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A year passed in the blink of an eye. Neji was now seven.
Dressed in white, with his long black hair falling loosely behind him, he walked with the calm and composure of someone far older. Only the white blindfold wrapped around his eyes gave pause to those who met him for the first time. A tragic reminder of what he had lost or chosen to give up.
Despite his blindness, no one in the Ninja Academy could match his instincts, his reflexes, and his poise. And the truth? He hadn't even been pushing himself that hard.
As someone who had lived through another life, Neji understood that the reason most ninjas died young wasn't just war. It was overtraining. Overexertion. Forcing chakra refinement far too early.
Sure, people in this world were tougher and stronger than any normal human, but even they had limits. And Neji wasn't about to burn out before reaching his prime.
Even with moderate training, his strength far surpassed the average. His system had reached Level 5, though his combat experience gains had slowed drastically. But more importantly, his Mind Net (his Observation Haki) had grown exponentially, and he had fully mastered the art of Life Return.
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Yamanaka Flower Shop – That Morning
Today was the anniversary of his father Hizashi's death.
Neji approached the flower shop and selected a few chrysanthemums solemn but elegant.
"Thank you, Miss Yamanaka. And thanks, Ino."
He nodded politely as Ino handed him the bouquet, catching the approving smile from her mother as he turned away.
Even as he left, he could still hear the soft voice behind him.
"That Neji kid… so polite. It's such a shame, though, If not for that family mess…"
Ino, curious as ever, tilted her head as she watched Neji's retreating figure. She'd heard the adults talk about him for years mysterious, tragic, brilliant.
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Hyūga Clan Graveyard
Neji stood in front of his father's grave.
He slowly removed the blindfold, then carefully took out his artificial eyes chakra-linked replicas he had built to mimic biological function. His closed, recessed lids remained sealed as he knelt and whispered:
"It's been two years. I've done well."
"These fake eyes… they've served their purpose. I created them to avoid suspicion, to fool the Byakugan in case anyone ever looked too closely."
Of course, no one dared to inspect him with the Byakugan. That would be a massive insult. Still, better safe than sorry.
Over the past year, Hiashi's guilt had become Neji's silent weapon. Using it, Neji gained access to medical ninjutsu training and spent his days researching ocular chakra networks integrating medical chakra into the fake eyes to mimic real optic flow.
The official excuse?
"I want to restore vision like a normal person. Like I promised my father."
And Hiashi had supported him.
Now, everything was in place.
"…Chakra's unique nature, paired with medical ninjutsu's regenerative properties… should be enough," Neji muttered. "Any further delay will risk stunting my development."
With that, he crushed the fake eyes in his hands and began channeling chakra.
A warm tingling spread through his face. Then burning. Then itching maddening, unbearable itching. He doubled over, covering his face as tissue regrew, nerves reconnected, and chakra veins knitted together.
His body trembled.
Moments later, two fresh, newborn eyes formed within the sockets.
His Byakugan… reborn.
Tears, mixed with clotted blood, spilled from the corners of his eyes. He wiped them away with steady hands and slowly wrapped the blindfold back on.
The light was too much. His new eyes were delicate still adjusting.
He hadn't chosen this graveyard setting by accident. He hadn't wanted to risk being discovered in the Hyūga compound. And here, in front of his father's grave, it felt… symbolic.
He stood for a long while, letting the wind pass.
He wasn't elated. He wasn't triumphant.
This wasn't some miraculous redemption. It was inevitable.
Even now, he wouldn't use his restored sight. Not yet. To the world, he would remain the blind prodigy. A strategic ghost in the shadows.
Neji stared at the gravestone and thought to himself, 'It's time to start making moves. As long as they think I'm blind… I have the advantage.'
After carefully erasing all traces of his restoration even wiping away the bloody tears Neji left.
No one chooses darkness willingly. But if the cost of vision is a leash around your soul… then Neji would walk the dark path every time.
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Hyūga Compound – Hisashi's Personal Dojo
Inside a sunlit dojo, Neji sat across from Hiashi. Both wore crisp white training gi. Hidden behind the doorframe, Hinata peeked in quietly, clutching the edge of the wall.
"Clan Head," Neji said calmly, "I'd like to access my father's inheritance."
Hiashi's brow furrowed. "That's a bold request. What for?"
Even if Neji was mature beyond his years, Hiashi still had to ask if he was the boy's guardian after all.
Neji didn't hesitate. "I want to build a laboratory. And establish a sustainable income source."
Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "A lab… and a business?"
"Yes."
Hiashi exhaled. "Running a business isn't as simple as you think, Neji…"
Thud.
Neji dropped a folder onto the table.
"My plan. A full proposal. You're welcome to review it and invest if the clan sees value."
Hiashi blinked, surprised. This wasn't an impulsive whim. Neji had prepared.
Opening the folder, the first thing that caught his eye was the title: 'The Leaf Broth Tavern'.
"…Hotpot?" Hiashi asked, curious.
Neji nodded. "Communal eating, scalable pricing, customizable taste. It's efficient, adaptable, and highly social. Ideal for ninja squads, families, and travelers alike."
Hiashi flipped through the plans layout diagrams, supply chains, and pricing models. Simple, but effective.
"This idea… it's surprisingly well thought out."
Neji remained silent. He knew this would work. The model was foolproof. Flavor, simplicity, and the comfort of a shared meal no one resists that combination.
Hiashi continued reading, his fingers pausing over the proposed menu.
Neji thought silently: Stories may change, but some ideas never go out of style.
He wasn't here to revolutionize cuisine. He was here to plant roots, gain autonomy, and build power beyond chakra and bloodline.
Because in this world, true freedom was earned not given.
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[Support with 100 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter]