Three years had passed since the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha. During this time, Kirito had fully adapted to his Ōtsutsuki body, unlocking more of its latent abilities. Now, he could float in the air using the power of his Rinnegan and had stumbled upon some unexpected surprises.
Hiding in the corner of his room, Kirito gently raised his left hand and focused his chakra. A black sphere, seemingly capable of absorbing all light, formed and hovered above his palm. Then, raising his right hand, he manifested a black rod, similar to the weapons used by Pain in the original series.
The black sphere was a Truth-Seeking Orb, while the rod was a Black Receiver, both created through the yin-yang release of his Rinnegan. Kirito had discovered these abilities instinctively, blending his chakra in ways he had only guessed at from his memories of the Naruto series.
If I hadn't read the original story, I wouldn't even know what I'd just created, Kirito thought. He felt a sense of relief. With these tools, I can finally protect myself. No more needing to think about sacrificing Little Leopard as a last resort.
Casting a glance at Little Leopard, who was obliviously rolling around on the floor, Kirito opened a dark square portal beside him and placed the orb and rod inside. This was Yomotsu Hirasaka, another ability he had awakened. It allowed him to open passages to alternate spaces, though he could only access a dimension he had created himself—not the six spaces of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
"Hah…" Kirito exhaled, calming his racing thoughts. While these powers were expected, they still unsettled him. As someone who had been an ordinary human in his previous life, such overwhelming abilities felt unreal.
He ensured no one—not even the Third Hokage's telescopic jutsu—could witness his training or progress. With his heightened perception, he could sense any prying eyes and avoid detection.
With self-defense covered, it's time to start learning something new, Kirito decided. Although he was only three years old, his physical growth far outpaced normal children his age. This gave him the opportunity to begin learning basic ninjutsu and taijutsu. He wanted to hone practical skills that could be explained away as natural talent, avoiding attention from powerful figures like the Sage of Six Paths or Obito.
"Holding back only makes you a target," Kirito mused, recalling prodigies like Kakashi, who had graduated from the academy at age five and become a chunin by six.
With Little Leopard on his shoulder, Kirito made his way to the orphanage director's office. Over the years, he had grown increasingly isolated from the other children. His appearance, which diverged significantly from the typical Hyuga aesthetic, caused him to be ostracized. Kirito didn't mind. He had no need for approval or friendships and preferred to keep to himself.
Little Leopard, once a playful and hyperactive companion, had also adopted a quieter demeanor, especially after scaring off the other children with its sharp fangs.
Knocking on the office door, Kirito entered when prompted. The orphanage director, a middle-aged Hyuga woman, looked up from her paperwork, her hair showing the strain of her workload.
"Director, I wanted to ask if there's any way to learn ninjutsu or taijutsu here," Kirito asked directly.
The director paused to consider before replying. "Normally, children learn such things at the ninja academy or through their adoptive families. Neither of those options applies to you right now."
Kirito's disappointment was palpable. "Alright, I understand. Thank you."
"Wait," the director called as Kirito turned to leave. "Tomorrow is the third birthday of the patriarch's daughter. According to tradition, all children from the branch family who meet the conditions will receive the Caged Bird Seal. You are the only one in the orphanage who qualifies this year. Be prepared—I'll take you to the ceremony tomorrow."
Kirito's mind raced as he left the office. The Caged Bird Seal? No way I'm accepting that.
He knew the consequences of rejecting the seal. It would mean alienating the Hyuga clan, being labeled a traitor, and likely being hunted by Konoha itself. Despite the risks, he refused to live under such restrictions.
How can I convince them to exempt me? Kirito wondered. If I run, I'll lose access to the resources Konoha offers, and that's not an option either.
Resigned to the situation, Kirito prepared himself for the following day, curious about meeting the patriarch's daughter, who he assumed was none other than Hinata Hyuga.
The next morning, Kirito dressed in a formal black kimono and accompanied the director to the Hyuga compound. On the way, he saw many families walking with their children toward the clan's main house. Despite the occasion, the atmosphere was subdued.
Poor Hinata. It's her birthday, but no one looks happy.
"Kirito," the director began solemnly, "after receiving the Caged Bird Seal, you will serve the clan family for the rest of your life. That is the destiny of the branch family."
"I'm not part of the branch family," Kirito pointed out.
"If you have the Byakugan, you are," she replied firmly.
Sure, let's see you say that to the Ōtsutsuki on the moon, Kirito thought but chose to remain silent.
Arriving at the Hyuga compound, Kirito was greeted by a crowd of white-eyed clan members. Children stared at him curiously, his unusual features setting him apart. The director exchanged pleasantries with other adults while everyone awaited the arrival of the main family.
Kirito stood in silence, mentally preparing himself. If they try to force the seal on me… I'll figure something out. But first, I want to see young Hinata.
As the main family members approached, Kirito's thoughts churned. What happens next will decide everything.
(End of Chapter 4)