226-230

Chapter 226

**Early Morning, Departure from Konoha Village**  

 A lively group of shinobi set off from Konoha Village in the early morning mist.  

 Kakashi, having overexerted himself with Kamui, was still recuperating in the hospital. Thus, Tsunade assigned Yamato from the Anbu to take his place.  

 While Yamato’s formidable abilities played a role in the decision, the primary reason lay in his Wood Release. Using the First Hokage’s necklace that Naruto wore, Yamato could help stabilize Naruto’s control over the Nine-Tails’ power.  

 Until Naruto became a perfect jinchūriki, Yamato would likely remain by his side. This duty inadvertently earned him the title of “Jinchūriki Babysitter.”  

 This mission to the Tenchi Bridge involved a notable team: Yamato, Naruto, Sakura, Hinata, Tenten, Rock Lee, and Might Guy.   

While Sasuke’s whereabouts were a central focus, Neji’s disappearance also garnered significant concern, particularly among the Hyūga clan. Hinata, in particular, felt a personal responsibility.   

The rest of Team 3 also worried deeply for their former teammate. As a result, Tsunade arranged for a seven-member squad to set out together.   

--- 

**“I wonder how Neji-nii-san is doing right now,”** Hinata murmured anxiously as they trekked through the woods.  

 **“Don’t worry,”** Naruto reassured, patting her shoulder gently. **“Since Kimimaro said Sasuke and Neji are alive, they’ll be fine.”**  

 Hinata nodded, her cheeks reddening slightly. **“You’re right, Naruto-kun. Thank you.”**   

---

 **“Naruto,”** Rock Lee interjected from the side, concern etched on his face. **“Do you really think we can trust Kimimaro? What if he’s deceiving us?”**  

 Naruto frowned slightly but replied firmly, **“I don’t think so. If Kimimaro wanted to harm us, he wouldn’t need to resort to trickery. His strength is far beyond ours. During our last encounter, even with me, Kakashi-sensei, Chiyo-baa-san, and Sakura working together, we couldn’t seriously injure him. If his jutsu hadn’t suddenly deactivated, we’d never have ended that fight so easily.”**   

Thinking back to that battle, Naruto shuddered. The memory of Kimimaro’s overwhelming power was seared into his mind.  

 Unbeknownst to him, the Kimimaro they faced was merely a clone holding only 30% of his chakra reserves.  

 ---

 **“Back during the Chūnin Exams, Kimimaro was already a daunting opponent,”** Rock Lee remarked, his tone mixed with awe and determination. **“But at least we could glimpse his back. Now, after three years, even the four of you combined couldn’t match him. It’s unbelievable.”**  

 His expression shifted to one of fierce resolve. Rock Lee never feared a challenge.   

**“This mission isn’t about fighting,”** Yamato interjected, his voice calm but authoritative. **“Our priority is to bring Sasuke and Neji back. Engaging in unnecessary battles, especially against Kimimaro, is reckless. Even Kakashi-senpai admitted that Kimimaro’s strength surpasses that of most Kage. Not even Guy-sensei could defeat him without paying a steep price. He’s not our mortal enemy. There’s no need to risk our lives.”**  

 --- 

**“A young shinobi near Neji’s age, yet he earns such high praise from Kakashi,”** Might Guy said, his eyes gleaming with interest. **“I’d love to face him in battle!”**  

 Yamato sighed. **“Guy-sensei, please refrain from acting on impulse. The consequences could be catastrophic.”**   

**“Hahaha! Don’t worry, I have it under control!”** Guy laughed heartily, his enthusiasm undeterred.   

Yamato, though exasperated, acknowledged Guy’s strength. He knew this seemingly goofy man was one of the few shinobi who could rival Kakashi in power.   

---

 Sakura chimed in, her voice tinged with awe. **“Kimimaro’s combat skills are terrifying, but what’s even more astonishing is his medical prowess. Three years ago, he performed a surgery on Rock Lee that Tsunade-shishō described as impossibly complex. She admitted she couldn’t have done it better.”**  

 Sakura continued, **“Even now, if I attempted that surgery, my success rate would be less than 30%. Kimimaro is only two years older than us, yet he’s both a medical and combat prodigy. It’s truly intimidating.”**  

 Rock Lee glanced at his left hand and leg, recalling the miraculous recovery he experienced after that operation. He held deep gratitude toward Kimimaro but remained resolute in his mission to rescue Neji.  

 --- 

Amidst their conversations, Tenten walked silently, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. She felt a complex mix of hope and fear—hope of reuniting with Neji and fear of seeing someone unrecognizable.  

 **“Neji… Can we bring you back this time?”** she whispered to herself.  

 ---

 **The Destination: Tenchi Bridge.**  

 With heavy hearts and firm resolve, the Konoha team marched toward their destination.  

 ---

 **Meanwhile, in Otogakure...**  

 Kimimaro, along with Neji and Sasuke, prepared for a different mission. Their destination was not Tenchi Bridge but an unnamed lake—where the Three-Tails had been reborn.  

 Thanks to Yukimaru, Orochimaru had pinpointed the Three-Tails’ location.  

 At the lake, four figures stood waiting: Guren, Yukimaru, Zabuza, and Haku.  

 **“Guren-nee, do we really have to face that monster again?”** Yukimaru asked, visibly anxious.  

 **“Yes,”** Guren replied resolutely. **“Orochimaru-sama wants it, and I will fulfill his command, no matter the cost.”**  

 Her unwavering determination struck a chord with Haku, who saw in her a reflection of his own loyalty to Zabuza.   

---

 As their preparations concluded, Kimimaro arrived with Neji and Sasuke.  

 **“Yo, long time no see.”**  

 "Never thought the reinforcements Lord Orochimaru mentioned would be you."

 Seeing Kimimaro in front of her, Guren's long-buried memories resurfaced.

 Back then, when Yūkimaru was taken by the Hidden Cloud Village, it was Kimimaro who helped her rescue him.

 At the time, Kimimaro even stayed behind to cover for her and Yūkimaru, holding off Yugito Nii.

 Initially, Guren thought Kimimaro would perish there, but later, she heard news of him again.

 By then, Kimimaro had already become Orochimaru's most trusted aide.

 When she heard the news, Guren felt a mix of envy and relief.

 If Kimimaro had died helping her, she would have felt guilty for the rest of her life.

 But back then, Kimimaro hadn't specifically helped her; it was just that their paths happened to align, and he was also interested in Yugito's Two-Tails power.

 It was all a coincidence.

 Yūkimaru stared at Kimimaro, feeling a strange sense of familiarity, though he couldn't recall who he was.

 When Kimimaro had rescued him, he'd kept his face concealed with foundation the entire time, so Yūkimaru had never seen his true appearance.

 Yet, his aura felt faintly familiar.

 "Guren, I didn't expect that every time I see you, you're always injured."

 As Kimimaro spoke, he extended his right hand, releasing a blue chakra that enveloped Guren.

 A miraculous sight unfolded.

