Current State of the Organization

"Whew... I've learned my lesson!"

In the Land of Hot Water, inside a massive underground base, Neji Hyuga slowly lowered his Gentle Fist stance in the sprawling training ground.

He let out a long breath, then raised the back of his hand to wipe away the beads of sweat that had run from his temple to his chin.

Around him lay over a dozen masked Anbu, sprawled in every direction and completely unable to move. Their short blades and shuriken were scattered across the floor.

Every one of Neji's strikes had hit an acupoint, carrying just enough force to immobilize them without damaging their meridians.

After unintentionally killing a bandit impersonating "Naruto" in the previous incident, Neji Hyuga had first calmly investigated the matter step by step.

He cross-checked the bandit's background through multiple sources and confirmed that the man had indeed committed murder and robbery. Once he was certain he had not killed an innocent person, Neji calmly handed the corpse over to a nearby underground exchange in accordance with the rules, using the bounty to obtain enough travel funds to continue his journey.

After that, following a piece of vague intelligence he had painstakingly purchased on the black market, Neji headed north to the Land of Hot Water. In this peaceful country famous for its hot springs, he made inquiries everywhere about the Ember Organization.

Within days, someone approached him of their own accord. At first, they had clearly taken him for a spy sent by one of the Five Great Nations, but after Neji identified himself and said, "I am Hizashi Hyuga's son," their attitude changed dramatically.

Early the next morning, a tall man with a shark-like face personally appeared before him and brought him to the Ember Organization's true base.

"You're quite capable. Although Mr. Hizashi