Ye Cang had been tracking me for ten years, he had said. After a decade, he promised to grant me my freedom.
Now, as Neji Kishō Tensei examined the Impure Resurrection scroll, he felt a weight in his chest. Each word on the parchment demanded attention, every line a mixture of potential and peril. He frowned at times, puzzled at others, trying to decipher the true depth of the jutsu's implications.
Nearby, Sasori of the Red Sand sat by the festival fire, observing Neji with a detached curiosity. "You seem deeply interested in Kishō Tensei," he remarked.
Neji nodded solemnly. "It's an incredibly promising, forbidden jutsu. But its flaws… they are significant. No one can withstand the backlash of integrating multiple Bloodline Limits into a single vessel."
Sasori added another log to the fire, flames dancing across his pale features. "If we could endure the reactions, we wouldn't need to transfer so many Bloodline Limits. The human body can only carry so much without breaking."
He had transformed himself into a puppet, a modification that gave him unparalleled insight into the human body's mechanics and limitations. Sasori's assessment carried weight: five Bloodline Limits merged would strain even the most durable body. Hiruko, after absorbing four Bloodline Limits during the Golden Ring Ritual, had barely survived, transforming his body into a grotesque half-human, half-phantom monstrosity. Even experienced Jonin, like Kakashi Hatake, could not stand against him. Ordinary Kage-level experts were far beneath Hiruko's power.
Neji tilted his head, considering the implications. "What if the backlash problem could be solved?" he asked cautiously.
Sasori shook his head slowly. "Impossible."
Neji remained silent, his mind already racing. The limitations of Kishō Tensei were obvious, yet he suspected that hidden techniques—like those involving White Zetsu—might help circumvent them. White Zetsu, the remnants of humanity fused with the God Tree during the ancient wars, had a unique ability to integrate with multiple bloodlines without triggering the catastrophic backlash seen in ordinary humans.
Obito's half-body, fused with a White Zetsu clone, had shown no adverse reactions. This proved that multiple Bloodline Limit integration might be feasible if White Zetsu acted as a conduit.
Sasori, observing the fire, suddenly asked, "What did you do with Hiruko?"
Neji replied calmly, "The Curse Wheel Sealing Heart Technique can alter a person's will. You must have anticipated this."
Sasori felt a brief tingle of unease, then a wave of relief. Hiruko had been an abnormal case, and now that the other side possessed Kishō Tensei, it was wise to release him. Hiruko was no longer the same; by transforming him into a puppet, Neji had neutralized the risk while retaining the potential for strategic advantage.
Carefully, Neji added a piece of wood to the fire. His eyes flickered over the flames, contemplating the next steps. The decision to release Hiruko served two purposes: first, to allow him to act as a double agent within the Akatsuki Organization, and second, to refine Kishō Tensei further using the organization's resources. Despite its many flaws, Kishō Tensei was brilliant in concept. If these could be overcome, any ordinary ninja could potentially gain Bloodline Limit abilities beyond their natural capacity. This marked the dawn of a new era—a time when the Ninja World would see warriors as formidable as dragons.
A soft groan broke the silence.
Pakura's eyelids fluttered open with immense effort. She tried to stand, pressing her palm to her forehead, and looked around, bewildered. Long dark green hair, tied up into a bun with two loose strands falling to her face, framed her striking features. Her upper body was clad in a sleeveless black garment, while her arms bore violet arm guards. Her lower body was adorned in form-fitting purple leggings that accentuated her long, slender legs. Though not as prominent as Tsunade or Samui, her chest could rival even Yugito's in strength and form.
The festival fire's warmth surrounded her. Two figures sat nearby.
"Where… am I?" Pakura's voice carried a hint of confusion.
Sasori replied coolly, "Grass Country."
Pakura froze. She had no idea how long she had been unconscious, yet her memories before collapsing felt vivid, almost immediate. Her eyes widened as she recognized a familiar figure—Sasori, but far younger, barely eleven or twelve years old. "You… you're Sasori of the Red Sand? How are you so young?!"
"Hmph." Sasori grunted, averting his gaze.
