Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"Orochimaru, no matter what trickery you've used, I won't let you off. Don't worry, you won't get away with this. I'm going straight to confront Hokage-sama!"

Anko spat, throwing down her words like a challenge before leaving the waiting room.

"SSS-Rank mission? Orochimaru, what exactly did you tell Sandaime?"

After reading the scroll, Naruto was also extremely curious.

'Logically speaking, Sandaime was not a senile person, so how could he not be on guard against Orochimaru? Even if he had become my servant, Sandaime would not have gone to such an extent.'

Orochimaru smirked and explained, "This is all thanks to you, Naruto-kun. Not long ago, I visited Hiruzen-sensei again and shared your insights alongside my own deductions. With your theories and my own conclusions, he agreed to support my research, leading to the scroll's creation."

"I see…"

Naruto nodded in understanding.

'Indeed, the threat of the Otsutsuki Clan couldn't be ignored. Orochimaru likely understood that him alone couldn't stand against them, so he brought Sandaime into his plan. Orochimaru's proof and persuasive arguments would've given Sandaime a grave sense of the danger ahead. It wasn't just Konoha Village at stake but the entire Shinobi World, even humanity itself.'

'No wonder it was designated as an SSS-Rank mission.'

"By the way, you didn't tell Sandaime about my Sharingan and Byakugan abilities, did you?" Naruto asked.

Orochimaru shook his head and said, "Don't worry, I didn't reveal too much about you. I just told Hiruzen-sensei that since I can use the Impure World Reincarnation to summon Shodaime and Nidaime, the Otsutsuki might very well resurrect their ancestors in a similar way, regardless of their immortality. This is a feasible reason. Only when he feels the crisis, will Hiruzen-sensei agree to support my research with all his strength. Of course, the premise is that I am not allowed to use Konoha's Shinobi for experiments without authorization."

"Ah, I see…" Naruto was at a loss for words for a moment.

He hadn't thought of that method himself, 'Though Kaguya was still alive, if she were ever defeated, this approach could indeed bring her back.'

Naruto felt a chill run down his spine at the thought.

'By the time of the Fourth Shinobi World War, if Kaguya is really killed by me, who can guarantee that Black Zetsu will not preserve Kaguya's cells in advance and use the Impure World Reincarnation to revive Kaguya again?

If Black Zetsu really does this, after Kaguya is summoned, he can use the Reverse Impure World Reincarnation to achieve a perfect resurrection.'

'The old saying was right after all… cut the grass from its root. Before facing Kaguya, I'd need to plan accordingly. After eliminating her, I would have to ensure nothing remained that could aid her return.'

'And this is not only true when dealing with Kaguya, but also other powerful enemies, so as to avoid any future troubles.'

"Naruto-kun, do you have any concerns?" Orochimaru saw that Naruto was lost in thought, and he couldn't help but asked. He guessed that Naruto might be onto something serious.

Naruto waved his hand and said, "No, it's nothing. Your words just reminded me that we must cut the grass from its root. Even if someone appears weak, you can't let down your guard, or you'll end up with unforeseen troubles."

"Understood."

Although Orochimaru wasn't certain what Naruto was considering, he nodded in agreement. After all, there was truth in that statement.

Sasuke, meanwhile, was left confused. Naruto had never shared much beyond training instructions with him, and Sasuke didn't concern himself with anything else, as his only focus was on growing stronger.

"All right. Since you're here to speak with Sasuke, I'll let you get to it. I'll check if Neji is done."

Naruto said, waving a hand as he left the waiting room.

Anyway, with the scroll from Sandaime, Naruto wasn't too worried about any misunderstandings that might arise about Orochimaru, potentially sparking unnecessary commotion among the other Konoha's shinobi.

As for the conversation between Orochimaru and Sasuke, Naruto had little interest.

He knew it would likely focus on two things: either plans to leave the Konoha or advancing Sasuke's Cursed Seal state from stage one to stage two.

