Chapter 4: The Hyūga Hypothesis and the Awkward Approach
Izumi spent the rest of the day in a state of heightened, slightly overwhelmed awareness. His Enhanced Visual Acuity blessing was both a marvel and a menace. He could see the individual dust motes swirling in the air, the faint lines of worry on the Hokage's face from across the village square, and, to his endless mortification, the precise contours of Kushina's smile lines when she was particularly amused by his discomfort. The System, it seemed, had a very specific, and very visual, sense of humor.
"It's just like a Byakugan, but without the veins!" Kushina had declared excitedly, peering into his eyes after their ramen lunch. "Though, the System did say it's more about 'detail perception' than 'chakra pathways.' Still, super useful for finding lost keys, or, you know, spotting a potential future clan member from a mile away."
Izumi had simply groaned, already dreading the implications.
That evening, back at the Senju compound, the "strategy session" began in earnest. Kushina had spread out a large, rather detailed map of Konoha on the floor, complete with various clan compounds highlighted in different colors. She looked like a general planning a siege, not a woman planning a very unconventional family expansion.
"Alright, Izumi-kun," she began, tapping a finger on the Hyūga compound. "The System was very clear on this one. 'Exceptional A-tier genetic compatibility.' Plus, the Byakugan is a fantastic Kekkei Genkai to integrate into the Senju line. Imagine Senju vitality and Byakugan precision! We'd be unstoppable!"
Izumi leaned back, arms crossed. "Kushina, we can't just walk up to the Hyūga compound and ask for a bride. They're one of the proudest, most traditional clans in Konoha. And they have that whole Main House/Branch House thing."
"Details, details," Kushina waved a dismissive hand. "The System also said 'Host's natural charisma and enhanced physical appeal will be significant assets in recruitment.' So, you just need to be... you. But, like, extra charming." She then leaned in, her voice dropping. "The System also suggested 'subtle displays of newfound power' might be persuasive. Not threatening, just... impressive."
Izumi's eyebrow twitched. "Subtle displays? What, am I supposed to grow a small tree in the middle of their training ground?"
"Well, maybe not that subtle," Kushina mused, then brightened. "Oh! The System just gave me another 'pointer.' It said: 'Target acquisition should prioritize individuals with strong chakra reserves and a healthy constitution for optimal progeny development. Emotional compatibility, while beneficial, is secondary to genetic fitness for initial phases of clan rebuilding.' See? It's very practical!"
Izumi pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's also incredibly blunt and slightly insulting. Are we just going to treat people like breeding stock?"
"No, of course not!" Kushina scoffed, though her eyes still held that strategic gleam. "We're going to treat them like... esteemed future mothers of the glorious Senju clan! With lots of love and attention, of course. And you're very handsome, remember? That'll help."
He sighed. He knew she was right, in a twisted, System-mandated way. His purpose was clear, and Kushina was utterly committed. "So, how do we even approach a Hyūga? Do we just... bump into one? At the market?"
"Precisely!" Kushina clapped her hands. "A 'chance encounter' is always best. We need to scout. Find someone suitable. Someone who won't immediately try to poke your chakra points out."
The next few days were a bizarre exercise in "covert" observation. Izumi, armed with his ridiculously enhanced vision, and Kushina, armed with the System's constant, silent commentary, became Konoha's most awkward matchmakers. They'd sit at cafes, pretending to read scrolls, while Izumi's eyes, against his will, would zoom in on various kunoichi, relaying their chakra signatures and physical attributes to Kushina.
"Okay, see that one?" Kushina whispered, nudging him under the table. "The one with the long, dark hair, practicing taijutsu by the river? System says 'Good chakra flow, agile, potential for strong Byakugan inheritance.' What do you think?"
Izumi, who had been trying to focus on a particularly stubborn weed growing out of a crack in the pavement, reluctantly shifted his gaze. He could see the intricate muscle movements of the kunoichi as she moved, the subtle ripple of her chakra. She was indeed graceful, strong. "She seems... focused," he offered, trying to sound professional.
["Host's assessment: accurate. Recommend direct, yet non-threatening, approach. Initiate conversation regarding shared interests, e.g., training, clan history, or local flora."]
Izumi nearly choked on his tea. "Local flora? Is the System trying to make me sound like a weirdo?"
"It's trying to make you sound approachable, Izumi-kun," Kushina whispered back, barely suppressing a giggle. "Now go! Go talk to her! Introduce yourself. Maybe mention the Senju compound has some really nice trees."
Izumi's face burned. He was a genius, a powerful shinobi, the last of a legendary clan. And he was being instructed by a disembodied voice, via his girlfriend, to hit on women by talking about trees. This was peak cringe.
He took a deep breath, trying to channel his inner Hashirama, or at least someone less mortified. He walked over, trying to project confidence, but feeling like a genin on his first solo mission.
"Excuse me," he began, his voice a little too formal. "I couldn't help but notice your... excellent form. I'm Izumi Senju."
The kunoichi, a Hyūga from the Branch House named Hinata, paused her training, turning with a polite, if slightly wary, expression. "Oh. Hello, Izumi-san. Thank you." Her Byakugan activated briefly, scanning him, then deactivated.
["Host's charisma: effective. Current target: receptive. Suggest complimenting her unique visual prowess."]
"And your eyes," Izumi blurted out, before he could stop himself. "They're... very clear. And, uh, precise. Like a... beautiful, all-seeing spring."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush touched her cheeks. She looked genuinely surprised, and a little flustered. "Oh. Thank you, Izumi-san. I... I suppose they are."
Kushina, watching from a distance, gave him an enthusiastic, if slightly exaggerated, thumbs-up.
Izumi felt a fresh wave of embarrassment wash over him, but also a flicker of something else. This was going to be a long, awkward, and utterly ridiculous journey. But with Kushina's unwavering support, and the System's bizarre guidance, he had a feeling it would also be incredibly effective. The Senju clan was about to get very, very busy.