Naruto Birdcage

The door to the secret room was opened, and light suddenly poured into the dim and cool room.

The air was filled with the scent of wood, and what caught Makoto's eyes were rows of neatly arranged wooden boxes on the shelves.

These wooden boxes were crafted delicately, with a red string tied to each one.

The other end of the string had a tag with a person's name written on it.

It was clear that this place was rarely visited, as a thin layer of dust had accumulated on the shelves.

These were the Byakugan that the Hyuga clan had preserved and accumulated over generations.

Hizashi, stepping forward slowly, approached a row of shelves, picked out one wooden box from among the many, carefully looked at the name tag, and casually handed it to Makoto.

Makoto took the box with both hands and glanced at the name tag, which read "Hyuga Shinsuke."

"Hyuga Shinsuke, who distinguished himself in the Second Shinobi World War. His Byakugan helped us win many battles on the battlefield in the Land of Wind.

Unfortunately, during one battle, he was injured by an enemy puppet master and poisoned.

By the time he was sent back to the village, the poison had spread to his bones.

Even Lady Tsunade couldn't save him."

Hizashi explained, recounting the story and tragic end of this Hyuga ancestor.

Makoto opened the wooden box, revealing a glass container filled with transparent liquid.

A sealing talisman was affixed to the bottle, and inside floated a pair of white eyeballs.

The eyes were pale and hollow, lacking any vitality.

Staring at them for too long made one feel a strange unease.

Hizashi then handed over another wooden box, and Makoto placed the box he was holding back on its shelf.

The name tag on this box read "Hyuga Hideya."

"Hyuga Hideya was also an exceptionally talented shinobi of our clan.

He once served as one of the Third Hokage's guards and accompanied Lord Hokage in countless battles, both big and small.

As a result, he was left with numerous injuries and ailments and passed away from illness four years ago.

The Hokage himself attended his funeral to pay respects."

Hizashi continued, recounting the story of this pair of eyes' owner with remarkable familiarity.

"Both of these pairs of eyes are compatible with you.

Once the clan finalizes arrangements with the hospital, you will be notified.

When the time comes, don't forget to visit the Memorial Stone to pay your respects to them."

Makoto nodded in response. "I will remember."

Hizashi added, "Your contributions on the front lines—if these two predecessors' spirits could see it—would surely make them feel honored to entrust their eyes to you."

Makoto replied calmly, "It is my honor to inherit the eyes of such distinguished predecessors."

Hizashi seemed quite satisfied with these words and said.

"The Byakugan stored here belonged to individuals who were once pillars of our village and clan.

I hope you won't let down their legacy in the future."

Makoto's gaze swept across the dimly lit chamber, and he asked.

"Will Lord Hizashi's Byakugan also be placed here in the future?"

Hizashi's expression froze briefly before he calmly replied.

"That depends on whether I die on the battlefield or at home."

If a branch family member dies on the battlefield, their eyes will be destroyed by the Caged Bird Seal.

Only if they die at home can their eyes be extracted.

The Byakugan displayed here were all personally removed by members of the Main Family.

The stories of these eyes might sound heroic and noble, but Makoto felt little reverence for them—only a deep sense of sorrow.

These individuals, who once made great sacrifices and contributions to Konoha, ultimately had their eyes gouged out by their own kin before death, locked away in boxes that might never see the light of day again.

What a cruel irony.

In this chamber, apart from the shelves lined with wooden boxes, there was also a table at the far end.

On it rested fewer than ten wooden boxes.

"Those are the Byakugan of the Main Family." 

Hizashi said, seemingly noticing Makoto's gaze.

No wonder they stood out—placed separately from the other boxes on the shelves, like monarchs reigning over their subjects.

Makoto quietly thought to himself, observing the table for a moment before suddenly asking Hizashi.

"Lord Hizashi, is there any difference between the Byakugan of the Main Family and ours from the Branch Family?"

His question was met with silence.

Hizashi didn't immediately respond but instead directed his gaze toward the boxes on the table.

Even as unowned objects, the Byakugan of the Main Family still seemed to reign above those of the Branch Family.

"The Byakugan in this room, when no longer within a person, are no different." Hizashi said calmly.

What makes them different is the Caged Bird Seal. 

The Byakugan of those marked by the seal have their abilities restricted.

This is one of the measures the Main Family uses to ensure the Branch Family never surpasses them.

Stepping out from the dim underground chamber, the sunlight outside felt slightly blinding.

Makoto squinted slightly, following behind Hizashi.

At the entrance, a Hyuga clansman was waiting.

Upon seeing them emerge, he respectfully greeted Hizashi.

"Lord Hizashi."

Makoto recognized this person from his memory—a jonin of the clan.

He hadn't expected this individual to be the one overseeing the chamber.

"If everything goes as planned, the surgery will likely take place in about a week.

During this time, you don't need to worry about anything, nor should you overthink." 

Hizashi said as they walked away from the chamber.

"If you let your mind wander too much, your emotions will affect those who care about you."

These words carried a subtle hint, and Makoto naturally caught it.

He immediately responded.

"I understand, Lord Hizashi. Thank you for your trouble today."

Hizashi nodded and replied.

"It's no trouble, Your request wasn't unreasonable.

Outsiders are strictly forbidden from entering that room, but for members of our own clan, the restrictions are far more lenient."

"Furthermore, the intelligence you brought back from the frontlines holds great significance for our village.

The Hokage personally commended you, and after your surgery, Lord Hiashi will take you to meet the Hokage."

"It wasn't my achievement alone."

"I understand, and so does the Hokage.

The fallen comrades are heroes, but those who survive are even more precious.

These are the Hokage's words—remember them well."

"I will remember."

These words were spoken with great poise.

If it had been the old Makoto hearing them, he might have been deeply moved.

The Third Shinobi World War was still ongoing.

The success of the Kannabi Bridge Operation had disrupted the supply lines of the Iwagakure forces, crippling their ability to advance further into Konoha territory.

This victory had granted the war-weary Konoha a brief moment to catch its breath.

But it was just that—a brief moment.

Konoha was still stretched thin across multiple fronts, struggling to cover all sides.

The nation's finances were in ruins, relying heavily on state subsidies to keep the war effort going.

Every victory was crucial, and every defeat carried unbearably cruel consequences.

This was also the reason why Namikaze Minato's reputation in Konoha now overshadowed even the Legendary Sannin.

He was the hero who saved Konoha, time and time again leading the village to victory amidst such dire circumstances, like sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Konoha desperately needed such a hero right now.

After Hizashi departed, Makoto stood still, his gaze passing through the courtyard and resting once more on that tightly sealed chamber.

Unfortunately, a hero like Minato, who could save the village, could not save him.

Makoto also needed to find another path—one that no one had ever walked before.

End of chapter

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