"So this is the Hidden Leaf Village?"
When the caravan reached the Great Gates of Konoha, Gato poked his head out of his sedan chair, curiously eyeing the entrance to the world's premier ninja stronghold. This was his first time setting foot in the Leaf.
Remembering the mission entrusted to him by 'That Person', Gato didn't dare slack off. He urged his caravan to move through the gates quickly.
The shinobi guarding the entrance weren't overly strict with ordinary merchant travelers; they only required routine registration and a few simple questions. After all, everyone knew that the mysterious intruder who had recently infiltrated the village couldn't possibly have walked through the front door.
Once inside, Gato followed protocol and headed straight for the administrative district near the Hokage Building to register at the Mission Center, openly declaring his intent. The Gato Company was looking to open a branch in Konoha, primarily dealing in specialty goods from various nations.
He selected a prime location on the village's most bustling commercial street.
"Furthermore, I see that Konoha is a place of great spiritual energy and talent. I'd like to purchase a private residence here as well," Gato said to the middle-aged Chūnin handling his paperwork.
"Oh! You are more than welcome!" The Chūnin immediately grew enthusiastic, introducing various properties.
Though Konoha was a village of shinobi, it relied heavily on merchants and nobles. Shinobi generally weren't suited for commerce or economics; even the merchant clans within the village mostly dealt in ninja tools, beasts, or industry-specific services.
Gato scanned the map of the residential districts, pointing to a block adjacent to the Hyuga Compound. "What's the price range for this area?"
"You have an excellent eye, sir! This block is right next to the Hyuga estate. The security there is famously good—very peaceful—and the prices are surprisingly reasonable..." The Chūnin began his sales pitch.
He even personally escorted Gato to view the estates. After all, this was a major financier!
"Hmm, the environment here is indeed excellent." Standing on the engawa (veranda) beneath the eaves, Gato looked over the courtyard with a satisfied nod.
A small pond sat nestled among ornamental rocks, and a shishi-odoshi (bamboo water fountain) clacked rhythmically against a stone. With a few ornamental fish, it would be a very sophisticated setting.
"This estate is secluded, and the courtyard is quite large. I'm sure you and your wife will find it very comfortable!" the Konoha ninja flattered with a smile.
"Actually..." Gato saw that the atmosphere was right and suddenly let his expression dim, sighing softly. "For various reasons, I have never been able to have a child of my own."
"Ah—" The ninja panicked slightly, realizing he had accidentally poked at a sore spot.
"Wait!" Gato suddenly seemed to be struck by an idea, clapping his hands together in delight. "If I were to adopt a Konoha orphan, could he attend your Ninja Academy?"
"An ordinary merchant like me was born without ninja talent, but I've always admired them. If I could adopt a child—even if he only grows up to be an average ninja—it would fulfill a dream!" Gato spoke with increasing fervor.
"Adopt a Konoha orphan?" The ninja was stunned by the sudden request.
In any other world, such a whimsical, out-of-the-blue request would be met with immediate suspicion. But this was the Shinobi World! And this was Konoha!
The application for the wealthy merchant Gato to adopt a war orphan as his heir was quickly delivered to Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk.
"Gato the merchant, huh..." A plume of pale smoke rose from Hiruzen's pipe as he looked over the application and the background check provided by the Intelligence Corps.
Gato might be a merchant, but he was backed by the nobility of the Land of Fire and likely had subtle ties to the Daimyo. Whether it was the request for residency or adoption, Hiruzen had no real reason to refuse.
Moreover, taking in a war orphan and enrolling them in the Academy meant the child would be raised in the village, educated in the Will of Fire, and surrounded by Leaf shinobi as playmates and friends.
After careful consideration, Hiruzen Sarutobi pressed the official seal of the Hokage's Office onto the application.
——————
The Hyuga Compound
Four-year-old Neji stood outside a study door, holding a bento prepared by his mother. Beneath the green Caged Bird seal on his forehead, his eyes were filled with worry.
Since returning from the hospital yesterday, Hizashi Hyuga had locked himself in his study for a day and a night, refusing to see anyone.
"Father..." Neji called out softly.
"Neji, don't mind me. Leave me alone to think," Hizashi's voice came from within, raspy and weak.
"Please, at least eat something!" Neji placed the tray on the floor and knelt by the door. "Mother is very worried about you."
Silence followed from the room. Neji remained kneeling.
Despite being only four, Neji was precocious and highly sensitive to the major events surrounding the clan and the village. A few days ago, a mysterious intruder had attacked the compound, and his father had been hospitalized with severe injuries. Neji and his mother had visited every day.
Since then, Neji had sensed something wrong. However, at his age, he couldn't understand the profound look in Hizashi's Byakugan; he simply assumed his father was struggling to adjust after being defeated by the intruder.
"Sigh... go back and rest, Neji," Hizashi's voice drifted out. "I'll eat in a while."
Hearing this, Neji could only rise and bow before silently withdrawing.
Inside the study, Hizashi—dressed in simple robes—was frantically scouring the branch house's archives and historical records. Half-unrolled scrolls were scattered across the floor like autumn leaves.
"Nothing... how can there be... nothing at all..." After finishing the last text, Hizashi shook his head, a look of despair in his pale eyes.
The "Truth of the Caged Bird's Origin" that the mysterious man had shown him that night was nowhere to be found in the branch house records. As the head of the branch family, Hizashi had inherited many texts from the previous head, including secret Byakugan techniques, Gentle Fist insights, and history books.
Hizashi had hoped to find some historical evidence to refute the stranger's claims. But the more he failed to find any trace of it, the more terrified he became. The lack of proof made that horrific "truth" feel all the more credible.
A wave of isolation washed over him. His right hand trembled as it unconsciously reached for the back of his head.
The 24-hour "Seal Release" had been short, but it had left Hizashi yearning for that feeling of freedom every waking moment. When the seal had re-engaged, the loss of that 360-degree vision felt like thousands of ants crawling over his skin—an unbearable itch that nearly destroyed his sanity.
He was desperately suppressing the urge to go out and find that mysterious man.
'Swear your loyalty to me!' The stranger's voice echoed in his ears.
'Do you want to be a coward for the rest of your life, or a hero for the Branch House? Even if only for a few minutes.'
Hizashi shook his head violently, trying to dispel the demonic whispers. He fought to stop thinking about that man, who was clearly evil!
But the fate of the Hyuga Branch House...
And Neji's future...
Creak—
The study door finally opened. Hizashi walked out, his spirit visibly frayed after his long seclusion. Seeing the food tray on the floor, he slowly knelt down beside it.
"Neji..." he murmured softly, a heavy, unshakable sorrow etched between his brows.