371. We Are Back

"The Caged Bird, release!"

As Danzō completed the extremely complex hand seals, the seal he called "Flying Bird" was finally completed.

At that moment, the green seal that had imprisoned Hizashi's forehead like a cage dissolved into the air like water.

The shackles that had been embedded in the souls of the Hyūga branch family were finally severed by Danzō's blade!

"Success!"


Seeing Hizashi's clean forehead, Shisui, standing nearby, couldn't help but clench his fist in excitement.

Though both were from prestigious clans, the Uchiha had always looked down on the Hyūga's method of controlling their clan members through the Caged Bird Seal.

The Uchiha revered strength above all.

If you were strong enough to defeat everyone in the clan, you were the rightful leader.

If anyone dared to imitate the Hyūga's hereditary main and branch family system, they would face immediate rebellion.

Thus, Shisui was genuinely happy to see Hizashi take this historic step with Danzō's help.

However, even though the Caged Bird Seal had been successfully removed, Danzō's work was far from over.

In the next moment, he summoned the King of Hell, representing the Hell Path.

Under Danzō's control, the King of Hell opened its mouth wide.


A familiar scene unfolded as a slimy, crimson tongue shot out, its hand-like tip grabbing Hizashi and pulling him into its mouth.

Though he had seen this scene multiple times, Shisui couldn't help but shiver.

Fortunately, while the process was unsettling, the King of Hell's healing effect was undeniable.

As it chewed, the chakra and life force Danzō had absorbed earlier began to flow back into Hizashi's body.

With a loud thump, Hizashi's heart restarted, marking the perfect success of Danzō's surgery!

It also signified the end of the Hyūga main family's absolute control over the branch family!

——————

When Hizashi opened his eyes again, he saw Danzō and Shisui looking at him.

Danzō's expression was as calm as ever, while Shisui wore a gentle smile.

This scene immediately made Hizashi realize something, and his heart swelled with excitement.

He couldn't help but reach up to touch his forehead.

Seeing this, Shisui smiled softly and handed him a mirror he had prepared earlier.


"I think you need this right now."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Hizashi took the mirror without even thanking Shisui and eagerly looked at his reflection.

When he saw his forehead, clean for the first time in decades, it felt as if a mountain that had been pressing on him for years had finally been lifted.

He was like a bird that had been caged for decades, finally breaking free and spreading its wings to soar into the blue sky!

Unconsciously, tears streamed down his face.

He instinctively covered his face, not wanting to expose such an unseemly side to others.

After all, the Hyūga clan had strict rules, and such behavior was considered disgraceful.

Seeing this, Danzō suddenly spoke up, "Hizashi, you are free now."

Free!

These three simple words instantly snapped a tension that had been building in Hizashi's heart for years.

Yes, he was no longer bound by anyone. He was truly free!

At this thought, his tears flowed uncontrollably, soaking his clothes.

He cast aside all etiquette and rules, weeping freely, savoring this rare moment of liberation in his life.

After what felt like an eternity, Hizashi's sobs gradually subsided.

His pale eyes, once filled with confusion, now shone with determination and resolve.

He rose from the operating table and, without hesitation, knelt before Danzō.
"Lord Danzō, I am eternally grateful for your kindness. From this day forward, I, Hizashi, am at your service!"

As Danzō looked at the figure before him, it overlapped with someone from years ago.

However, the confusion in that person's eyes had completely vanished, and the chains that had bound him were now shattered.

Hizashi's address to him had also formally changed from "Hyūga Hizashi" to simply...
Hizashi.

Suddenly, Danzō smiled faintly and placed his hand on Hizashi's head once more, saying,
"Then go and make a scene. Let everyone see how you spread your wings and soar!"

——————

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office in Konoha, Hyūga Hiashi, the head of the Hyūga clan, was voicing his dissatisfaction to the Hokage.

"Lord Hokage, I understand the importance of the mission, but hasn't Hizashi and the others been away on this mission for too long?"

Hiashi rarely showed such displeasure.

Hizashi and nearly ten other branch family members had been stationed in the Land of Rice for over a year at the village's request!

This far exceeded the normal duration of a mission, and the village had been using various excuses to delay their return.

This had made the Hyūga main family elders sense something unusual.

Their deeply ingrained need for control made it impossible for them to accept these branch family members being out of their grasp for so long.

Thus, they had pressured Hiashi to demand Hizashi and the others return immediately.

In truth, Minato was unaware of Danzō's plans.

But since Danzō had kept these Hyūga ninja away from the village for so long, there must have been a reason.

Faced with Hiashi's demand, Minato could only continue to stall.

"Lord Hiashi, as you know, the situation in the Land of Rice Fields is intense. We truly need the Byakugan for reconnaissance."

Having heard this excuse countless times, Hiashi immediately retorted,
"Lord Hokage, if the Land of Rice truly needs the Byakugan for reconnaissance, we can send other Hyūga ninja to assist. As for the previous group, let them return for some rest!"

Hearing this, even Minato showed a troubled expression.

After all, Hiashi's request was entirely reasonable.

It was unheard of to keep ninja on a mission for so long without allowing them to return.

Moreover, the Hyūga clan wasn't being unreasonable—they were simply showing concern for their clansmen and wanted them to return for a break.

Was that wrong?

Just as Minato was pondering how to continue stalling, a hoarse voice rang out like a savior—
"We are back."