《Naruto Bird Caged Curse》


 Ch 1 : Bird of the Broken Cage

    Last night''s autumn rain had left fallen leaves all over the yard.


    An old tree swayed in the wind, its branches dancing, looking somewhat desolate and sorrowful.


    The teacup on the low tableemittedwhite steam, and the room was silent, with everyone seemingly waiting for something.


    A servant hurried to the door and bowed to whisper near the young man sitting at the head of the table.


    "Lord Hiashi, Makoto has arrived."


    The people seated on either side of the room turned their gaze toward the door, where a figure had already appeared.


    The boy''s face was clear and delicate, with a cool and aloof demeanor.


    He was originally from the Hyuga family, but his eyes were unusually black, and unlike most of the people present, his forehead was not covered by a headband or ribbon. It was left exposed in a casual manner.


    Various gazes look overhim, all showing signs of surprise.


    This meeting, specially convened for this boy, had been full of heated arguments and disagreements.


    But after seeing the boy, one by one, the room fell into silence.


    A wish that all branch family members could only hope for but never attain.


    "Lord Hiashi."


    Hyuga Makoto walked to the center of the council hall, bowed to Hyuga Hiashi, who sat at the head, and then greeted each of the elders seated on the left and right sides.


    As a prestigious family in Konoha, the Hyuga clan had many intricate and redundant rules, with rigid divisions between the main and branch families.


    The hierarchy was strict, and nothing was done casually.


    To the left of Hyuga Hiashi sat a gentle, graceful woman, her demeanor elegant and composed.


    She glanced at Hyuga Makoto, who had entered without wearing a headband, and then noticed the eager, concealed looks from the elders, which made her furrow her brow slightly.


    The cursed seal marking the branch family members was branded on their foreheads, rarely shown to others.


    It was generally concealed by a headband or ribbon, and only the main family members would leave it exposed.


    "How is your recovery?" Hyuga Hiashi asked calmly.


    "The doctor said there are no major issues now."


    Hyuga Hiashi nodded slightly before saying, "The battlefield is fraught with danger. The emergency eye transplant you underwent was no doubt a necessary measure, and I can understand."


    He paused, his pearly white eyes fixed on the boy in front of him.


    "We will not blame that girl. The most important thing for the family is that you survived."


    Hyuga Makoto lowered his gaze, his tone calm. "Thank you, Lord Hiashi."


    "Your current condition is not suitable for the front lines. Stay in the village for now. Once the clan finds a suitable match among the remaining Byakugan, we can replace your eyes."


    As the first person to survive after the full activation of the branch family''s cursed seal, he now faced the situation at hand.


    Having unexpectedly arrived in this world of "Naruto", his soul had taken the place of the Hyuga branch family ninja who had died on the battlefield.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    When the Konoha ninja found him among the corpses, his eyes had already gone blind.


    The battlefield medical ninja had temporarily replaced his eyes with those of another person.


    The reason for his blindness was that, at the moment of death, this body had activated the Caged Bird Cursed Seal, destroying his eyes.


    After being brought back to Konoha as a wounded soldier, the incident shook the entire Hyuga clan.


    Hyuga Hiashi had no choice but to rush back from the battlefield, as this situation was crucial to whether the Hyuga main family''s position could remain as solid as ever.


    He could not afford to delay even a moment.


    The clan had thoroughly examined Hyuga Makoto''s body several times, but the conclusion was always the same.


    He had suffered fatal injuries, but had received timely treatment on the front lines.


    The Caged Bird Cursed Seal had indeed activated and disappeared.


    The destroyed eyes still remained, and the ones he had been given in place were just ordinary eyes¡­


    There was nothing particularly wrong, or rather, the only oddity was that Hyuga Makoto was still alive, even though the Caged Bird Cursed Seal was supposed to destroy his brain''s nerves.


    Has the Caged Bird Cursed Seal failed, or is there something wrong?


    Otherwise, how could the variable of Hyuga Makoto have appeared?