 The wounds on Guren's body began healing visibly to the naked eye.

 Guren's pupils shrank in astonishment at Kimimaro's medical ninjutsu, which had clearly advanced to this level.

 The others present were equally shocked.

 Such a technique had already surpassed the scope of ordinary medical ninjutsu.

 "Kimimaro, you've become even stronger."

 Zabuza looked at Kimimaro with a wary gaze.

 "It's just a little progress. Haven't you made strides as well, Zabuza? You're just one step away from Kage-level strength."

 Kimimaro assessed Zabuza's abilities with a single glance.

 In the past three years, he'd improved significantly, though he still hadn't broken through that barrier.

 Even so, among elite ninjas, he was already one of the strongest.

 Of course, even more surprising was Haku.

 At this moment, Haku's strength was not inferior to Sasuke or Neji in their base forms.

 The last survivor of a bloodline clan truly carried a natural talent.

 "That step seems almost impossible to take," Zabuza said with a bitter shake of his head.

 Reaching Kage-level wasn't something one could achieve through hard work alone. For someone of his talent, without a stroke of fortune, advancing further would be nearly impossible. 

Kimimaro only offered polite words, with no intention of consoling him.

 After regrouping, the two teams began discussing how to capture the Three-Tails.

 Zabuza glanced at Neji and Sasuke behind Kimimaro, sensing that their strength was on par with his.

 The potential of the Sound Village was truly astonishing.

 If these people fully matured, which village in the ninja world could possibly stand against them? 

More than five Kage-level ninjas, along with numerous elite Jonin-level fighters—such a force would surpass any of the Five Great Nations.

 "Kimimaro-san," Haku said respectfully upon seeing him.

 Though Haku's utmost respect was reserved for Zabuza, he also deeply revered Kimimaro, who had granted them a new life.

 Kimimaro nodded slightly and got straight to the point.

 "The Three-Tails is in this lake, correct?"

 "Yes. We tried to capture it yesterday but failed. The Three-Tails' greatest strength is its defense. That shell of its is incredibly tough, requiring exceptionally powerful ninjutsu to break through. Ours wasn't strong enough."

 Guren briefly recounted the events of the previous day.

 "Powerful ninjutsu, huh?" 

Kimimaro murmured, looking toward Sasuke and Neji.

 "Do you two have any issues?"

 "Hmph, it's just a mere Three-Tails. I can handle it myself," Sasuke replied confidently.

 "No problem," Neji added, unwilling to be outdone.

 "Don't underestimate the Three-Tails. Though it lacks a jinchūriki to fully unleash its power, even a wild-tailed beast is not something below Kage-level can handle. You two will work together against it. There's more to be done afterward, so avoid getting injured now."

 Kimimaro's words turned to Guren.

 "Bring out the Three-Tails now."

 "Alright."

 Guren nodded and said to Yūkimaru, "Yūkimaru, just like yesterday, release your chakra and lure out the Three-Tails."

 "Okay."

 Without hesitation, Yūkimaru unleashed the chakra within him.

 A pained roar echoed across the lake as Yūkimaru grimaced in agony.

 Seeing this, Guren showed a hint of guilt but steeled herself.

 To help Orochimaru capture the Three-Tails, she had no choice.

 "I'm sorry, Yūkimaru. This is the last time."

 She silently apologized in her heart.

 Chakra surged into the sky, forming a massive pillar of light.

 The once-calm surface of the lake began rippling, as if a giant beast was stirring beneath.

 "It's coming," Kimimaro murmured, as Sasuke and Neji immediately rushed forward.

 Zabuza, Haku, and Guren prepared to move as well, but Kimimaro stopped them.

 "Let the two of them try first. Follow my command; you'll step in later."

 The three reluctantly held back.

 Moments later, the Three-Tails emerged!

 The massive creature rose from the water, its colossal form towering like a mountain, streams of water cascading from its shell.

 Sasuke and Neji launched their attacks immediately.

 "Chidori Sharp Spear!"

 "Mountain Crusher!"

 A blue lightning spear and a white energy beam struck the Three-Tails' shell simultaneously.

 Boom!

 The attacks landed, but the Three-Tails merely glanced at them, its eyes showing a hint of confusion.

 Sasuke and Neji instantly realized the absurd strength of its defenses.

 Attacks capable of shattering boulders were little more than tickles to the beast.

 The Three-Tails opened its mouth, releasing a massive water jet, forcing the duo to evade. 

"This thing's no joke. Breaking through its defense is impossible with ordinary techniques," Sasuke muttered.

 Indeed, the Three-Tails' defenses were legendary. Even in the original story, the Akatsuki had sent Deidara, whose explosive clay had immense destructive power, to capture it.

 "Byakugan!"

 Neji activated his Byakugan, scanning for weak points in its defenses.

 "Its chakra is massive, and with that shell, the only way to break through is by targeting weak spots. Found it! The weakest area is its eyes!"

 However, the next moment, the Three-Tails curled up, hiding all its vulnerable spots beneath its thick shell.

 "Not good!"

 Neji cursed internally.

 The Three-Tails rolled forward like Chōji's Human Bullet Tank, barreling toward the duo.

 The sheer weight, reinforced by its shell and momentum, was enough to crush bones and shatter bodies.

 Sasuke and Neji dodged quickly, but the Three-Tails relentlessly pursued them, locking onto their movements even while spinning.

 "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

 A massive fireball shot from Sasuke's mouth, hitting the spinning Three-Tails.

 The flames, however, were deflected, unable to penetrate its defenses.

 "This thing's eliminated all its weak points. We'll have to brute force through its shell," Sasuke said grimly.

Chapter 227

Head-to-Head Clash!

"This isn't the best approach; they can easily retreat temporarily and counterattack later," someone murmured.

After all, it's impossible for the Three-Tails to maintain its stance forever.

However, both Neji and Sasuke were too proud to back down now. They had already boasted to Kimimaro, and retreating would be utterly humiliating.

Without hesitation, both activated their cursed seal powers.

In an instant, their auras transformed dramatically.

The sight startled Guren and her group.

"This... This is the aura of Kage-level strength! These two kids..." Zabuza muttered, his eyes wide with shock. For a moment, he felt an acute sense of aging.

"Is this world just full of geniuses piling up at the same time?" he wondered, glancing around at his allies. It seemed he was the oldest among them and had already hit his limits in talent. In a few years, aside from Yukimaru and Guren, he might very well be the weakest one in the group.

*Ouch. That stung.*

"Sasuke, let's use that move!" Sasuke called out, and Neji instantly understood.

"Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

Though Neji didn't know Wind Style, the palm winds from his Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm were no less powerful than an A-rank Wind Style jutsu. Combined with Sasuke's formidable Fire Style, the attack's power surged exponentially.

*Wind fuels fire!*

"Azure Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

The crimson fire dragon transformed into a blue infernal dragon in an instant. The blue flames reached terrifying temperatures of 5,000–6,000 degrees Celsius.

The blazing blue dragon head slammed into the Three-Tails with a deafening roar.

