Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the intellectual property associated with Naruto.

Hi all,

Here's the next chapter. Naruto begins his training under Fu and the Kyuubi, and he is not having a good time of it. Danzo is up to his usual shenanigans and has a meeting with someone unexpected.

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Chapter 2

"Get up," Fu said harshly, standing over him

Naruto groaned and slowly rose to his feet. He had been sparring with Fu for hours, and no matter how many times he fell, the man demanded he get back up. Naruto took his stance, ready to defend himself from Fu's attacks again, although he knew that he would end up on the floor again. Their spars tend to be short and brutal.

The last week was the hardest and most painful of his life. Fu didn't hold back, and Naruto incurred plenty of injuries. If it wasn't for Kyuubi healing them, he was sure he would be a cripple at this point, with scars all over his body. He knew why Fu was doing it. Part of Root's training was to first break down the shinobi until they were more malleable, so they could be shaped into whatever Danzo needed them to be. Naruto learned this information from Fu after receiving a brutal beating from him.

It seems like in specific situations, Fu could feel intense emotions. In his case, he was a sadistic bitch who derived pleasure from hurting others. It is why his mind was more open when Naruto used his technique on him. He even discovered that Fu was a sensor, and Naruto was surprised that the shinobi couldn't detect his intrusion. The gold chakra, whatever it may be, was undeniably powerful.

Naruto was using the basic Konoha Academy Taijutsu style. It was taught to every student at the academy as a solid foundation for learning more advanced Taijutsu styles. For the past week, Fu had been teaching him the basics of the style after observing his sloppy form. His stance, footwork, strikes, and defence were all over the place. After a week of countless hours of training, he had made great progress.

Naruto couldn't say he had mastered the style, nor would he ever be able to. This is primarily due to his disdain for a structured fighting style. He was more of a mixed-taijutsu fighter, who utilised unpredictable movements and attacks to surprise his opponents. The reason he was so sloppy beforehand was that his body instinctively fought against the structured style.

However, starting with a foundation is still important for any Taijutsu style, regardless of how spontaneous or controlled it may be. There has to be at least some structure. Any Taijutsu style must strike a balance between offence, defence, and movement.

Fu stepped forward with his left foot and aimed a straight punch with his right hand at Naruto's head. Due to their height difference, it was easier than going for his chest. Naruto stepped slightly to the left and blocked the punch with the inside of his left arm. That allowed him to follow up with a heavy punch to Fu's abdomen. Fu grabbed Naruto's left arm with his right hand, pulling him forward and off balance while twisting slightly to avoid the punch. Since Naruto was now in a low position, Fu aimed a knee strike at Naruto's head.

Naruto twisted his head, and Fu's knee grazed his ear. It hurt, but it didn't do any real damage. He grabbed Fu's leg with his free arm and rose to his feet. Fu aimed an elbow strike at the side of Naruto's head while balancing on one leg. Naruto ducked beneath it and lashed out with his foot, aiming to sweep Fu's other leg from underneath him. Fu released Naruto's left arm and unleashed a spinning kick with his standing leg, avoiding the attempted sweep. Naruto tried to protect his head by blocking the kick with his arm. However, the power behind it was too strong, and he was pushed back by the impact. He felt his arm throb with pain but it did not appear broken.

Fu didn't relent, unleashing a barrage of punches at his head and chest. Naruto started evading and dodging the attacks, but he quickly became overwhelmed. He tried to keep calm and look for an opening. Despite this, he lacked the necessary experience to compete against a much older and more seasoned opponent. He started slowly retreating under the relentless attack, fully aware that if he didn't try something, he would be defeated. Given Fu's nature, the defeat would undoubtedly be accompanied by excruciating pain.

Naruto abandoned his defence and gambled on one final attack to catch Fu off guard. When the man aimed another quick jab at his solar plexus, Naruto leaned forward into the punch, blocking it with his head. Some of the force had been expended in the punch, and Naruto was able to shake it off. He wrapped his arms around Fu's waist and tackled the man to the ground.

Rising up, he sat on the man's stomach and started to pummel the man's head into submission. However, Fu raised his legs, showing incredible flexibility, and caught his arms. Naruto shouted out in surprise as he was flipped backwards, and landed painfully on his shoulders. Before he could recover, Fu aimed a kick at his head. There was a momentary burst of pain before darkness enveloped everything.

