After completing the escort mission, following Toneri's departure, Neji also parted ways with his teammates at the gate of the Star Ninja Academy and returned alone to the Hyuga Clan's branch family's compound located in the eastern district of Star City.
The estate was peaceful and tranquil, no different from usual, but when he stepped into his family's residence, he was slightly taken aback.
Sitting in the main seat of the living room, where he was supposed to be stationed in the Wind County, was his father, Hyuga Hizashi. His mother was also quietly doing needlework nearby.
"Father, Mother, I'm back." Neji promptly bowed in greeting, his posture flawless.
Hizashi gave a slight nod, his dignified face showing a trace of barely perceptible fatigue. He pointed to the cushion opposite him, his voice steady. "Neji, no need for such formality. Sit. Your father has some matters to discuss with you."
Seeing this, Neji's mother put down her work, gave her son a gentle look, and said softly, "You two talk. I'll go make some tea."
With that, she stood up and quietly left the living room, leaving the space for father and son.
Neji obediently knelt properly opposite his father, but his heart was filled with confusion.
As the supreme commander of the western front forces, during this critical period of having just fully taken over the Wind County, his father should, by all reasoning, remain at the former site of Sunagakure to handle the heavy military and stability maintenance duties.
Moreover, just a few days ago, when their team was escorting Temari and the others back from Sunagakure, his father had assigned tasks via remote communication. How had he returned to Star City in the blink of an eye?
Hizashi folded his arms across his chest, his Byakugan seeming to see through his son's thoughts. He spoke directly, "You're wondering why I suddenly returned to Star City, aren't you?"
Neji replied respectfully, "Yes, Father. Affairs on the western front are complex. You should be stationed in the Wind County at this time."
Hizashi let out a soft sigh, his gaze becoming somewhat distant. "It's because of the current head of the Otsutsuki Clan, Shuto-sama. His condition has deteriorated. The Medical-Nins at Central Hospital judge that it will likely be within the next few days."
Hearing this, Neji felt a chill in his heart.
He had a good relationship with Toneri and naturally knew his father's health had always been poor, but he hadn't realized it had reached such a critical point.
Hizashi continued to explain, "Our Hyuga Clan's branch family and the Otsutsuki Clan, tracing back to the source, are both descendants of the ancestor Otsutsuki Hamura. We share the same bloodline, and this connection cannot be severed."
"When we first came to the Land of Stars, we also received considerable assistance from Shuto-sama. At that time, Shuto-sama discussed with me... He hoped that when Toneri comes of age, he could select a suitable woman from our Hyuga Clan's branch family, appropriate in age and character, to form a marriage contract, to continue the Otsutsuki pure bloodline."
He paused, observing Neji's expression, and added, "Of course, Shuto-sama also made it clear that if Toneri's heart belongs to another in the future, a woman worthy of his affection, he would absolutely not force it. It's just that the Otsutsuki Clan is now dwindling in numbers. He hoped that in the future, we could let go one or two children with excellent talent from the Hyuga Clan's branch family to inherit the Otsutsuki surname and responsibilities, so that our ancestors' legacy does not end."
Neji listened attentively. He was of a similar age to Toneri, had teamed up with him on missions many times, and had formed a deep friendship through the war.
Hearing this, he felt no resistance. On the contrary, he thought it would be a good thing if the two families could become even closer.
He bowed respectfully again, his tone sincere. "Father, if the two families can form a marital alliance, that would be for the best. Even if not, adopting children in the future to continue the Otsutsuki legacy is a duty our Hyuga Clan's branch family cannot shirk."
Hizashi was satisfied with his son's understanding and nodded, beginning to elaborate on deeper considerations. "From a public standpoint, the Otsutsuki Clan is an indispensable and important Ninja Clan for the Land of Stars. Don't be fooled by the fact that only Shuto-sama and Toneri, father and son, remain now. The power and knowledge they possess are highly valued even by Shura-sama. That child Toneri is exceptionally talented. I believe you, having spent time with him, should have a deep appreciation for that."
Neji nodded in deep agreement.
He had personally seen Toneri use those transplanted Byakugan. The depth of their insight and the finesse of their use even surpassed some members of the Hyuga Clan's main family in certain aspects.
Toneri's strength was absolutely top-tier among the younger generation of the Land of Stars. Even the genius Kimimaro wouldn't dare claim a sure victory over him.
"From a private standpoint," Hizashi's voice brought Neji's thoughts back. "The bond of a shared origin, mutual support is the proper course. Therefore, Shuto-sama and I reached a mutual assistance agreement."
"I will personally teach Toneri the essence of the Hyuga-style Gentle Fist, as well as deeper techniques of Byakugan usage. The Hyuga Clan's secret technique archives will also be opened to him. In exchange, Toneri will also open the Otsutsuki Clan's inherited Puppetry Techniques, the [Mind's Eye] sensory secret technique, and his clan's treasured historical records concerning ancient times to our Hyuga Clan's branch family."
"Puppetry Techniques and... Mind's Eye?" Neji was momentarily stunned… this was the first time he had heard the Otsutsuki Clan was proficient in these secret techniques.
