Neji Hyūga took a look at the huge Hyuga clan. In fact, he quite understood Sasuke's thoughts. Staying within the clan provided an unparalleled sense of security. However, how can a ninja stand atop the clouds without going through hardships!
Moreover, Neji Hyūga's dream was to unite the Hyuga main family and the branch family, eliminating the rift between them once and for all.
Even if it were for no other reason, just for this goal, his current strength was far from the level that would gain the recognition of all clan members.
It was time to leave.
"Uncle Hiashi, after much thought during this period, I've decided. I plan to go out alone to the outside world for cultivation," Neji Hyūga said.
"What? Neji Hyūga, this is so sudden. I've never heard you mention it before," Hiashi replied.
"Yes, I just suddenly made up my mind," Neji Hyūga affirmed.
Hiashi looked into Neji Hyūga's determined eyes and knew he couldn't stop him.
"You're already grown up, and I'm sure you have your own ideas. Go ahead and cultivate alone with confidence. I'll talk to Lady Tsunade and the Konoha higher - ups for you," Hiashi said.
"Thank you, uncle," Neji Hyūga thanked.
Seeing Neji Hyūga's smile, Hiashi also smiled contentedly. He owed this child too much and would try his best to fulfill all his requests.
............
"Neji Hyūga, are you really sure about this? Rock Lee and Tenten will be sad when you leave," Teacher Gai said.
"Teacher Gai, both Rock Lee and Tenten have their own dreams. We can't always stay together. Life is so long, and even the closest friend will have to part ways. I'm setting off on a journey to find the answers I seek. They'll understand me," Neji Hyūga explained.
"Ah, Teacher doesn't want to stop you, but at least you should say goodbye to them," Teacher Gai suggested.
Neji Hyūga smiled and shook his head.
"No, partings are too sad. I'm afraid I'll cry," Neji Hyūga said.
Gai was more shocked by these words than by the fact that Neji Hyūga was going out alone.
This young boy, although being gifted since childhood, had an awkward and sensitive status in the clan and had endured countless cold looks within the family.
Perhaps Neji Hyūga himself didn't realize that he had built a high wall in his heart and never wanted to make deep connections with others. This was the first time Gai had heard Neji Hyūga show such vulnerability.
Maybe he had really grown up.
Willing to share the softest and most vulnerable part of his heart with his teacher, thinking of this, Gai was deeply touched, and tears streamed down his face like a waterfall.
(crying)
"Go, Young boy Neji Hyūga, pursue your dreams. As your teacher, I'll always support you from behind," Gai encouraged.
Seeing Gai's reaction, Neji Hyūga didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Teacher Gai, stop crying. It's embarrassing with so many people on the street," Neji Hyūga said.
..............
Carrying his luggage on his back, Neji Hyūga left alone in a cool manner. There were two purposes behind this journey he embarked on.
On one hand, He wanted to unlock the seal on his forehead, completely break free from the shackles of the main family, and make the Byakugan a truly powerful weapon with a 360 - degree field of vision. On the other hand, he planned to travel around the world to find a way to evolve the Byakugan.
Before leaving the village, He took one last look at the peaceful and serene scenery and firmly engraved it in his heart.
..............
By now, among the twelve Genin from Konoha who participated in the Chunin Exams, one was promoted to Chunin, one defected, and two left to find their own ways of cultivation.
.............
"Still worried about Sasuke, Itachi?"
"Father..."
Itachi lowered his head, not daring to meet his father's eyes. He knew that Sasuke had left because of his illness. He didn't want his younger brother, his only brother, to bear the stigma of being a Rogue Ninja.
"Itachi, you're always like this, always trying to shoulder all the problems alone. Sasuke has even learned from you."
"Father?"
"As parents, we've been helplessly watching our son's body deteriorate day by day, with no idea what to do. But Sasuke, that boy, didn't give up. He tried every method he could think of to save you. So don't be so sad. You should be happy to have such a loving and caring brother."
Itachi finally looked up at his parents. It turned out they didn't blame him.
"Itachi, you have to cheer up. For Sasuke's sake, you mustn't lose to this illness."
"Yeah."
Just as he loved his family deeply, they loved him too. No matter how much the illness tormented him, he wouldn't give up from now on.
..............
"Hurry up, Perverted Hermit. If you keep dawdling like this, when will we reach the next destination?"
The Perverted Hermit was a bit annoyed. He wasn't this kid's babysitter, yet he was being bossed around by Naruto all day.
Previously, he went to great lengths to take the kid for cultivation, but Naruto refused. Now, he was almost dragging him continuously on the path of cultivation.
"Hey, Naruto, have you really thought this through?"
"What? Are you listening to the nonsense you're spouting?"
"I don't mean that. I'm just thinking that maybe you were hit too hard by Sasuke's departure. I don't know how to put it, but I feel like you've matured a lot since I last saw you."
Naruto stopped walking and turned around. He looked at Jiraiya with his deep blue, ocean - and - sky - like eyes.
"Hey, Perverted Hermit, I want to ask you a question. When Orochimaru left the village and you couldn't stop him, what were you really thinking?"
?_?
Seriously, why did this topic suddenly shift to him? It had been so many years since him and Orochimaru. He'd long forgotten how he'd felt back then.
But even he couldn't believe such a lie.
"Sad, powerless, defeated."
"We're childhood friends who grew up together, but somehow, at some point in life, our paths diverged and we chose different directions."
"Perverted Hermit..."
"I once thought that no matter what means I used, I had to correct Orochimaru's twisted personality. But as time passed, I finally realized that I'd become an old man in my fifties, and this regret seemed to fade away imperceptibly."
Jiraiya looked up at Naruto, who was standing still on the spot.
"What's wrong? Are you disappointed in me, brat? But that's the truth. Time can really fade a lot of things. Even if you make earth - shattering vows now, they'll all be gradually forgotten as time passes."
..............
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