In the snowy landscape.
Amidst the snow, Hinata Hyuga endured taunts from three older children, her innocent eyes welling up with tears as she became overwhelmed by emotions.
In the snowy surroundings, a small figure huddled, while three older children, clearly of the age to attend the ninja academy, ridiculed her. Perhaps it was their ignorant envy that fueled their mockery.
However, at that very moment, another figure appeared. With a composed demeanor, the newcomer gazed at the trio of children, causing them to be taken aback. To them, symbols like forehead protectors and kunai represented ninjas, invoking a natural fear. Startled, their panic was evident.
"Children, have your parents not taught you better? Do not bully those younger than yourselves, especially a girl."
The newcomer was none other than Uchiha Yoru. His calm voice resonated as he addressed the children, but his attention shifted towards a fragile child who had just leapt off a swing and was headed their way, freezing upon noticing Yoru's presence.
Meanwhile, Hinata's tears continued to flow, yet a tender hand reached out to comfort her. As she lifted her gaze, she encountered a distinct figure.
"Hello Hinata."
Observing the scene, Yoru's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he had just intercepted a potential suitor. His gaze remained fixed on the slender child in the distance.
"Yoru-niisan." In a swift motion, Uchiha Shisui materialized behind Yoru. Despite addressing his elder brother, his eyes were drawn to the distant figure.
Shisui was well aware of the child's identity, yet the Uchiha clan had no choice but to distance themselves from the child. Any contact could lead to exploitation by malicious individuals.
The irony was palpable, as the child's appearance was frail and vulnerable against the backdrop of the snowy terrain.
Calmly pivoting, Yoru led Hinata away, bestowing a serene glance toward the distant figure before departing. Lost in thought, he mulled over the concept of a Jinchuriki.
Observing this, Shisui sighed in relief, hoping to avoid any misunderstanding. Yet, despite this relief, his emotions were complex as he contemplated the child's vulnerable appearance with the eye of a ninja.
"Shisui, remember to wear new clothes next time. We mustn't tarnish the reputation of the police force. Also, refrain from visiting that establishment again."
As Shisui stared in puzzlement, Yoru nonchalantly retrieved a voucher from his pocket and tossed it aside, exuding an air of nobility that belied any intention of frequenting such a modest shop.
Caught in the breeze, the voucher drifted until it gently landed atop the head of the frail child in the distance.
At this moment, Naruto Uzumaki gazed at the discount coupon that had landed on his forehead. Instinctively, he reached up, took it off, and then looked towards two distant figures. He was about to wave and call out to them when suddenly, a voice came from afar. It seemed the other individuals were quite disdainful of the coupon.
Immediately, Naruto's mood dropped. However, at that moment, he noticed the coupon in his hand. On the front, there was a bold "Grand Opening" written, and on the back, it stated that the coupon could be exchanged for a set of winter clothing for children, with limited availability.
The palm of his hand, thin and weak yet with clearly visible veins, was even a bit rough to the touch. Suddenly, a droplet of water fell onto the hand holding the coupon.
In the split second he raised his head, Naruto's eyes contained a glimmer of tears, yet his face broke into a genuinely large and innocent smile.
Meanwhile, within the shadows of the hidden ANBU, someone watching this scene furrowed their brows. Only after confirming that everything was alright did they finally let out a sigh of relief.
On the other hand, Shisui wore an expression of resignation on his face. He turned to his brother, Yoru, and said, "Yoru-niisan, that was mine."
Despite his claim, warmth filled Shisui's heart. The seemingly heartless facade displayed by his elder brother was belied by his kind actions.
In this moment, he was even filled with a complex state of mind. The radiance on the Third Hokage's body seemed not as resplendent, and it left him brimming with skepticism.
The two of them walked calmly in the direction of the Uchiha clan. Passing by the Hyuga clan's territory, Hinata stood by the family's entrance and respectfully bent forward, saying, "Thank you."
Although she blushed, Hinata conveyed the formalities of a prestigious clan through her deep bow.
Upon passing the Hyuga clan area, Shisui shook his head and sighed. "Yoru-niisan, that child just now!"
Yoru's voice dripped with disdain. "Ugly political maneuvering. After all, we're dealing with a Jinchuriki, not an ordinary ninja. Our approach must be more cautious. This is the Will of Fire we're addressing."
The truth hit Shisui like a blow, and his expression darkened. "Yoru-niisan, are you suggesting...?"
Yoru let out a sigh. "Shisui, no matter how unfortunate that child's circumstances are, their parents left behind enough to ensure a comfortable life. The guise of protection is merely a pretext. The village rumors – do you think high-ranking ninja are oblivious? And there's the matter of the Uzumaki surname."
Tearing off the disguise directly, in that moment, Shisui's complexion immediately grew darker. The child's parents were none other than those two!
"Shisui, just like in other ninja villages and the black market, learns the techniques of training ninja dogs from the Inuzuka clan. When they capture wild ninja dogs, they first subdue them. Then, they let them reach the brink of starvation and near-death. It's at that critical moment when the owner appears, radiating sunshine and hope."
"If they're pups, they're brought to the edge of death, subjected to suffering and the bitter cold. When the owner finally shows up, they provide warmth. Over a period of several months, the animal's natural instincts make them develop an attachment to the person who offers warmth. Consequently, these ninja dogs become unwaveringly loyal to their owners."
Despite the calm tone, the narrative reveals a harsh reality: likening Jinchūriki to trained ninja dogs. Upon hearing this, Uchiha Shisui's expression becomes increasingly somber.
"Yoru-niisan, but the child's father...!"
He already comprehends the village's unsightly aspects, but that child is of the Hokage lineage. How long has it been? It's merely the third year since the Nine-Tails attack. When all is said and done, just slightly over a year has passed. And yet, that child has been subjected to such treatment! (Nine-Tails attack on October 10th, first year, second year, and now just after the New Year, making him three years old.)
At this point, Shisui can't help but feel a cold shiver run down his spine. The village has become so rotten. Even the child of the Fourth Hokage has been treated in this manner. After all, he's the child of the Fourth Hokage.
If even the child of the Fourth Hokage can be treated this way, then what unspeakable deeds wouldn't the village dare to commit?
Within the Uchiha clan's territory, the heavy New Year's snowfall hasn't brought much joy to the Uchiha. Rather, in comparison to the villagers who have already begun to enjoy the atmosphere of peace, the Uchiha clan finds themselves isolated on the outskirts of the village, burdened with suspicion.
Upon reaching home, Yoru found someone waiting – a presence that had been patient for quite some time.
Snowflakes were drifting outside, while inside the house, the warm aroma of tea filled the air.
"Greetings, Senior Hizashi."
Hizashi had come to visit him. At this moment, his calm face seemed to have made a resolute decision. Although he had always been very conscious of etiquette, this time he seemed to have forgotten it.
Hizashi took a respectful, standard shinobi kneeling position, bowing his head directly to the floor. In a solemn tone, he said, "Yoru-sama, I must trouble you with the matter of the Caged Bird Seal."
Observing Hizashi's determined expression, Yoru's face broke into a faint smile. He understood that something must have happened to Hizashi, or perhaps his child, Neji, had been marked with the Caged Bird Seal.
Although Hizashi might be loyal to the Hyuga clan, no father would be willing to watch his child become a slave, controlled by others for a lifetime.
"Senior Hizashi, you're being too polite. This is all for the sake of Orochimaru-sama."
Yoru smiled at this moment and spoke, giving off the impression that he was attempting to gather political resources on behalf of his teacher. Hizashi lifted his head, slowly removing the green forehead protector that represented the Hyuga's control over the branch family. This revealed the Caged Bird Seal beneath it, a seal that symbolized control.
"As long as Orochimaru-sama can remove the Caged Bird Seal from the branch family, the Hyuga branch family is willing to stand behind Orochimaru-sama."
Hizashi's resolute voice echoed at this moment. This wasn't merely a political investment; it was a commitment. The usual political gestures were merely a display of goodwill, not a full commitment.
Actions like this, fully committed and all-in, were rare among powerful, prestigious clans. Such actions could lead to irreversible consequences if they failed. The survival strategy of powerful families was to diversify their investments. They might not get the largest share of the benefits, but they also wouldn't risk their family's downfall.
"Senior Hizashi, please wait a moment. I need to examine your Caged Bird Seal and make a record."
At this moment, Hizashi slowly closed his eyes, revealing the seal on his forehead that their branch family considered a mark of shame. Meanwhile, Yoru stepped forward and began to observe the seal carefully, taking notes at the same time.
Isolated by the Uchiha clan and investing in Orochimaru, Yoru found it difficult to gain genuine allies within the village. However, the Hyuga branch family was now a promising ally, as long as they could resolve the Caged Bird Seal.
But similarly, Yoru couldn't protect the Hyuga branch family on his own. However, things would be different if Orochimaru was involved.
"Senior Hizashi, do you understand the situation the branch family will face once it regains its freedom?"
Yoru's voice echoed in his ears. Hizashi's heart was filled with complex emotions. How could he not know?
The branch family under the Caged Bird Seal was like imprisoned birds under the control of the main family. Once this seal was lifted, the branch family would face complete separation from the main family.
And the issue of resources! Konoha's resources had already been divided among various major clans. While the Hokage might not have the authority to intervene in branch family matters, these resources were rightfully the Hyuga's. The main family represented the Hyuga, so those resources were entirely in their hands.
"The Hyuga branch family is willing to serve Orochimaru-sama."
At this moment, Hizashi had to take a gamble. As the head of the branch family, even if it was just a titular position, many members of the branch family followed him unquestioningly. He knew that if there was real hope, the accumulated resentment of the branch family would undoubtedly erupt.
Upon hearing the desired response, Uchiha Yoru chuckled and shook his head, saying, "The Caged Bird is truly fascinating. It's indeed quite formidable."
"Those of you who had the Caged Bird curse seal imprinted from a young age, along with learning chakra control, have seen this seal develop in tandem with your chakra. The seal has essentially become a part of you."
"The Caged Bird curse seal, in essence, is a form of sealing jutsu. It attaches to the brain tissue and tenketsu points. When the curse seal is mildly activated, it causes immense mental anguish. Similarly, if a ninja dies, while the brain doesn't immediately perish, their consciousness becomes aware of their death. At that moment, the curse seal activates completely, instantly destroying the ninja's brain and the connected Byakugan."
Having followed Orochimaru for a significant time, Uchiha Yoru had gained substantial knowledge in sealing techniques. With his medical ninjutsu skills, it didn't take him long to thoroughly understand the intricacies of the Caged Bird seal.
After the examination, Hyuga Hizashi adjusted his forehead protector calmly, while Uchiha Yoru nodded with a smile, affirming, "Indeed, Orochimaru-sensei's speculation was accurate. The Caged Bird represents another facet of sealing techniques—a so-called curse seal. Moreover, those from the branch family who received this curse seal from an early age, alongside their growing chakra, have essentially fused with it."
"The Caged Bird curse seal and the brain, as well as the Byakugan, have become intertwined. Removing the Caged Bird seal would essentially mean erasing your eyes and brain tissue. Hence, undoing this curse seal is not feasible, at least for now."
Uchiha Yoru meticulously elucidated the intricacies of the Caged Bird seal. Hyuga Hizashi absorbed the information calmly, nodding subtly. They had pondered over methods to nullify the Caged Bird curse within their branch for generations, yet none had proven successful.
His visit was fueled by a glimmer of hope. If even Orochimaru, an exceptionally gifted individual, couldn't find a solution, then perhaps only someone as extraordinary as the Second Hokage, renowned for developing countless forbidden jutsu, could hold the key.
"However!"
Suddenly, Uchiha Yoru's words ignited a spark of hope within Hizashi. For the sake of Neji, he was prepared to take this leap. His voice trembled as he entreated, "Please, Yoru-kun, go on."
Uchiha Yoru's smile widened as he nodded, revealing, "Resolving the Caged Bird seal will not be an overnight endeavor. However, Orochimaru-sensei once said, 'Every ninjutsu, even forbidden ones, entails risks. There's no such thing as a perfect jutsu. The existence of jutsu inherently implies potential solutions.'"
"While undoing the Caged Bird seal may be a prolonged journey, there may be another approach worth considering."
"What approach?" Hyuga Hizashi's usually composed demeanor faltered, and this time, he seemed to grasp onto the last flicker of hope, his gaze fixed anxiously on Uchiha Yoru.
If they could genuinely remove the Caged Bird seal, then his child Neji wouldn't have to tread the same path.
Uchiha Yoru's self-assured grin persisted as he nodded, "Orochimaru-sensei mentioned that the seal on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki combines a forbidden sealing jutsu with the 'Four Symbols Seal,' reinforcing the seal."
"Likewise, even though the Caged Bird seal is a curse mark, it still falls within the realm of sealing techniques. What if we were to overlay another perfected sealing jutsu around the Caged Bird seal? This way, unless the ninja's original body perishes, the Caged Bird seal won't be subject to external manipulation. It won't merely restrain; it will also shield the individual."
As Uchiha Yoru eloquently explained, a surge of excitement washed over Hizashi's countenance.
~~~
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