White Eagle Village - New Moon Kingdom
The village is decorated, with ornaments everywhere. Today is an important day for the villagers.
Six years ago, it was the first time a child awakened soul power. Since then, the villagers began organizing a big festival the day before the Martial Soul Awakening. Every year, at least one child awakens their power, making this event a tradition.
"Neji, Xiaoji, wake up! Today is the day of the soul awakening!" — shouts the elder, the village chief. He adopted Neji six years ago, and ever since, good things have started happening: children awakening innate powers and the village thriving like never before. That's why the old man believes the boy is a true lucky charm.
Rubbing his eyes, Neji sits up in bed. "I was so excited yesterday that I couldn't sleep properly!" He quickly jumps out of bed and runs toward the bathroom.
— Grandpa, excuse me, I need to get ready! — he says, rushing past the old man without even looking at him.
— Calm down, boy! We still have an hour before we need to reach the Spirit Hall! — replies the elder, laughing.
"Finally, I've waited six years for this! I hope it's worth it..." The boy's expression shifts between worry, excitement, and hope.
In this world, the Soul Awakening is the most important day in a person's life. It determines whether you will be someone ordinary or a remarkable figure. Having soul power is the only way to ensure a decent life; without it, the future is bleak.
"This is the world I was reborn into. A single day can determine the future."
Looking at himself in the mirror, Neji reflects: "My appearance is the same as Neji Hyuuga from Naruto. It was hard to accept at first." For years, he tried everything to awaken some kind of "cheat," like a system or the Byakugan, but nothing happened.
However, something unique was granted to him: every birthday, he received two years of memories from Neji Hyuuga. These memories shaped his personality. Now, he is calm, confident, and noble, but he also carries traces of sadness and resentment.
"The memories are mine. He is a part of me, just as I am a part of him. We are one."
After getting ready, Neji heads to breakfast. At the table are the elder and Hanabi, his granddaughter.
Hanabi lost her parents in a spirit beast attack when she was just a baby. Since then, she has lived with Neji and the elder. In recent years, the village's fortune has improved so much that even the Spirit Hall began sponsoring the place, making the elder a wealthy man.
— Nabi, let's go! — Neji quickly grabs some cookies and juice. Then he places the girl on his back and starts running toward the church.
— Wait for me! — shouts the elder, while the two vanish around the corner.
On the way, an excited Hanabi points to the decorations.
— Neji-san, look!
She stops in front of a new statue: a mighty three-tailed white eagle, the symbol of the village's founders.
"The Ying Clan, which a thousand years ago had a Soul Saint as its leader. Today, their status is unknown."
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Upon arriving at the church, Neji and Hanabi join the line of children. At the entrance, Deacon Ye Hao organizes everything:
— Only twenty children at a time!
Nervousness takes hold of Hanabi.
— Brother, what if I don't have innate power?
— Trust me, Nabi. Our training wasn't in vain. None of these kids have a physique like ours. If hard work counts, we will succeed.
Neji hides his own doubts to comfort his sister. After long minutes, it's finally their turn.
Hanabi steps onto the stage first. The Awakening Stones glow intensely, and a powerful cry echoes through the hall. In her hands, a two-tailed eagle appears, surrounded by lightning and flowing water.
— A high-level spirit! — exclaims Ye Hao. — And an innate power of level 7! Girl, you have the potential to become a Soul Saint!
When it's Neji's turn, the light from the Awakening Stones shines even brighter. A white eagle with three long tails appears, each representing a different element: water, earth, and fire.
Ye Hao is left speechless.
— What an incredible spirit! And the innate power...?