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On the other side, as Neji laid out his growth experiences and current situation, Hizashi did not offer any comment.
Although Neji had already made up his mind, he still felt a bit uneasy in front of his father.
Hizashi simply looked at him with a gentle, loving gaze, and only after Neji finished speaking did he respond, "Neji, to be honest, I can't say whether your choice is right or wrong. I'm sorry I couldn't witness your growth firsthand."
Neji shook his head. "It's not your fault, Father."
"Neji, look at me," Hizashi reached out with both hands, resting them on his son's shoulders, staring at him with a serious expression. "You just need to tell me, is this truly what you want in your heart?"
Neji lifted his gaze, looking into Hizashi's eyes. His unease gradually faded, and he firmly replied, "Yes."
"Then there's no problem," Hizashi laughed heartily. "Follow your true desires."
He patted Neji's head again. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is it strange that I'm not standing with the village or the clan?"
Neji lowered his gaze and said softly, "It's because Uncle showed me your letter. Father, you willingly sacrificed yourself for the village and our family."
"That's all in the past," Hizashi withdrew his hands. "Back then, I gave my life to the village and the clan. Now, the only thing that matters to me is you, Neji."
"Yes, Father!" Neji bowed deeply, a few tears quietly falling onto the dry leaves at his feet.
"Let's go," Hizashi helped him up. "Let's go see that Uchiha."
...
Hearing the sound of footsteps on the dry leaves, Kaito and Sasuke turned their heads simultaneously, watching as Hizashi and Neji approached.
"Kaito," Hizashi politely bowed. "Thank you for helping Neji. If there's anything I can do in return, please don't hesitate to ask."
"You're too polite, Mr. Hizashi," Kaito patted Sasuke's shoulder. "It's Sasuke here who needs Neji's help."
"I've heard from Neji that you promised to lift the Caged Bird seal for him," Hizashi stood up straight and glanced at Neji. "If there's anything I, as his father, can do to assist, I'd be more than happy to."
"Mr. Hizashi's thinking is sound," Kaito looked directly at Hizashi's forehead. "From your soul, it's clear that the Caged Bird seal has deeply penetrated your spirit. I'll need to study it carefully to safely remove it."
Hizashi nodded without hesitation. "Then I'll leave it to you, Kaito."
"In that case, please sign this contract, Mr. Hizashi," Kaito took out a small scroll from his sleeve and handed it to him along with a pen.
Hizashi accepted it, unrolled the scroll, read it carefully, and then signed his name.
"As I'm currently only a clone, once you've signed the contract, my main body will be able to summon you again," Kaito said, taking the scroll back.
"I understand," Hizashi nodded and looked at Neji once more.
"Father," Neji walked up to him, looking at him reluctantly.
"Take care of yourself, Neji," Hizashi smiled again. "We will meet again."
As soon as he finished speaking, accompanied by a puff of white smoke, his figure disappeared.
"It's fine, he's already been summoned by my main body," Kaito said to the two boys. "Now, you both take care. I'll contact you if there's any progress."
"Wait, Uncle," Sasuke suddenly spoke.
"What is it?" Kaito raised an eyebrow.
"Neji's strength needs to improve," Sasuke said directly.
"So?" Kaito looked at Neji, who had an unwilling expression, and asked again.
Sasuke responded, "Please grant him the Sage Art Curse Mark."
"Curse Mark?" Neji frowned upon hearing those words, feeling uneasy.
"Just like me," Sasuke's face showed purple markings, and his aura surged. "The Sage Art Curse Mark can directly absorb and store natural energy. Once in Sage Mode, it will enhance my strength in all aspects."
Neji immediately activated his Byakugan, observing Sasuke for a while. He was tempted but still hesitant.
Kaito knew what he was thinking and said, "Don't worry, this Curse Mark only serves to assist in entering Sage Mode. Besides, if you trust me to lift the Caged Bird seal, why worry about this?"
Neji clenched his fists. Ultimately, his desire for power won out. He stepped forward and bowed his head before Kaito.
"Please."
"No need to be so stiff." Kaito smiled, raised his right hand, and a spiritual light appeared in his palm. He then placed his hand on the back of Neji's neck.
"It's done. As for how to use Sage Mode, I'll leave that to Sasuke to teach you." Kaito's figure gradually became transparent.
"Goodbye. I hope you both manage to leave the Land of Fire safely."
With that, his figure completely vanished, leaving behind a small paper figure that burned into ashes in mid-air.
"Let's go, Neji," Sasuke glanced at the sky. "First, let's find a place for you to get familiar with Sage Mode. You'll be in charge of planning our route."
"No problem," Neji said as the gray markings on his face gradually disappeared, his expression returning to calm. "Follow me."
...
At the same time.
After relaying the news to the village, the Konoha group did not give up.
Aside from Hiashi, who urgently returned to Konoha to handle family matters, the rest of the group, under Kakashi's command, had split up to continue their search.
"Kakashi-sensei." Naruto was still following Kakashi along with Sakura, his expression gloomy as he struggled to suppress his emotions.
"I don't understand!"
Sakura glanced at him but remained silent.
Inwardly, however, she was boiling with emotion.
What do you mean?! I don't understand either!
Sasuke, that cold-hearted guy, no longer considers our feelings!
"Naruto, stop thinking about it," Kakashi sighed and looked at Naruto. "Maybe after Sasuke left the village, he already became someone different from us."
"I've come to terms with Sasuke never returning to Konoha," Naruto stomped on a tree branch. "But just a couple of days ago, during our conversation, I thought we'd finally reconciled. Why did this happen?"
"I didn't notice anything, even though it was right under my nose. If not for Shikamaru… Damn it! I'm such a fool!" Naruto punched the tree in frustration.
"This isn't your fault, Naruto," Kakashi landed beside him. "Your goal is to become Hokage, while Sasuke's goal has always been different from yours, as has Neji's."
He sighed and continued, "People with different goals will walk different paths and have different stances. This is completely normal."
"Let's go. Instead of overthinking things, we should focus on finding their trail."
Kakashi glanced at the ninja hounds ahead before leaping forward again.