Just then, a small electronic communicator Hizashi kept in his robe emitted a slight vibration.
He took it out and glanced at the information displayed on the screen. A flash of gravity passed through his white eyes.
He slowly put down the communicator and said to Neji in a serious tone, "Shuto-sama... has just passed away. For the next few days, do not accept any missions outside the village. Prepare yourself, you will accompany me to attend the funeral."
Neji's expression turned solemn, and he responded earnestly, "Yes, Father!"
Three days later, a simple yet dignified funeral was held at the national cemetery on the outskirts of Star City.
Fine snowflakes drifted from the sky, as if the world were also mourning the passing of this strong man.
As the Clan Head of the Otsutsuki Clan, who joined the Land of Stars relatively early and unreservedly contributed all the assets and technology from inside the moon, Shuto's death drew widespread attention from the upper echelons of the Land of Stars.
At the farewell ceremony, many high-ranking officials and clan heads from various major Ninja Clans came in person to pay their respects.
Hizashi, in his capacity as Toneri's temporary guardian, presided over the entire funeral proceedings.
Representatives or clan heads from the Uchiha Clan, the Uzumaki Clan, the Iburi Clan, the Kaguya Clan, the Chinoike Clan, the Red Eye Clan, as well as outstanding young talents from these clans, all dressed in black attire, attended the funeral with solemn expressions, conveying their respect and condolences for the late clan head.
At the end of the funeral, Menma, dressed in a pure black haori, stepped forward slowly and gently placed a bouquet of pure white flowers before the coffin draped with the Land of Stars' flag.
He gazed at Shuto's name on the tombstone, feeling emotional.
That battle on the moon years ago, subduing Shuto and his son, brought immeasurable benefits to the Land of Stars.
That immensely powerful Giant Tenseigan, the advanced equipment inside the moon monitoring the entire Ninja World, the Otsutsuki Puppetry Techniques far surpassing Sunagakure's, the [Mind's Eye] secret technique, ecological technology for transforming closed environments, and historical records detailing ancient secrets...
All of these greatly accelerated the development of the Land of Stars.
Shuto's final loyalty and dedication deserved his personal attendance to see him off on this last journey.
After the funeral ceremony concluded, Toneri, his eyes red and swollen but bravely holding back his grief, walked up to Menma.
He held an ancient-looking scroll in both hands, bowed deeply, and said in a hoarse voice, "Shura-sama, this is what my father, with his last remaining strength before his death, completed... He instructed me to personally hand it over to you."
Menma took the scroll. Upon touching it, he could feel the Chakra Seal contained within.
He infused a trace of chakra. Complex sealing formulas appeared on the scroll's surface, and then his Chakra delved deeper, exploring the contents stored within the sealing scroll… a male puppet doll, approximately one and a half meters tall.
The puppet was exquisitely crafted, with flexible joints and extraordinary materials.
Only then did Menma remember. A few years ago, while studying the Otsutsuki Clan's Puppetry Techniques, he discovered that Otsutsuki puppets not only didn't require Chakra Threads but could also act independently based on their master's commands. Their execution and combat capabilities were far superior to Sunagakure's puppet technology.
At that time, Menma had proposed an idea to Shuto: Could they create a type of puppet that could be controlled over ultra-long distances via spiritual secret techniques like the [Mind Body Switch Technique], enabling ordinary Ninjas to operate puppets in battle from thousands of miles away?
Shuto had indicated there were technical gaps but was willing to attempt research.
He hadn't expected that this loyal clan head, in the final days of his life, had kept his request in mind all along. With utmost dedication, he had actually manufactured a functional prototype.
Menma gently stroked the cool scroll, a complex mix of emotions welling up in his heart… both approval for Shuto's diligence and a touch of regret.
He composed himself and solemnly instructed Hizashi beside him, "Hizashi, I entrust Toneri to your guidance from now on. Ensure he inherits and fulfills his father's legacy."
Hizashi responded solemnly, "Yes, Shura-sama. I will spare no effort."
Leaving the solemn cemetery, Menma proceeded directly to his exclusive laboratory located underground in the military district of Star City.
The place was brightly lit, filled with various precision instruments and ninjutsu materials.
He carefully placed the puppet on the central experimental table and simultaneously unfolded the thick stack of instructions or, rather, research logs that came with the scroll.
Menma sat at the console, concentrating intently on reading every detail in the instructions. They recorded in detail the structural principles, energy core, and preliminary mind-link interface design of this puppet.
His eyes grew brighter and brighter. A vague idea in his mind gradually became clear.
A few days later, Konoha Village.
The Ninja Academy was filled with the joyful atmosphere of the approaching holidays.
"This semester officially ends now! Winter vacation begins! I hope everyone has a pleasant holiday!"
As teacher Iruka announced the start of the vacation from the podium, the classroom instantly erupted.
"Yay! Finally, vacation!" Naruto was the first to jump up from his seat, waving his fists and cheering loudly.
"Woohoo!" Kiba also shouted excitedly.
"Mmm, winter vacation, New Year's coming soon, can eat lots of delicious food again..." Choji couldn't wait and took out a bag of potato chips, munching away noisily.
