Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 229 Releasing the Caged Bird

When Hyuga Kanan returned to the secluded training room, she happened to meet Hyuga Neji, who was walking out with an excited expression. Seeing the undisguised joy on Hyuga Neji's face, Hyuga Kanan guessed in her heart: "It seems that he has successfully broken through and entered the Qi Refining Realm."

In fact, Hyuga Kanan had originally expected Hyuga Neji to take some time to achieve this breakthrough. However, Neji's rapid advancement left Kanan in awe, prompting him to exclaim, "What an exceptionally talented guy!"

Recalling his own past experiences, Hyuga Kanan increasingly felt that Hyuga Neji's talent for cultivation might far exceed his expectations. After all, he had also spent a similar amount of time to achieve his breakthrough. The difference was that he had relied on the soul power accumulated from his previous life, while Neji had relied entirely on his innate talent. This comparison gave Hyuga Kanan a deeper understanding of Neji's cultivation abilities.

Therefore, it is evident that for cultivators, talent is the most crucial factor in the early stages of cultivation. Only after reaching a certain level of cultivation will a person's willpower and determination truly be tested.

Hyuga Kanan still highly acknowledges Hyuga Neji's talent, but he still needs to give him a blow, letting him know that cultivation isn't just about talent alone. He needs to show him that he's only just begun.

Upon discovering that Hyuga Kanan had returned, Hyuga Neji excitedly ran to him and exclaimed, "Master, I've finally broken through! I've completed the construction of my dantian vortex and officially entered the Qi Refining Realm!"

Seeing Hyuga Neji's excited expression, Hyuga Kanan suppressed his satisfaction and said calmly, "Not bad. I thought you would need more time to complete your breakthrough. But you're celebrating too soon. You've only just stepped into the threshold of cultivation. You need to work harder and focus more. Remember, the most important thing on the path of cultivation is to have a firm will and determination. Don't get carried away by this breakthrough. Do you understand?"

Hearing his teacher's words, Hyuga Neji gradually withdrew his excited expression. He knew very well that although he had successfully constructed the dantian vortex, this was only the beginning, and the road ahead was still long.

Hyuga Neji understood his teacher's good intentions. He knew his teacher was reminding him not to become arrogant or complacent because of temporary achievements. This was only the first step; a much longer road lay ahead. He had to remain calm and focused, and continue to strive to improve himself.

"Yes, teacher! I understand. I will definitely work harder in my training and will never let you down." Hyuga Neji immediately said to Hyuga Kanan with a serious expression.

He knew very well that he was only at the beginning, and many more challenges and difficulties awaited him. He needed to constantly hone his skills and improve his strength. Only in this way could he become a truly powerful individual and protect those he cherished.

Hyuga Neji secretly resolved that no matter what difficulties he encountered, he would persevere. He believed that as long as he put in the effort, he would definitely be able to realize his dream.

“Very good, Neji. Remember, the path of training is endless. You must have patience and perseverance to constantly surpass yourself.” Hyuga Kanan nodded in satisfaction, encouraging Hyuga Neji.

Hyuga Neji's eyes were firm, filled with determination and fighting spirit. He would take this opportunity to awaken his Sharingan to train even harder and pursue a higher level. He wanted to become stronger, to live up to his teacher's expectations, and to live up to his own talent and hard work.

"Take a good rest today and adjust your soul to its best state. Come back to the secluded room tomorrow; it's time to help you remove the Caged Bird Seal and become truly free," Hyuga Kanan said. The fact that his soul power could complete the construction of the dantian vortex proved that its strength was sufficient to break the Caged Bird Seal. Hearing Hyuga Kanan's words, Hyuga Neji paused slightly before quickly understanding. Although he didn't have a clear understanding of the Caged Bird Seal, judging from his father's attitude towards it, it would likely limit his growth.

Thinking of this, Hyuga Neji quickly asked, "Kanan-sensei, what is the purpose of this Caged Bird Seal?"

Hyuga Kanan looked at Hyuga Neji, smiled, and said, "The Caged Bird Seal is a mind control ninjutsu that makes the target completely obedient to the caster's commands. Furthermore, if the target wants to betray or escape, the caster only needs to activate the seal to cause excruciating pain or even death. Moreover, the Caged Bird Seal also affects the target's strength and potential because it consumes a large amount of the target's chakra to maintain its operation. Therefore, the Caged Bird Seal is an extremely evil ninjutsu that deprives the target of their freedom and dignity."

After hearing Hyuga Kanan's explanation, Hyuga Neji fell silent. He had originally thought he was just an ordinary member of the clan, never expecting to be cursed with such a vicious seal. This filled him with immense anger and sorrow. But he quickly calmed down, knowing this wasn't the time to act impulsively. If he couldn't resolve the Caged Bird Seal, he would forever live in its shadow. Now that he had a chance to break the seal, he naturally wouldn't let it slip away. So he took a deep breath and nodded to Hyuga Kanan in agreement.

