The thick wooden doors of the Raikage's office shut with a heavy thud. Inside, the air buzzed with a mix of urgency and excitement. Piles of reports lay scattered across the desk, but one particular scroll commanded all attention.
Samui, the ever-composed kunoichi, held the report she had written after weeks of observing Neji's training. With her calm but confident tone, she presented it to the towering figure seated behind the desk.
"Raikage-sama," Samui said, bowing slightly. "In just half a year, Neji has awakened his Lightning Release chakra and displayed a level of control that rivals shinobi twice his age. His adaptability and discipline are nothing short of extraordinary."
Ay, the Fourth Raikage, raised his brows in visible surprise. His massive frame leaned forward, thick fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. A rare grin tugged at his lips.
"He awakened Lightning Release this quickly? And he's only four years old…" Ay chuckled in disbelief, his booming voice echoing off the stone walls. "This boy isn't merely talented—he's something beyond what even Kumo has seen before."
Tsuchida, one of Ay's trusted advisors, took the report from Samui and scanned through the details. His expression tightened, his sharp eyes narrowing in thought.
"Raikage-sama," he said cautiously, "with respect, Neji has the chakra and foundation of a promising genin, perhaps stronger. But…" He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "He isn't even five years old. Isn't it far too soon to expose him to Lightning Release Chakra Mode?"
Ay's grin didn't falter. Instead, he picked up a dumbbell that looked more like a boulder with a handle, curling it effortlessly with one arm. The veins in his arm bulged with power as he let out a hearty laugh.
"Tsuchida, you're thinking too small. Geniuses are not to be judged by ordinary standards. This boy—this Hyuga—must walk a path carved for prodigies." He set the weight down with a heavy thump and turned toward the elegant woman standing quietly behind him.
"Mabui," Ay said, his voice suddenly serious. "Make the arrangements. It's time Neji learns Lightning Release Chakra Mode."
Mabui's silver hair shimmered under the sunlight pouring through the office windows. She gave a firm nod, though in her chest, she couldn't help but feel both anticipation and worry. To begin such dangerous training at Neji's age… but Raikage-sama's instincts were rarely wrong.
---
The Summit of Amagumo Mountain
The next morning, before the first rays of dawn fully painted the horizon, Neji stood at the base of Amagumo Mountain. His breath formed faint puffs of mist in the cool air as he looked up at the steep, cloud-wreathed peak.
Even at his age, Neji's endurance was exceptional. His legs carried him up the treacherous path with unwavering resolve. Hours later, as the first golden beams of sunrise pierced the heavy clouds, he reached the summit.
There, waiting for him, stood two figures.
One was a silver-haired beauty waving cheerfully in his direction. "Neji, over here!" Mabui called, her voice warm despite the chill of the mountain air.
The other was a tall, stooped old man whose very presence radiated both strength and patience.
Neji jogged over, bowing respectfully. "Sister Mabui," he greeted with a small smile.
Mabui's heart softened instantly. Unlike the mischievous, rowdy boys who filled most of the Cloud Village, Neji's politeness and composure were refreshing. She couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle his dark hair.
Neji's mouth twitched faintly. Why does everyone here love patting my head? Is this village secretly built on a tradition of head pats?
"Neji," Mabui said with a gentle laugh, "this is Senior Matsuichi. He will be teaching you Lightning Release Chakra Mode."
Neji's eyes widened. Excitement bubbled up in his chest—this was the moment he had been waiting for. He bowed deeply. "It's an honor, Master Matsuichi."
The elder studied the young boy carefully. His wrinkled face softened with something like awe.
A child not even five, yet already standing on this path… he thought. In the Yotsuki Clan, even the most gifted only began training Lightning Release Chakra Mode after reaching the rank of chunin. But this boy was no ordinary prodigy.
Recovering, Matsuichi began his explanation. His voice carried both authority and reverence as he traced the history of the technique.
---
The Legacy of Lightning Release Chakra Mode
"Over two hundred years ago," Matsuichi began, "our clan head, Yotsuki Ungaikyō, stood on this very mountain during a thunderstorm. Inspired by the fury of nature itself, he created what would become the foundation of Lightning Release Chakra Mode."
Neji listened intently, his Byakugan eyes shimmering faintly as he absorbed every word.
"The essence of the technique is simple in theory, but immensely difficult in practice," Matsuichi continued. "You flood your body with Lightning Release chakra, forcing it to circulate at blinding speed through every pathway. The chakra coats your body like armor, increasing both your strength and your speed to superhuman levels."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words settle. "For over two centuries, our clan has refined it. Yet, even in all that time, only a handful of shinobi have truly mastered it. Even the Fifth Raikage, Darui, could not fully wield it."
Neji's heart pounded. The technique was dangerous, yes, but also magnificent. It was power incarnate.
"Master Matsuichi," Neji said, his voice calm but firm. "Even if most fail, I believe I can succeed."
Matsuichi frowned slightly. "Do not be overconfident, boy. To sustain Lightning Release Chakra Mode requires chakra reserves close to that of a Tailed Beast. Your body is small, your chakra limited. Even if you are talented, that much power may overwhelm you."
But Neji only narrowed his pale eyes, a spark of determination glinting in them. "Every rule has its exceptions. And I believe I am one."
"Oh?" The old man leaned closer. "Explain."
Neji raised a hand and pointed to his eyes. "Because I have the Byakugan."
Matsuichi's eyes widened slightly. "Go on."
"Ordinary shinobi release chakra only from limited points—their hands, feet, or mouth. But the Hyuga Clan can see the entire chakra system and release chakra from every single tenketsu in the body. Our Gentle Fist techniques, like the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven, use the same principle of emitting chakra everywhere at once. Lightning Release Chakra Mode requires chakra to surge across the body instantly. That makes me… uniquely suited for it."
Matsuichi was silent for a long moment, then slowly nodded. "Remarkable. You've already grasped connections that most would take years to realize. The Third Raikage himself once theorized that someone with extraordinary insight and chakra control could master this mode even with limited reserves. And indeed, the Hyuga clan's Byakugan is the perfect tool for such control. No wonder Kumo coveted those eyes."
He placed a hand firmly on Neji's shoulder, no longer looking at him as a child but as a peer.
"Very well, Neji. I will guide you personally. May the Third Raikage's theory finally find proof in you."
Neji's lips curved into the faintest smile. "I will do my best, Master."
---
The First Step
Training began immediately. Matsuichi stood close, his eyes never leaving Neji as he gave his first instruction.
"Remember what I told you. Focus on a single tenketsu. Start with your left hand. Channel Lightning Release chakra into it slowly. Do not force it. Let it flow, then release."
Neji inhaled deeply, activating his Byakugan. The veins around his eyes bulged, his vision sharpening until every chakra pathway lit up like threads of light. He focused on a single node in his left palm.
Lightning chakra surged within him, sharp and violent. He guided it carefully, refining its flow, pushing it down toward his hand.
"Zzzzt… zzzzt…"
Blue-white sparks danced across his palm, forming a small but unstable sphere of lightning. The energy crackled wildly, flickering in and out of shape.
Matsuichi's cloudy eyes widened. "On the first attempt…?" His heart pounded with excitement. This boy truly is a miracle.
But for Neji, there was no room for awe. His mind sharpened with fierce concentration as he fought to control the volatile energy. The lightning resisted him, wild and chaotic. Yet, his discipline held firm. Bit by bit, the sparks bent to his will.
For the first time in his young life, Neji felt the raw bite of Lightning Release coursing through his veins—and he welcomed it.
This was only the beginning.
---