This time, the Three-Tails couldn't deflect the flames. Under the intense heat, it let out a blood-curdling scream.

"ROAR!!!"

The agonized wail echoed across the lake.

"They actually developed a combo attack? Quite the teamwork," Kimimaro mused, narrowing his eyes in thought.

For two arrogant individuals to work together on a combined technique was rather unexpected. *Could they be planning something?*

Perhaps even against him? The idea left Kimimaro's expression somewhat unsettled. *Hopefully not.*

After all, it would be a shame to destroy two valuable pawns he had personally cultivated.

The blue flames continued to consume the Three-Tails, boiling the surrounding lake water.

Suffering greatly, the beast decided to avoid further confrontation. Its massive body shifted as it tried to retreat underwater.

"Not good! It's trying to escape!" Neji and Sasuke rushed forward to stop it.

But on water, who could truly stop the Three-Tails?

"Yuki! Freeze the surface! Guren, use Crystal Release to immobilize it!" Kimimaro's quick commands cut through the chaos.

Realizing Neji and Sasuke couldn't hold the Three-Tails, Haku and Guren leapt into action.

"Crystal Ice Mirrors!" Haku formed hand signs, releasing an icy power that quickly froze the lake surface, creating a thick layer of ice.

The Three-Tails, in the middle of diving, suddenly stiffened, hindered by the frozen lake.

Guren immediately followed up.

"Crystal Release: Eightfold Crystal Wall!"

Rose-colored crystals emerged out of thin air, surrounding and locking the Three-Tails in place.

The beast couldn't move.

"Sasuke, Neji! Finish it off!" Kimimaro ordered decisively.

Though irritated by Haku and Guren's interference, Sasuke and Neji had no time to argue. Following Kimimaro's orders, they launched a final attack.

Another *Azure Dragon Flame Jutsu* landed squarely on the Three-Tails' head.

Its screeches became even more agonized before the beast finally collapsed, unconscious.

"Seal it, Guren," Kimimaro said.

Nodding, Guren used her Crystal Release. The pink crystals compressed, shrinking the Three-Tails into a small crystal orb.

The orb landed in Guren's hand, but moments later began to tremble. Through the crystal, the miniature Three-Tails could be seen waking up, struggling against the seal.

"This isn't good! My crystal seal isn’t strong enough to hold it!" Guren exclaimed in panic.

Kimimaro acted swiftly. Purple flames flared up on his fingers as he pressed them against the orb.

"Five-Element Seal!"

The flames transformed into purple chains, locking down the Three-Tails completely.

With the beast subdued, Kimimaro retrieved the orb.

"Done. I'll hand this over to Orochimaru-sama. Excellent work, Guren. And as a reward, you won't need to return to the Land of Lightning's base. Take Yukimaru and live in Otogakure instead."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Guren's face lit up with joy. Serving Orochimaru closely had always been her greatest wish.

"Otogakure needs capable people. Make good use of this opportunity," Kimimaro advised.

"Understood. Thank you!" Guren bowed gratefully.

Turning to Zabuza and Haku, Kimimaro added, "I have a proposal for you two."

The pair looked at him with puzzled expressions.

"The new Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, has taken office in Kirigakure. She values talents who were forced out under the Fourth Mizukage's regime. I want you both to return to Kirigakure."

"You’re asking us to go back as spies?" Zabuza asked, frowning.

"Consider it as you like. The ninja world will soon face massive upheavals. You two can bring new life to Kirigakure, or the village may vanish from history. Of course, your main purpose there is to work for me."

The gravity of Kimimaro’s words left Zabuza stunned. *What kind of upheaval could erase Kirigakure?*

"I know you have questions, but I can't explain now. Just know that in the future, even Kage-level strength will pale in comparison."

Kimimaro’s tone was calm but resolute.

"Return to Kirigakure, earn Mei Terumi's trust. When I need you, I’ll summon you. If you refuse, Otogakure will always have a place for you."

Kimimaro wasn’t forcing their decision. Loyalty born of coercion rarely proved reliable.

After a moment's thought, Zabuza nodded. "I’ll go."

"If Zabuza-sama goes, so will I," Haku said without hesitation.

"Good," Kimimaro replied. "With you two on board, we can move to the next phase."

"This trip to the Hidden Mist Village poses significant dangers. To ensure your safety, I will place the same Cursed Seal on Haku as I did on Neji. Once its power is unleashed, it will grant you the strength of a Kage.

This way, even if something dangerous happens in the Hidden Mist Village, you’ll be able to protect yourselves.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Once this Void Cursed Seal is placed, it will bind you to me unless I choose to release it. Your life and death will be in my hands. As before, you have the choice to accept or refuse."

Kimimaro gave Haku the option again.

Zabuza interjected, "Put the seal on me instead."

"Your talent is too mediocre to handle the power of the Void Cursed Seal."

The atmosphere turned awkward.

"Mr. Zabuza, let me do it. I trust Mr. Kimimaro won’t harm us. With his strength, my life is already in his hands," Haku said, breaking the tension.

"...Then I’ll leave it to you, Haku. Thank you," Zabuza conceded, realizing this was the best choice and not stopping Haku.

Haku smiled gently. "For Mr. Zabuza, nothing is too much."

The bond between the two deepened further. A single Void Cursed Seal was enough to tie them together.

Kimimaro didn’t mind keeping a few extra cards up his sleeve—it would allow him to go further. Even using underhanded methods was acceptable for this purpose.

"Receiving the Void Cursed Seal will be very painful, but it’ll only last five minutes. Bear with it," Kimimaro said as he approached Haku.

"I’m ready," Haku responded resolutely.

Kimimaro formed a sword-hand seal with his right hand and pressed it against Haku’s forehead.

In an instant, a terrifying energy surged from the seal into Haku’s forehead, spreading through his body.

"Ah!"

Haku couldn’t suppress a scream of pain, his face showing immense suffering.

Zabuza clenched his fists anxiously, breaking into a cold sweat for Haku.

Soon, Haku’s appearance began to change.

His black hair turned white, and frosty wings resembling those of a phoenix emerged from his back.

The transformation was less dramatic than Neji’s, but the aura emanating from Haku was no weaker than Neji’s in his Cursed Seal state.

"He seems more practiced at applying the seal than when he did it to me," Neji thought to himself.

As the first test subject, Neji’s process of receiving the Void Cursed Seal had been far more excruciating, a memory he preferred not to recall.

Finally, after five minutes, Haku’s screams ceased.

The seal’s power settled within him, and the frosty wings shattered and vanished. Haku’s hair returned to its natural black color.

A yin-yang taijitu mark appeared on Haku’s lower back, concealed and discreet.

"Haku, how do you feel?" Zabuza asked quickly, concerned.

"I feel great. This power… it’s incredible," Haku said, still recovering from the brief weakness but already marveling at the seal’s effects. His mastery over his Ice Release had clearly grown stronger.

"Good. That’s all that matters," Zabuza said, relieved.