    Looking at the changing expressions of the clan members in the room, each with their own thoughts, Hyuga Hiashi understood the situation in his heart.


    The divisions and barriers had already become deeply entrenched, something that could not be changed by his efforts alone.


    Of course, he did not need to change anything.


    He was the beneficiary.


    What Hyuga Hiashi needed to do was to maintain the situation and ensure it continued to benefit his own branch and descendants.


    A pair of branch family Byakugan, if they fall into someone else''s hands and are destroyed, so be it.


    But an outsider who is not under the control of the main family¡ªhe would never allow such a person to exist!


    The meeting was adjourned.


    As everyone left, they occasionally glanced at Hyuga Makoto, their eyes lingering on his forehead for a long time.


    Although they all knew it was impossible, each of them wanted to experience what it would feel like to be free from that shackle.


    "Makoto."


    Just as Hyuga Makoto was about to leave, a voice suddenly called out to him.


    He turned toward the voice and saw the elegant woman who had been seated to the left of Hyuga Hiashi earlier, walking toward him.


    Though referred to as a woman, she was no more than a girl around 20 years old.


    However, her mature and refined makeup, along with her white kimono, gave her a graceful and dignified air, making her seem like a woman.


    Hyuga Ayano, Hyuga Hiashi''s fianc¨¦e, and, if all went according to plan, would also be Hinata''s mother in the future.


    "Lady Ayano."


    Hyuga Ayano smiled gently and said, "No need to be so formal. You can call me Sister Ayano or just Sister. Ayari has always been worried about you."


    Ayano''s sister, Ayari, was someone Hyuga Makoto used to follow around as a child.


    However, the sisters'' fates turned out completely different. She was destined to be the future clan leader''s wife¡ªa fate decided long ago.


    Hyuga Makoto''s gaze inadvertently swept across her smooth forehead.


    The entire Hyuga clan was filled with an overwhelming sense of fate.


    Hyuga Makoto simply said, "I''ve made Sister Ayari worry."


    Hyuga Ayano''s gaze quietly studied Makoto''s face.


    After enduring life-and-death trials, a person''s demeanor could change so drastically¡ªit was as if they had become an entirely different person.


    "Anyway, it''s good that you''re fine now. Didn''t Ayari already visit you?"


    "Yes."


    "The clan is actually very concerned about you. Losing your Byakugan must feel unfamiliar, right?" Hyuga Ayano''s tone was gentle, like that of a caring elder sister.


    In her, Hyuga Makoto could see a glimpse of what Hinata might look like as an adult.


    "It hasn''t really affected my daily life," he replied.


    "That''s good. The clan still has a considerable reserve of Byakugan, and they''ll arrange for a replacement for you soon. You don''t need to worry." As Ayano spoke, she took out a white silk ribbon and handed it to Makoto.


    "In the future, you should be more mindful when moving around the clan. Don''t let the others develop any misunderstandings."


    Hyuga Makoto''s gaze wavered slightly as he looked at the silk ribbon she handed him.


    Hyuga Ayano was also watching his reaction carefully.


    "Apologies, Lady Ayano. It was thoughtless of me. I''ll be more careful in the future!" Makoto said, bowing his head as he accepted the ribbon with both hands.


    Ayano''s elegant expression softened slightly, and she said gently, "It''s not your fault. After all, no one wanted such a thing to happen. Even Lord Hokage has heard about your situation and asked Hiashi about you. He''s very concerned about you."


    Her gaze was warm and caring as she spoke, her tone filled with sincerity.


    After finishing her words, she gently patted Makoto''s shoulder in a comforting gesture.


    Being this close, he could faintly catch a soft fragrance emanating from her.


    "Just stay in the village and rest for now."


    Hyuga Ayano left, and gradually, the people in front of the council hall also dispersed.


    The courtyard grew quiet and empty, leaving him standing there alone.


    Whoosh¡ª


    The wind suddenly picked up, carrying a chill that swept across his face.


    Do they want him to become a caged bird again¡­?


    These ordinary eyes may not see any less far.

