Change of Identity

The records in the Yozuki clan's history end here.

Before meeting Neji, Yozuki A considered it an absurd and bizarre story recorded by his ancestors, not taking it seriously at all.

But when Neji mentioned the "Tenseigan" and "Hyuga Tenin," Yozuki A suddenly realized that the secrets recorded in the clan history were mostly true.

Hyuga Tenin left the ninja world through a mysterious spatial passageway.

Where did he go? And why did he suddenly die?

These remain unsolved mysteries.

However, Yozuki A speculated that the "eye" Hyuga Tenin took away was likely the Tenseigan Neji spoke of.

Neji awakened his Byakugan at the age of three, and his demeanor was more mature, calm, and confident than others his age.

Yozuki A firmly believed that if anyone in the Hyuga clan was qualified to awaken the Tenseigan, Neji would undoubtedly be one of them.

With this realization, Yozuki A decided to take a gamble.

If they won, Kumogakure could achieve the ambitions of generations of Raikage and dominate the ninja world.

If they lost, it would be nothing more than the loss of some cultivation resources.

The benefits far outweighed the risks, leaving no reason not to gamble.

"I never expected there to be such a history."

Dodai squinted and muttered to himself.

Now, he completely believed the grand vision Neji had painted.

Because Neji couldn't have possibly read the Yozuki clan's history, the two corroborating each other confirmed that what Neji said was true.

It's just...

After a moment of thought, Dodai hesitantly said, "Lord Raikage, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

"Ha?"

Yozuki A laughed heartily, "Dodai, since when have you learned to be coy? Speak your mind freely."

Dodai took a deep breath and voiced his concerns.

"Lord Raikage, speaking of which, Kumogakure also bears some responsibility for Hizashi Hyuga's death."

"Killing his father and using his son is bound to invite criticism."

"Whether Neji harbors any hatred towards Kumogakure is anyone's guess."

"He is but a fledgling now, forced to endure in secret and accumulate strength."

"But if his wings grow strong in the future and he decides to settle this old score, what then?"

Dodai was a high-ranking strategist for Kumogakure, skilled in schemes and stratagems. The plan to steal young Byakugan users under the guise of signing a peace treaty and forcing Hyuga Hiashi to his death was orchestrated by Dodai himself.

He always assumed the worst of people's intentions, thereby devising a series of measures to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

It was this cautious nature that allowed Kumogakure to flourish over the decades he served two Raikage.

"Dodai, so that's what you're worried about!"

"My ancestors once said that to be invincible, one must first subdue enemies with force, and then bind everyone together with bonds."

"My father subdued the Eight-Tails with force, and Killer B filled the Eight-Tails' heart with bonds, reconciling with it and becoming a perfect jinchuriki."

"The Hyuga deprived Neji of his freedom, but Kumogakure not only grants him freedom but also a broader stage."

"If Kumogakure could subdue the ferocious Eight-Tails, could it not subdue Hyuga Neji?"

"Even if, by some chance, Neji's hatred for Kumogakure is irreconcilable, as long as he can lead Kumogakure to dominate the ninja world, I will entrust my life to him."

"If he kills me, he will still be Kumogakure's Hyuga Neji!"

Late at night, Neji, exhausted after exploring most of Kumogakure with Samui, lay on his bed but tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The shift in his identity, from a branch family child to a core member of Kumogakure's high command, felt too absurd.

Everything had gone too smoothly, so smoothly that it felt like a dream.

However, Neji didn't delve too deeply into this issue and instead began to consider his future training regimen.

The Scroll of Seals in Konohagakure contained a trove of Secret Techniques.

In comparison, Kumogakure only had one notable Secret Technique: "Lightning Release Chakra Mode."

It was no exaggeration to say that Konohagakure's foundation was richer than all the other four great ninja villages combined.

It was precisely because of this that even when Konohagakure was besieged by various ninja villages in the past three Great Ninja Wars, it could still maintain its position as the foremost ninja village.

"Kumogakure's Lightning Release Chakra Mode and Nintaijutsu are renowned throughout the ninja world. With these two ultimate techniques, the Third Raikage was undoubtedly the closest to the twin titans of the ninja world among his peers."

"However, Kumogakure's Nintaijutsu has a strong personal style, and even the Nintaijutsu mastered by the Third Raikage and his son are vastly different."

"No, I've fallen into a mental trap."

It's not Nintaijutsu that's strong, but Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

Once one learns Lightning Release Chakra Mode, even ordinary physical combat techniques can unleash immense power.

But... I don't possess lightning-natured chakra, so I'm destined to be without Lightning Release Chakra Mode!

If I exclude Lightning Release Chakra Mode, then I can only focus all my efforts on developing the Byakugan. I wonder if the Hyuga clan's bloodline can evolve into the Tenseigan..."

Neji, curled up in his blankets, silently planned his developmental path and, without realizing it, drifted off to sleep.

Before dawn the next day, Samui yanked Neji out of his blankets.

Samui crossed her arms over her chest and looked down at Neji, her voice cool and clear.

"Lord Raikage has decreed that I will be your introductory teacher."

"Huh? It's you, sister..."

Neji scratched his head.

His status was special, making it inconvenient for him to attend the Ninja Academy like ordinary children.

Neji himself also disliked the Ninja Academy.

Having a private tutor for one-on-one guidance was naturally a good thing.

He just hadn't expected his first teacher to be Samui.

Thump!

Samui tapped Neji's head with her finger, her face stern. "What, you think I can't teach you?"

Samui was a leading figure among Kumogakure's new generation, having reached Special Jonin at the young age of sixteen.

For ordinary ninja without special bloodlines, this was something to be proud of for a lifetime.

She was fully qualified to be Neji's introductory teacher.

It's just that...

Neji looked at the heavy, wobbling, evil things while asking doubtfully, "So, should I call you 'sister' or 'teacher'?"

A faint fragrance wafted towards him.

Samui leaned forward slightly.

"Good question. Outside, call me 'teacher.' At home, call me 'sister'."

"Okay!"

Neji's eyes lit up, thinking it was a great idea.

Dual identities, double the pleasure.

"Let's go!"

Samui pulled Neji and left the residence.

It was four in the morning, and the outside was pitch black.

"Wake up at four every morning, run ten laps around Tianyun Mountain, then have physical and ninjutsu theory classes in the morning, physical and ninjutsu training in the afternoon, and combat training at night, until nine o'clock."

Such high-intensity training might be unbearable even for the purest Yozuki clan members.

Let alone Neji, who came from the Hyuga clan and had ordinary physical constitution.

Samui's usually cold face showed a rare, mischievous smile, wanting to see Neji embarrass himself.

Neji frowned and pondered.

From four in the morning until nine at night, so much time spent on just some regular training.

How could he possibly get stronger with this!