Later that evening, Naruto lay on his bed in his cell. He was still recovering from the knock to the head he received. He was sure he had a concussion. Fortunately, he could already feel Kyuubi's chakra healing him, albeit slowly. Most of the healing would happen when he was asleep.

Naruto sighed and rubbed his head, feeling the prickliness. After a week, his hair had grown back to a slight stubble. He didn't know how long Fu would wait before he shaved his head again. There were bigger concerns on his mind, though. He didn't know how much more he could take of this torture. Although he had learnt more in a week than he had in one year at the academy, it was starting to wear on his sanity. Each day he had to remind himself not to fall for their obvious attempts to brainwash him. He could hold out for now, but what if he was here for weeks? Or months?

Fu had him follow a set schedule for the past week. After breakfast, Naruto would do a series of strength-building exercises as well as aerobic exercises to build his power and stamina. After that, he sparred until lunchtime. In the afternoon, he worked on his chakra control.

Naruto worked on the variant of the tree-climbing exercise, involving sticking his feet to the walls and ceilings and dodging kunai. When he complained that he had mastered the exercise, Fu quickly set him straight. Until he could stick to the wall while doing it effortlessly as if he was running on the ground, he would not move on to the next exercise. After a week, Naruto had made significant progress. It was amazing how motivated one could be if one didn't want to be stabbed with thrown kunai.

The last session of the day was Naruto's least favourite. Not only did it involve sitting down and listening to an instructor drone on, but the lectures were pure propaganda. Their history of events was slightly skewed, aiming to skew his perception and lead him into thinking a certain way. They must have thought him stupid if they thought they could fool him so easily. Then again, given his academy results, it wasn't a surprise that they underestimated him. He was certain that they would resort to more drastic measures once they realised that it wasn't having an effect.

Naruto entered his mindscape and walked forward to meet the fox. After striking a deal a week ago, they have been meeting here every night. It had not been an easy negotiation but he managed to convince Kyuubi in the end.

"You're late," Kyuubi growled.

"Well, I was recovering from my injuries. I am sure I have a concussion," Naruto scowled.

"I have been feeding you enough of my chakra to heal your wounds," Kyuubi roared. "Yet, it still has yet to influence your mind. Do you have a single brain cell in your head, human?"

"Did you just admit to trying to manipulate me?" Naruto glared at the Kyuubi, seething with anger. "Why is everybody interested in using me?"

"You know my reason."

"We have an agreement," Naruto reminded him.

"I have no idea if you will even keep your end of the bargain," Kyuubi barked, lying down and placing his head on his paws. "Or if you have the ability to do so."

"Jiraiya told me that the Akatsuki are pursuing me because I harbour you within me. Given the threat they pose, I have a strong motivation to release you from your confinement, under the condition that you refrain from attacking any other village."

"You cannot free me without dying yourself, human, " Kyuubi snorted.

"There's always a way. It may take some time, but I will find it." Naruto raised a clenched fist. "Believe it."

"Whatever," Kyuubi growled. "Let's get back to your training. You won't be able to escape your own prison if you can't even handle one tail."

"Well, why don't you try it?" Naruto protested. "I am attempting to harness your chakra within my mindscape, ensuring it remains contained within my body so as not to reveal my presence to those holding me captive. Do you know how much control that takes? I don't know if the containment seal in my room is designed to contain your corrosive chakra."

"Spare me the excuses," Kyuubi replied. "Now get to work."

Naruto grumbled and closed his mind. Although he found it easier to summon the Kyuubi's chakra within his mindscape, he still couldn't control it worth a damn. He felt the corrosive chakra flood his body, and he gritted his teeth. A tail began to form on his body, and already he felt his mind sinking into a mindless rage. His canines lengthened, and animalistic growls escaped his mouth.

Things were not going well.

Danto entered the Root compound late in the evening. He had a meeting with some guests, and he couldn't risk them being seen in the Hokage's office. He also needed an update on the jinchuriki.

After entering his office, Danzo sat back in his chair and paid attention to the man kneeling there. "Stand up. Give me a report on the jinchuriki's progress over the past week."

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Fu replied, getting up and standing straight. "His foundation is worse than I feared, especially with his Taijutsu and his chakra control. I don't know what was happening at the academy, but the standards there are disgraceful."

Danzo didn't mention that the boy's status as the jinchuuriki for the Kyuubi was the likely reason he was so far behind. The academy teachers most likely didn't pay attention to him or sabotaged his education in subtle ways. The adults were aware of his true identity as he had divulged the information soon after the Kyuubi's attack on the village. Naruto was despised by the majority of the village, which was his intention as he wanted the boy to feel isolated.

"I have not been lenient with him," Fu continued. "Even with the most severe injuries, the Kyuubi heals Uzumaki quickly and he is ready to go again the next day. I have had a teacher start instructing him on slightly skewed history as a way of indoctrinating him. The fact that he didn't pay much attention to history at the academy should have made this easier. It has only been a week, so at this point, I don't have enough information to base my opinion on, but my gut feeling..."

"What is it?"

"It appears that our methods of mental conditioning are not working. I feel that he is more intelligent than he lets on. Additionally, despite numerous beatings, it seems to be losing its effectiveness rapidly. Maybe the fact that Kyuubi can heal his injuries is actually working against us in this regard. I suggest we take our efforts to the next level and add some drugs into the mix to aid our efforts."

"Hmm," Danzo thought of Fu's proposal for a moment. "For now, stay the course. In a month's time, we will reevaluate. Time is still on our side, so there is no need to rush. Besides, I am not sure how effective the drugs will be since the Kyuubi may be able to neutralise them."

"I understand, Lord Hokage."

There was a knock on the door and Danzo bid them to enter. Another man walked in and kneeled down. "Sorry to interrupt, Lord Hokage, but your guests have arrived."

"Very well," Danzo replied. "Fu, you are dismissed. Show the guests in, Menma."

"Hai," they replied, saluting before leaving the room.

"I don't fully trust our guests," Danzo said to someone out of sight. "Therefore, you must be ready to act."

"I am prepared, Lord Hokage."

The door opened and the two guests entered. Danzo did not get up from his seat but watched them approach his desk. It was a small power-play that showed them who was in control of the meeting.

The first person looked at him with barely concealed hatred. His name was Kabuto, a former member of his Root organisation that specialised in espionage and medicine. It was unfortunate that he lost such a special talent. Kabuto was an exceptionally skilled spy, but Danzo had been concerned that he would turn against him. To address this situation, he devised a plan to eliminate him. Unfortunately, the plan ultimately proved unsuccessful.

The second individual was another ex-member of Root and one of the Legendary Sannin.

"Spare me your silly games, Danzo," Orochimaru sneered. "I am not one of your puppets to be manipulated anymore. Not that your brainwashing took hold in the first place."

Danzo resisted the urge to grimace in distaste. Orochimaru's appearance was off-putting as always. His whole appearance was snake-like, including his eyes, teeth, and serpent-like tongue. This applied to his personality as well since he was highly cunning and cruel. He didn't hesitate to betray others if he believed it would advantage him. If he wasn't so useful to his plans, he would not have considered working with him in the first place.

"Sit down," Danzo gestured to the empty seats in front of him.

Orochimaru and Kabuto sat down, looking relaxed, despite the fact that they were in the midst of a compound surrounded by shinobi who were potentially hostile.

Danzo noted that Orochimaru's arms were heavily bandaged. Sarutobi Hiruzen had sealed away the portion of Orochimaru's soul which resided in his arms by using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. It was impossible for him to use most of the techniques he knew because his arms were paralysed and necrosis had set in. Leaving Orochimaru with only the skills he possessed due to the changes he had made to his body. The skills included the Power of the White Snake and the techniques he could use without hand seals. He was sure that Orochimaru would be taken aback by his extensive knowledge of his capabilities.

"Why the clandestine meeting place?" Orochimaru asked, flicking out his long tongue. "It's almost like you don't wish to be seen with me."

"Let's get straight down to business," Danzo said, ignoring his comment. "I would like to extend our cooperation further. I believe that both of us have things that will benefit each other."

"I still have not received any sort of compensation for these," Orochimaru hissed, referring to his arms. "Becoming a cripple was not part of the plan."

"It's not my problem that you had so much trouble taking care of the Hiruzen," Danzo said. He raised his hand as Orochimaru opened his mouth to argue against his statement. "I will do what I can to help as a show of good faith. What do you need?"

"Tsunade has unparalleled skill in medical ninjutsu," Orochimaru replied. "I'll consider further cooperation if she treats my arms."

"I will send a team to retrieve her," Danzo assured him. It had been part of his plans anyway. Leaving such a capable kunoichi to throw her life away was a waste of a precious resource.

"I already have men searching the villages looking for her," Kabuto said, looking at Danzo disparagingly. "We don't need your help."

