Naruto: The Hyuga Mastermind

Chapter 73: Breaking the Caged Bird

"Are you sure you want to do this yourself?"

In the laboratory, Tsunade handed the scroll containing the Splitting Technique and the necessary medicine to Hyuga Fuji, cautioning him, "There's still a degree of risk involved. If I'm present, I can intervene and save you in case of danger."

"No need. Tsunade-senpai, you've got a lot of work preparing large quantities of the medicine. A little risk isn't worth troubling you over."

"This is nothing, really. If thanks are due, they should go to you and your team. If you hadn't brought this creature back, I wouldn't even know how to approach Katsuyu for this solution."

Tsunade turned her gaze toward the lifeless body of a White Zetsu nearby, her expression tightening.

Through experimentation, they'd confirmed that the cells from this thing could serve as the main material for creating the splitting serum. In fact, the serum produced from White Zetsu's cells carried even less risk than those derived from Katsuyu's cells.

If this creature practiced the splitting technique itself, it would likely succeed in a short time with minimal risk of failure.

"Using Grandfather's cells to create something like this… Uchiha Madara, just you wait!"

Hyuga Fuji glanced at the corpse as well, his thoughts churning.

After consulting with Minato, they had decided to inform Tsunade about White Zetsu.

Others could remain in the dark for now, but considering White Zetsu's potential connection to the cells of the First Hokage, Tsunade, as Hashirama's granddaughter, had the right to know.

"If you weren't now the Hokage's advisor, I would've suggested waiting. Tackling the Caged Bird Seal issue comes with immense risks. The serum derived from this White Zetsu is much gentler, even in its experimental stage. Are you certain you don't want to wait?"

She had only obtained this White Zetsu body a few days ago, and while her research had yielded some early results, there was still some distance to creating a perfected product. The medicine Fuji would use was made with Katsuyu's cells, not White Zetsu's.

"Overthinking every risk will only hold me back. Having the serum as support is already a great advantage. I'll proceed cautiously."

Fuji offered her a small smile, then turned and walked toward the exit. "By the way, please keep this matter to yourself for now."

"I understand."

As she watched Fuji leave the laboratory, Tsunade slipped on her gloves and continued her research on the White Zetsu corpse.

Despite her discomfort at the thought of working with a creature made from her grandfather's cells, the potential benefits were undeniable.

White Zetsu's cells brimmed with vitality yet exhibited remarkable gentleness, unlike the volatile cells from Root's Wood Release experiments.

Hashirama's original cells were notoriously unstable and wild. For some reason, White Zetsu lacked that characteristic, perhaps at the cost of some of its vitality. However, this made the cells much more versatile.

If fully understood, White Zetsu's cells could potentially be used to create human tissue replacements, revolutionizing medical ninjutsu by providing treatments for countless disabilities.

Moreover, Fuji had noted that Obito's frequent use of his ocular powers did not strain him as it did Fugaku. Could that be linked to White Zetsu's cells?

After all, Obito, unlike Fugaku, could use Wood Release—a clear sign of having transplanted Hashirama's cells.

If that were true, she might use this opportunity to curry favor with Fugaku and offload some of her advisory duties onto him.

"So, Grandfather, please consider this your contribution to medical progress. Besides, this is only a creature derived from your cells, so don't blame me too much," she murmured with a wry smile.

…

"The preparations are complete. Let's begin."

In his personal experimental base, Hyuga Fuji glanced at the individuals gathered before him: Nohara Rin, Ranmaru, and a kunoichi with a Sunagakure headband. He smiled faintly, injected himself with the serum, and formed the hand seals for the Splitting Technique.

He had rehearsed this countless times already and was thoroughly proficient in the technique.

At this point, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—who weren't present—could attest to Fuji's mastery of the technique. After all, their lives had been repeatedly taken and restored during his trials.

What kind of demon even perfects a technique this way?

As Fuji's body began splitting into two, one half—the one still bearing the Caged Bird Seal—immediately fell lifeless. The seal activated, destroying the brain and eyes.

Rin turned to Ranmaru with a gentle expression. "I'll leave it to you."

"Okay," Ranmaru replied, activating his crimson eyes and preparing to replenish Rin's life force.

Following the Seven-Tails' guidance, Rin placed her hand on Fuji's newly-formed body, transferring the beast's chakra into him.

Within Fuji's mental space, the massive form of the Seven-Tails, Chomei, quietly appeared.

Sensing Fuji's weakened state, Chomei felt a surge of temptation.

This might be an opportunity. Should I try to take control of this man?

But then it reconsidered. No, forget it. That Sunagakure woman outside seems dangerous. She's even immortal. Without sealing techniques, I'd have no way to deal with her.

Unless I fully transform into the tailed beast, I wouldn't even be able to escape from here.

But fully transforming inside Konoha? Would I even survive long enough to flee?

Resigned, Chomei settled into a position of surrender, ready to "spend its life" alongside Fuji.

Fine. I'll just endure this and live together with him for a short century.

As Chomei entertained its thoughts, another figure appeared in the mental space—it was Fuji.

The sight of him startled Chomei, especially as it sensed the untouched power in his eyes.

"Why hasn't your ocular power diminished at all?" Chomei asked, stunned.

"I have my methods," Fuji replied with a faint smile. "What's wrong? Did you have other plans? You seem nervous."

Chomei flapped its wings furiously, stammering, "I was just… just considering…"

Suddenly, inspiration struck. "Considering telling you my name!"

"Oh? What is it?"

Fuji's casual inquiry caught Chomei off guard. Its voice grew complicated. "You're not surprised I have a name?"

"A name is one of the hallmarks of intelligent life," Fuji replied. "You can speak, think, and are far more intelligent than many named summon beasts. Why wouldn't you have a name?"

"Why wouldn't I… why wouldn't I…"

Chomei repeated the words in its heart several times, finally relaxing. "You're different from those other ninjas. My name is Chomei. If you ever need my help, just call my name."

Fuji smiled. "Hyuga Fuji. You already know that. Pleased to meet you, Chomei."

Chomei hesitated, then said, "Pleased to meet you."

…

Returning his attention to the real world, Fuji glanced at Rin, who had collapsed in the arms of the Sunagakure kunoichi, and Ranmaru, who was replenishing her life force. He walked over.

"How is she?"

"She's alive," Ranmaru replied softly. "It seems the Seven-Tails left her with plenty of chakra, so the life force consumed wasn't much. I'm fine."

Ranmaru finished transferring his energy and shook his head lightly. "This won't harm me. I just need some rest to recover."

The Sunagakure kunoichi holding Rin looked at Ranmaru with a complicated expression.

The ability to restore life… How many in the ninja world would kill to possess it, yet have no clue how to achieve it?

Today, she had witnessed not one but two such techniques. It was a strange kind of fortune.

Hearing Ranmaru's report, Fuji nodded thoughtfully. His gaze shifted to the lifeless half of his body lying nearby.

And with that, the Caged Bird Seal was no longer part of his life.

(End of Chapter)

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