Konoha: Start from untying the caged bird

Page 179

He tilted his head back, meeting her clear eyes. She blinked and suddenly asked, "Are you free tonight, Lord Yuzuru?"

"Ah...it should be fine," Hinata Yuzuru said.

Many things have already been arranged, and he just needs to follow the steps. He doesn't need to work overtime.

"Let's go on a date."

Uchiha Izumi said something that left him speechless. Smiling, yet unwavering, she looked at him with a firm and smiling gaze, and softly asked, "How is it?"

Should we refuse?

Hyuga Yuzuru subconsciously turned his head to look behind her, only to see the closed door. Uchiha Izumi, however, seemed to know what he was thinking. The smile on her face faded slightly, and she looked down at the ground, but only for a moment before raising her eyes again, the curve of her lips becoming even brighter.

"If it's inconvenient, then tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, whether it's morning or afternoon, evening or early morning... as long as Lord Yuzuru has time."

As she spoke, she pulled out a small gift box from behind her: "And, a birthday present... I'm sorry I couldn't give it to you on your birthday."

Uchiha Izumi placed the gift box on the table and turned around without hesitation, saying, "Then I'll wait for Lord Yuzuru to get off work. If he doesn't have time, I'll ask again tomorrow."

She left the office.

His steps were light and powerful.

Watching her retreating figure, Hinata Yuzuru reached out and rubbed his temples.

Things seem to be getting a little complicated.

He picked up the small gift box, opened it, and saw a rather familiar booklet inside.

He paused for a moment, then opened the cover. Unsurprisingly, it was a picture book.

The first page of the album features a small flower that he once casually sketched.

Turning the page, aside from some scenery, the last thing he drew was a girl's melancholy profile in the wind, her hair swaying.

He turned to the next page, which contained drawings by Uchiha Izumi herself.

At first, her brushstrokes were very clumsy, and her unfamiliarity was evident whether she was sketching objects or scenery. But later on, her progress was very fast, and the content of her paintings became more and more diverse.

There were beautiful scenes she witnessed during her missions, as well as battlefields that left her speechless: blood-soaked corpses, her comrades in the shadows bandaging each other's wounds under a tree, a lonely riverbank at dusk, and a desolate, empty training ground...

Just looking at the paintings is like reading a very rich diary.

Despite drawing only with pencils and without any professional guidance, she clearly grasped the knack and learned a lot from the style of Hinata Yuzuru's sketches.

The increasingly realistic paintings, the heavy proportions of shadows, and the gradually developing art style all captured Uchiha Izumi's previous feelings.

Loneliness, fear, confusion, indifference, emptiness...

The small picture book gradually turned to the last page.

His figure was simply sketched with a pencil.

In this dim, black-and-white world, he stood out with his color. For the first time, colored pencil marks appeared in Uchiha Izumi's sketchbook, vividly depicting his blue eyes and black-and-red robes.

The figure in the painting is reaching out, but what it is grasping is another fair and slender hand.

It seems obvious whose hand it was.

He remained silent for a moment, then closed the album and put it away.

This reminded him of the diary that Xun had given him many years ago.

Hinata Yuzuru didn't say anything, he just quietly opened the documents and handled his official business.

During this time, he simply asked Uchiha Izumi, who was standing at the door, to go and find Kakashi to come to his office.

Kakashi quickly appeared in front of the office door and knocked.

"Good afternoon, Lord Yuzuru." He greeted him in a relaxed tone.

Hyuga Yuzuru looked up. The gloomy young senior from back then was now a mature ninja approaching thirty. Except for his dead fish eyes, which always looked listless and unchanged, even the book in the pocket of his Jonin vest had changed from "Icha Icha Paradise" to "Icha Icha Strategy".

After Tsunade returned to Konoha, she gave up her gambling addiction, but Jiraiya's financial situation did not improve at all. Although this woman's salary was already quite high, she spent money extravagantly. Now that Konoha was prosperous, Tsunade had developed a new hobby.

buy buy buy.

Whether it's clothes, cosmetics, or even experimental motorcycles developed by a machinery factory, Tsunade always insists on buying them and playing with them first. She's carefree and never cares how much money she has in her bank account, but poor Jiraiya suffers as a result.

Who could blame him when the once-generous Tsunade said that as long as you stop gambling, work hard in Konoha, and pull yourself together, all his money will go to Tsunade?

Tsunade didn't stand on ceremony with him. She had plenty of debts, so she didn't worry about them. Every month, she would send her entire salary to Jiraiya, ostensibly to pay off her debts. Then, when she ran out of money, she would just shrug it off to Jiraiya.

The amount she paid back wasn't even as much as what she spent.

Jiraiya had no choice but to continue his part-time job. The Icha Icha series, being the best-selling novel series, was naturally the focus of his work. He worked hard day and night writing, which brought joy to die-hard fans like Kakashi.

