What Fate Means

Late at night!

A crow slipped into a courtyard and pecked at a window with its beak.

Knock, knock!

"Who is it?"

One hand pushed the window open a crack while the other gripped a kunai.

"Kakashi-senpai, it's me."

The crow flew into the room and transformed into Itachi Uchiha.

"Itachi? Have a seat! What couldn't wait until tomorrow? Why come in the middle of the night?"

Kakashi Hatake yawned, his dead-fish eyes showing clear displeasure.

Itachi Uchiha explained the Uchiha Clan's crisis to Kakashi in detail.

"I'd heard something about your situation. I didn't expect it had gotten this bad."

Kakashi said with a frown.

"I hope you can help me."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Infiltrate Root!"

"Are you joking? I refuse."

Kakashi jolted. You're playing this big? Is Konoha not enough for you anymore? Are you trying to fly to Heaven?

"Root has the truth behind White Fang-senpai's death."

"What did you say?"

With a low growl, Kakashi seized Itachi Uchiha by the throat. The oppressive killing intent rolling off him startled Itachi.

Itachi Uchiha had never seen Kakashi in such a state, like a ferocious beast ready to devour someone.

All this time, Kakashi had been a reliable figure in Itachi Uchiha's eyes—quiet and reserved, yet always attentive toward his juniors.

Kakashi forced down his runaway emotions and released Itachi Uchiha.

"What else do you know? About... my father..."

"White Fang-senpai's suicide probably had something to do with Danzo."

"Where did you get that intelligence?"

Kakashi's expression darkened uncertainly as he seemed to sink into thought.

Kakashi had spent over a decade unable to understand why his father had committed suicide.

The father he remembered had been immensely powerful, with a will as unyielding as iron—a true ninja. Ninja were supposed to endure what ordinary people could not. Kakashi could not accept that he had died so easily.

Especially as he grew older, the more he thought about it, the more shrouded in mystery it seemed.

"I'm sorry, Kakashi-senpai! I promised them I wouldn't reveal any information about them."

"Mm. Forget it. I trust you."

Kakashi trusted Itachi Uchiha's character, and he already had a plan of his own.

"When do you plan to act?"

"I need to make some preparations. I'll probably act within a month. Before then, I'll tell you the specific plan."

"Alright!"

Kakashi nodded.

Forest outside the Hyuga Clan District.

Doichi Hyuga headed to his usual spot to meditate and train.

As he walked, he sensed that something was wrong.

Byakugan! Activate!

Eight Trigrams: Linked Empty Palms!

Two Empty Palms blasted out, knocking two humanoid birds from distant trees.

Doichi Hyuga bypassed the traps, seized both men by the necks, and pinned them to the ground.

"ANBU?"

The two men blinked.

"Root?"

The two men shook their heads furiously.

"So it is Root!"

Doichi Hyuga pulled out their tongues for a look, crushed their throats, and sealed their corpses into a scroll.

After clearing away the traps and all traces of battle, Doichi Hyuga turned and returned home.

Training at home was no different, except it was not as peaceful here. What a pity!

After returning home, Doichi Hyuga scattered the ashes of the two corpses.

He washed his hands again, then came beneath a tree to begin his morning training...

"Come to my house!"

Hinata Hyuga and Neji Hyuga were about to leave the clan district for the small river in the forest when they suddenly heard Doichi Hyuga's voice.

The two looked around but could not find Doichi Hyuga anywhere.

"Did you hear that too?"

They asked in unison.

When they reached Doichi Hyuga's door, Hinata pushed it open and poked her little head inside, where she saw him.

"Brother Neji, Brother Dao Yi really is home."

"Mm! Let's go in!"

"Brother Dao Yi! Was that you speaking just now?"

Neji Hyuga asked.

"Mm!"

"What kind of technique was that? It's amazing!"

"Wind Speech Technique!"

After thinking for a moment, Doichi Hyuga added two more words:

"Wind Release!"

"Wind Release has a ninjutsu like that? Why haven't I heard of it?"

Neji asked curiously.

"Children shouldn't ask so many questions. Start training!"

Doichi Hyuga forcibly cut him off. Brats who loved asking endless questions were just as annoying.

He tossed Neji Hyuga aside and let him do his own thing.

Then he came before Hinata and patiently guided her in practicing Tai Chi...

By the time he finished breakfast and came out, Hinata had already left, while Neji Hyuga was still practicing over and over.

"You're still not leaving?"

"I've always wanted to ask you, what kind of martial art is Hinata learning?"

Although it looked soft and gentle, Neji Hyuga always felt there was something especially profound about it.

"Tai Chi!"

"So that's it! Is it because of the Hyuga Clan's hateful fate?"

Neji Hyuga believed he had been treated unfairly, and his emotions immediately surged.

Doichi Hyuga's special attention toward Hinata made him deeply dissatisfied.

"What do you think fate is?"

Doichi Hyuga calmly walked over to Neji Hyuga.