"Orochimaru's arms are on the verge of falling off, despite your best efforts to save them," Danzo pointed out. "You don't have time to waste. I know exactly where she is. I can have her back here within a few days."

"We should have never stopped to stabilise my arms," Orochimaru said, hissing at Kabuto. "I could have persuaded Tsunade to heal my arms by now."

"It was necessary," Kabuto replied calmly, readjusting his glasses. "You would have lost them long before we found Tsunade."

"Curse that old man," Orochimaru hissed. "I feel tempted to reanimate him so I can punish him further."

"Why don't you stay here while I find her?" Danzo said. "We can talk more about how we can work together in the meantime."

"We have nothing further to discuss until you bring me Tsunade," Orochimaru said, standing up. "But I will take up the offer of shelter. Keep your subordinates out of my room, or they will become snake food."

Danzo summoned Menma to show his guests to their rooms. He watched them leave with an uneasy expression. Even though he couldn't trust them, the benefits of having their skills at his disposal outweighed the risks. He was aware that Orochimaru was still determined to destroy Konoha, so he would only keep him around until he was no longer useful.

"So what do you think?" Danzo asked.

Black crows materialised before transforming into Itachi Uchiha, his most loyal subordinate. Hiruzen believed Itachi was still loyal to him and Konoha. He was only half right.

"They cannot be trusted," Itachi said, his face expressionless. "Orochimaru will only cooperate until he gets what he wants out of you and then he'll be totally unpredictable. Kabuto still harbours a grudge over what you did to him when he was a part of the Root organisation."

"I already know this," Danzo sighed, leaning back in his chair. His joints were hurting, and he was tired. He was no longer a young man. If his cooperation with Orochimaru pans out, he may regain his youth before death takes him. "I plan to use Sasuke as a bargaining chip. Orochimaru is obsessed with the Sharingan. Since he couldn't obtain yours, he will continue to pursue Sasuke."

"I expected it," Itachi said. He appeared untroubled by the fact.

"He wants Sasuke's body for his Living Corpse Reincarnation. Fortunately, he can only use it every three years, and that time is fast approaching. The boy is neither mature nor strong enough for Orochimaru to use, which gives him three more years at least."

"What do you have planned for my little brother?"

"I need to have him procreate," Danzo stated. "If he doesn't, the Uchiha Clan will die out. I am sure I can find some willing kunoichi to sire his offspring. Konoha will have a new generation of Uchiha at its disposal."

In hindsight, he was foolish to wipe out the entire clan. He could have saved some of the children and brought them into the compound to join his organisation. He did not waste time feeling regret. It was a useless emotion. Better to learn from your mistakes and be wise enough to never repeat them.

"How did you get away from Kisame?" Danzo asked.

"I convinced him that it would be too dangerous for both of us to enter the village together," Itachi said. "In light of the recent invasion, the village would be on high alert. However, I am supposed to be seeking out the jinchuuriki. I need to create a disturbance or else Kisame may become suspicious."

"Launch an attack on some shinobi and make a spectacle of escaping the village," Danzo said dismissively. "Just don't damage them permanently."

"Very well."

"You may leave. I need some rest."

Itachi disappeared and Danzo got up from his seat. There was still so much to do. It was becoming clear to him why Hiruzen had allowed so much of his responsibilities to slide over the years. Being the Hokage required a younger person with the energy necessary for the role. With his plans, he would be lucky to get an hour of sleep every night for the foreseeable future

He would continue his negotiations with Suna tomorrow, which looked like they would last for weeks. They refused to give up their jinchuuriki. They were foolish if they believed he would return such a powerful weapon.

Hinata Hyuga was on an important mission.

She marched down the corridor to her father's room, hoping to speak with him about a certain blonde-haired boy. It had been a week since Naruto was taken away by Anbu at the Third Hokage's funeral. She had not seen him since then. After stalking...er, following him for so long, she knew all his usual hangouts. The apartment in which he lived had not been occupied all week, nor had he been seen at Ichiraku's Ramen Restaurant.

Initially, she thought he could be on a mission. However, Sasuke Uchiha was still in the hospital, and she had seen Sakura around the village as well. Unless he was on a solo mission, which was not likely, since he was still a genin, it was highly likely that he was located somewhere in the village.

She was so focused on her mission that she didn't see the person step in front of her.

"Lady Hinata, what are you doing?" Neji asked, stopping her in her tracks.

"NNeji, I didn't see you there," Hinata stuttered.

