Chapter 232 – Neji's Resolve
"Hyuga Neji?"
Upon hearing the guard's report, Uchiha Yuta didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he tilted his head slightly, curiosity flashing in his dark eyes.
Beside him, Hiashi Hyuga furrowed his brow, not quite understanding why his nephew would ask for an audience with the Fifth Hokage at such a time.
What could Neji want?
But when Hiashi remembered that Neji was the son of his own twin brother, Hizashi Hyuga, his expression softened slightly.
Whatever it was, Neji was still family.
> "Let him in," Yuta said at last with a faint smile, waving his hand dismissively.
---
Much in the shinobi world had changed because of Yuta's existence.
The Uchiha clan had never been destroyed, the major villages had shifted their balance of power, and many lives that once ended in tragedy now followed new paths.
Hyuga Neji was one such life.
---
In the original timeline, Neji—genius of the Hyuga branch family, son of Hizashi, cousin to Hinata—had been shackled by the Caged Bird Seal.
He had grown bitter, believing the branch family was forever doomed to serve the main family.
Yet after his defeat by Naruto in the Chūnin Exams, his view of fate began to change.
And in that other world… he would one day sacrifice himself to save Naruto and Hinata from the Ten‑Tails' attack.
But in this timeline?
Hinata was no longer a timid girl destined to marry Naruto.
She now stood beside Uchiha Yuta, her fate intertwined with his, her future rewritten.
Yuta's smile deepened. It's time to rewrite a few more destinies.
---
Outside, in the Hyuga compound's courtyard, Neji waited with tense shoulders.
His usually calm eyes were full of conflict and faint hope.
Ever since he'd heard that Lord Hokage himself had come to the Hyuga compound—and that Hinata and Hanabi had awakened a mysterious new power—Neji's heart had been in turmoil.
As a branch family member, bound by the cursed seal, he had long believed his path was fixed.
But… if he could speak to Yuta, if he could plead his case…
Perhaps the fate of the branch family could be changed.
If he failed, he would accept his lot.
But if there was even the slightest chance, he had to try.
---
A Hyuga guard approached, hesitating before speaking softly:
> "Neji… the Fifth Hokage has agreed to see you. But… what you seek may be difficult."
The guard's fingers brushed the seal on his own forehead—the cruel reminder of branch family servitude.
Neji met his eyes, jaw tight.
> "No matter the outcome, at least I will have tried. If our fate cannot change, then I will bear it. But I cannot live without trying."
The guard bowed slightly.
> "Very well. Go on."
---
A few moments later, Neji slid open the door and stepped inside.
His eyes immediately fell on Hinata and Hanabi.
And then—he froze.
What… what are those eyes?!
Their gaze, once soft and gentle, now shimmered with a cold blue radiance.
A power so immense it made the air itself seem heavier.
The moment Neji felt it, his knees weakened, his breath caught.
This chakra… this presence…
Even with all his confidence as the branch family's prodigy, he suddenly felt small—like an ant under the gaze of a god.
---
In his memory, Hinata had always been kind but fragile, her Byakugan no match for his own skill.
But now… now just standing before her made his heartbeat race with dread.
Hanabi's aura was no less overwhelming. Both sisters radiated an energy that eclipsed anything Neji had known.
His mind reeled.
They've changed… completely…
---
> "No… could it be…?"
Neji's eyes widened, trembling.
"These eyes… are these… the Tenseigan?!"
A deep stab of envy twisted in his chest.
Of course—that was it. The Fifth Hokage had come to the Hyuga clan not merely as a guest… but to awaken these legendary eyes within Hinata and Hanabi.
And Neji, the prodigy of the branch family, could only watch.
---
So this is the power they've been given… while I—
Neji clenched his fists, the familiar burn of the Caged Bird Seal aching on his forehead.
Yet beneath the envy, there was something else:
Determination.
He stepped forward, bowed deeply before Uchiha Yuta, and spoke clearly despite the weight in his chest:
> "Lord Fifth Hokage… I, Hyuga Neji, humbly request your guidance."
---
To be continued…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics