deep impression on the many Konoha ninja present. This situation undoubtedly deepened the divide between the Hyuga clan and other Konoha ninja, causing them to grow increasingly distant.

Faced with such a complex situation, Hiashi Hyuga couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. As the representative of the Hyuga clan, he knew he bore a heavy responsibility, but he also understood that changing this situation would not be easy. In this world full of intrigue and scheming, every step required caution to avoid falling into deeper trouble.

It's important to understand that the Konoha ninja present were essentially the village's elite, with most being Jonin and some even being clan heads. If these individuals were to develop negative feelings towards the Hyuga clan, the Hyuga clan would face even greater difficulties and obstacles in integrating into Konoha. However, after a quick glance around, Hyuga Hiashi noticed only a few people showing displeasure. He immediately realized these individuals were no ordinary people; almost everyone could guess part of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions behind his actions. He couldn't help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

At the same time, his mind raced, rapidly analyzing Hinata's class assignment. Kurenai Yuhi was no ordinary Konoha Jonin. According to the information he possessed, she had a close relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi's youngest son, Asuma Sarutobi; the two were deeply in love and even about to get married. This meant the Sarutobi clan would welcome a new member. And was appointing the Sarutobi clan's future daughter-in-law as Hinata's mentor an attempt to ease the tense relationship with the Hyuga clan? Furthermore, Shino Aburana and Kiba Inuzuka were heirs to two important Konoha clans, whose families had consistently supported Hiruzen Sarutobi. Was this a ploy to influence Hinata's future succession to the Hyuga clan, causing her to change her allegiance and support Hiruzen Sarutobi?

Hiashi Hyuga felt a splitting headache, inwardly cursing Hiruzen Sarutobi, that old fox. The Third Hokage's scheming was so deep, it was impossible to guard against him. Even something as seemingly insignificant as team assignments had been cleverly exploited, becoming a part of his conspiracy. What was even more infuriating was that Hiruzen Sarutobi had chosen to propose this arrangement in front of everyone, giving Hiashi Hyuga absolutely no room for objection or refusal. After all, if Hiashi Hyuga were to object to such a polite and friendly suggestion on the spot, it would undoubtedly leave a bad impression on the many Konoha ninja present—he would be seen as a culprit who undermined Konoha's unity. This pressure put Hiashi Hyuga in a dilemma, forcing him to accept this unavoidable situation.

Hiashi Hyuga could only nod in agreement, though a hint of helplessness flickered in his eyes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with delight, his eyes filled with satisfaction and anticipation, then turned his gaze to Neji Hyuga beside him. His previous little scheme was merely a minor plot; while it had successfully forced Hiashi Hyuga to accept, it wasn't his ultimate goal. Neji Hyuga, this young man, was the protagonist of the day, and the target of Hiruzen Sarutobi's greatest concern.

The Konoha ninja around him were quite puzzled. The expression on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face made some of the more astute begin to ponder. They knew nothing about this mysterious Hyuga Neji, but judging from the Third Hokage's apparent concern for him, this man seemed to possess extraordinary status or potential.

For Hyuga Neji, he was just a teenager, unaware of why he had become the focus of Hiruzen Sarutobi's attention. However, he keenly sensed the shift in the gazes of those around him, and a sense of unease crept into his heart. He didn't know what would happen next, but he understood that his choices might affect the Hyuga clan's position in Konoha.

Hyuga Neji was an extremely intelligent person. Although he couldn't see through the situation yet, it didn't mean he couldn't solve the current predicament. He muttered to himself, "The class assignments are about to begin. Let's observe the situation in the classrooms before making any plans."

Upon hearing Neji Hyuga's words, Hiashi Hyuga immediately took over the conversation, urging the others to shift their attention to the people in the classroom to prevent Hiruzen Sarutobi from continuing to steer the conversation toward Neji Hyuga.

Seeing the situation, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no choice but to give up and abandon further pressure. He knew the principle of moderation; as long as Neji Hyuga remained in Konoha, he would have another chance sooner or later.

The recent graduates in the classroom, like the sun at seven or eight in the morning, radiated youthful energy. Those who knew each other gathered to discuss the upcoming group assignments, praying to be grouped with their close friends so they could continue their friendship. However, among this group, one person stood out conspicuously—he sat blankly in his seat with a cold, even resentful, expression, seemingly oblivious to the conversations around him. His demeanor made one wonder: what could have caused this boy to be so aloof?

Meanwhile, most of the Konoha ninja on the high platform were consciously or unconsciously focusing their attention on the boy. Hyuga Neji noticed this, but since he didn't know who this person was, he couldn't understand why everyone was paying so much attention to him. So, he lowered his voice and asked his uncle, Hyuga Hiashi, who was standing next to him, "I've noticed that many ninjas are observing that cold-faced person in the classroom. Is there something special about him?"

Hiashi Hyuga frowned slightly upon hearing this, seemingly pondering how to answer Neji's question in the simplest terms. After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the instigator, was still watching, so it wasn't convenient to say too much.

"He is the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan, and the last Uchiha bloodline in Konoha." Before Hiashi Hyuga could figure out how to answer, Kakashi Hatake's voice reached Neji Hyuga's ears.

"The Uchiha clan bloodline? Not bad bloodline inheritance. My teacher said that the Uchiha bloodline should be one of the strongest bloodlines in the ninja world, so its potential is not bad, even though these past few generations have been useless." Hyuga Neji muttered to himself.

The Konoha ninjas around them looked surprised upon hearing Hyuga Neji's words. It was the first time they'd heard anyone speak of the Uchiha clan in such a way. And judging from Hyuga Hiashi's expression, he seemed completely unsurprised by such a assessment of Neji's teacher. Sarutobi Hiruzen remained calm, seemingly expressing his agreement.

Kakashi Hatake's face showed a hint of doubt. He was one of the people in Konoha who knew the Uchiha clan best. Itachi Uchiha was capable of slaughtering the entire Uchiha clan, demonstrating immense strength. How could he be described as trash by Neji Hyuga? As someone who had served alongside Itachi in the Anbu, he still highly regarded Itachi's strength and talent. However, the current situation wasn't suitable for asking further questions; he would inquire more thoroughly when the opportunity arose.

What happened next made everyone chuckle, even Neji Hyuga raised an eyebrow slightly. The scene was so hilarious that everyone found it funny. A blond-haired boy was kissing the orphan of the Uchiha bloodline. Although it was an accident, it still made everyone present burst into laughter. "This guy is really funny!" one ninja muttered quietly. Those around him nodded in agreement.

They all knew Naruto was a mischievous brat, and also the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki of Konoha. Kakashi Hatake covered his mouth, trying to suppress his laughter. He knew he should remain serious, but he couldn't help being amused; he had been informed beforehand that these two were his students. The Third Hokage smiled as he looked at the children, inwardly sighing how wonderful youth was.

Neji Hyuga glanced slightly at Hinata, noticing that her expression was somewhat strange. Although he didn't know what was going on, as the older brother who loved his sister the most, he noticed it immediately.

The classroom erupted in commotion, with the Uchiha orphan seemingly furious and ready to tear the blond boy to shreds.