Images of the fight, where he had almost killed her, flooded her mind. Frustrated, she was determined to overcome her own weakness. After all, Neji was not invincible. Hasn't Naruto already proven that? If he ever tried to kill her again, she would not be so passive. She was tired of making excuses for his behaviour.

"It's late. You should go to bed," he told her.

Hinata stepped around him, avoiding his eyes. "I will go to bed when I damn well please. I have to see my father."

Did she really say that? She felt like her heart was going to leap right out of her chest.

Neji didn't go away but followed her, but she ignored him. Couldn't he get a clue? Even though he seemed to have mellowed out after Naruto defeated him, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was going to attack her again.

"Your father summoned me to his room," Neji said, stepping up beside her.

"Really? I wonder what that is about that."

"Who knows? I am sure he won't mind you tagging along."

"I seriously doubt that," Hinata muttered, poking her fingers together. Her father never had time for her.

As soon as they arrived at Hiashi Hyuga's quarters, they knocked on the door. A moment later, the door opened, revealing her father standing there, still impeccably dressed in his yukata. Hinata and Neji bowed.

"Hinata," Hiashi said. "What are you doing here?"

"I need to speak to you, Father," Hinata said with a look of determination on her face, despite her trembling legs. "It has to do with Naruto Uzumaki."

Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware you were friends with the boy."

"Neither does he, I'm sure," Neji said. "Their friendship is a one-sided affair. One that involves Hinata stalking him from a distance and spying on him."

Hinata turned and glared at Neji, forgetting her nerves. "It's not like that at all."

Hiashi hesitated for a moment before sighing and letting them into the room. "I suppose I can let you know what's going on. You will be affected by it, after all."

"What do you mean, Father?"

"Wait a moment. I am expecting a guest very soon," Hiashi gestured for them to sit down on the tatami mat.

Hinata fidgeted as they waited in silence. Unlike the two males, she could not sit still for long, and she was always uncomfortable with silence. It irritated her father and sister, who were capable of remaining motionless for hours, resembling statues. She could never attain that same level of self-control.

There was a knock at the door and Hiashi rose to his feet to answer it. When Hinata spotted Jiraiya entering the room, she was taken aback. She couldn't fathom why he would be meeting her father. They were polar opposites. Jiraiya was notorious for his lecherous ways, while her father was known for his strict and disciplined nature.

The tall man greeted them before joining them on the tatami mat on the floor. Hiashi offered the man some saki, which he gratefully accepted.

"Did you have any trouble entering the village?" Hiashi asked.

"Please. You are talking to the Toad Sannin," Jiraiya boasted.

"What is going on, uncle?" Neji asked.

"So you're the sorry sap that Naruto wiped the floor with during the third round of the Chunin exams?" Jiraiya said after finishing his saki. He gestured for Hiashi to pour him another serving.

"He had an unfair advantage," Neji said, his jaw clenched in anger. "I don't know what that orange chakra was, but it's something sinister."

"Who cares if he had an advantage? We are shinobi," Jiraiya reminded him. "We use every method at our disposal to defeat our enemies. Are you not allowed to use your Byakugan because it gives you an advantage over your opponent?"

Neji fell silent.

Jiraiya turned his head and smirked at Hinata. "You are the girl whom Naruto defended so passionately. He was certainly motivated to train hard to defeat Neji."

Hinata blushed and mumbled something incoherent in reply. Then she remembered that Jiraiya was acquainted with Naruto and looked at him pleadingly. "Do you know where Naruto is?"

"I do," Jiraiya said. "I should have asked this before I came in, but are you sure they can be trusted with this information?"

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Hiashi said, glancing at Hinata briefly.

"I owe Naruto a debt of gratitude after he opened my eyes to the truth," Neji said grudgingly.

"Alright," Jiraiya said, slapping his thighs. "First of all, I need to give you the backstory of your newly appointed Hokage, to understand what kind of man he really is."

Hinata listened in horror to the number of atrocities the man had committed in defence of Konoha. She could not believe that an organisation like Root was even allowed to exist in the first place. Brainwashing and treating people as mere tools were repugnant to her. It contradicted the Third Hokage's guiding principle regarding the Will of Fire. But at one point, he allowed the organisation to exist and use shinobi in such a callous manner.

"Narutu has been taken to the supposedly defunct Root compound and is being moulded into one of these mindless puppets for Danzo," Jiraiya stated.

"No," Hinata whirled to face her father. "We must do something to save him."

