Chapter 98

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The Caged Bird, the perpetual anguish of the Hyuga Branch family, represents both their eternal struggle and an inescapable shackle they are forced to accept.

From the perspective of the entire Hyuga clan, the Caged Bird is essential for the continuity of their lineage.

Unlike the Uchiha, the Byakugan is active from birth; its prowess is determined solely by purity. However, regardless of the purity, as long as one can obtain the Byakugan, transplanting it poses no difficulty, enabling the user to immediately harness its various innate abilities, albeit not as adeptly as a member of the Hyuga clan.

Serving as a human radar is sufficiently effective, even if not as skilled as the Hyuga.

This implies that without the strength or means to protect their eyes, the Hyuga clan faces the potential threat of being collectively targeted or bred for their eyes.

Hence, the Caged Bird was conceived.

However, such a practice is the greatest injustice to Branch family members, whose destinies are predetermined from birth and who desperately seek to escape this confinement.

Hyuga Ren, of course, is one such individual.

"Do you know about the Caged Bird, Captain?" Ren inquired.

"I've heard of it," Kyomu nodded, "but I'm not fully aware of the specifics."

"The Caged Bird is this," Ren said, unveiling the protector on his forehead and pointing at the green mark, "With this, nobody can take away my eyes."

"That sounds good, doesn't it?" Kyomu probed knowingly.

"But Captain, with the Caged Bird, the Byakugan's potential is sealed, and it introduces blind spots in its 360° vision. Moreover, we are bound to serve the Main House for life.

Just a single hand seal from them can use the Caged Bird to punish the Branch family, even deciding the life or death of a Branch member.

Our existence within the Branch family means either dying under the Caged Bird or dying while protecting the Main House members during a retreat.

This inescapable fate numbs and frustrates us, and I... I refuse to accept it!"

Ren's eyes blazed as he looked at Kyomu, "But Captain, before meeting you, the rebellion in my heart was nearly extinguished. However, seeing you effortlessly cut through ninjutsu with Yoei has rekindled my determination..."

"Yoei isn't as miraculous as you think," Kyomu interrupted Ren, "And all you've mentioned pertains to your family's internal affairs, which I, an outsider, cannot intervene in."

Kyomu, while sympathetic, does not allow his emotions to overrun his judgment.

Moreover, having only interacted with Ren for a little over a month, the heart remains a mystery, and Kyomu cannot place complete trust in him.

Seeing Kyomu's firm refusal, Ren grew anxious.

"But I'm willing to try, even if it costs me my life!"

"Ren, I understand your resolve to fight fate, but there's something you need to consider carefully before making your decision," Kyomu said seriously, gazing into Ren's eyes, "When you gain something, there's always a price to pay. Take your eyes, for example.

You've been granted a lineage, environment, and bloodline that 99.9% of people in the shinobi world could only dream of. Your current situation is simply the price for these gifts.

Though it may seem cruel and unfair from your standpoint, from an outsider's perspective like mine, things aren't as bad as they appear."

This isn't a distortion of logic but the harsh reality.

Given the choice, commoners or ordinary ninjas would prefer to bear the Caged Bird's mark to become part of the Hyuga clan.

This is akin to being a wealthy family's illegitimate child, endowed with wealth and looks but unable to pursue one's dreams, a notion that seems utterly frivolous to those in poverty.

Ren's current predicament is quite similar.

However, Kyomu still holds Ren in high regard and decides to test him one last time after laying the groundwork.

"Ren, our differences in circumstances and origins lead to different ways of thinking. Yet, there's one question that directly hits the core: for your dreams, are you willing to give up everything you currently enjoy and become an ordinary ninja?"

Ren fell silent, wrestling with his thoughts internally.

Despite the dire situation of the Branch family, the resources and status afforded by backing from the Hyuga clan are incomparable to those of an ordinary ninja.

Even in war, their chances of survival far exceed those of other ninjas.

Enjoying the conveniences provided by the Hyuga clan while resisting the responsibilities imposed upon oneself is not inherently wrong. Humans naturally prioritize their own interests, which isn't a mistake.

However, if Ren harbors such thoughts, Kyomu decisively refuses to incorporate him into his fold, much less agree to help him break free from the Caged Bird.

Kyomu's thoughts are clear and insightful.

If Ren seeks external help to escape the Caged Bird today, disregarding the safety of his clan, he might just as likely betray Kyomu for other reasons tomorrow.

This is not an overstatement!

After a long pause, Ren lifted his head, determination flickering in his eyes, "Captain, if you can do it, I'm willing to become an ordinary person, even if it means no longer being a ninja. All I want is the freedom to live the life I choose."

Huh?

Kyomu was somewhat surprised, carefully assessing Ren before reaffirming, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure!" Ren's resolution was firm, "I can live without the Byakugan. All I want is the freedom to live."

Seeing this, Kyomu felt Ren was worth the investment.

Kyomu mused secretly, but the probing didn't end there, "Ren, this is only a possibility, and I can't guarantee anything."

"I trust Captain,"Ren's faith in Kyomu was unwavering, "Though we haven't known each other long, certain qualities in you compel me to trust you unconditionally."

Personal charisma?

Kyomu chuckled to himself, then shook his head, "Let's not be so hasty. What if you discover I'm a heretic in the future and decide to retract your words?"

"Captain, I..."

Waving his hand, Kyomu interrupted Ren, "I understand, but I trust in the test of time. Let's revisit this issue after the war. By then, I'll be more familiar with you, and you'll see me clearly. This way, neither of us will have regrets or misunderstandings."