Seeing this, Hyuga Kanan nodded in satisfaction. He took out a pill and handed it to Hyuga Neji, saying, "This pill is called the Soul Nourishing Pill. It can nourish your soul power. Take it and go to rest. Come find me again tomorrow morning." After saying that, he turned and left.

Hyuga Neji accepted the pill, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that removing the Caged Bird Seal would be no simple matter; after all, so many members of the Hyuga clan had been marked with the Caged Bird Seal, yet none had been able to remove it, proving its complexity. He resolved to cherish this opportunity and strive to adjust his state.

Upon returning to his residence, Hyuga Neji saw his father sitting at his desk, carefully reviewing some documents. His gaze was involuntarily drawn to him, and when it fell upon the familiar Caged Bird Seal on his father's forehead, an overwhelming emotion welled up within him.

He slowly approached his father, his steps growing heavy. Each step felt like walking on cotton, as if he had lost all his strength. Finally, he reached his father's side, gazing at the cursed mark, tears welling in his eyes.

Hyuga Hizashi heard the commotion and looked up to see what was happening. When he saw his son, Hyuga Neji, standing before him, a kind smile immediately appeared on his face, his eyes filled with affection. He asked softly, "Neji, why didn't you train with your third uncle today? Why did you come home instead?" His voice was gentle.

Hyuga Neji lowered his head, his lips trembling slightly, wanting to say something but unsure where to begin. He felt a dryness in his throat, and a heavy weight pressing on his chest. Hyuga Hizashi noticed his son's unusual behavior, gently patted his shoulder, and comforted him, "Is something wrong? Don't worry, Dad will help you."

Hyuga Neji took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He slowly raised his head, meeting his father's gaze, his eyes shining with determination. He gritted his teeth and finally mustered the courage to say, "Father, I... I want to know about the Caged Bird Seal! Why are we branded with this mark? What does it mean?"

Hyuga Hizashi's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He sighed and said helplessly, "Child, this is the fate of our Hyuga clan. This cursed seal has existed since our ancestors passed down the Byakugan. It is both a protection and a constraint on our power. But do not be discouraged by this, because only through continuous effort can you truly master this power."

Hyuga Neji frowned, puzzled, and asked, "But why are we subject to such restrictions? Can't we use the Byakugan freely?" Hyuga Hizashi was silent for a moment, then replied, "This is to protect the Byakugan from falling into the hands of enemies. If someone betrays the clan or is kidnapped by other forces, they can control our lives and deaths through the Caged Bird Seal. So, although it brings us pain, it also ensures the safety of the Byakugan."

Hyuga Neji gritted his teeth, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. He clenched his fists and said in a low voice, "Dad, Master can break the Caged Bird Seal, why don't you let him help you break it? I think if you just asked, Master would definitely agree. Are you afraid it will affect my safety?" Hyuga Neji suddenly realized something and understood why his father hadn't let Master help break the Caged Bird Seal. His expression suddenly became serious and firm as he said, "But don't worry, I will definitely grow strong enough to help you break this bondage!" Hyuga Hizashi nodded with satisfaction and encouraged him, "Good son, Dad believes you can do it. Remember, no matter when or where, always stay confident and strong."

Hyuga Neji wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes and nodded firmly. He decided to stop complaining and break free from the shackles of fate with action. He would become the strongest like his teacher, no longer a burden to his father, and amaze everyone!

"Teacher, please help me break the Caged Bird Seal tomorrow so that I can truly fly freely," Hyuga Neji said earnestly, looking at his father.

Hyuga Hizashi's face lit up with joy upon hearing his son's words. He knew this day would come sooner or later, but when it finally arrived, he couldn't help but feel excited.

Over the years, he had been worried about his son's future, but now his son finally had the opportunity to break free from the constraints of the family and pursue his dreams freely.

He believed that with his son's talent and hard work, he would definitely become an excellent ninja, and even surpass him as his father.

Thinking of this, Hyuga Hizashi felt extremely gratified. He knew that his son had grown up and no longer needed his protection.

At the same time, he was also grateful to the mysterious teacher, who gave his son a new opportunity to start over.

"Neji, Dad believes you can do it." Hyuga Hizashi patted his son's shoulder encouragingly.

Hyuga Neji nodded emphatically, his eyes resolute: "Yes, Dad, I will definitely do my best!"

At this moment, both father and son were filled with anticipation and hope. The thing they had been looking forward to for so long was finally coming. Their son would finally break free from all constraints, spread his wings, and soar through the ninja world.