With Kimimaro’s arrangements in place, the group set off for the Hidden Mist Village, while Guren departed with Yukimaru for the Hidden Sound Village.

This left only Kimimaro, Sasuke, and Neji behind.

"How was the recent battle? Did you get a glimpse of how terrifying the Tailed Beasts can be?" Kimimaro asked with a smile.

"Is that the kind of monster Naruto has inside him too?" Sasuke asked, changing the subject.

"That’s correct. But Naruto’s beast is the Nine-Tails, far stronger than the Three-Tails. It would take seven Three-Tails to match the power of the Nine-Tails. Sadly, Naruto hasn’t even mastered a seventh of its power yet."

Kimimaro explained how Tailed Beast transformations worked, with each stage being exponentially stronger than the last. Naruto hadn’t even achieved the initial transformation, let alone full Tailed Beast Mode.

Hearing this, both Sasuke and Neji were stunned.

"The Nine-Tails inside Naruto is that powerful?"

If Naruto fully mastered the most powerful Tailed Beast, it would be unimaginable strength.

"Alright, let’s not dwell on that for now. There are only three days left until the meeting at the Tenchi Bridge. We need to head there soon. The stage is set—it’s up to you to perform," Kimimaro concluded, and the group moved out.

Several hours later, Zetsu appeared on the scene.

"This should be where the Three-Tails revived. Why can’t I sense its chakra anymore? Could someone have captured it already?" Black Zetsu’s expression darkened even further.

"There’s lingering chakra here," White Zetsu noted. "One is Sasuke’s, but the others are unfamiliar. However, there are traces of Cursed Seal energy and Ice Release."

Kimimaro had deliberately masked his chakra, leaving Zetsu unable to detect his presence.

"Could it be Orochimaru? What is that man planning now?" Black Zetsu growled, his frustration mounting.

The disappearance of the Three-Tails had thrown a wrench in their plans.

"Let’s consult Tobi about this," White Zetsu suggested.

"Agreed. Orochimaru might be a significant problem if he opposes us. His power may be average, but his persistence is unbearable," Black Zetsu muttered, disappearing to seek out Tobi.

Meanwhile, Kimimaro’s group reached the Tenchi Bridge, where Orochimaru had been waiting.

"Orochimaru, here’s the Three-Tails. Before handing it over, replace the Five Elements Seal with your own to avoid exposing my chakra. Otherwise, it could lead to complications," Kimimaro said, handing Orochimaru a crystal sphere containing a miniature Three-Tails.

Orochimaru chuckled, staring at the orb. "Tailed Beasts truly are fascinating creatures. Did you know, Kimimaro, that Tailed Beasts are the only known beings capable of immortality? Even if they die, they can revive. It’s an enviable trait."

"That’s because they’re not physical entities—just masses of chakra, right?" Kimimaro speculated.

Orochimaru shook his head slightly. "They may be chakra, but they think, feel pain, learn, and can die. Why wouldn’t they count as life forms?

Chakra itself is a wondrous force. Before the Sage of Six Paths and the Tailed Beasts, chakra didn’t even exist in this world.

One day, if I can fully understand the essence of chakra, I might uncover the true secret to immortality.

I suspect immortality is closely tied to the Tailed Beasts. They’ve existed far longer than ninjas. Throughout recorded history, the Tailed Beasts have always been present as the ninja world evolved.

There are too many coincidences. Where did the Tailed Beasts come from? Where are they going? How do they cultivate themselves? Why are there exactly nine? Why is the Nine-Tails the strongest, followed by the Eight-Tails, with smaller gaps among the others?

It’s all a mystery. And I believe the Akatsuki may hold the key to solving it. Or perhaps someone within them already has. Why else would they obsess over capturing the Tailed Beasts?

What about the mysterious Gedo Statue? Why is it the vessel for the Tailed Beasts? And what happens when all nine are brought together? Don’t you find it all fascinating, Kimimaro?"

Orochimaru’s eyes glinted with fervor.

Kimimaro’s expression was blank, but his mind was racing.

As expected of Orochimaru, he had pieced together this much already. No wonder he could predict the Fourth Great Ninja War.

"Orochimaru, your thoughts are impressive. In truth, I’m equally curious about the Akatsuki’s goals, which is why I devised this plan.

The answers must lie with that masked man who claims to be Madara Uchiha," Kimimaro replied.

Chapter 228

Orochimaru and Kimimaro had an in-depth conversation about the Akatsuki organization.

Both had a deep understanding of Akatsuki.

The difference was that Orochimaru's knowledge came mostly from his investigations, while Kimimaro relied on memories from his past life.

But ultimately, their paths converged.

Both of them set their ultimate target on the masked man.

"Orochimaru-sama, after the incident at Tenchi Bridge, you'll need to make contact with the masked man. Be careful not to reveal any flaws in your act."

"Hehe, this is exactly the kind of thing I excel at. Don't worry. What concerns me more is how your relationship with Pain will proceed once our partnership inevitably breaks down."

"I’ve already thought of that. Pain is a proud person. He always believed your strength wasn't sufficient to work alongside him, so he never had much interest in you. Once I proved my strength and expressed my willingness to help him deal with the masked man, he already started treating me as an ally."

What Kimimaro didn’t mention was that he had also healed Nagato’s legs, significantly improving both Nagato and Konan's attitudes toward him.

They didn’t fully see him as a companion, but as a cooperative partner, which was more than enough.

After all, compared to Obito, Kimimaro seemed much more reliable.

"Hehe, since you're so confident, I won’t worry about it. But in your grand plan, I fear Otogakure will end up fragmented."

Kimimaro had already sent Zabuza and Haku to Kirigakure, Neji to Konoha, and Sasuke was soon to meet Itachi.

Otogakure's strong fighters were indeed being dispersed.

However, those remaining in the village weren’t weak either, and with Kabuto managing the village's affairs, everything was well-prepared.

All these steps were laying the groundwork for their next moves.

They had been lying low for three years. Now, the time had come for action.

If they didn’t act soon, Akatsuki would finish collecting the Tailed Beasts, and it would be too late to change anything.

"Doesn’t that make it more interesting?"

The two exchanged a glance and saw the same amusement in each other’s eyes.

In this world, only they truly understood each other.

After finalizing the details, they parted ways.

The next day, Konoha's squad arrived punctually at Tenchi Bridge.

"This is Tenchi Bridge. Everyone, stay on high alert. Although it’s unlikely the enemy will ambush us, it’s better to be cautious," Yamato said to the team.

"Byakugan!"

Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning the surrounding two-kilometer radius.

Three years of training had significantly enhanced her ocular prowess.

"Do you see Sasuke or Neji?" Naruto asked eagerly.

The others also looked to Hinata, awaiting her response.

"No. Within a two-kilometer radius, there are no signs of any shinobi," Hinata replied, disappointing the group.

But the next voice they heard shocked everyone.

"Still as useless as ever, Lady Hinata, even with your Byakugan."

This voice... Neji!

Tenten immediately recognized it and turned toward the source.

