Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

"Mr. Shin, Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hiashi are here."

In the laboratory, Shin was busy preparing medicines when a portly Sound ninja entered, announcing the arrival of the Hyuga clan members.

Though Shin's abilities with the Munch-Munch Fruit surpassed many medical techniques, some required finesse beyond his powers, like the Mitotic Regeneration Jutsu, which could regenerate organs. There were diseases his powers couldn't remedy, so he devoted himself to studying pharmacology and pathology. He was surprised that he actually enjoyed creating medicines.

"Did they have any trouble on the way? Did Konoha give them a hard time?" Shin asked, still focused on examining the effect of the medicine under a microscope.

"Uh… it's Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hiashi," the Sound Ninja clarified.

"I know; I asked them to escort Hinata back. Wait—what did you say again? Hyuga Hiashi?" Shin looked up, surprised.

"Yes, Hiashi, the current head of the Hyuga clan," the ninja confirmed.

"What would the Patriarch of the Hyuga clan want with me?" Shin murmured, though he decided to meet Hiashi nonetheless.

In the reception room, Shin found Hiashi seated formally, exuding the strict, upright aura typical of a traditional leader. Despite Shin's young age, Hiashi greeted him respectfully with a deep bow.

Puzzled, Shin waited for Hiashi to finish before asking, "Hyuga Patriarch, why such a gesture? If this is about Hinata, there's no need."

Hiashi replied, "No, it isn't about Hinata. I'm here today with a deeper purpose—to seek your help breaking the curse of the Caged Bird Seal that has plagued the Hyuga clan for nearly a thousand years."

Shin's eyes widened as he realized Hiashi was asking him to free the entire Hyuga branch family from the Caged Bird Seal's control.

Inwardly, Shin recalled a famous phrase from his past life: "A king does not cut off the branch he sits on."

But Hiashi continued, unfazed by Shin's thoughts. "The Caged Bird Seal has bound our clan for generations. It stifles the spirit of the branch family members, suppresses their potential, and deepens the division between the main and branch families. We are kin yet live as master and servant without any genuine familial bond."

Hiashi's voice grew somber. "I've long desired to reform our clan, but the weight of tradition has been hard to bear."

"Okay, hold on—are you quoting ancient proverbs at me?" Shin interrupted, rubbing his temples. Though he understood Hiashi's words, the traditional language was tedious.

Hiashi smiled sheepishly and coughed. "Sorry, old habits die hard. These thoughts have long been confined to discussions among our clan elders. I've never shared them with outsiders. The matter of the Caged Bird Seal just brings it all to the surface…"

"So, Hyuga Patriarch," Shin said, his voice mildly teasing, "you've secretly wanted to remove the Caged Bird Seal all this time?"

Hiashi nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. This seal is why the Hyuga clan has never produced ninjas who stand among the elite in the ninja world. This system has broken the clan's spirit."

Shin wasn't sure how genuine Hiashi's sentiments were. Perhaps in his youth, Hiashi truly desired reform, but family obligations and traditions likely weighed heavily on him as he grew older. Still, with recent events, Hiashi had little choice.

The Caged Bird Seal, in its way, kept the branch family in check, preventing rebellion. However, once a method of removal appeared, a rift was inevitable. Shin could foresee that the branch family, once unshackled, might turn against the main family, perhaps even violently. Some might even consider drastic measures to assert their newfound freedom.

With Neji free and the branch family now aware that the seal could be lifted, many elders in the Hyuga clan wanted to silence the dissenters. But Konoha wouldn't condone such drastic action, and Shin held the key to removing the seal—Konoha couldn't afford to alienate him.

Hiashi's decision to seek Shin's help was likely his only option: a calculated retreat to retain the clan's cohesion, giving the branch family their freedom while preserving his influence as head of the clan.

Shin quickly grasped Hiashi's reasoning and cast him a look of approval. The Hyuga patriarch might seem traditional, but he had a sharp political mind—unlike many in Konoha's leadership, who were often rigid and short-sighted.

Shin didn't comment on Hiashi's motives, instead shifting to the logistical matter. "So, where is Hizashi?"

Hiashi hesitated a bit sheepishly. "He's posing as me in Konoha. Some of the elder members of the clan are resistant to this idea, so I had to come here in secret."

Shin nodded, understanding. Clearly, the clan's older members had little grasp of flexibility or strategic retreat.

"Very well, let's prepare. We'll head to Konoha tomorrow."

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Chapter 182: Sealed Trust is now available.