He knew that the branch family members also yearned to be freed from the Caged Bird seal. But they were so used to being dogs that they would probably rise up against him when the time came. It was better to keep them under control.
Konoha, Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was smoking and drinking tea as he used a crystal ball to enjoy a pleasant bit of spying, savoring the good life.
Suddenly, a powerful force erupted. The area where he was standing exploded, and clouds of smoke billowed into the air.
In the sky, Hyuga Neji looked down at the Hokage building. Powerful chakra flowed through his body.
At that moment, a large number of ninjas rushed toward him. Several Anbu ninjas charged straight at him.
"Let's test the power of the Caged Bird!"
He looked at the Anbu ninjas, and his golden eyes shifted slightly. The ninjas froze in place, and then the Caged Bird marks appeared on their foreheads.
He released them. The ninjas screamed and wailed as they fell, then writhed on the ground.
Just then, a kunai gleaming with cold light shot toward Neji's eye. It had been thrown the instant he released the Anbu ninjas, but now it stopped right in front of his eye.
"Oh, it's the Hokage himself!"
Neji turned to look at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who stood not far away. A trace of chakra flickered over the kunai in front of him. Then, with a whoosh, it became a blur and shot toward Hiruzen.
"A Hyuga? What's going on with those eyes?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Neji, his expression grave. His gaze lingered on the Caged Bird mark on Neji's forehead, and he was deeply puzzled. The mark meant this man belonged to the Hyuga Clan—and was a member of the