On the opposite side of Tenchi Bridge, Neji and Sasuke appeared before the group.

"Neji!"

"Sasuke!"

Tenten and Sakura exclaimed simultaneously, their faces filled with excitement.

"You really came!"

Naruto’s expression lit up with joy.

He had finally found Sasuke after three long years.

While the others were excited, Yamato’s face was grim.

He surveyed the surroundings cautiously, feeling an ominous tension.

This situation seemed too strange.

Among the Konoha shinobi present, only Yamato seemed to notice the oddities.

The others were either too emotionally involved or simply naive.

Hinata’s Byakugan hadn’t detected Neji or Sasuke’s approach, which meant their current abilities had grown strong enough to evade even Byakugan.

That was a dangerous sign.

If a fight broke out, it would be a significant challenge.

But Yamato could only sigh inwardly.

"Now I understand how tough it must have been for Kakashi-senpai," he thought, his respect for Kakashi growing even more.

"Neji-niisan! Come back home with us! Father misses you dearly!"

Hinata pleaded.

"Misses me? I doubt he’s had a good night's sleep since I didn’t die," Neji sneered.

"That’s not true, Neji-niisan! You’ve misunderstood Father!" Hinata quickly tried to explain, but Neji wasn’t interested in listening.

"Enough. He forced my father to his death back then. He’s my enemy now!"

"No, it’s not like that! There’s more to the story, Neji-niisan. Please give me a chance to explain!"

"Hehe, trying to fool me again? Fine. If you can defeat me, I’ll consider giving you a chance to lie to me."

Neji smirked coldly before darting off in another direction.

"Neji!"

Team Guy and Hinata immediately gave chase.

"Be careful, Guy-sensei!" Yamato called out, knowing he could only warn the strongest among them.

Meanwhile, Sasuke remained behind, his eyes fixed on Naruto and Sakura.

"Naruto, Sakura, you shouldn’t have come here," Sasuke said coldly, observing the subtle changes in them over the past three years.

"How could we not come when you’re here?" Naruto retorted bluntly.

"Sasuke-kun, leave Orochimaru! He only wants to use your body as a vessel. Staying with him is far too dangerous!" Sakura pleaded.

"So what? If it means gaining the power to avenge my clan, selling my soul is worth it. Naruto, isn’t your dream to become Hokage? Instead of wasting your time trying to bring me back, you should focus on becoming stronger."

"If I can’t even save my comrades, what right do I have to become Hokage?" Naruto’s voice was firm, his determination evident.

Sasuke’s expression wavered momentarily before he let out a cold laugh.

"Touching words, but you’re still too weak, Naruto."

In an instant, Sasuke appeared next to Naruto.

Their eyes met—Sasuke's crimson Sharingan against Naruto's clear blue gaze.

One was filled with light, the other consumed by darkness.

"So fast," Sakura muttered in shock, realizing just how vast the gap between them and Sasuke had grown.

Sasuke’s strength was far beyond their imagination.

Yamato’s face darkened as he assessed the situation.

Sasuke’s power was, at minimum, on par with his own.

Even in terms of speed, he surpassed him.

Trouble was brewing.

"Three years, and this is all you've improved? Naruto."

Sasuke's voice rang out again, snapping Naruto back to his senses.

"I know I'm not strong enough yet, but I still want to try pulling you out of the abyss of revenge. Are you truly happy, consumed by vengeance?"

"Happy? What a childish notion. Show me that incredible power inside you!"

The three tomoe of the Sharingan spun, unleashing their power!

Sasuke instantly entered Naruto's mental world.

Meanwhile, Neji led Hinata and the others several kilometers away before stopping.

"Neji! Have you really abandoned everyone?"

This time, it was Tenten who spoke up.

Seeing Neji's completely changed demeanor, she felt a deep pain in her heart.

The Neji who seemed cold on the outside but genuinely cared for his companions seemed to have disappeared.

The Neji before her now had only the icy, emotionless gaze of the Byakugan, with none of his former warmth.

Could it all really be in the past?

Tenten couldn’t accept this reality.

"Neji! Do you know how much Tenten suffered after you left? Why did you leave the village? Is Orochimaru's Sound Village really that enticing?"

Lee couldn’t hold back and shouted loudly.

Neji looked at them and said, "Words are meaningless. As I’ve said before, defeat me, and we can talk about anything. Come on, show me how much you've grown in these three years."

"Neji! You've let me down so much! Everyone came all this way to find you, and this is your attitude? It seems as your teacher, I need to let you taste the iron fist of my youth first!"

Unable to hold back, Guy launched himself like a cannonball toward Neji, with a punch of immense speed and power.

Yet Neji didn’t dodge or block, as if the attack was beneath his notice.

Just as the punch was about to land, a white figure suddenly appeared, effortlessly catching the powerful blow.

"Guy-sensei, this is a matter between the younger generation. You shouldn’t interfere. If you’re itching for a fight, I’ll gladly spar with you."

The newcomer was none other than Kimimaro. Guy’s overwhelming strength couldn’t be allowed to disrupt the scene.

During the Konoha Crush, Kimimaro had already faced Guy's Morning Peacock. This time, he wanted to experience the taste of the Afternoon Tiger.

Guy was surprised to see his punch blocked so easily but soon his eyes burned with fighting spirit.

"Then let me show you the power of the Blue Beast of the Leaf! Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"

Guy spun into a powerful reverse kick aimed at Kimimaro!

Kimimaro crossed his arms to block, but the force of the kick sent him flying several meters.

Guy's kick was incredibly powerful, its impact capable of shattering rocks.

Even Kimimaro had to use deflection techniques to disperse the force. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have avoided pain.

"Guy’s strength has improved compared to three years ago," Kimimaro thought to himself.

"Bring it on!"

Guy continued his taijutsu assault, clashing with Kimimaro.

For a while, their attacks were evenly matched, neither gaining the upper hand.

"Kimimaro is incredibly strong to be able to fight Guy-sensei on even footing," Lee thought, stunned.

Of everyone present, Lee knew best how formidable Might Guy was.

If Lee himself faced an assault like that, he wouldn’t last ten moves.

But Kimimaro intercepted every punch and kick with ease, showing no sign of falling behind.

Just this alone proved Kimimaro’s strength was far beyond Lee's.

Lee realized again the terror of true geniuses—those even more frightening than Neji.

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on such thoughts. With Kimimaro holding back Guy, the task of dealing with Neji fell to them.

"Neji, now it’s our turn."

Lee’s eyes burned with determination as he readied himself for battle.

"You were never my match, and that hasn’t changed. Or have you mastered the Eight Gates to their peak?" Neji sneered.

"I haven’t mastered the Eight Gates, but that doesn’t diminish my determination to pull you out of the darkness. Neji, take this! Every punch from now on is the result of my training to defeat you! Gate of Life, open!"

Lee instantly opened the Third Gate, releasing a green energy aura.

Neji’s eyes narrowed, carefully observing Lee’s transformation.

