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"Neji, it seems you have made a wise decision."
Upon hearing Hyuga Neji's address, Uchiha Kakuzan understood his choice.
Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Hyuga Neji nodded, gave him a simple bow, and spoke very sincerely:
"Yes, sir. Neji is just a lowly genin. I am honored by your high regard. If I were to be ungrateful, it would be truly inexcusable."
At this point, just as Uchiha Kakuzan was about to say something, Hyuga Neji continued:
"However, Neji still has some questions in his mind. I wonder if you could clear them up for me, sir."
Upon hearing Hyuga Neji's question, Uchiha Kakuzan showed no surprise, simply nodding and casually replying:
"I can probably guess what you want to ask. Go ahead and ask, otherwise you'll always have a knot in your heart."
Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Hyuga Neji's eyes flashed with gratitude. After a slight pause and a quick reorganization of his thoughts, he spoke:
"My lord, my first question is, why did you come to recruit me?"
At this point, Hyuga Neji frowned slightly; he simply couldn't understand this problem.
Because Hyuga Neji knew very well that, given the status of the person before him, getting any subordinates was as simple as a word.
Within Konoha Village and the Uchiha clan, countless powerful individuals served under his command.
And what about himself? He was just a lowly genin, and even if he was a minor genius, he was only a genius of the Hyuga clan.
Moreover, due to the matter of the main family and the branch family, he has the Caged Bird Seal on his forehead, which limits his future growth. It would be lucky if he could eventually become a Kage-level powerhouse.
Upon hearing Hyuga Neji's question, Uchiha Kakuzan revealed a knowing smile. After a moment's contemplation, he smiled and said:
"Actually, the reason I recruited you, besides recognizing your potential, is because of Hinata."
"Miss?"
Hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Hyuga Neji was even more puzzled, and frowned slightly as he said:
"Lord Okiyama, you should also know that since you gave me the letter my father left me last time, I no longer have any animosity towards Hinata and will not pose any threat to her in the future."
I know Hinata is your fiancée, but your worries are indeed somewhat unnecessary.
However, after hearing what Hyuga Neji said, Uchiha Kakuzan shook his head, staring intently at him, and explained:
"Neji, do you even know what Hinata's feelings are for you?"
Hyuga Neji didn't say anything when he heard Uchiha Kakuzan's words, but simply shook his head with a slight frown.
"Brother, Hinata has always considered you her brother."
At this point, Uchiha Kakuyama shook his head with some emotion, and continued:
"The reason I recruited you is not only because you are a promising talent, but also because of Hinata."
He has always been too kind-hearted, and he still harbors some resentment about your separation from the family.
"I did it out of consideration for her, not wanting this to become a thorn in her side, so I decided to step in and recruit you as my subordinate. This way, I can gain a promising subordinate and also resolve Hinata's inner conflict."
Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's explanation, Hyuga Neji's expression became quite complicated. He never imagined that he would be recruited by the person in front of him because of Hinata.
At that moment, Uchiha Kakuzan's expression turned serious. Looking at the handsome Hyuga Neji before him, he asked in a very serious tone:
"Neji, have you thought it through? If you accept my offer, I will remove the Caged Bird Seal from your forehead and give you a bright future."
Upon hearing what Uchiha Kakuzan said, Hyuga Neji snapped out of his daze. A resolute glint flashed in his eyes, and he knelt on one knee, bowing his head slightly, responding with utmost sincerity:
"Lord Uchiha Kakuzan, Hyuga Neji accepts your offer."
Hearing Hyuga Neji's words, Uchiha Kakuyama nodded with satisfaction.
Actually, there was something else he didn't mention earlier: the reason he recruited Hyuga Neji was to give him a better outcome within his power.
As a genius of the Hyuga clan, he was not only exceptionally talented but also very pure-hearted. However, in the end, just before the finale, he tragically died while trying to save Hinata. All he ever wanted was freedom.
Thinking of this, Uchiha Kakuzan also came to his senses. Looking at the boy kneeling in front of him, he stretched out his finger, and after a purple-gold flame ignited on it, he gently touched Hyuga Neji's forehead.
"what!!"
As Uchiha Kakuzan moved, the cluster of purplish-gold flames invaded Hyuga Neji's forehead, emitting a hissing sound, somewhat like a red-hot iron plate branding onto flesh.
Immediately afterwards, Hyuga Neji felt a sharp pain coming from his forehead, causing him to involuntarily clutch his head, rolling around and roaring loudly.
Uchiha Kakuzan had anticipated this situation. Before Hyuga Neji's cries of agony could be heard, he gently waved his right hand, creating a light red barrier around Hyuga Neji, completely isolating his voice.