 Ch 2 : Wildflower

    ¡°Miss Rin.¡±


    Looking at the maid who had brought her tea, Nohara Rin felt a little at a loss.


    She awkwardly stood up to return the greeting, but the maid did not meet her eyes, bowed slightly, and then left.


    The spacious reception hall felt so empty that it made her extremely uneasy.


    From the inner room came the faint sound of conversation¡ªit was her teacher speaking with the head of the Hyuga clan.


    Rin picked up the teacup and took a small sip, her eyes wandering aimlessly around the room.


    She had saved a comrade from the village on the battlefield, but it seemed she had gotten herself entangled in some kind of trouble, to the point where her teacher had to step in on her behalf.


    Fortunately, every time the Hyuga family invited her over, they always treated her with great courtesy.


    Apart from asking for detailed accounts of what had happened back then, they had not made things difficult for her.


    Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly noticed a figure standing at the doorway.


    The courtyard outside buzzed with the noise of daytime, and sunlight slanted into the reception hall.


    The figure stood precisely at the boundary between light and shadow, and in the dim backlight, she could faintly make out the sharp contours of his face.


    The Hyuga clan members all seem to be quite good-looking¡­


    The thought crossed her mind inexplicably.


    Having visited the Hyuga compound several times, she had seen so many pairs of those pale, unseeing eyes that they had started to blur together in her memory.


    But she remembered this person very clearly.


    ¡°It¡¯s you.¡±


    Rin quickly set down her teacup and stood up.


    During a mission to search for a missing reconnaissance team, She and Kakashi had only found Hyuga Makoto, who was blind, gravely injured, and on the verge of death.


    The rest of his team had all perished in action.


    At that time, they were near the edge of the Iwa-nin military camp, constantly at risk of being discovered by the enemy.


    Hyuga Makoto had told her and Kakashi that if they didn¡¯t want to return with a blind burden, they should help him replace his eyes.


    Her impression of him ended when he was brought back to the village.


    Although Rin had visited the Hyuga compound several times since then, she had never seen him again, despite every visit was because of him.


    ¡°How is your health now?¡± Rin asked while examining him, her gaze lingering on his eyes for a second longer than intended.


    Those dark pupils were deep and tranquil, seemingly ordinary, but on a Hyuga clan member, they felt strikingly out of place.


    ¡°Almost fully recovered.¡±


    ¡°And¡­ are you getting used to your eyes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can see everything.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Rin had only performed eye replacement surgery twice, both under urgent and perilous circumstances.


    Given the limitations of her skills and the lack of proper equipment, she worried that Hyuga Makoto might suffer some lasting side effects.


    ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done,¡± Hyuga Makoto suddenly said.


    ¡°You came all this way just to thank me again?¡± Rin chuckled, finding him rather straightforward.


    ¡°You¡¯ve already thanked me before. Besides, we¡¯re comrades from the same village¡ªit was my duty to save you.¡±


    ¡°This is very important to me,¡± Hyuga Makoto said earnestly.


    Rin felt a little awkward. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t need to dwell on it.¡±


    Hyuga Makoto didn¡¯t press the matter further and instead changed the topic.


    ¡°I heard Lord Minato is here.¡±


    Rin nodded. ¡°Sensei is talking with Lord Hiashi.¡±


    ¡°It seems I¡¯m fortunate enough to meet Lord Minato today.¡±


    Rin smiled faintly.


    She was long used to the fact that her teacher had countless admirers.


    The two of them exchanged a few more casual words before a sound suddenly came from the inner room.


    Hyuga Hiashi and Namikaze Minato emerged together.


    Hiashi wore a friendly smile, a stark contrast to the stern expression Hyuga Makoto was used to seeing on him.


    Then, he caught sight of the man who would become the Fourth Hokage¡ªa tall, slender, and handsome blond youth.


    ¡°Sensei." Rin immediately spoke up, also greeting Hyuga Hiashi with a polite nod. ¡°Lord Hiashi.¡±


    Hyuga Makoto stood quietly to the side, bowing slightly but saying nothing.