"I heard that Jiraiya-senpai's new book is coming out soon. Don't blame me for not reminding you this time. Remember to go to the bookstore in advance to let them know."

Hyuga Yuzuru teased him with a smile, and even though Hatake Kakashi was wearing a mask, you could still see the smile on his face: "Really? Thank you, I'll definitely try to get an autographed copy this time."

The two chatted about everyday things with smiles for a while before Hinata Yuzuru became serious and started talking about business.

He paused for a moment to organize his thoughts before saying, "Obito Uchiha is dead."

Kakashi's deadpan eyes showed no emotion, but he stared intently at the empty space, nodding slightly: "Is that so..."

"And this too."

Hyuga Yuzuru formed hand seals, summoned the corresponding sealing scroll, and then took out a Sharingan from the sealing scroll, which was placed in a transparent glass test tube, and placed it on the table.

Seeing the Sharingan floating in the nutrient solution, Kakashi stared silently for a long time before whispering, "Yuzuru-sama..."

He said he wanted to leave it for you and apologized—it's a complicated story...

Hinata Yuzuru briefly recounted his experiences, mainly explaining the series of events that occurred after Obito was taken to the 'Hell' by Izumi and encountered Rin, and how he finally realized his mistakes when he was on the verge of death.

Furthermore, he also gave spoilers about Obito's experiences, including why he faked his death and was resurrected many years ago, how he was deceived by Madara Uchiha and embarked on a path of no return, and what his ultimate goal was.

Each of these things was shocking, involving secrets that could never be easily revealed, but Hyuga Yuzuru did not hide anything from Kakashi.

Aside from the matter of the Otsutsuki clan, which Hyuga Yuzuru didn't mention, he basically explained all the reasons why Obito ended up in this situation in the original work in a fairly simple and clear way.

“I don’t want to judge him. He’s gone. Since this is his decision, and it also involves your friendship, I think it’s up to you to decide this.”

As Hyuga Yuzuru finished speaking, Kakashi simply lowered his head. After a moment, he whispered, "I don't want it... In fact, including this eye..."

He reached out and touched the eye covered by his mask, hesitated for a long time, and then whispered, "If possible, I hope to undergo an eye transplant in Konoha. To restore my eyes to their original state."

Hinata Yuzuru was somewhat taken aback, but after frowning slightly, he didn't say much, only asking, "Are you sure?"

"Hmm..." Kakashi lowered his head and said softly, "But that would likely reduce my fighting power significantly... If Lord Yuzuru still needs me to maintain my fighting ability, I can undergo an eye transplant first, but I hope..."

"I need you." Hyuga Yuzuru's words made Kakashi stare silently at the ground, but then what Hyuga Yuzuru said next made Kakashi look up.

"But all I need is to be a Konoha ninja, to be my friend and partner, and to be standing in front of me now... Kakashi Hatake-senpai."

Hyuga Yuzuru smiled, looking at the Mangekyou Sharingan belonging to Obito on the table, and joked, "As for combat power, you don't need to worry. Anyway, no matter how strong you are, you're not as strong as me."

Kakashi Hatake smirked and said casually, "Is that so? Maybe I'll become even stronger without Obito's eye."

"Don't let Guy beat you up and leave you helpless." Hyuga Yuzuru said jokingly, but then asked, "What do you plan to do with these eyes? Since Obito gave them to you, they belong to you. You can decide where they go."

Even if Kakashi said he wanted to destroy those eyes, Hyuga Yuzuru would respect his decision.

Kakashi pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's leave it to Lord Yuzuru to decide. Whether it's given to a more suitable person or used for research... it can be seen as Obito's atonement for Konoha, even if it's just that..."

Hyuga Yuzuru hummed in agreement, paused for a moment, and then calmly said, "The Mangekyou Sharingan has immense value, whether it's transplanted into a suitable ninja or used for research."

I will use these eyes carefully.

Kakashi just smiled calmly. He pulled his mask down, thinking that he might not need to cover one eye anymore tomorrow. He felt a mix of relief and indescribable bitterness and heaviness in his heart.

That concludes the first point.

Hyuga Yuzuru paused, looking at Kakashi's puzzled expression, and said softly, "The second thing is related to your father, Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo."

Kakashi stood there, stunned.

"In the mysterious space that Izumi led us to, besides Nohara Rin, I actually saw the presence of another person."

His identity...

Kakashi's one eye gradually widened. Even though he had remained relatively calm after hearing about Obito's exploits, he now clenched his fists, his whole body trembled slightly, and his eyes darted around.

"I think the only reason why Sakumo Hatake stayed there was because of you."

Kakashi.

So...I'd like to arrange for you to meet."

After Hyuga Yuzuru finished speaking, Kakashi remained silent for a long time. His eyes were filled with conflicting emotions: pain, sadness, reminiscence, longing, and cowardice. He was unable to utter a sound for a moment.

Until the ticking clock had been ticking for a long time.

He finally managed to make a sound.

"Um..."

