Free Web NovelChapter 573: Chapter 573: I Think You’re Even Better at Showing Off Than Me
"Are you planning to stay here, or go back to the ninja world with us?"
After dealing with the troublesome branch members of the Ōtsutsuki clan, Renya smoothly reunited with Hyūga Muki, so there was naturally no need to remain here any longer.
To be honest, the scenery on the moon was pretty average—everything looked the same at a glance.
The only thing worth looking at was that enormous azure planet in the cosmos.
They couldn’t have come all this way just to stare at the ninja world, could they?
As soon as he said this, the main family members present all turned to look at their clan head.
Hyūga Muki had been left in the ninja world since childhood. This wasn’t some secret; every Ōtsutsuki clansman knew about it.
They were worried that their clan head would leave with Renya and the others.
If the clan head ran off, there would be no one to lead the remaining clansmen in rebuilding their home.
Although they didn’t want their clan head to be taken away, the one trying to take him was simply too powerful.
Even though they were unwilling in their hearts, no one dared to speak up to stop him, afraid they would end up like those branch members who had turned to ashes.
They could only look at their clan head with reluctant eyes, hoping he would notice how unwilling they were to part.
Faced with Renya’s question, Hyūga Muki was first stunned. Then he looked at that azure planet in the universe, and afterward glanced at his reluctant clansmen.
After a long silence, he said softly, "Sorry. I’m afraid I can’t stay in the ninja world forever. The clan needs me as its head."
His meaning was clear—he could temporarily return to the ninja world with Renya, but he couldn’t stay there for long.
The main family members of the Ōtsutsuki clan couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.
They had truly been afraid that their clan head would be persuaded away by that powerful fellow.
From the way the two were talking, it was obvious they had a good relationship.
Hadn’t they seen that even now, that guy’s arm was still resting on the clan head’s shoulder?
And most importantly, the clan head showed not the slightest sign of dissatisfaction...
"Didn’t expect you to have such a strong sense of responsibility," Renya raised an eyebrow and teased.
It seemed that after all these years on the moon, Hyūga Muki had completely integrated into the clan and formed so-called family bonds.
But that was good. Renya had been worried that Muki might have been ostracized on the moon, forced to curl up in a corner gazing toward the ninja world, quietly shedding tears and reminiscing about his days there.
Fortunately, his worries were unnecessary. This guy was living quite well.
Renya had personally dealt with the troublesome branch members of the Ōtsutsuki clan. There was no longer any need to worry about the branch family wiping out the main family.
The eyes of the remaining old, weak, women, and children of the branch family definitely wouldn’t be able to sustain the consumption of the Tenseigan.
It could be said that Hyūga Muki staying on the moon was indeed safer than being in the ninja world.
"By the way, should I call you Hyūga Muki now, or Ōtsutsuki Muki?" Renya smacked his lips. "Never thought you had such a hidden identity."
If they hadn’t accidentally run into it while traveling during the Warring States period, they would never have known Hyūga Muki’s true identity...
Hyūga Muki looked at Renya’s unserious expression and said calmly,
"Whatever you like. Call me however you want."
As long as this guy stopped using his nickname.
"Then I’ll keep calling you ’King of Smug.’ It rolls off the tongue better," Renya said with a grin.
Hyūga Muki: "..."
As expected, this guy still couldn’t let go of calling him "King of Smug."
After decades, he finally asked the question that had been in his heart.
"Renya-kun, what exactly does ’King of Smug’ mean?" freewebnσvel.cøm
He had actually wanted to ask back in ninja academy.
But he had been afraid that if he asked, Renya would think he was stupid, so he had never spoken up.
This question had accompanied him for nearly thirty years.
He had thought he would die at the hands of the branch family, never getting the chance to return to the ninja world and obtain the answer.
Unexpectedly, Renya had come to the moon to help him resolve the branch family’s rebellion. Now was the perfect opportunity to get his answer.
"Uh..." Renya withdrew the arm resting on Muki’s shoulder and scratched his head. "It means you’re really good at showing off."
Back in ninja academy, whenever he talked with Hyūga Muki, that guy always acted calm and unflappable.
Renya would often get annoyed by Muki’s temperament, feeling that this guy was really good at putting on airs.
And so, the title "King of Smug" was born naturally.
Hyūga Muki suddenly understood. So that was what "King of Smug" meant.
"Renya-kun, I think you’re even better at showing off than I am. So what should I call you?"
He tilted his head and looked at Renya curiously, as if he genuinely wanted to know a term for someone even better at showing off than the King of Smug.
Such a title would suit this guy best.
When it comes to showing off, I, Hyūga Muki, acknowledge you as the strongest!
Renya: "..."
He hadn’t expected that one day the King of Smug he himself certified would say that he was even better at it.
If he had known, he wouldn’t have explained.
Shimura Danzō looked at his expression, and the corner of his mouth curled into a smile.
Was this what they called reaping what you sow? ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
It had always been his good friend choking others with words. It had been a long time since he’d seen him get choked instead.
"Renya-kun, is there no word suitable to call you?" Hyūga Muki smiled. "Then I’ll call you King of Smug too."
Seeing Renya at a loss was really interesting.
"Suit yourself, King of Smug."
Renya rolled his eyes at him irritably. This guy was definitely doing it on purpose!
"Alright, Renya... King of Smug."
Renya: "..."
Fortunately, Hyūga Muki didn’t continue the topic. Instead, he led them to the main family’s residence to rest and recuperate.
He did intend to return to the ninja world with Renya and the others for a visit, but before that, he needed to arrange everything properly.
Especially regarding how to handle the remaining branch family members.
If not dealt with in time, those children might rise again in the future...
Nara Motoha and the old Hyūga clan head had both gone to help Hyūga Muki with strategies, leaving only Renya and Shimura Danzō where they stood.
"Since we’re already here, let’s take a look at the ninja world."
Renya opened a storage scroll and took out two lounge chairs, then lay down leisurely, watching the constantly rotating ninja world.
Shimura Danzō: "..."
No matter where this guy was, he never forgot to enjoy life.
Well, who told him he was my good friend?
With that thought, he lay down on the other chair.
...
Ninja world, at the entrance of the Hokage Building.
After finishing a day’s work, Hiruzen finally had a rare moment of short rest.
"It’s been so long. Why haven’t there been any updates from Renya and the others?"
He had been very much looking forward to the moon trip. Viewing the ninja world from up there must be a unique experience.
As he spoke, he stretched and looked up and then froze in place.
Wait. Just now, did he see a gigantic dark red giant?
"That looked like Renya’s Susanoo..."
You’ve got to be kidding!
Those guys went to the moon and didn’t even call him!
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