    ¡°The situation on the front lines remains deadlocked. We¡¯ll have to rely on you, Minato, to lead us forward,¡± Hiashi said.


    ¡°With the Hokage guiding us, victory is certain,¡± Minato replied with confidence.


    Hiashi¡¯s gaze swept across the two standing in the reception hall, noticing that Hyuga Makoto was wearing his forehead protector today.


    Hiashi then looked at Rin and suddenly smiled.


    ¡°Inviting Miss Rin here was mainly to better understand the situation back then and ensure proper follow-up treatment. I didn¡¯t expect you, Minato, to make a special trip as well. It seems we haven¡¯t been treating Miss Rin with enough hospitality.¡±


    Minato smiled in return. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Hiashi. I was just worried Rin might unintentionally offend you.¡±


    Hiashi replied, ¡°Miss Rin is an excellent medical ninja. Many of our clan members admire her greatly.¡±


    Hearing this, Rin felt a bit flattered and caught off guard.


    ¡°You may remain here, Mr. Hiashi. We¡¯ll take our leave now,¡± Minato said with a slight bow.


    ¡°Makoto, see our guests out,¡± Hiashi said with a smile.


    Leaving the reception hall, the three of them walked along the covered corridor toward the main gate.


    The Hyuga courtyard was vast, with artificial rock formations, flowing water, ponds, and lush greenery.


    Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the stone pathways.


    ¡°You must be Hyuga Makoto,¡± Minato said as they walked, his mind thoughtfully considering the young man beside him.


    ¡°Yes, Lord Minato,¡± Makoto replied respectfully.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so formal. It was thanks to your intelligence back then that we secured such an important victory,¡± Minato said with a warm smile.


    ¡°The intelligence wasn¡¯t obtained by me alone. It was the effort of the entire reconnaissance team,¡± Makoto responded calmly.


    Minato paused briefly, clearly moved by Makoto¡¯s words, and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    After a moment of silence, Minato sighed softly. ¡°The situation back then must have been incredibly perilous.¡±


    Makoto replied, ¡°It was all for the village. One of your students, Lord Minato, also gave his life for that cause, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    These words brought a heavy silence over the group.


    Hyuga Makoto caught a glimpse of Rin lowering her head, her expression dim with sorrow.


    Before long, Minato spoke again, his voice steady and firm, as if making a solemn promise: ¡°No one dies in vain.¡±


    Hyuga Makoto replied with an unchanged expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Lord Minato. Every fallen comrade is a hero of the village.


    Their will guides us to keep moving forward with determination.¡±


    Hearing such dignified and resolute words, Minato was slightly taken aback.


    He couldn¡¯t help but glance at Hyuga Makoto again, his gaze filled with a hint of surprise.


    ¡°You have an admirable sense of resolve.¡±


    Hyuga Makoto smoothly continued,


    "It was the sacrifice of my comrades that gave me some important lessons.


    I also want to become someone like you, Lord Minato, who charges to the front lines for the village.


    Unfortunately, my clan requires me to stay in the village to recover.


    I wish I could fight alongside you."


    Minato smiled and replied.


    "Since you''re still recovering, you should focus on your rest.


    A young person like you being alive is already a contribution to the village.


    Moreover, the strength of your Hyuga clan is unique and holds great significance for the village."


    Hyuga Makoto¡¯s gaze flickered slightly. "You¡¯re right, Lord Minato."


    When they reached the entrance of the Hyuga compound, they parted ways, and Hyuga Makoto watched them leave, his expression returning to calm.


    He had been rejected¡­ but that was to be expected.


    How could he expect Minato to accept such a one-sided request?


    He wasn¡¯t a hot-blooded fool like Naruto.


    After Minato and Rin had left the Hyuga compound, Rin couldn¡¯t help but speak up to her teacher, ¡°Makoto is a really good person, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    Perhaps it was because their comrades had both been sacrificed, but Rin felt some empathy toward him.


    Minato didn¡¯t comment directly and simply smiled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t interact with him too much.¡±