Neji approached, carrying a piece of roasted fish. "You must be hungry," he said gently, extending it toward her.
Pakura instinctively held her stomach, then snatched the fish greedily, devouring it in large bites. After a moment, she paused, eyes narrowing at the masked figure before her. "Who are you?"
Neji removed his mask, revealing his youthful, yet serene face. "Hyuga Neji."
"The Star of the Clouds… Hyuga Neji?" Pakura exclaimed. Even Sasori seemed mildly surprised. The famed young prodigy, barely twelve, had already earned a reputation equal to—or exceeding—that of many seasoned shinobi.
Neji inclined his head respectfully. "I saved your life. From today onward, you are my charge."
"My charge?" Pakura hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face.
Neji's expression hardened. "If you are not mine, do you wish to return to Rasa?"
Pakura clenched her teeth. "I'd rather die as a rogue ninja than serve that wretched man again."
She had served the Village loyally, never seeking power, yet Rasa, as Kazekage, had betrayed her ruthlessly to secure his position. Returning to him would only lead to another dead end.
Pakura drew a kunai, pressing it to her throat. "I yield. Take me into your hands. But if you seek information on Sunagakure, know this—I will never betray my Village, even in death."
Neji's lips curved slightly. "Die? No. Life is mine to protect. You will not die against my will."
Speaking, he implanted a small mental sphere in Pakura, subtly controlling her movements and even her will if necessary. The kunai dropped silently to the ground.
"What… have you done to me?" Pakura asked, astonished.
"Nothing of consequence. Just a small talisman allowing me to guide your actions when necessary."
Pakura gaped, incredulous. "How is this even possible?"
Neji ignored her disbelief. "I am concerned only with you, not Sunagakure."
"I… and what will you do with me?"
Neji held up two fingers in a gesture of precision. "Serve me for ten years. After that, your freedom will be restored, depending on your progress."
Pakura's eyes narrowed. Ten years seemed both daunting and fleeting. Would it be enough to surpass Rasa? As she considered the gap, she realized Rasa would grow stronger alongside her. The chasm between them might never close.
Neji seemed to read her thoughts. "Your revenge alone is nearly impossible, which is why…"
Before he could finish, Pakura interrupted. "You mean to help me defeat Rasa so that I serve you fully? I refuse. This is my battle. If I can defeat him, I will—but not through anyone else."
Neji added a piece of wood to the fire, his calm demeanor unwavering. "My goal is to help you develop a new Bloodline Limit."
Pakura's shock was mirrored even by Sasori, who watched the interaction warily. Developing Bloodline Limit abilities was no simple feat. Even Konoha's Third Hokage, a renowned Ninjutsu professor, had failed in such endeavors.
Pakura rose and approached Neji, doubt etched across her features. "Do you really have a method?"
Neji nodded. "Our Hidden Cloud Village has extensive experience. You may have heard of Kumogakure's Troy, the independent developer of the Magnet Release Bloodline Limit?"
Pakura's brow furrowed. "I've heard of him… but I couldn't develop Magnet Release myself."
"No, not Magnet Release. Another Bloodline Limit," Neji clarified, smiling faintly. "Ever heard of Scorch Release?"
"Scorch Release?" Pakura asked skeptically.
"It's a nature-based Bloodline Limit, combining Fire and Wind chakra. Its power rivals Magnet Release, and I can guide you to master it," Neji explained.
Pakura's face lit with excitement. "Both Fire and Wind? How will I do it?"
Neji's smile faded, his tone thoughtful. "There is no shortcut. Each ninja's chakra is unique. You must experiment, adjust ratios, and persevere. Only then will you unlock your true potential."
Pakura absorbed his words, determination hardening in her eyes.
Neji finally spoke louder, lifting his voice with authority. "There is no shortcut to developing a Bloodline Limit. Your wisdom and diligence will determine success. Good luck."
With that, he settled onto a nearby branch to rest, eyes closing as he drifted into meditation.
Pakura stared at him, then turned to Sasori. "Will it work?"
Sasori smirked, lying back near the fire. "It will."
The night fell, the festival fire crackling, as three figures prepared for the trials and growth that would shape the Hidden Cloud Village's future.
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