"Hinata was born into the main family, while I can only be part of the branch family. Even though my talent far exceeds Hinata's, it cannot be changed. That is fate."

"I hate twisted brats like you the most, filled with nothing but negative resentment. If the clan head had not asked me, we would have had nothing to do with each other."

Neji Hyuga was shaken and found it hard to believe.

That strict, rigid clan head had asked a Hyuga branch family member on his behalf!?

"The word fate itself carries a sense of weakness and helplessness. It is merely an excuse weak people use to avoid reality and comfort themselves."

"Do you think I'm strong?"

"Very strong. Stronger than the clan head."

"Yet Caged Bird cannot become my fate. No one in this world is truly free. People are always bound by all kinds of things. Some by desire, some by emotion, some by laws, and some trapped between Heaven and earth."

"There are countless Caged Birds in this world."

"When you decide to compromise with fate, fate becomes your reality and freely controls your life."

Doichi Hyuga turned and left, ignoring him.

Neji Hyuga stood there blankly, as though his soul had left his body. Only Doichi Hyuga's every word replayed over and over in his mind.

Several more days passed quickly.

Hyuga Clan District!

"Clan head, Elder Danzo has come to visit."

Tokuma Hyuga reported from outside the door.

"Alright, I understand."

Hyuga Hiashi answered, pushed open the door, and headed for the courtyard gate.

Three people stood outside the gate, with Shimura Danzō at their head.

"Elder Danzo! Forgive this junior for failing to welcome you sooner. Please come in."

Hyuga Hiashi bowed in greeting, then nodded to Danzo's attendants. He led the three into the tea room and seated them.

"Elder Danzo has come in person. What instructions do you have?"

After serving tea, Hyuga Hiashi asked.

"The Hyuga Clan has been getting close to the Uchiha Clan lately. What are you trying to do?"

Danzo glanced at the teacup, his sharp eyes fixed on Hyuga Hiashi.

"The Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan have never gotten along. That is no secret in Konoha. Our two clans have also been enemies for a thousand years. Elder Danzo, could there be some misunderstanding?"

Hyuga Hiashi set down his teacup and frowned.

"Call Doichi Hyuga here. I have questions for him."

"Tokuma, go invite Dao Yi over."

Hearing the word "invite," Danzo raised a brow. He had a feeling this would not be easy.

A moment later, Doichi Hyuga pushed open the door, entered, and bowed.

"Clan Head!"

Hyuga Hiashi pointed beside himself, signaling for him to sit.

"What does the clan head need from me?"

Doichi Hyuga glanced at Shimura Danzō before looking at Hyuga Hiashi.

"This Elder Danzo is looking for you."

"Doichi Hyuga, I invite you to join Root."

His two subordinates had been missing for a week without a trace. Since Doichi Hyuga had stayed hidden in the Hyuga Clan District, Danzo could only come personally.

"My apologies, Elder. I am very satisfied with my current work at Konoha Hospital."

"If you join Root, you will receive better training, including medical ninjutsu."

"My apologies! I only wish to work at Konoha Hospital. Thank you for your kindness."

Doichi Hyuga said with a smile.

"The two subordinates I sent to invite you have disappeared. Doichi Hyuga, what is your explanation?"

Killing intent enveloped Doichi Hyuga as Danzo roared sternly.

"When did that happen?!"

Doichi Hyuga rubbed his ears, confusion on his face.

The old turtle has quite the loud voice! Trying to bait me?

If he answered directly, he would be walking right into the trap.

It was a highly practical interrogation technique for luring out a confession.

"...The morning of one week ago!!"

Danzo's voice lowered slightly. I underestimated this brat.

"One week ago... I vaguely recall that no outsiders visited me during those days. I stayed at home and never left the clan district. Many clan members can testify for me."

Doichi Hyuga's answer remained unhurried, calm, and firm.

"You're still making excuses!? Do you dare let my subordinate inspect your memories?"

When one scheme failed, Danzo devised another! Fu Yamanaka stepped forward and stared at Doichi Hyuga.

"Lord Danzo! If you have no evidence, there is no need to say any more. Otherwise, I can only ask the Hokage to judge this matter."

Hyuga Hiashi's expression changed as he spoke in a deep voice.

What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think even Hiruzen Sarutobi would dare say that? Searching a ninja clan member's memories? Are you sure you are not trying to pry into my clan's secret techniques?

"Hmph! Let's go!"

Shimura Danzō left in frustration, sweeping away with his subordinates.

"Lord Danzo, you are welcome to visit the Hyuga Clan anytime."

The two followed him outside the tea room, and Hyuga Hiashi called out loudly.

"Was it really you?"

"It had nothing to do with me!... Those days, I was teaching Hinata and Neji Hyuga."

Doichi Hyuga remained expressionless, as steady as a dead dog.

"Mm! Danzo was difficult to deal with. Try to stay in the clan grounds from now on; don't leave Konoha."

"If he targets you again, tell me promptly."

"Alright! Clan Head, rest assured!"