"So this… is Konohagakure?"
As the merchant caravan arrived before the massive gates of Konoha, Cardo leaned out from his palanquin, eyes filled with curiosity as he carefully examined the entrance to the famous ninja village.
This was his first time setting foot in Konoha.
Remembering the task entrusted to him by that lord, Cardo didn't dare show even the slightest negligence. He urged his subordinates to move quickly and get the caravan inside the village.
The Konoha gate guards did not scrutinize ordinary merchants too strictly. A routine registration and a few simple questions were all that was required.
After all, the mysterious intruder who had previously infiltrated the village certainly hadn't entered through the front gate.
Once inside, Cardo followed procedure and went directly to the administrative district near the Hokage Building. There, he registered his purpose at the mission center and formally announced his intentions to Konoha.
Cardo Company planned to open a branch within the village, specializing in importing and selling specialty goods from various nations.
He had even chosen a location—right in the most prosperous commercial street of Konoha.
"Additionally," Cardo added to the Konoha chunin handling his paperwork, "I've found Konoha to be a place rich with talent and spirit. I'd like to purchase a residence here as well."
"Oh! You're most welcome!" The chunin instantly brightened and began enthusiastically introducing available properties.
Although Konoha was primarily a ninja village, it still relied heavily on merchants and aristocrats for economic activity.
After all, ninjas were not particularly skilled in business or finance. Even clans that engaged in commerce mostly dealt with ninja tools, summons, or industries directly related to shinobi affairs.
Studying the map of Konoha's districts, Cardo pointed to a street adjacent to the Hyuga clan compound.
"How are property prices in this area?"
"Excellent choice! As expected of a great businessman!" the chunin exclaimed. "This district borders the Hyuga estate, so security is exceptionally good. It's perfect for living, and the prices are quite reasonable…"
The chunin eagerly began his sales pitch and personally escorted Cardo to view the properties.
After all—this was a major client!
"Hmm, the environment here really is pleasant," Cardo remarked as he stood on the veranda of a spacious estate, surveying the courtyard.
A small pond sat in the garden, decorated with stones. A bamboo water spout rhythmically struck against rock with each flow. With a few ornamental fish added, it would be quite elegant.
"This house is peaceful and spacious—perfect for you and your wife!" the Konoha ninja said with a flattering smile.
"Well, actually…" Cardo hesitated for a moment, then sighed with a sorrowful expression. "Due to certain circumstances, I've never been able to have children."
"Ah—! I'm so sorry!" The chunin panicked, realizing he had accidentally touched a sensitive subject.
Suddenly, Cardo's face lit up as if struck by inspiration.
"Wait—if I were to adopt an orphan from Konoha, would they be allowed to attend your ninja academy?"
He clapped his hands together excitedly.
"As an ordinary merchant, I no longer have the talent to be a ninja myself. But I've always admired them. If I could adopt a child—even if they only become a normal ninja—that would be enough for me!"
The more Cardo spoke, the more enthusiastic he became.
"Adopt a Konoha orphan?" The chunin blinked in confusion, caught off guard by such an unexpected request.
In any other world, such a sudden proposal might raise suspicion.
But this was the ninja world.
This was Konoha!
Before long, the application from Fire Country merchant Cardo—to adopt an orphan from Konoha—arrived on the desk of Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Cardo, the merchant…"
Hiruzen exhaled smoke from his pipe as he read the document, glancing over the background investigation report prepared by the intelligence division.
Though Cardo was merely a businessman, he was backed by Fire Country nobility and likely had subtle ties even to the Daimyo himself.
There was no reasonable grounds for Hiruzen to refuse either his residency or adoption request.
Furthermore, adopting a war orphan from Konoha and enrolling them in the Ninja Academy would only benefit the village.
Such a child would grow up immersed in the Will of Fire, surrounded by Konoha classmates and friends.
After careful consideration, Hiruzen placed the Hokage seal upon the application.
Approved.
Hyuga Clan Compound
Four-year-old Hyuga Neji stood outside a study room, holding a meal box prepared by his mother.
Beneath the green Caged Bird seal on his forehead, worry clouded his young face.
Ever since returning from the hospital the previous day, his father Hyuga Hizashi had locked himself in this room—refusing to see anyone.
"Father…" Neji called softly.
"Neji, leave me be. I need some time alone," Hizashi's hoarse voice answered from within.
"Please, at least eat something," Neji pleaded as he placed the tray outside the door and knelt before it. "Mother is very worried about you."
Silence filled the room.
Neji continued to kneel patiently.
Though only four years old, Neji was unusually mature. He sensed that something serious had happened.
A few days ago, a mysterious attacker had struck the Hyuga estate. His father had been gravely injured and hospitalized. Neji and his mother had visited him every day.
Since then, Hizashi had seemed… different.
But Neji was too young to understand the deep conflict hidden behind his father's white eyes. He merely assumed Hizashi was struggling to recover from defeat.
"…Sigh. Go rest, Neji," Hizashi finally said. "I'll eat later."
With no choice, Neji quietly left.
Inside the study, Hizashi sat surrounded by scattered scrolls and clan records—his Byakugan bloodshot and frantic.
"Nothing…? How can there be nothing…?" he muttered in despair.
Ever since the mysterious man had shown him the so-called "truth of the Caged Bird's origin," Hizashi had searched every text available to the branch family.
But not a single record supported it.
As head of the branch family, Hizashi had inherited countless documents—techniques of the Byakugan, Gentle Fist secrets, and historical records.
He had hoped to find something—anything—to disprove the masked man's words.
Yet the more he searched in vain, the more convincing that horrifying "truth" became.
His trembling hand unconsciously reached to the back of his head.
For twenty-four hours, the Caged Bird seal had been suppressed—and Hizashi had tasted freedom.
Now that the seal had returned, the narrow, restricted field of vision tormented him.
It was like ants crawling beneath his skin.
He fought desperately against the urge to seek out that masked figure again.
"Swear loyalty to me."
The man's voice echoed in his mind.
"Will you live your entire life as a coward? Or become the hero of the branch family—even if only for a few minutes?"
Hizashi shook his head violently, trying to banish the devilish whispers.
That man was clearly dangerous—evil even.
And yet…
The fate of the branch family…
Neji's future…
Creak—
At last, the study door opened.
After locking himself away for an entire day and night, Hizashi stepped out, exhausted and disheveled.
Seeing the untouched meal tray at his feet, he slowly knelt beside it.
"Neji…" he murmured softly, his face heavy with unshakable sorrow.
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