Chapter 196: I Wasn't Asking for Your Opinion About the Bigger Picture
Neji let out a bitter laugh, looking at these Branch House predecessors and heroes who kept making excuses for the Main House. A profound sense of sorrow filled his heart.
These people were already dead, yet they still couldn't stop going on about "clan bonds" and "the bigger picture," speaking in those same grandiose tones.
They knew the complete truth now. They had personally experienced the Main House's oppression and exploitation. So why did they still act like the Main House's loyal dogs?
Should he call them stubbornly foolish? Or should he credit the Main House's brainwashing for being so thorough?
Neji found their behavior utterly incomprehensible.
He listened to their lectures with an expressionless face, waiting until everyone had their say before responding coolly, "Don't bother talking about negotiating with the Main House. I've given up any hope for them. I don't believe they'll ever change."
"As long as the Caged Bird seal exists, the Branch House will forever be the Main House's slaves, never able to gain freedom."
"And don't talk to me about the bigger picture. That picture has no place for me or for the Hyuga Branch House."
"As for Konoha—a village that colludes with the Main House has no reason for us to stay."
"I've already made arrangements with Lord Yasushi of the Uchiha. After we eliminate the Main House, I'll lead all Branch House shinobi away from here to live in the Land of Rain."
"From then on, whether Konoha lives or dies will have nothing to do with the Hyuga Branch House."
"What?" Even the few who had still supported him immediately turned against him.
"What are you talking about!"
"The Hyuga clan is one of Konoha's two great noble houses! How can you betray the village?"
"Our Hyuga clan was one of the first to join Konoha when it was founded! We have so much land and wealth invested in the Land of Fire and Konoha. How can you just throw it all away?"
"Our glory, our achievements—they're all tied to Konoha! Once we leave the village, what will the Hyuga even be?"
"And you're actually cooperating with the village's enemies? That's the ultimate betrayal!"
"Absolutely unforgivable!"
"For a shinobi like you, the village not executing you already shows incredible mercy! Don't you even understand gratitude?"
"No wonder the Main House treats you this way. You brought it all on yourself!"
Listening to these endless rebukes, Neji had completely lost interest in these so-called family heroes.
Perhaps they were heroes of the clan, but they certainly weren't heroes of the Branch House. Expecting them to stand with him had been foolishly naive.
He didn't want to waste more words on these stubborn old fools. His gaze lowered as he asked bluntly, "So you're saying you won't help me launch the coup or attack the Main House?"
"Of course not." Everyone responded with absolute finality. "We may be dead, but we're still part of the Hyuga clan."
"We would never help you do something so unconscionable!"
"However, we could help you negotiate with the Main House. Surely they'll show us family heroes some respect and improve relations with the Branch House."
"I see." Neji curled his lip dismissively, too disgusted by their childish words to bother responding.
His gaze shifted to his father, carrying a trace of hope as he made one final attempt. "Father, don't tell me you won't support me either?"
Hizashi looked at his son with disappointment, still trying earnestly to persuade him back to what he considered the "right path."
"Neji, you can't succeed."
"The Main House controls the Caged Bird seal. With just one hand sign, they can easily shut down your attack."
"Listen to me—stop doing these meaningless things."
"Take a step back and the sea and sky open wide. You need to learn to make peace with yourself!"
"Take a step back and the sea and sky open wide? More like take a step back and fall into the abyss!" Neji had finally lost all hope in his father as well.
With a cold laugh, he rapidly formed a hand seal. All the Branch House heroes suddenly found themselves unable to control their bodies.
"What?" Panic spread through the group as they shouted, "What are you doing? Let us go!"
Neji ignored their cries, his expression dark as he spoke. "Did you think I used the Reanimation jutsu to seek your help?"
"You have no idea how many Branch House comrades I've already recruited!"
"I don't lack people for the battlefield. Even if I have to pile up corpses, I can bury every Main House member!"
"I summoned you for two reasons. First, I wanted you Branch House predecessors to bear witness."
"Witness the moment when the Hyuga Branch House breaks free from its chains, escapes the cage, and spreads its wings to fly."
"Second, I wanted to know whether the Caged Bird seal still works on the dead."
Shinobi brought back through Reanimation had free souls, but their bodies were controlled by the jutsu and wouldn't obey their own commands.
In battle, this created the bizarre situation where a body would fight an opponent while the mouth kept warning that opponent, voluntarily giving away all its techniques and information.
Cases like the Uchiha—who after having control removed would enthusiastically follow their clan leader into battle against enemies—were actually the rare exception.
So the question was: if the Main House used the Caged Bird seal on reanimated bodies, what would happen when those bodies experienced pain?
Would they writhe on the ground in agony?
Or would they continue killing Main House members while screaming in pain?
The latter seemed far more likely.
"What?" The Branch House heroes reacted with alarm. "You can't do this!"
"Playing with the souls of the dead brings karmic retribution!"
"You bastard! Release this evil jutsu immediately and send us back to rest in the Pure Land!"
"The dead should rest peacefully in the Pure Land, not interfere in the affairs of the living!"
"Silence!" Neji roared, changing his hand seal. Everyone immediately felt the binding force strengthen further. They couldn't even open their mouths anymore.
"Do you see?" Neji declared coldly. "Regarding the elimination of the Main House—I'm informing you, not asking for your permission."
"Whether you're willing or not, you'll do as I say."
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