When it comes to improving his strength, Naruto depended entirely on the system. If he were to listen to instructions on how to train, that would be like listening to a foreign language… completely unnecessary.

Arriving at the medical room, Naruto sensed there's only one person inside, so he felt assured as he pushed open the door.

Seeing Neji's tear-streaked face, Naruto nodded in satisfaction. The current Neji had a softer, more determined look, as if he'd finally stepped out from under the shadow of hatred.

Seeing this, Naruto couldn't help but teased, "What's with the tears? I told you, you're like a little girl! Hahaha!"

"I'm not..."

Neji started to retort, then stopped as he recalled all of Naruto's past jabs. With a slight smile, he said, "Thank you, Naruto."

"Why thank me? Besides, I don't take verbal thanks. Give me something practical, at least some money would be fine."

Naruto continued to tease. He couldn't stand emotional scenes, especially between two guys. Just thinking about it was cringe.

Neji spread his hands and said, " been living under the Hyuga Clan's care, so I don't have any money. But I have just mentioned to Hiashi-sama that I want to leave the Hyuga Clan. Once he agrees, I will be a free man, and I will give you all the money I earn."

"What? You're leaving the Hyuuga Clan?"

Naruto was a bit surprised. He could understand Neji's feelings, but he actually didn't want Neji to leave.

After the Chunin Exams is over, Naruto plans to leave Konoha after Sasuke follows Orochimaru and sign in at various countries.

The only thing that might still tie him to Konoha was Hinata, and he'd wanted Neji to stay and protect her.

'If Neji left too, what would happen if Hinata was in danger?'

"I have read my father's last note. I want to live according to my own will. The first step is to find my freedom!" Neji explained.

Hearing this, Naruto knew he couldn't persuade Neji.

Neji had been repressed for years. Now that he had finally broken free, Naruto couldn't ask him to hold back again. With the Servant Contract, Neji would be unable to refuse his order, but chaining him down again would be the last thing Naruto wanted.

'What should I do?'

After thinking for a while, Naruto suddenly had an idea and said, "Neji, you actually don't have to leave the Hyuga Clan if you want freedom."

"What do you mean?" Neji frowned and asked in confusion.

Naruto explained, "Think about it carefully, why do you have to leave the Hyuga Clan to be free? You're not under the Caged Bird anymore."

"This is because... because I am a branch family's member, so I will be restricted by the main family!" Neji reflected for a moment, finally putting his thoughts into words.

"Exactly. It's because you're part of the branch family!"

Naruto clapped his hands and said, "Leaving the clan is just running away. Mentally, you're still under the threat of the main family. Besides, if you escape, the rest of the branch family will still suffer. If you truly want freedom, you need to resolve the root issue between the main family and the branch family."

Neji nodded slightly, but his brows were still furrowed, "But how? This divide has existed for generations."

"As I said before, fate can be changed. Rules were made by people, so they can be changed by people too. The Hyuga Clan has old traditions, but as the new generation, you should be the one to challenge them. Lead the clan to a better future."

Naruto patiently said, "Just because no one's done it before doesn't mean it's impossible. Be the hero who fights fate head-on. If you succeed, you'll erase the boundary between the main and branch families, achieving true freedom. Not only will future generations thank you, but your father would be proud of you!"

"My father… would be proud of me?"

Neji couldn't help but think of his father's words in the scroll.

'Even if only once, I wanted to defy the fate of the Hyuga Clan and make my own choice. I wanted to carve my own path, just once, even if it led to my death. I have won against fate, Neji! Fate is something we forge with our own hands!"

'What did it mean to defy fate?'

'What does it mean to choose my own fate?'

'It meant breaking the conventions of the main and branch families, changing the fate of the branch family, and the fate of the entire Hyuga Clan!'

Thinking of this, Neji couldn't help but take a deep breath, "I was the first branch member to break free from the Caged Bird Seal, as if the God was urging me to take control of my own destiny. If I'm going to do this, I'll do it big!"

"I've decided… I'm going to change the outdated traditions of the Hyuga Clan..."