Chapter 25: Neji Hyūga - A New Change in Konoha Village

After hearing that, Neji's heart remained restless for a long time.

"For so many years, I should have treated you well. But every time I saw you, I was reminded of my debt to Hizashi. I was avoiding and ignoring you. But I don't want to do that anymore."

"Please give me a chance. I'm not doing this to seek forgiveness from Hizashi and you. I hope that from your generation, the Hyuga Clan can change. From now on, let there be no more rift between the main and branch families of the Hyuga Clan because we are all one family."

"My lord Hiashi..."

It was impossible not to be shocked when seeing Lord Hiashi kneeling down and bowing his head to apologize to him. However, what shocked him even more were his father's words and choices before his death. And now, it was also the choices made by Lord Hiashi.

They really thought about each other whole - heartedly. Even the division of the clan couldn't destroy the bond between the two brothers. Did they want to be the masters of their own fate, even if just once?

Neji felt that he seemed to understand what his father really wanted to convey to him.

Neji, your own fate is in your own hands. Don't complain about your fate and blame yourself due to momentary confusion. As long as we're willing, each of us can be the master of our own fate.

He looked at Lord Hiashi, who was in tears and almost choking with sobs. On that day, he lost his beloved father, and Lord Hiashi also lost his dearest younger brother...

He thought that his father in heaven would definitely not want the people he protected with his life to fight against each other.

For the first time, he stepped forward and hugged Hiashi, who was kneeling there, reluctant to get up.

"Lord Hiashi, I've made up my mind. I'm willing to stay by your side and learn from you. I'll strive to be the master of my own fate and lead the Hyuga Clan to a different future."

"Neji..."

Hiashi stood up and pulled little Neji tightly into his arms. From that day on, he would treat Neji as his own son and would never let him suffer the slightest bit of injustice.

Neji felt the warm embrace of Lord Hiashi. Ah! This was the embrace of a father...

On this day, they both walked out of the grief of losing their loved ones and bravely faced the future storms...

...................

"Hinata, Hanabi, this is Brother Neji. You should get along well with him from now on."

"Yes, Father."

Hinata still shyly hid to the side, blushing and muttering softly, while Hanabi boldly stepped forward to say hello.

"Neji, these are your two younger sisters, Hinata and Hanabi."

"Yes, Lord Hiashi. I'll definitely take good care of them from now on."

Hiashi looked at Neji, who was looking so serious. He squatted down to be at the same eye - level as him.

"Neji, I brought you here to make you live a happy life, not to burden you. Although they are your sisters, if anyone misbehaves, you can just give them a little scolding or a light tap (if needed), just like siblings in an ordinary family."

"Yes, I understand, Lord Hiashi."

Siblings in an ordinary family?

Neji looked at Hanabi, who was smiling brightly, and Hinata, who was blushing shyly. Yeah, they're all family members now, so there's really no need to be so formal. They would be a family from now on.

As their brother, he would surely protect his sisters well.

"And, Neji..."

"Yes, Lord Hiashi!"

"Um... How about you stop calling me Lord Hiashi and just call me uncle?"

Hiashi was a bit nervous when saying this. He was afraid that he might make Neji feel uncomfortable.

"Yes, uncle."

Neji's crisp call made Hiashi stunned for a moment. He joyfully reached out his big hand to stroke Neji's round little head.

"Neji, welcome to this family."

Hizashi, if you can see this from the afterlife, you should be content.

..................

As time passed, five years had quietly gone by. Since Tanzō Shimura's conspiracy was foiled, Konoha had been on the right track of development.

Thanks to the efforts of the younger generation, the relationship between the village and the Uchiha Clan had become more and more harmonious over the years. Previously, there was unfamiliarity and estrangement between them. Now, it has all disappeared.

Shisui Uchiha, who was highly trusted by the Third Hokage, came to the Konoha Police Force and became the second - in - command here. With Shisui around, the Konoha Police Force was no longer as rigid, dogmatic, and cold as it used to be. Instead, there was more concern and love for the villagers and the village.

Itachi also withdrew from the Anbu and was now by the side of the Third Hokage. He was one of the Jonin as well - known as the Copy Ninja Kakashi.

These two really played the role of a bridge connecting the village and the Uchiha Clan, making this big family more harmonious.

It's said that the Hyuga Clan has also undergone a major change recently. With the rise of the new generation represented by Neji Hyūga, they had merged the main family and the branch family, and the previous barriers of bloodline and family status no longer existed.

Even Naruto had improved a lot in these years under Sasuke's Spartan - style education. He was no longer the annoying kid who only knew how to play pranks.

It had to be said that there had been a lot of good things happening in Konoha recently.

...............

Today was the graduation test of the Ninja Academy again.

"Naruto, Sasuke, are you confident of passing today's exam? I'll come to cheer you on!"

"Mom, it's just a minor exam. There's no need to go overboard."

Sasuke looked at his mother helplessly. He found that since Naruto came, he, her real son, was not as favored as before. There was a brighter smile on his mother's face than ever.

It wasn't really Mikoto's fault. All the men in the family looked alike.

His father was rigid and serious. Although his eldest brother was handsome, he was precocious and reluctant to communicate his feelings with his parents. As for Sasuke, sometimes when Mikoto talked to him, she felt as if she was talking to an old man. He was not lively at all.

But Naruto was different. That kid was naturally optimistic, positive. Since he came, he had brought a lot of laughter to the family.

He's truly Kushina's son.

"Auntie, don't worry! Sasuke and I will definitely come back with the first place!"

"Ha~ You're lucky if you don't make any big messes, and you want to get first place?!"

"Hehe, I've come up with a really cool move. I'm going to use it in the graduation exam. It'll definitely blow everyone away. Don't be too envious of me then."

"Oh, really? Then auntie will be waiting at home for good news from Naruto!"

...................

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