Compared to three years ago, Lee had become adept at controlling the Eight Gates, opening the Third Gate as easily as eating or drinking.

"Lee has indeed improved," Neji thought, though his face remained icy cold.

"Do you really think just three gates are enough to face me, Lee? You underestimate me."

"Of course, that’s not all! Fourth Gate of Pain, open! Fifth Gate of Limit, open!"

Lee opened two more gates, his aura growing even more fearsome.

Five Gates!

This was his peak during his battle with Gaara years ago.

But now, this was on a completely different level. Lee had mastered the power, using it seamlessly without the struggles of the past.

With the power of five gates, Lee’s strength surged as he charged Neji!

The real battle was just beginning.

Tenten wasn’t idle. She clutched two scrolls filled with weapons, ready to strike at the right moment.

Three years ago, Tenten had trained alongside Neji and knew how terrifying his Byakugan was. Ordinary weapons couldn’t touch him.

If it was impossible before, it was even more so now.

She had to wait for the perfect chance to act.

"Tenten, I’ll help you find an opening to attack Neji," Hinata said softly, noticing Tenten’s intentions.

"Thanks, Hinata," Tenten replied, accepting her help.

With Hinata’s Byakugan locking onto weaknesses, Tenten’s chances of success would greatly improve.

For three years, Hinata had often joined Team Guy as a temporary member, so her coordination with Tenten was already seamless.

"Leaf Great Whirlwind!"

In his Five Gates state, Lee moved with incredible speed, managing to push Neji back for the first time.

Lee’s kick forced Neji to block with his arm, sending him skidding backward several meters.

"Twin Rising Dragons!"

Following Hinata’s guidance, Tenten sprang into action.

The scrolls unfurled like twin dragons, surrounding her as she unleashed a barrage of weapons at Neji.

Hinata’s voice called out constantly, guiding the attacks to strike at Neji’s most vulnerable points.

With Lee pinning him down and Tenten attacking from range under Hinata’s direction, the three worked together with remarkable synergy.

Seeing this, Neji couldn’t help but smile faintly, though it was almost imperceptible.

"Everyone really has grown a lot," he thought with quiet satisfaction.

But he soon retaliated.

"Rotation!"

A massive blue chakra shield erupted around Neji, deflecting all incoming attacks.

Chapter 229

As Neji activated Rotation, the terrifying aspect of his absolute defense immediately became evident.

The ninja tools were completely ineffective against Neji in this state.

Tenten was well aware of this fact.

She had been by Neji's side when he first developed Rotation.

Because of this, she knew exactly where the strengths and weaknesses of the technique lay.

The biggest issue with Rotation was its duration.

Although the duration could vary depending on the user's skill, it couldn’t be maintained indefinitely.

Three years ago, Neji could only sustain Rotation for ten seconds.

Even with significant improvement, he still couldn’t keep it active forever.

The moment to strike Neji would be the instant Rotation began to slow down.

Tenten's attacks were relentless, continuous, and unending.

The ninja tools in her two scrolls were more than enough to sustain her assault for ten minutes.

In her mind, no matter how much of a genius Neji was, it was impossible for him to develop Rotation to surpass that time limit.

At this moment, Konoha's wealthiest kunoichi showed the full extent of her financial power.

While a single ninja tool might not be worth much, the sheer volume and variety of weapons she used could buy a small estate in Konoha.

Before long, Neji was surrounded by a mountain of weapons, resembling an armory.

"Tenten’s attacks have become so... brutal," Rock Lee muttered as he watched, having activated five of the Eight Gates. He couldn’t help but gulp.

It wasn’t hunger—it was envy.

Hinata, keeping her eyes on Neji's movements, suddenly shouted two minutes later, "Neji’s slowing down! Based on his movements, there will be an opening on his right shoulder in three seconds!"

As the heiress of the Hyūga Clan, Hinata hadn’t yet mastered Rotation, but she had learned its principles and witnessed countless demonstrations of it.

With the insight from her Byakugan, she could predict Neji's next move.

This was her role in the battle.

Hearing her, Tenten and Rock Lee immediately prepared to act.

Three seconds. The opening was upon them in the blink of an eye.

"Konoha Gale!"

Rock Lee charged first, delivering an upward kick that landed squarely on Neji’s slowing right shoulder.

The attack hit its mark!

Neji seemed caught off guard, launched into the air by the force of the kick.

Rock Lee crouched, frog-like, then leaped with explosive speed, closing the distance to Neji in midair.

His arm bandages unraveled, shooting out toward Neji, ready to bind him.

But at that moment, Neji reacted. With a powerful right punch, he aimed to disperse the approaching bandages with a gust of wind from his strike.

Just then, Tenten’s attack arrived.

"Fireball Bomb!"

Although Tenten couldn’t use Fire Release techniques, her storage scrolls could hold virtually anything.

A flaming sphere shot out of her scroll, hurtling toward Neji.

The duo’s coordination was flawless, neutralizing Neji’s counterattack.

The fireball didn’t completely cancel out the gust from Neji’s punch, but it weakened its force enough.

This brief stalemate was all it took for Rock Lee’s bandages to fully bind Neji’s movements!

"Hidden Lotus!"

With Neji restrained, Rock Lee unleashed an explosive flurry of attacks from every direction, moving at terrifying speeds.

For a moment, Neji became nothing more than a punching bag under Rock Lee’s relentless assault.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

One punch after another, Rock Lee seemed to vent years of frustration on Neji, pummeling him without mercy.

Tenten and Hinata could only watch in shock.

"Lee’s attacks are so intense! Can Neji handle this?"

"Brother Neji…"

Finally, Rock Lee grabbed the end of the bandages and focused all his strength into his right fist.

"This is the final blow! Neji, come back to us!"

With that, Rock Lee threw his punch.

But just as his iron fist was about to land, a hand emerged from within the bandages.

Rock Lee’s punch was caught mid-air by Neji’s palm.

Boom!

The bandages tore apart instantly.

Neji stood revealed, seemingly unscathed.

Despite the relentless barrage of attacks moments ago, he showed no signs of injury.

"What?!"

Rock Lee was stunned.

"Lee, you’ve grown stronger," Neji said coldly. "But I’ve told you before, you can never defeat me. Even if you’ve mastered the Eight Gates, the outcome won’t change. From the very beginning, your destiny has been to lose to me."

"Humans cannot defy fate—just as you cannot defy me."

A smirk appeared on Neji’s face as he thrust his left palm forward.

"Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!"

The devastating attack, launched from point-blank range, sent Rock Lee flying several meters away, blood spilling from his mouth.

"Lee!"

Tenten and Hinata rushed over in panic.

A moment ago, they had thought Rock Lee might incapacitate Neji.

But now, it was clear they had underestimated Neji’s terrifying strength.

He had long surpassed the realm of ordinary shinobi his age.

The two hurried to Lee’s side. Hinata immediately offered to heal him, but he refused.

"Lee, let me treat you! That Air Palm broke several of your ribs," Hinata pleaded.