Iruka looked at these energetic children and smiled wryly, raising his voice to remind them, "Be careful on your way home! And don't forget to review your lessons and do basic training during the vacation!"
Having said that, he left the classroom with his teaching materials, leaving the space to these children eager to embrace their freedom.
"Hey! Menma! Kiba! Choji! Shikamaru! Let's all go to the park and build a snowman! This time, I'm definitely building the biggest one!" Naruto started noisily gathering his friends.
Kiba immediately responded, "Alright! But the biggest one will be the one I build!"
Choji, stuffing chips into his mouth, mumbled in agreement, "Mhm, mhm, after building the snowman, let's go eat barbecue..."
Shikamaru wore an expression that said 'what a drag', yawning, but his gaze swept to the back of the classroom where Menma was sitting with Hinata, speaking softly. He sighed and replied lazily, "Ah... fine, fine. It's not like there's anything else to do anyway."
In the corner, Shino silently adjusted his glasses.
And in another corner of the classroom, Sasuke maintained his cool demeanor, hands in his pockets, responding to Naruto and the others' childish game with a disdainful snort.
Bearing a deep-seated blood feud, his heart was filled with a thirst for power. Naturally, he had no interest in such playful activities.
However, under orders from Kakashi and Tenzo, he had to continue 'laying low' at the Ninja Academy, observing and recording the students' daily lives. Tenzo claimed 'this is also a skill an Anbu's member must learn.'
During this time, Sasuke had received special training from Yamato in the Anbu, and his strength had indeed improved by leaps and bounds. This rekindled his desire to challenge Menma.
He stood up and walked straight to the back of the classroom, stopping in front of Menma and Hinata. His sharp gaze locked onto Menma as he said coldly, "Menma, come to the training ground with me. Let's fight again."
Sasuke's action immediately attracted the attention of the other girls in the classroom.
Ino and Sakura looked at Sasuke's cold profile and determined eyes, couldn't help but clasp their hands over their hearts, pink bubbles practically appearing in their eyes as they squealed softly, "Ahh! Sasuke-kun is so cool!"
Menma looked at this [Second Protagonist] in front of him who once again thought he was 'back in the game' and felt a bit helpless.
Sitting next to him, Hinata, feeling the pressure from Sasuke's sudden approach, shyly lowered her head, instinctively leaning closer to Menma, her small hand gently grabbing the hem of his clothes.
Seeing this, Naruto immediately jumped over, pointing at Sasuke and shouting, "Hey! Stuck-up Sasuke! You've already lost to Menma-nii seventeen times! You want to lose an eighteenth time? Do you have some kind of masochistic tendency or something?!"
Sasuke glanced coldly at Naruto, his tone dripping with unconcealed contempt. "Hmph, a dead-last like you who can't even manage basic Chakra Extraction properly could never understand the progress that comes from facing a strong opponent!"
"Alright then, let me see how much you've improved." Menma patted Hinata's head, signaling her not to worry, then stood up and beckoned to Sasuke.
Sasuke, full of confidence, followed Menma out of the classroom.
Naruto hurriedly chased after them.
"What do we do?" Choji and Kiba looked at Shikamaru.
"Let's go watch," Shikamaru shrugged, also curious about Sasuke's progress.
Ino, Sakura, and Hinata also followed them out.
At the very back of the group, Shino silently followed.
A few minutes later, in the training ground behind the Ninja Academy.
"Ugh!" Accompanied by a grunt mixed with pain and extreme humiliation, Sasuke once again landed on the ground in an extremely undignified posture, clutching his buttocks, his face flushed bright red.
Menma, squatting behind him, calmly retracted his hands, which were still formed in the [One Thousand Years of Death] seal.
"Menma! You... you bastard!" Sasuke squeezed the words out through gritted teeth, the intense shame making him want to sink through the ground.
He sprang up from the ground, glared fiercely at Menma, and left behind his classic line: "Just you wait! Next year! Next year I'll definitely be back for revenge!"
With that, he turned and fled the training ground almost as if escaping, not looking back.
In the Ninja Academy's staff office, Mizuki leaned against the windowsill with one hand, having witnessed the entire scene in the training ground.
He turned his head and said with a laugh to a helpless-looking Iruka beside him, who was slapping his own forehead, "Iruka, look at that Menma in your class. He can even beat Uchiha Sasuke, who's awakened his One-Tomoe Sharingan, so easily. I think that top student position for the grade is going to be his all the way until graduation."
Iruka stopped his action and looked out the window.
At the edge of the training ground, Naruto, Kiba, Choji, and a few others were gathered around Menma, excitedly talking about something. The group of friends had their arms around each other's shoulders, laughing and chatting as they walked towards the school gate, their figures gradually disappearing into the vast expanse of white snow.
Looking at that harmonious scene, a relieved smile appeared on Iruka's face. But deep in his eyes, there was a hint of indescribable complexity, ultimately turning into a long sigh.
"Yeah... That kid's talent is too strong. And being an orphan of common birth, it reminds me of the Fourth Hokage-sama, who also came from a common orphan background..."
"Who knows how far this kid will go in the future..."