Kakashi lowered his head, his silver hair hanging down, half-covering his eyes, and only let out a soft sound.

Hinata Yuzuru nodded, but he had to call Izumi in first.

He had left the Flying Thunder God mark in a place that Izumi called 'the place between hells,' but unfortunately, he could no longer use the Flying Thunder God to directly reach that place as before.

It's unclear whether it's because the distance is too far, or because there's some restriction there that he hasn't yet noticed that needs to be opened by Quan to enter. In any case, if he wants to appear there again, he needs Quan to do it.

He called softly, and Izumi walked in from the doorway. After hearing Hyuga Yuzuru's request, he nodded without hesitation.

"I can activate my ability and take Lord Yuzuru and Senior Kakashi there."

Kakashi simply nodded to Izumi Uchiha and said softly in a low voice, "Please..."

What kind of feelings does Kakashi have for his father?

Kakashi originally thought the meaning of that feeling was fairly clear, but now that he knows the other person has been waiting for many years in the dark place before their soul reaches the Pure Land, and because of the longing and guilt in their heart, they have never been able to return to the Pure Land, this feeling seems to have become more complicated and difficult to understand.

The love for her father, the bewilderment at his sudden departure leaving her alone, the many questions and longings she felt for him, and this unexpected feeling of being moved and comforted...

Kakashi was speechless.

Uchiha Izumi glanced at Hyuga Yuzuru, who nodded to her. Izumi then closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her Mangekyou Sharingan began to slowly rotate.

"Hell's Chamber!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the world suddenly changed. Unlike before when he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to directly reach that place, this time Hyuga Yuzuru clearly felt the changes around him.

First, the soul became restless and tried to break free from the body. Then, the nearly perfect body became heavy, as if it were bound by heavy shackles.

The scenery around him kept changing, and he felt as if he had suddenly appeared at an altitude of 10,000 meters and was falling rapidly. When his feet hit the ground, there was no impact. Hyuga Yuzuru was thoughtful, and blue light flashed in his eyes. He tried to use the Flying Thunder God Technique, and as expected, he could now move freely with it.

It seems that what Quan did was not just bring people into this space, but also temporarily changed the nature of this space, which allowed living people to enter.

It seems that the power of her Sharingan may even surpass Obito's Kamui, and is far stronger than ordinary spatial abilities.

Kakashi looked around blankly, a dark space making him feel a tightness in his chest—was his father waiting for him year after year in such a dark and gloomy place?

He looked at Uchiha Izumi, who simply said, "Keep moving forward. No matter which direction you go, you will eventually reach there... There, you will be the last bit of distance from the so-called Pure Land."

Kakashi nodded silently and walked on, while Hyuga Yuzuru and Izumi, understanding his situation, did not follow. The two remained where they were, watching his figure gradually disappear into the darkness. Only then was Hyuga Yuzuru able to ask, "What exactly is your ability?"

He was very curious about Izumi's pupil technique.

Uchiha Izumi was gently rubbing her eyes. The slight soreness coming from her glasses made her quite uncomfortable. This curse-like side effect was a problem that all ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan users had to face.

She didn't shy away from the truth. When Hyuga Yuzuru asked her, Izumi explained in detail what she knew about her abilities related to herself: "I'm not very clear about the specific distances, but I do know that once I activate my ability, I can teleport a target at medium to close range to this place along with myself."

Because this is the space of the dead, the living will be constantly rejected here. Once injured, the weaker the body becomes, the weaker the connection between the soul and the body will become. Once killed here, the soul will remain here, unable to return to the Pure Land or go anywhere else, and will be swallowed up by the underworld here.

"And here, I can transform into..." She seemed dissatisfied with her appearance. Although Hinata Yuzuru thought the Ghost Rider look was quite cool, she didn't seem to want Hinata Yuzuru to see her ugly appearance.

"A monstrous form. In that form, my body gains greater strength and speed than usual, and I can use flames similar to Itachi's, flames that can directly burn the soul."

However, maintaining my current state, or bringing others here, will consume my eye power and mental energy.

If we overexert ourselves, we will be expelled from here.

The stronger the enemy, the more eye power and mental energy I need to expend.

This monstrous form can actually be used outdoors as well. In that state, I am almost invincible, and even if my bones are damaged, they can heal quickly under the influence of the flames. However, it will consume my eye power and chakra.

After Izumi finished speaking, Hyuga Yuzuru couldn't help but praise, "What a powerful force... It's very different from the power that I know Uchiha people can awaken."

The powers awakened by most Uchiha are closely related to Yin Release and Genjutsu, but Izumi's abilities seem to be more inclined towards close combat, which is very much in line with her usual fighting style and combat system.

Uchiha Izumi didn't respond, only smiled, but vaguely understood why her abilities had become like this—it was probably because of the guy in front of her...

Because Hyuga Yuzuru is a ninja type who excels in close combat... and she embarked on the path of training because she longed to gain the power to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, and her fighting style is quite similar to his.