The Byakugan possessed by the Kirigakure ninja was the greatest irony for the Hyūga clan. If the main house also bore the Caged Bird Seal, would there still be a risk of the Byakugan being lost?
Of course, it wasn't entirely without risk.
If Neji's Byakugan were to be taken by an outsider, then at that moment, Natsuro would have to bear the responsibility, and he would suffer losses.
However, he still believed in Neji's strength, he wouldn't be taken down so easily.
Most importantly, if this endeavor succeeded, then the sense of achievement from changing fate itself was what Natsuro anticipated the most!
With all these considerations, why wouldn't he go for it?
However, the path Neji had to walk would take a long time. Not only did he need to become strong enough, but even if he succeeded, modifying the Caged Bird Seal would still require a significant amount of time.
But at least there was hope.
"If there's nothing else, go back and wait for now. I'll find your clan leader later to discuss it, it shouldn't take too long," Natsuro said.
"Yes!" Neji nodded firmly, then respectfully bid farewell to him.
As Neji stepped out of the Hokage Tower, he suddenly felt that the sky was so clear, the air so fresh, he felt as if he had been freed.
Though a heavy burden had been added to his shoulders, compared to being caged, what did it matter?
Neji's gaze became even more determined. He had to succeed.
For himself, for his fellow branch family members, and for the Hokage's expectations!
Right now, his strength was far from enough, he had to continue seeking ways to grow stronger!
At this moment, his steps became more resolute.
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office, Natsuro suddenly chuckled and spoke.
"You heard all of that, didn't you?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure pushed open the window and appeared in the office.
It was none other than Hyūga Hiashi!
It turned out that Natsuro had already called Hiashi over and arranged for him to be there, specifically to let him hear Neji's thoughts.
"After hearing what Neji said, what are your thoughts?" Natsuro asked as he prepared tea once again.
Hiashi remained silent for a moment, reflecting on the information he had just heard. His expression grew complicated.
"Hokage-sama, if it's just Neji's Caged Bird Seal, I can represent the Hyūga clan and remove it for him," Hiashi eventually said.
"Mm, let's set that aside for now. Tell me about modifying the Caged Bird Seal," Natsuro said, finishing the tea and pushing a cup toward Hiashi, motioning for him to sit.
Hiashi hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Actually, the idea of modifying the Caged Bird Seal has come up within the Hyūga clan before."
"But?" Natsuro prompted.
"But modifying the seal is extremely difficult, and it's not just about the seal itself…"
Hiashi didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear, there were those within the clan who opposed it.
"To maintain the special status of the main family?" Natsuro chuckled.
Hiashi didn't respond, which was as good as an admission.
"Hopefully, Neji can be the turning point," Natsuro said.
Hiashi nodded. He was part of the main family and a beneficiary of the current system.
Even if he wanted to challenge it, he neither had the reason nor the ability to do so.
He was already under immense pressure from the clan elders simply because he hadn't officially declared an heir yet, hoping to prevent Hinata from being branded with the Caged Bird Seal.
After all, in terms of age, Hinata was undoubtedly the next clan leader. The Hyūga followed a strict primogeniture system, and since there was no eldest son, the eldest daughter was the natural successor.
However, Hinata's talent was not ideal, and at the same time, Hiashi had been keeping Hanabi by his side without stripping Hinata of her position as heir. This left the elders confused.
At every clan meeting, the elders pressed him to make a decision, but he had always managed to delay it.
Now, for the first time, Hiashi saw a glimmer of hope in Natsuro's attitude and Neji's determination.
Because Neji was different, his talent was so outstanding that even Hiashi himself often marveled at how his younger brother had such an exceptional son.
"By the way, why did you use the Caged Bird Seal on Neji's father in front of him?" Natsuro suddenly asked.
That event had likely left a lasting mark on Neji's heart, even more than his own seal.
Hiashi fell silent at the question, recalling that moment. Had he been wrong to do it back then?
"Hokage-sama, that is my family's private matter," Hiashi eventually said.
"I see. Then I won't ask further. You should head back now. Go ahead and remove Neji's Caged Bird Seal. Tell those elders that I instructed you to do it in the Hokage's office," Natsuro said, not pressing further.
"This matter involving the Hokage wouldn't be ideal, would it?" Hyūga Hiashi couldn't help but say. "Why not let me bear the responsibility alone?"
Hiashi had already made up his mind, not to remove the Caged Bird Seal in the name of the Hokage, but in his own name. He didn't want to cause any trouble for Natsuro.
Even though doing so would increase the pressure he would have to endure from the clan elders, he was willing to shoulder it for this sliver of hope.
"It's fine. Let them think that Neji has me backing him, it'll make things easier for him in the future," Natsuro said casually. What did the opinions of the elders matter to him?
As long as this didn't push them toward outright rebellion, it wouldn't affect anything at all.
Hiashi looked at Natsuro, opened his mouth as if to argue, but found himself unable to refute. Given Natsuro's status and strength, even if he didn't personally take action, his sheer presence carried immense deterrent power. No one could deny that this would help Neji.
At that moment, Hiashi was reminded of his younger brother. Back then, it should have been him who died.
Even now, Hiashi still remembered how Hizashi had ambushed him, knocked him unconscious, and taken his place.
He could still recall the look on Hizashi's face in that moment, the first time he had ever seen such a relieved smile on his brother since the day he was branded with the Caged Bird Seal.
That smile had held both joy and sorrow.
Even though he was going to his death, it had been his choice, and that alone was enough to make him happy.
That memory had always been a deep pain in Hiashi's heart.
And now, Hizashi's son, not only did he have a chance to escape the Caged Bird Seal and make his own choices, but he might even be able to help others…
If Hizashi could see this Neji, he would surely feel gratified, wouldn't he?
Hiashi closed his eyes, then slowly opened them again, looking at Natsuro as he spoke. "If possible, I would like to thank you on behalf of my brother."
"Of course you can," Natsuro replied. "Since he was willing to die in your place, then in his heart, you must have always been his dearest brother. Even the Caged Bird Seal couldn't change that."
Hiashi opened his mouth slightly, then let out a self-deprecating smile.
What kind of older brother was he, really? He had let his own brother die in his place…
And then, he had allowed the Caged Bird Seal to be placed on his brother's son.
Even if it had been due to circumstances beyond his control, could that truly be an excuse?
At the very least, Hiashi could never forgive himself.
And now, being able to help remove Neji's Caged Bird Seal, perhaps this was his first step toward redemption?
With a complex mix of emotions, guilt and relief, Hiashi left the office. He was going to remove Neji's Caged Bird Seal right away.
Natsuro watched Hiashi's departing figure and nodded slightly.
As the leader of the Hyūga clan, Hiashi was someone he was quite satisfied with.
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