Neji stood before the grand entrance of the Hyuga Clan compound, his expression complex. The age of the ninja was over; no one in the family had chakra anymore. Having joined the Zero Organization and being spared from the Infinite Tsukuyomi by a scroll, he still retained his chakra. Alone, he had the power to completely wipe out the entire clan. Finally, he could unleash the hatred buried deep within his heart since childhood.
Yet, for reasons unknown, he couldn't bring himself to take that decisive step forward.
In the end, Neji clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and prepared to leave.
At that moment, a group of rough-looking hooligans approached from afar, laughing as they said, "Ha! I heard that ninja have all lost their powers and are now just ordinary folks like us. The Hyuga Clan used to act high and mighty as the village's top family, always looking down on us. This time, we'll definitely make them pay."
"That's right, but… what if Tsunade-sama finds out?"
Ever since the stage play directed by Anya, Tsunade's reputation in the village had risen dramatically.
"No problem. We'll just toss some stones around like we're playing, and accidentally throw them inside. I doubt anyone would question that!"
"That makes sense."
After stirring themselves up, the group took out small rocks and began hurling them into the Hyuga estate. Seeing no one came out to stop them, they grew bolder. Some even brought out firecrackers.
"Ha! Watch me give them a big one!"
[Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!]
A cold shout rang out.
The compressed air from super-speed palm strikes deflected the firecrackers back at them. The force spread outward, striking each thug with deadly precision. Under the invisible, chakra-infused vacuum projectiles of the Gentle Fist, every last thug was on the ground within a second, wailing in pain.
Neji looked down at the group with disdain. Stepping forward, he said, "Not yet satisfied? Leave now."
"Run! Hurry!" The hooligans scrambled to their feet, shot Neji a frightened glance, and fled in disgrace.
"Crreeeak..."
The great gate of the Hyuga Clan slowly opened. The clan leader, Hiashi Hyuga, stepped out calmly and bowed deeply before Neji.
"Thank you."
Neji took a couple of steps back, refusing to accept the gratitude. He coldly replied, "Don't bother. I did this because I am still a member of the Hyuga Clan. I couldn't just stand by while our clan was openly insulted—it has nothing to do with you."
"I understand," Hiashi sighed. "You still blame me for your father's death, don't you?" He pulled out a letter. "This is a handwritten letter from your father. Once you've read it, you'll understand what truly happened back then."
Neji's eyes flickered with emotion, but he slowly accepted the letter. After reading it, his hands trembled violently. So… his father had willingly taken the fall for death?
At that moment, Hiashi dropped to his knees right in the middle of the street. "Neji, please forgive me… If only..."
"Neji-niisan."
Hinata and Hanabi had somehow appeared outside as well.
Seeing the three of them standing before him, Neji's expression turned even more complicated. He untied the forehead protector on his head and spoke, "Do you see it? I am no longer bound by the Caged Bird Seal. Do you even know what I truly despise?"
Hiashi Hyuga stared in astonishment at Neji's forehead, his expression a mixture of sorrow and joy. "I understand. From now on, everything about the clan will be left to you to change. Starting now, I hereby appoint you as the next clan leader."
"What?" Neji was greatly shocked.
Hiashi continued sincerely, "I'm serious, Neji."
Hinata also said, "Big brother Neji, I agree too."
Hanabi, the younger sister, smiled and added, "Same here."
"You guys..." Neji held the letter in his hand, feeling as if it weighed a thousand pounds. His mind was in chaos until he regained his senses, only to find himself already led into the clan compound by the three of them. Almost all the Hyuga clan members had lined up neatly and were bowing respectfully, greeting, "Hello, young clan leader."
At that moment, a voice echoed in Hiashi's mind: "I've already fulfilled my promise to Hinata."
With deep respect, Hiashi replied inwardly, "Thank you."
