In the dim recesses of the secret chamber, Masahiko respectfully presented the second-hand intelligence scroll he had retrieved from the Hokage's office.
Danzō looked at Masahiko with a gaze full of profound implication.
"Did you go to the Hokage's office first?"
"Yes. I handed the two primary intelligence scrolls to Lord Hokage, and only came to you afterwards..." Masahiko produced a separate sealing scroll. "However, the Hokage does not know about this item."
"You have done well."
Danzō nodded with satisfaction. He took the scroll, his tone indifferent yet carrying a calculated weight. "Originally, my organization only accepted orphans. I usually only trust subordinates I have raised from childhood. But you... you are different."
"You are intelligent. Initially, I only needed an informant to keep an eye on the Demon Fox and Sasuke. That was my original intention in investing in you and aiding you." A rare, albeit faint, look of benevolence appeared on Danzō's face. "But you seized your opportunities and improved rapidly. The current you is qualified to receive my approval and truly become one of my subordinates!"
"For you, my Lord, and for the sake of Konoha, this subordinate has always done his utmost. I would never dare to fail your expectations!"
In front of Danzō, Masahiko projected nothing but absolute loyalty.
But in reality, he knew the truth clearly—
'Danzō is purely dangling a carrot.'
Furthermore, the old man definitely had more work for him.
'Sure enough...'
"I have seen your loyalty and your capability. Now, I am entrusting you with a long-term mission." Danzō's single eye narrowed. "You must guide Uchiha Sasuke to awaken those eyes. At the same time, you must ensure his absolute loyalty to Konoha."
Danzō's tone turned gloomy and cold. "Can you do it?"
"Of course!" Masahiko nodded firmly. "This subordinate has been working towards that very goal."
"There is one more thing."
Danzō stood up and retrieved a scroll from a nearby bookshelf. It was a classified document, secured with a sealing jutsu that required further decryption. Danzō released the seal before placing it in front of Masahiko.
"Read this."
"Yes!"
After a hasty scan, Masahiko understood the gist of it.
It was a dossier describing the Tailed Beasts and their Jinchūriki. Masahiko allowed a look of shock and disbelief to wash over his face at the perfect moment.
After a long pause, he looked up, asking with a mixture of astonishment and confusion, "My Lord... so Naruto is innocent? The one truly harming people is the Tailed Beast inside him?"
"Correct." Danzō nodded. He sat back down. "The Tailed Beasts are calamities, yet they are also powerful assets—the ultimate weapon for every village."
"You mean... you want me to teach the Demon Fox—ah, no, Naruto? You want me to teach him how to master this power?" Masahiko looked thoroughly bewildered.
"You need to guide him," Danzō stated. "Ensure he remains controllable."
"Yes!" Masahiko let out a breath of relief, as if the weight of the revelation had just settled.
"Controlling a Tailed Beast is a talent innate to their clan," Danzō continued. "Naruto certainly possesses this ability, but the interference from the beast prevents him from utilizing it."
He produced another scroll.
"Additionally, his academic performance is abysmal. You must pay close attention to his guidance in the future. We cannot have him failing to learn Fuinjutsu."
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
Masahiko took the scroll. It contained formulas and knowledge for numerous Sealing Jutsu—far more tedious and complex than the previous materials. The earlier scroll could be considered an introductory primer compared to this.
Just looking at it made Masahiko dizzy, let alone Naruto.
Expecting an academic failure to master this kind of ability... that was truly a massive engineering project.
For the first time, the usually confident Masahiko showed a look of difficulty.
Danzō's tone deepened. "I believe you can do it."
"This subordinate will go all out!"
Upon leaving the base and returning to the village proper, the expression on Masahiko's face instantly smoothed into calm indifference.
Teaching Naruto Sealing Jutsu? Naturally, it wouldn't be that easy.
However, he would take it one step at a time.
'Right now, my goal is to gain Danzō's trust, then find a way to quickly encroach upon the authority of Root. I need to borrow the hen to lay my own eggs. Otherwise, everything is too inconvenient.'
As for Naruto's education problems? That was a matter for the future. By that time, who knew if Danzō would even still be alive?
Masahiko's state of mind was peaceful, but there was someone else who was far from calm.
It had only been an hour or so—likely just after school let out—yet the boy had rushed over in a hurry.
But unfortunately...
The "Masahiko" at the Ninja Academy had merely been a Shadow Clone. The moment classes ended, he had dispersed the clone to avoid the unnecessary burden of his "Acting Head of the Education Unit" duties.
Not far ahead, Neji stood panting heavily.
After a few seconds, he straightened up, his gaze intense as he spoke between breaths. "You said... to train my own Gentle Fist. How do I do that?"
"Heh heh heh."
Masahiko let out a low, amused chuckle. "You finally asked that question."
Neji clenched his fists but didn't dare act out. He understood his own weakness. He was unwilling to accept things as they were. He wanted help!
But at the same time, Neji was terrified of having his inner thoughts exposed.
The Caged Bird Curse Mark was like a tight band locked around his mind, making it impossible for him to forget, even for a moment.
Masahiko spoke indifferently, "First, you must break the lock in your heart."
He began to walk forward, speaking as he moved. "Hatred and emotion... they are wonderful things. They can control you, but they can also be used by you."
Neji followed behind, listening intently.
Initially, he was impatient, thinking Masahiko was merely speaking empty platitudes.
But then, Masahiko paused, tilting his head to look back. "Trying your best and risking your life are two different things. Which do you choose?"
"Of course, I will risk my li—"
Neji stopped abruptly mid-sentence.
Because in front of Yagyū Masahiko's eyes, it felt as though no thought could be hidden.
He lowered his head silently, offering no rebuttal.
"How can a person who speaks of 'fate' and 'destiny' in every other sentence truly risk their life to do anything?" Masahiko asked.
His pace was slow and deliberate.
"The reason Sasuke sought you out is likely because, to some extent, he saw himself in you."
"Once you accept your fate, nothing remains."
Masahiko turned fully around. His dark eyes bore into Neji. He leaned in close, his low voice lingering by the boy's ear like a phantom.
"Do you dare to wager your life?"
In that moment...
Neji clearly felt his heartbeat accelerate.
'Wager my life!'
He had always believed he was working hard enough, that he had enough determination. But when those words floated past his ears... he hesitated.
"As a member of the Branch Family, you must think clearly before considering whether to take that step."
A hand patted his shoulder.
Neji stood frozen in place. He was so lost in thought that he was completely unaware of when Masahiko left.
Only when he snapped back to reality did he dazedly run toward the school.
Back in the classroom, the teacher found his behavior strange but didn't scold him too harshly, simply telling him to return to his seat.
Neji barely heard a word of the entire lesson.
He felt as though he was standing at a crossroads in his life. One path was clear to see, but he was unwilling to walk it. The other path was obscured in fog, yet it was incredibly tempting.
That night, returning home, Neji looked at his father's belongings, and a decision formed in his heart.
He thought a lot that night, but the image that flashed through his mind most often was the look of unwillingness in his father's eyes the night before he was branded with the Caged Bird.
And...
The agonizing sight of his father rolling on the ground in pain when Hyūga Hiashi activated the curse seal.
That corpse.
As a member of the Branch Family, even the head of the Branch House had no power to choose his fate. But he, Neji, at least had the opportunity to make a choice.
'Is it just my life?'
'I'll take that bet!'