The next day, Ren left the Senju clan's territory alone and headed toward the Uzumaki clan.
Before collecting the tailed beasts, he needed to obtain the Nine-Tails' power.
With the Nine-Tails' perception, his efficiency would definitely double.
But for now, he didn't know how to gain its trust.
The beast acted as if it didn't care, letting Ren strike it freely.
Ren wondered if he had to truly unleash murderous intent to succeed.
While thinking this, he sensed a group approaching him.
It seemed they were actively seeking him out.
This also indicated they had strong sensory abilities, so Ren didn't hide.
Soon, they made contact, and Ren realized it was a Hyuga team.
They all wore white cloths on their foreheads.
Because the Byakugan's adaptability was much higher than the Sharingan's, many people targeted the Hyuga to obtain it.
To protect the Byakugan, the Hyuga clan had developed the Caged Bird Seal.
Over time, the technique became twisted.
The main family used it to consolidate their position, while the branch families gradually grew to resent them, though they dared not show it.
"Damn, it's Uzumaki Ren! Let's get out of here."
One Hyuga hurriedly fled, surrendering before the fight even began.
Ren looked at the other two.
One was a girl with a gloomy expression, and the other a pale-faced boy.
"Uzumaki Ren, we want your help," the Hyuga girl said after the other ran away.
"Oh?" Ren gestured for her to continue.
The boy's eyes were full of determination, as if failure would mean death.
"Uzumaki Ren, you've studied the Caged Bird Seal, right? We want freedom," the girl said clearly.
She thought this because during the war, many clan members who ventured outside were captured.
All signs pointed to the Uzumaki clan.
When the main family suddenly became enraged and further developed the Caged Bird Seal, she realized someone had found a way to break it.
And that person was likely an Uzumaki.
If she wanted to know who it was, Ren was the most probable.
His reputation preceded him—he was the Uzumaki clan's strongest genius, skilled in all sealing techniques.
Combined with his power, he was the obvious choice.
Some branch families dissatisfied with the main family had their own ways to contact the Uzumaki clan.
But clearly, approaching the wrong person meant death at the hands of the main family.
"It seems you are from a branch family. Did the main family send you?" Ren asked.
He had captured some Hyuga before to study them.
As the Uzumaki's all-around sealing master, he had figured out the Caged Bird Seal using two Hyuga as subjects and even developed a way to break it.
"The main family indeed sent us to investigate the Uzumaki clan, but they secretly redeveloped the Caged Bird Seal. We had our own reasons for gathering this information," the girl replied after thinking for a moment.
"Impressive courage. I do know how to undo the Caged Bird Seal, but I don't see why I should help you," Ren said with a smile.
The boy tugged at the girl, already wanting to leave. He didn't think they had the ability to persuade the other side.
"Lord Ren, since you've studied it in depth, it means you have some thoughts about the Hyuga clan. We can provide all the information we know." The girl didn't mind betraying the Hyuga clan.
Freedom was truly important to them.
"Hmph, I don't really have any particular thoughts, but your persistence has moved me." Ren indeed had no real interest in the Hyuga clan.
Originally, he had only been curious about studying various sealing techniques. The Hyuga's "Caged Bird Seal" seal intrigued him, so he studied it.
"Thank you so much, Lord Ren. I am Hyuga Akie, and this is my younger brother, Hyuga Akisuke." Hyuga Akie was very happy and hurriedly pulled her younger brother along to express her gratitude.
"Don't rush to thank me yet. Once I remove it, you will become targets for other ninja clans. You must know their attitude toward the Byakugan, right?" Ren warned.
"Lord Ren, we can't go back anyway. We are willing to serve by your side." Hyuga Akie had made up her mind.
Once freed from the Caged Bird Seal, it would be a clear betrayal to the Hyuga clan. With other clans watching closely, they needed protection.
"Good, just in time. I need your help with something." Ren thought of his upcoming search for the tailed beasts. With the Byakugan's tracking ability, it would be faster.
Hyuga Akie let out a sigh of relief. She had researched Ren. Half a month ago, he had defeated the leading figure of the Uchiha clan. She had worried that Ren might not need them.
"Come here." Ren first removed the white cloth from her forehead, revealing the Caged Bird Seal mark, then began directly: "Release."
The mark on Hyuga Akie's forehead slowly faded, and her vision became complete, without blind spots.
She realized she had successfully broken free from the Caged Bird Seal, but hadn't expected Ren to undo it so easily.
Then, Ren did the same for Hyuga Akisuke. Unlike his sister, he didn't show much emotion, but he silently vowed to repay Ren in the future.
"Alright, I need to return briefly to the Uzumaki clan's territory. Wait for me outside." Ren quickly explained his plans.
"Lord Ren, what should we do next?" Hyuga Akie asked curiously.
"Have you ever sensed a massive chakra before?" Ren asked in return.
"Yes. On past outings, we noticed an unusually large chakra, but we didn't dare approach it." Hyuga Akie thought for a moment and replied.
"That's the kind of presence I'm targeting." Ren smiled.
The Hyuga siblings swallowed nervously. Because of their sensory skills, they could sense the tailed beast's chakra—it was immense and unbeatable.
And yet, Ren's target was it. It was unbelievable.
"If you don't want to come, you can leave. This is just a solution I came up with on a whim in exchange to free you from the Caged Bird Seal. I have no ill intentions toward the Hyuga," Ren said sincerely.
"Lord Ren, the freedom I have is given by you. I am willing to follow you," Hyuga Akie quickly said. Hyuga Akisuke stood behind Ren, showing his own determination.
Ren frowned. "You've only escaped one cage to jump into another, invisible one."
The Hyuga siblings fell silent. They had escaped the Caged Bird Seal, but now they had to be careful of other ninja clans watching them.
For their own safety, they relied on Ren and worked for him.
Could this really be called freedom?
Ren ignored them and headed toward the Uzumaki clan's territory. The siblings exchanged a glance and then followed his steps.
Back at the clan.
"Ren, you're back! Come quickly, we need to discuss the new clan leader," Uzumaki Ashina greeted him immediately.
"Father, no rush. I plan to go out for a while, to see the ninja world," Ren replied.
"Go out?" Uzumaki Ashina was curious. Ren rarely left the village.
After thinking of an excuse, Ren said, "Yes, I plan to collect some jutsu."
"Is that so? How long will you be gone?" Uzumaki Ashina asked, frowning.
"A year, I think," Ren said cautiously, considering travel and searching time.
"A whole year!?" Uzumaki Ashina looked displeased.
"I'll inherit the clan leadership when I return," Ren compromised.
"Alright." Uzumaki Ashina agreed immediately, giving Ren no chance to back out.
**********
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