"I see my daughter is growing a backbone," Hiashi said, before turning to address Jiraiya. "So, you want us to help him escape? Even if we manage to rescue him, we would be considered traitors to our village. What reason do we have for helping him? What are we supposed to do next?"

"Leave," Jiraiya said firmly. "With Danzo in control, he is going to militarise the village to wage war on the other Great Nations. I don't feel any loyalty to such a man."

"You are speaking of treason," Hiashi rebuked, although he didn't look like he believed his own words.

"You were already considering abandoning the village," Jiraiya said, slamming the bowl down on the table. "Which is why I came to you first with the offer."

Hinata gasped and looked at her father. "Is it true?"

Hiashi rubbed his hand over his face, appearing tired. "I may not have a choice because Danzo has been secretly working to undermine the Hyuga Clan, fearing that it has amassed too much power. Given his paranoid nature, he won't allow the state of affairs to continue."

"What is he trying to do?" Neji demanded.

"He has formed an alliance with several Hyuga elders," Hiashi replied. "Those that disagree with how I run the clan. Specifically, how I treat the branch house as equals. They are going to stage a rebellion and dispose of me. The best-case scenario is that my daughters would be married off and treated like broodmares. The worst case…"

"How is that the best-case scenario," Hinata yelled.

"Better than you being dead," Hiashi stated.

"So you want to abandon Konoha?" Neji asked. "Such a thing is unthinkable. As members of the Hyuga clan, we adhere to a strict code of honour. We cannot stoop to the level of scoundrels."

Jiraiya snorted. "You sure are a naive kid. Considering your own circumstances, you should be well aware that your clan is no better than any other."

Neji smiled bitterly, reaching up and touching the band wrapped around his forehead.

Jiraiya stood up from his seat and began to pace, his restless thoughts mirrored in his movements. "I am planning to gather some like-minded individuals who feel the same as I do. They know what Danzo is like, and feel they can't continue living here peacefully. We don't need another war."

"I don't necessarily disagree with your sentiments, but you have to think rationally," Hiashi said, raising his voice for the first time. "We will be branded as missing-nin and added to the bingo book. It's better to take our chances here. There is nowhere we can run."

"I know a place that will give us time to build our own village," Jiraiya said seriously."But I can't leave Naruto behind. As his godfather, I have a responsibility that I've ignored for far too long. Plus, we'll need him if we want to be granted access to the protections the location offers."

"You still haven't told me of this place you have in mind," Hiashi said.

"I am talking about Uzushiogakure," Jiraiya replied.

"It is nothing but a ruin," Hiashi protested.

Hinata glanced at Neji, to see if he knew what her father was talking about, but he shrugged.

"It's indeed a ruin," Jiraiya said slyly, tapping his nose. "But it is concealing a few secrets."

Hiashi rubbed his temples, hardly believing he was having this conversation. As Neji pointed out, they were a traditional and proud clan that held honour as a core value.

He gazed at his daughter, who appeared ready to accompany Jiraiya right there and then. It was evident that it was because of Naruto Uzumaki. She appeared to have formed an emotional bond with the boy. The Hyuga did not usually marry outside the clan, as they wanted to safeguard their dojutsu. His daughter had always stood out among the other Hyuga, and not in a negative way, in his opinion. Despite her seemingly timid and shy nature, she was the one most likely to defy the Hyuga traditions and follow her own path.

"It's a moot point for me anyway," Neji said, interrupting his thoughts. "I bear the curse seal. Doesn't the main family have a way to locate me using it?"

Hiashi motioned towards Jiraiya, indicating that he was to provide an explanation.

"Hiashi hired me several years ago to research the seal and see if there is a way to safely remove it," Jiraiya explained. "I recently made a breakthrough and I believe I have discovered the method to remove it. Although, I have not tested it on anyone yet."

"Really?" Hinata exclaimed. "So, if we leave the village, we could take the branch members with us."

"I am willing to volunteer as the person to test whether it works," Neji announced his expression a mix of elation and determination.

"If only it was that easy," Hiashi said. "It is impossible to know if there are spies within the branch family members. There may even be spies from Root among them."

"The next person I am going to recruit may be able to help with that," Jiraiya said.

"I can't believe I am following along with this," Hiashi sighed. "We need to plan. This will take a considerable amount of time."

Hiashi Hyuga had made his decision. His family, including the members of the branch family, were going to abandon the village. But they were not going to be the last to make the same decision.

So, what do you think? There will be some buildup to Naruto leaving the village, which won't happen until chapters 6-7.

Thanks for reading.