"I know, but now isn’t the time," Rock Lee replied, wiping the blood from his mouth as he gazed at Neji.

"Neji… you’re still so strong. It’s clear you’ve worked tirelessly over these past three years. But I haven’t been idle either.

"I’ve trained harder than ever to bring you back. Lady Tsunade even prepared special strengthening tonics for me.

"I won’t give up here—not for the people who helped me, nor for you!"

Taking a deep breath, Rock Lee shouted, "Sixth Gate, Gate of Joy—open!"

A more ferocious energy surged from his body.

The Sixth Gate!

Neji’s pupils narrowed. He hadn’t expected Lee to unlock another gate within three years.

"Unbelievable…"

No, Rock Lee was a true prodigy of taijutsu. This level of mastery couldn’t be attributed to mere effort.

"Lee, stop!" Tenten cried. "Guy-sensei said you’re not ready to use that technique yet!"

But Lee wasn’t listening.

This was his only chance to match Neji.

"I have no choice, Tenten. For Neji’s sake, I must give it everything I’ve got. This is also my best opportunity to prove myself to him!"

The green energy around him grew even more chaotic.

"Lee…" Tenten’s eyes filled with emotion, torn between worry for both Lee and Neji.

The next attack would be no joke.

Even Kimimaro, locked in a taijutsu clash with Guy, noticed the shift in energy.

"That’s… Morning Peacock? To think Rock Lee has already mastered the Sixth Gate. He’s stronger than in the original timeline," Kimimaro thought, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

At this age, with such strength, Rock Lee’s talent for taijutsu was undeniable.

He was born for it.

One day, surpassing Might Guy might not be impossible.

The Green Beast of Konoha had found a worthy successor.

Chapter 230

"Morning Peacock!"

Lee launched his ultimate attack, clenching his fists and swinging them rapidly.

Punch after punch flew out, each accompanied by bursts of crimson flames.

The flames resembled a peacock spreading its feathers—dazzling and mesmerizing—but brimming with deadly intent.

Neji, seeing this, could no longer maintain his earlier composure.

Lee's ultimate technique posed a significant threat to him.

"Curse Mark: Release!"

The power of the curse mark spread through Neji's body in an instant, transforming him drastically.

His body became clad in white robes, and a V-shaped bone-like headpiece tightly encased his forehead.

In mere moments, his strength surged to an entirely new level.

"Eight Trigrams Consecutive Palms!"

The moment the curse mark activated, Neji unleashed rapid palm strikes.

Each strike manifested as a blue chakra palm imprint, shooting toward the fiery punches Lee hurled.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The fiery fists clashed against the blue palm strikes, resulting in deafening explosions.

In an instant, the area filled with smoke and dust, obscuring the battlefield.

Yet, the continuous sound of blows indicated that the fight was far from over.

"Hinata, what's happening?"

Tenten, unable to see through the dust cloud, anxiously turned to Hinata, who had activated her Byakugan.

Hinata's eyes remained fixed on the fight, clearly shaken by what she witnessed.

"Lee and Neji are evenly matched. Neji's chakra suddenly increased dramatically, but it feels completely different from his usual chakra—similar to the curse mark Orochimaru gave Sasuke."

"What?! A curse mark? That explains Neji's transformation! Damn it! That snake bastard! How could he do this to Neji?"

Tenten's heart filled with fury as she cursed Orochimaru for what he had done to Neji.

Unbeknownst to her, Orochimaru had unwittingly earned blame for yet another misdeed.

Lee's Morning Peacock attack finally reached its limit, but he was still unable to defeat Neji, growing more frustrated by the second.

"Why?! Why can't I beat Neji even with this power?"

After opening the Sixth Gate of the Eight Gates, Lee had felt as though he’d brushed against the threshold of Kage-level strength. To him, it was an unparalleled power.

Yet, he hadn’t anticipated that Neji had already achieved Kage-level abilities.

The gap between them was beyond what the Sixth Gate could close.

"Lee, this ends here."

Neji dispersed the last of the flames with a palm strike, placing his right hand directly in front of Lee.

Those pale, emotionless eyes now seemed to hold a glimmer of warmth and solace.

Lee, ever perceptive, caught this subtle change immediately.

A wave of joy surged through him.

He knew that this expression meant Neji hadn’t truly abandoned the Leaf Village or their bond as comrades.

Something else was going on—there had to be a reason Neji chose to stay with Orochimaru.

"Neji! You..."

Lee tried to speak, but Neji's palm strike flared with power once again.

"Pressure Point Strike!"

The powerful technique targeted Lee’s chakra points, instantly cutting off his flow of chakra and closing all six opened gates.

"Ugh..."

Lee let out a muffled groan and collapsed, powerless, onto the ground.

"Lee!"

As the dust settled, Tenten and Hinata rushed forward to catch Lee, one on each side, helping him up.

"You’re still such a weakling," Neji said coldly.

"Neji! How can you say that about Lee? Do you know how hard he’s worked to save you?!"

Tenten’s voice trembled with anger and sorrow.

"Lee’s training has always been relentless, but ever since you left, he’s doubled his efforts! If not for Lady Tsunade regularly healing him, he would’ve ruined his body by now. Thanks to that, he finally unlocked the Sixth Gate. But you! You..."

Tenten’s words trailed off into grief. The Neji she loved couldn’t possibly be this cruel.

For a brief moment, Neji’s eyes flashed with hesitation, but he quickly regained his cold demeanor.

"If all that effort only got him this far, it just means his talent is lacking. And for the record, I never asked any of you to come find me. Everything you’ve done is pointless."

"Neji-nii-san, saying such things to Lee is too much," Hinata chimed in, unable to remain silent any longer.

"Hmph. That’s just how I treat failures," Neji replied, his tone devoid of emotion, as if the warmth he’d shown moments earlier had been a mere illusion.

"No... that's not true... Tenten, Hinata, I can tell—Neji’s still the same person he was before."

Lee, slowly regaining consciousness, spoke weakly.

His words startled both Tenten and Hinata, while Neji frowned, almost deliberately.

Lee lifted his head, his gaze steady and full of determination as he looked at Neji.

"Neji didn’t want to kill me. He didn’t even want to hurt me. I could tell he was proud of the strength I’ve gained. Deep down, he’s still our comrade—Hyuga Neji."

"Lee, is that true?"

Tenten, who had almost given up hope in Neji, now clung to this newfound possibility.

In her heart, Neji couldn’t possibly be this heartless person before her.

"It’s true!"

Lee nodded firmly, as if affirming it to himself as well.

"Neji, what are you trying to do? Can’t you just tell us? The Leaf is different now. Lady Tsunade is a great Hokage. If what you’re aiming for doesn’t harm the village, I’m sure she’d support you."

Lee’s voice carried conviction. After years of being under Tsunade’s care, he had come to admire her deeply. Compared to the Third Hokage, she seemed far more reliable and compassionate.

He truly believed Tsunade would help Neji achieve his goals.

Neji remained silent.