The main reason everything went so smoothly was because Hiashi had realized early on that Neji was different. Especially after the Infinite Tsukuyomi incident, the clan urgently needed a capable leader to maintain its prestigious status, and Neji was clearly the best choice.
Hiashi was fully aware of Anya's existence and understood his strength. That's why he had Hinata seek out Master Kurenai Yuhi, hoping Anya could help bring Neji back to the clan.
A request from a close one prompted Anya to take action, and this group of ruffians appeared before Neji at just the right time.
Of course, the most important factor was Neji's inner softness. Don't let his cold and aloof exterior fool you; deep down, he had never truly let go of the clan. He genuinely wanted the clan to improve, which was why Hiashi could completely read him.
After resolving things here, Hakuto appeared before Anya and said with a grin, "Dad, someone's looking for you—someone familiar."
"Oh, who is it?" Anya asked curiously.
Hakuto played it coy, "Aren't you going to find out?"
When they arrived at Konoha's main gate, a cheerful female voice called out, "Long time no see, Anya."
"Xiao Xue? How come you're here? Indeed, it's been a long time." A smile appeared on Anya's face. It was because he had accepted Xiao Xue's mission that he found Haku. For this alone, he was deeply grateful to Xiao Xue, not to mention her likable personality.
Excitedly, Xiao Xue took out a six-sided pendant necklace and said, "Do you still remember? You once made me a promise—you'd help me complete one task to the best of your ability, and it's permanently valid."
Anya took the necklace and replied with a nod, "Of course I remember. Do you want to use it now?"
"Yes." Xiao Xue pulled out the Sailor Moon script and said, "You've already finished this novel. I've adapted it into a screenplay for a movie, but I just couldn't find a suitable male lead. Then suddenly, I thought of you, the author. I think your demeanor really fits the role. So, would you like to star in this movie?"
"That's it?" Anya thought the task was too simple—it didn't seem worth using such a valuable promise.
But Xiao Xue firmly replied, "Yes, that's exactly it. This is my favorite script so far, and I must make this movie perfectly."
"Okay, I agree."
Upon hearing this, the Director who was following behind with Xiao Xue quickly shouted, "Quick! Makeup artists and costume designers, get over here and dress him properly to see the effect!"
Ten minutes later, Anya approached in her brand-new outfit. She wore a black tuxedo on top, carried the slender Blade of Indifference at her waist, and wore a mask over her thick, jet-black short hair, leaving only a pair of deep, unfathomable eyes visible. A long, flowing cape draped behind her, adding an air of elegance and nobility, seemingly shifting on its own without wind. With her perfect height, she looked absolutely majestic—a masked prince of pure splendor, mystery, nobility, and power.
Not only Xiao Xue, but even Hakuto—who was familiar with her own father—was stunned.
After a while, Xiao Xue finally snapped out of it and excitedly said, "Yes! Exactly this feeling—no, actually even more perfect than I imagined!"
Hakuto blurted excitedly, "Right! Dad, you're so cool! I even felt like acting in this movie for a second. Xiao Xue, would that be okay?"
During the stage play filming previously, Xiao Xue had taught Hakuto a lot of filming techniques, and the two had become very close. Hearing that Hakuto wanted to join the cast, Xiao Xue smiled slightly and said, "But you know, if your acting stinks, you won't get paid at all."
Hakuto didn't care at all and said, "It's okay, I'll act for free."
"Haha, I'm just kidding. Come on, I'd be very happy to have you."
"Thank you." After thanking her, Hakuto looked at Anya again and blurted, "Dad, I never thought you'd write a novel that little girls would love. This look is like the prince of their dreams."
Anya's eyes dimmed slightly, and she smiled faintly, saying, "I wrote this novel for [Yugao]... but..."
Before Anya could finish speaking, Hakuto's face suddenly turned pale as she couldn't help blaming herself, "I knew there was something really important I had forgotten! Dad, [Yugao] is missing!"
"What did you say?" Anya's eyes instantly turned cold.
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