Kyomu remains distrustful of Ren, having no information about him in his previous life memories, making him a stranger.

Unlike Kakashi, Obito, Guy, and others whose personalities and behaviors are deeply familiar to Kyomu, he remains cautious with strangers.

"Alright!" Ren nodded, then turned to Kyomu's Yoei at his waist, "Then, Captain , could you tell me about Yoei's characteristics?"

"It can cut through attacks made of chakra or other substances," Kyomu didn't conceal this, as he already possessed the power to protect his own life and property.

"Just as I thought!" Ren exclaimed excitedly, bowing deeply to Kyomu, "Please guide me in the future, Captain."

Smirking, Kyomu felt both pleased and amused by the situation.

This time, recruiting a follower more than double his age was quite the peculiar process.

And to think that Yoei played a key role in bridging their connection was beyond Kyomu's expectations.

—

After conversing with Ren, Kyomu gained a potential follower.

However, the following days for Kyomu were relatively uneventful.

He spent his time either training or startling others, euphemistically improving his team members' adaptability.

The effectiveness aside, Kyomu's sudden appearances nearly drove his team members to the brink of collapse.

True to the old adage, there was no doubt.

Yet, because the Sand ninjas had not yet returned to the frontline and the Land of Rivers was isolated by a poisonous fog, the opportunity to utilize his new passive skill was somewhat regrettable.

"Captain Kyomu?"

"I'm here."

Kyomu responded, his presence suddenly returning to normal, startling the Leaf ninja responsible for camp communications.

"Ahaha..." The communication ninja laughed awkwardly, his face pale, "Captain Kyomu, your hiding skills are truly exceptional, haha."

After a moment of awkward laughter, the communication ninja remembered his main task, "Captain Kyomu, Lord Orochimaru has sent me to inform you to visit his tent."

"I understand."

Picking up Yoei from the table, Kyomu stood up and left the tent.

"Lord Orochimaru, you summoned me."

Kyomu greeted him and, upon looking up, his gaze fell on a voluptuous woman.

Breathtakingly stunning, "Lady Tsunade, you're here too," Kyomu bowed slightly to Tsunade.

"So you're Aragami Kyomu?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "You've been quite the topic lately. Even the old man specifically ordered me to assist you."

"Lady Tsunade, you jest. I'm here to support you and Lord Orochimaru," Kyomu replied.

Tsunade crossed her arms, sizing up Kyomu before shifting her gaze away without further comment.

She had no interest in getting involved in the war but had to comply with Hiruzen's orders, albeit reluctantly.

Orochimaru quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Kyomu, now that you've met Tsunade, the upcoming mission shouldn't be a problem for you."

Kyomu waited silently for Orochimaru to continue.

"You're familiar with the location of the poisonous fog in the Land of Rivers. Over the next few days, you will escort Tsunade there to collect samples of the fog."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

Seeing Kyomu's agreement, Orochimaru turned to Tsunade, "And you, are you satisfied with the person I've assigned to you?"

"He'll do. Let's hope he's clever enough," Tsunade replied briskly, heading out, "We shouldn't delay. The sooner we collect the samples, the sooner we can show Chiyo what we're made of."

Tiredness laced Tsunade's words, indicating her recent arrival at the camp without rest. Yet, her eyes sparkled with excitement at the challenge of overcoming Chiyo's poison.

"Lady Tsunade, please wait," Kyomu suddenly called out, "It might be imprudent to go with just the two of us. May I bring a couple of team members along?"

Tsunade stopped but didn't object, "Make it quick, within five minutes."

"Two minutes will suffice."

Kyomu dashed into his tent, causing a commotion indicative of his 'sudden appearance' fright tactic.

Soon, Genma, Guy, and Ren, wearing expressions of shock, were led out by Kyomu.

After a brief glance, Tsunade moved forward, leading Kyomu and the others away from the camp.

Tsunade, a Kage-level ninja, wasn't concerned about their protection.

However, as they traveled, Tsunade's brow furrowed. She noticed Kyomu's presence vanish abruptly.

Stopping abruptly, Tsunade turned to find the carefree Genma, the dutiful Ren with his Byakugan activated, and the slightly goofy Might Guy, all present.

"Where's Kyomu?"

"I'm..."

Before Kyomu could finish, Tsunade's expression darkened. She raised her fist in a flash and struck towards Kyomu's location with lightning speed.

Kyomu, taken aback by Tsunade's sudden aggression, had no choice but to block with Shadow, bracing for impact.

Boom!

Tsunade's fist, laden with immense power, hit Yoei without causing it to bend, but Kyomu's expression shifted dramatically.

The force of the mighty fist nearly drove him to his knees, and though he managed to stay upright, the ground beneath him cratered, creating a deep, wide pit.

Dust filled the air, momentarily blinding those around, but the subsequent gust dispersed it, revealing Kyomu's strained posture.

Tsunade's punch was incredibly powerful, befitting someone capable of shattering Susano'o.

Another hit like that, and Kyomu would be down for the count.

"Huh?"

Tsunade, seeing Kyomu's face, expressed surprise, "You actually blocked it?"

Sheathing her fist, Tsunade showed no signs of apology, "Your strength is passable, but don't disappear and reappear behind me again."

Continuing on, Tsunade's thoughts lingered on Kyomu's peculiar ability.

This kid, Aragami Kyomu, was definitely unusual.

(End of Chapter)