At that moment, a loud crash echoed as a green-clad figure plummeted from the sky, landing before them with a heavy thud.

It was Might Guy!

Bruised and battered, he had been kicked down by Kimimaro.

"You’re stronger than I expected. That mysterious Kaguya clan member from the Chunin Exams was already tough, but you’re on another level," Guy said, panting.

He failed to connect Kimimaro to the earlier Kaguya clan fighter, having always been notoriously face-blind.

Even Kisame’s distinctive appearance hadn’t left a lasting impression—only Kakashi’s face ever stuck in his memory.

"Guy-sensei!"

Lee and the others were stunned to see Guy in such a state.

"Don’t worry about me. This one’s mine. Sixth Gate: Open!"

Guy pushed his limits, unleashing the Sixth Gate again to take on Kimimaro.

"Finally, something interesting," Kimimaro remarked with a slight smile as the fight resumed.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru appeared, his sinister presence filling the air.

"Heh, Neji, you’re too soft. Wasting this much time on three small fry?"

Orochimaru’s icy voice and terrifying aura sent chills down Tenten and Hinata’s spines.

"Lord Orochimaru, I wasn’t wasting time. I just felt they were too weak to be worth killing."

Neji immediately denied the accusation.

"So that's how it is. I actually think you'll only truly say goodbye to the past if you kill them."

Orochimaru looked at Neji with amusement, then shifted his gaze to Tenten and the others.

"Orochimaru! Don't even think about controlling Neji! We won’t let you succeed!"

Tenten shouted angrily.

"Heh, what an interesting little girl. You must be Neji's former teammate, right? Neji, go ahead. Kill them and prove your heart is no longer with Konoha. Only then can you fully commit to destroying Konoha and avenging your father."

Orochimaru's words, like a devil's whisper, continuously strengthened Neji's murderous intent.

"Kill!"

As Neji spat out that word filled with killing intent, the last traces of hesitation in his eyes gradually disappeared.

"Brother Neji! It was all a misunderstanding! Konoha and the Hyuga Clan didn’t kill Uncle Hizashi."

Hinata tried again to reason with him.

"Stop lying! I’ll start with you, Hyuga princess!"

Neji swiftly closed the distance and struck with a palm attack.

He moved so fast that Hinata couldn’t react. His palm landed directly on the chakra point in front of her chest.

Thud!

A mouthful of blood spurted from her lips, splattering onto the ground in crimson blossoms. Some even landed on Neji’s face.

The sight of blood brought Neji back to his senses.

"Hinata!"

Tenten and Lee were both shocked and tried to step forward, but Orochimaru’s overwhelming aura immobilized them.

"You’re not going anywhere," Orochimaru said, smirking. "This is a crucial moment for Neji—his chance for transformation."

Orochimaru licked his lips, his gaze drifting toward Kimimaro, who was battling Guy in the distance.

"Kimimaro, you’ve got quite the twisted sense of humor. Even if you wanted Neji to regain Konoha’s trust, you didn’t have to stage this whole sibling and teammate betrayal drama. Neji’s performance has already gone beyond acting—he’s completely immersed in the role."

Orochimaru thought to himself.

Indeed, all of this was part of Kimimaro's plan. Neji was following Kimimaro’s script, but it seemed he had taken it too far and was fully absorbed in the act.

Cough... cough... "Brother Neji... I know you bear a deep grudge against the main house and think Uncle Hizashi’s death was forced upon him. But it’s not true… This was given to me by my father when I left the village. He said this scroll was Uncle Hizashi’s last message to you. Once you see it, you’ll understand everything."

Using her bloodied right hand, Hinata pulled a scroll from her tool pouch. Neji’s expression grew complicated as he accepted it.

He slowly unrolled the scroll, which indeed contained Hizashi’s handwriting. It explained that he had willingly sacrificed himself for his brother, not because he was forced to.

Hizashi’s decision wasn’t driven by the branch-main house system but by his deep love and respect for his elder brother. He willingly chose to die so Hiashi could live.

"It was family, not rules," Neji murmured, momentarily dazed.

"Brother Neji… Father said that no matter what you’ve done, as long as you’re willing to come back, the Hyuga Clan will always welcome you home..."

After saying these words, Hinata, severely injured, could no longer stand and began to collapse.

But the expected pain of hitting the ground never came. Instead, she felt someone catch her.

The one who caught her was Neji.

"Brother Neji..."

Hinata forced a faint smile, knowing that Neji had finally returned.

"I’m sorry, Lady Hinata. I shouldn’t have hurt you."

Neji’s tone softened significantly.

"It’s okay, Brother Neji..."

Tears welled up in Hinata’s eyes. They had succeeded.

"Neji, what are you doing?"

Orochimaru realized it was time for him to step in as the villain. His voice carried an icy edge.

"Orochimaru, I’m grateful for the care you’ve shown me these past three years. But now, I want to make my own decisions. My father’s dying wish was for me to support the Hyuga Clan. I can’t let him remain uneasy in the afterlife."

Neji spoke with determination.

"What a foolish notion. Do you really think Konoha will take you back now?"

Orochimaru’s words turned colder.

"They will," Neji replied, unleashing his own powerful aura. The clash of their energy instantly filled the space.

Tenten and Lee, previously paralyzed by Orochimaru’s presence, regained their ability to move.

Seeing Neji turn back, both of them were overjoyed, though Hinata’s injuries worried them.

Neji flicked a finger, releasing chakra that unblocked Lee’s internal flow. In a low voice, he said, "Lee, Tenten, take Lady Hinata and leave. I’ll handle Orochimaru."

"No, I’m staying to fight with you! This time, I won’t let you face a powerful enemy alone!"

Lee refused to leave, unlocking the Sixth Gate once again.

Neji smiled. "Alright, we’ll fight together."

"The old Team Guy can’t reunite without me!" Tenten said, pulling out her weapons. But Neji’s next words crushed her hopes.

"Tenten, take care of Lady Hinata. Her injuries need immediate attention. You know what to do."

Realizing the truth of his words, Tenten reluctantly abandoned the idea of joining the fight. This was not a battle she could handle.

"Neji, you’ve disappointed me. Fine. Let me see how much you’ve improved over these three years!"

Orochimaru sneered, and the battle was about to begin.

Meanwhile, the fight between Kimimaro and Guy had reached a fever pitch.

Noticing Neji’s situation, Guy flashed a dazzling smile.

"Hinata and the others succeeded in bringing Neji back. You’ve lost, Kimimaro!"

"Losing Neji isn’t a big deal. Defeating you is enough," Kimimaro replied calmly. "Konoha’s Blue Beast, you’ve already used Morning Peacock. What else do you have left?"

After dispersing the flames of Morning Peacock, Kimimaro stood composed.

"What a tough opponent," Guy said. "In that case, I’ll try this! Seventh Gate—Gate of Wonder, open!"

Blue steam burst from Guy’s body.

"Here it comes!" Kimimaro prepared himself as Guy unleashed the ultimate Seventh Gate technique.

Daytime Tiger!