Not long afterward, Hyuga Neji felt the intense pain in his head recede like a receding tide, leaving behind a clear mind.
After Hyuga Neji opened his eyes, he saw Uchiha Akiyama smiling and asked:
"How is it, Neji? How does it feel? It took me a long time to figure out how to remove the cursed seal of your Hyuga clan called the Caged Bird."
As he spoke, Uchiha Kakuyama casually waved his hand, and once again a water screen capable of reflecting people's images was erected in front of Neji.
Chapter 472: Xirihong's Little Thoughts
Uchiha Kakuzan wasn't lying; he had put in a great deal of effort to master the Caged Bird Seal of the Hyuga clan.
After all, the Caged Bird Seal is the most fundamental seal of the Hyuga clan, so the fact that it was able to be unsealed intact was largely thanks to Kushina's help.
At this moment, Hyuga Neji did not hear what Uchiha Kakuzan said, or rather, he had subconsciously blocked out all external influences, his eyes fixed on the mirror-like water curtain in front of him.
Reflected in the water, Hyuga Neji could clearly see his smooth forehead, where the ugly blue mark from before was gone.
For Hyuga Neji, this was practically a dream come true.
It should be noted that this ugly mark was imprinted on his forehead when he was only three years old. It not only represented his bondage but also his humiliation, which was the tragic fate of the Hyuga clan's branch family.
Hyuga Neji slowly extended his finger and touched his forehead with a slight tremor. Inside the water curtain, Neji made the same gesture.
It's true, all of this is true.
At this moment, Hyuga Neji finally believed what Uchiha Kakuzan had said: he really could free him from this prison, and he had already done so.
Thinking of this, Hyuga Neji also came to his senses. Then, with a very excited expression, he knelt on one knee before Uchiha Kakuzan beside him, his voice trembling as he said:
"Hyuga Neji swears to be loyal to Lord Uchiha Kakuzan for all eternity."
Upon hearing Hyuga Neji's words, Uchiha Kakuzan shook his head and said:
"Hyuga Neji, as I just told you, the reason I want to recruit you is not only because you are a rare genius, but also because of Hinata."
Hinata has always considered you her older brother, but she also knows that you will always hold a grudge about the Hyuga clan's main and branch families.
I couldn't bear to see Hinata like this, and I also admire you, which is why I reached out to help you.
"If I were to keep you by my side and make you loyal to me for the rest of your lives, then what difference would there be between me and the main branch of your Hyuga clan?"
At this point, Uchiha Kakuzan clapped his hands lightly and continued:
"Here's what we'll do: you'll serve me faithfully for ten years. After ten years, when you've fully matured, I'll grant you your freedom, and you can go wherever you want."
Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Hyuga Neji was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected that this man, who had gone to such great lengths to remove the Caged Bird Seal from his head, would not require his loyalty.
Thinking of this, a look of gratitude flashed in Hyuga Neji's eyes. He bowed deeply to the man before him and said:
"Thank you, sir."
In response to Hyuga Neji's gratitude, Uchiha Kakuzan simply nodded calmly and then said:
"Alright, our matter is settled. You should prepare for the Chunin Exams. After the exams, if you want to follow me, I'll take you with me."
Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuzan's words, Hyuga Neji immediately nodded and said:
"Yes, sir. After this exam, let those members of the main family see my talent, and then I will leave with you. That way, those old fogies will regret their decision."
Uchiha Kakuzan didn't say anything more to Hyuga Neji's words, but simply waved his hand and disappeared from the spot.
After Uchiha Kagami left, Hyuga Neji carefully surveyed his surroundings. Seeing that there were no other people around, he tidied himself up and then solemnly put his headband on his forehead.
Now that the Caged Bird Seal on his forehead has been removed, if the main family members see it, it will definitely cause a huge uproar within the Hyuga clan.
Hyuga Neji was well aware that although his talent was currently outstanding, far surpassing that of his peers in the Hyuga clan,
However, in the end, he was still too young. Not to mention fighting against the main family, even if the main family casually sent out a Jonin, he would not be able to fight against him at his current age.
It seems that after leaving the Forest of Death, I will need to find some pigment similar to the mark of the Caged Bird Seal and apply it to my skin. That way, unless someone observes it closely, they shouldn't notice the problem.
After patching up every possible flaw, Hyuga Neji leisurely walked towards Lee.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Kagami returned to the central stone tower platform.
However, just after he returned here, a figure was quietly approaching him from behind.
As the figure approached, it made no sound at all, silently moving towards his back.
Yeah!
However, just as this figure was about to reach Uchiha Kazuyama's back, Uchiha Kazuyama seemed to have known about her arrival in advance. He turned around quickly and hugged her tightly before she could react, causing her to let out a soft cry.
Kurenai's cheeks were flushed, and she looked at the man before her with watery eyes, saying with a slight hint of complaint:
"How did you find out I was getting close? Humph! You're just pretending not to know, waiting for me to walk right into your trap?"
Upon hearing Kurenai's words, Uchiha Kakuzan reached out and gently pinched her upturned nose, saying with a smile:
"It's because you smell so good. I could smell you from far away. Otherwise, how would I have recognized you?"
At this point, Uchiha Akiyama couldn't resist and gave her a hard kiss on the cheek before continuing:
"Some of these young girls need to be taught a lesson. They've been ninjas for so long, don't they know how to remove their own scent?"
Upon hearing Uchiha Kagami's words, Kurenai rolled her eyes playfully and said with a hint of complaint:
"I didn't want this to happen either, but ever since I gave birth to your child, I've noticed that I have a natural body odor. If you want to teach someone a lesson, you, the culprit, should be the one!"
In fact, Kurenai Yuhi was aware that she had a fragrance on her body, and as a Kage-level powerhouse, it would be very easy for her to get rid of the fragrance.
However, what she knew even more was that the man in front of her really liked the scent on her body, and that was why Kurenai Yuhi had never removed the scent in order to make him like her even more.
Chapter 473: Sunset Red's Envy
Meanwhile, Uchiha Kakuzan, who was already holding Kurenai tightly in his arms, had lowered his head slightly and buried his nose in Kurenai's neck, carefully smelling the fragrance.
Sensing Uchiha Kakuyama's actions, a smug look flashed in Kurenai's eyes. Although her face was still red, she couldn't help but reach out and hug Uchiha Kakuyama's back.
After smelling it for a while, Uchiha Kakuyama finally raised his head, gently kissed Kurenai Yuhi on the cheek, and then asked:
"Red, how long have you been here?"
Upon hearing Uchiha Kagami's question, Kurenai Yuhi smiled and replied gently:
"Yes, I just got here a short while ago and noticed you weren't inside, so I guessed you'd be here."
Kurenai Yuhi knew Uchiha Kakuyama quite well, knowing that he liked to be alone in a place with a wide view, and the rooftop of this stone tower best met this requirement, which is why Kurenai Yuhi came here.
Upon hearing Kurenai's words, Uchiha Kakuzan was slightly taken aback. Finally, he gently stroked Kurenai's upturned nose and said with a smile:
"You're quite smart."
And so, for the rest of the time, Uchiha Kakuyama stayed on the rooftop, holding Kurenai Yuhi while admiring the distant scenery. The faint sounds coming from afar did not bother them.
After some time, suddenly, an impatient voice came from behind them:
"Ha, I don't know how many times I've run back and forth outside, and you two are still here being all lovey-dovey. Do you really have any shame?"
Upon hearing the voice, Kurenai immediately jumped out of Uchiha Kakuzan's arms, her face flushed as she looked in the direction from which the voice came.
Upon seeing who it was, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Xi Rihong's face, and then she said in a slightly coquettish tone:
"I know our Red Bean is the best, and she's also the chief examiner for this exam. These little things are a piece of cake for her, right?"
Hearing Kurenai's words, Mitarashi Anko's face darkened. She hadn't expected that her closest friend, after becoming lovers with Uchiha Kakuzan, seemed to have been infected with his shamelessness, even able to say such brazen things.
Therefore, after hearing Kurenai Yuhi's words, Mitarashi Anko rolled her eyes helplessly and said to the two treacherous lovers on the rooftop:
"Alright, alright, all the people taking the entrance exam have arrived, and the individual competitions are about to begin. Aren't you two going to take care of your students?"
After being reminded by Mitarashi Anko, Yuhi Kurenai also remembered. She stuck out her tongue a little shyly, her pretty face slightly flushed, and pulled Uchiha Kakuyama along as they walked inside.
Mitarashi Anko, who was left behind them, glared at Yuhi Kurenai's back with a hint of disappointment before following them inside.
When Uchiha Kakuyama arrived at the arena, he only saw the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing at the highest point, and the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, beside him. A knowing look flashed in his eyes, and he raised his eyebrows, feigning surprise, and asked Mitarashi Anko beside him:
"Why isn't the Kazekage of Sunagakure here at a time like this?"
Upon hearing Uchiha Kakuyama's words, Mitarashi Anko simply rolled her eyes and said impatiently:
"You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?"
I only heard that the Wind Shadow seemed to be feeling unwell, so I sent his subordinate, Maki, in his place.