Naruto: Nara's skill set is incredibly sneaky.

Chapter 181 The Caged Bird

"I think I know a little bit. Have you contacted Minato?"

Shikatoshi felt that Minato would definitely not stand idly by, and that it would be better for Minato, as the Hokage, to step in.

Hyuga Hitsuya nodded. "I went to see the Fourth Hokage immediately. The Hokage took me to the Hyuga clan, but in the end, I was brushed off by the elders of the Hyuga clan."

"I know this is my selfish reason. As a child from the branch family, Neji should be caged like a bird, but I really don't want Neji to follow in my footsteps!"

Hyuga Hizashi spoke with tears streaming down his face.

Lu Shi also realized what was happening.

Minato is indeed the Hokage, but he's too reasonable.

Reasonable people can't get along with the rule-abiding Hyuga clan.

Hyuga Hizashi continued, "I asked everyone I could, even my older brother. Hiashi went to the elders, but to no avail. It was Hinata who enlightened me."

"Hinata?"

"Yes, this child told me that finding you, the strongest person in Konoha, might be the key to a breakthrough."

Hyuga Hizashi's face was full of determination. "Shikatoki-kun, please! Help me just this once. I'll agree to whatever you ask."

It turned out to be the case.

Shika was wondering why Hinata hadn't come today; it turned out something had happened at home.

He was still willing to help Neji and Shikamaru.

This child had a pretty tragic life in the original story.

That line, "The son of a scapegoat will become a scapegoat in the future," really angered Lu Shi.

Where is Neji?

"At home."

"I brought him over. I've been a bit bored lately and suddenly thought of taking on a disciple. I already took Uchiha Itachi from the Uchiha clan as my disciple. Hyuga Hiashi is always complaining to me, right? So I'll take on another one from the Hyuga clan."

Shikatoki's words brought a smile to Hyuga Hizashi's face.

He understood what Shikatoki meant and was about to kowtow again when Shikatoki, prepared this time, grabbed Hyuga Hizashi, and said, "Stop dawdling, hurry up!"

Seeing this, Hizashi Hyuga quickly stood up. "Shikatoki-kun, thank you so much!"

Watching Hyuga Hizashi leave, Tsunade asked uncertainly, "Are you really going to get involved in the Hyuga clan's affairs? The old folks in that clan are incredibly stubborn."

Lu Shi chuckled, "What does stubbornness have to do with me?"

"Minato is the Hokage and he has to follow the rules. I'm not; I'm just a registered ninja. The worst that can happen to me is that I become a rogue ninja."

0

Tsunade realized what was happening too.

Lu Shi is a guy who has absolutely no taboos.

After thinking it through, Tsunade and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

A moment later, Hyuga Hizashi, looking travel-worn, led Neji in.

Neji was clearly not in a good mental state at this moment, and he seemed somewhat dazed because of the Caged Bird incident.

Lu Shi walked over with a smile, "Little devil, do you remember me?"

Neji's gaze gradually focused, and when he looked at the deer, he thought, "I think I vaguely remember him."

"Just having an impression is enough, let's become disciples."

Lu Shi waved his hand, and four cups of tea were brought over.

Neji's mind was still somewhat confused.

His father hurriedly pulled him out without explaining, so Neji was still confused about the situation.

Why the sudden urge to become an apprentice?

Seeing that Neji didn't react, Hyuga Hizashi got anxious and was about to speak when Shikatoki interrupted him.

Then Shikatoki looked at Neji seriously. "Neji, let's get to know each other formally. My name is Nara Shikatoki. I met you once when you were a child. Your father asked me to prevent you from being caged like a bird. What were your thoughts on that?"

Upon hearing the name "Caged Bird," a flicker of fear crossed Neji's eyes.

Neji glanced at Hyuga Hizashi, then at Nara Shikatoki.

"Lord Shikatoki, can you really do it?"

"You don't need to worry about that. What I want to ask is, why don't you want to be a caged bird?"

Lu Shi's gaze was deep.

Neji remained silent.

Shika didn't urge him, and just waited quietly for Neji to think.

After a long time, Neji slowly spoke, "I don't know. I was terrified when my uncle used the Caged Bird Technique on my father, but I saw my father in pain, and I felt terrible at the time."

"I didn't know what a caged bird was. My father just didn't want me to be labeled as a caged bird. Actually, I didn't care. At the time, I wanted to be labeled as a caged bird as soon as possible so that my father wouldn't have to suffer so much."

Neji's words brought tears to Hyuga Hizashi's eyes.

He was jealous of Hinata Hyuga because he didn't have to use the Caged Bird Scepter, and his brief moment of jealousy was sensed by Hiashi Hyuga, so Hiashi Hyuga used the Caged Bird Scepter on his younger brother.

In fact, Hiashi Hyuga regretted it a little afterwards.

Hyuga Hizashi, who was involved in the incident, never expected that Neji would think that way at the time.

Or rather, even if Hyuga Hizashi told him about the horror of the Caged Bird Seal, a four-year-old child wouldn't understand.

In the original work.

Neji was somewhat depressed after being put into the caged bird trap.

What truly changed Neji was Hyuga Hizashi's decision to die in place of Hyuga Hiashi.

The father's death was the final straw that broke the camel's back.

Lu Shi nodded in satisfaction. "I'm very satisfied with this answer. Please serve the tea."

Neji was puzzled, but this time he didn't hesitate and knelt down with his teacup in hand.

Lu Shi took a sip. "These three are your teacher's wives."

Neji offered tea to each of them, saying, "Master's wife, please have some tea."

After the simple apprenticeship ceremony, Shikatoki patted Neji's head, then looked at Hizashi and said, "Hizashi, when you get back, explain this to those old guys. If they agree, everyone will be happy."

"If they don't agree, come to me, and I'll make them agree."

Hearing Shikatoki's words, Hyuga Hizashi felt a sense of relief. If Nara Shikatoki was willing to help, then this matter was definitely going to be resolved.

"Thank you, Shikatoshi-kun!"

Hizashi Hyuga bowed deeply with excitement.

Seeing this, Hyuga Neji quickly followed suit and bowed, "Thank you, Shikatoki-sensei."

"Hmm, look at you, so young and with dark circles under your eyes. Go back and get some rest. I'll take you to meet your senior brother when I have time," Lu Shi said gently.

Hyuga Neji felt a warmth in his heart.

He had never felt this kind of warmth in the Hyuga clan.

"I understand, Mr. Lu Shi."

The next morning.

When Shika was playing with the children, Neji came along with Hinata.

Neji bowed very respectfully, "Greetings, Shikatoki-sensei."

Lu Shi waved his hand, "I don't have so many rules here. You're still a child, so relax."

Neji breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Naruto and Sasuke turned to look at Neji, and then Naruto spoke first, "Uncle Shikatoki, I want to become your apprentice too! I want to become stronger!"

Sasuke wasn't to be outdone, "Me too!"

Although the two were unsure how strong Nara Shika was, that's what their families said.

For Naruto, since even his father, the Hokage, said that Shikatoki was strong, Naruto believed that Shikatoki must be very powerful.

The same applies to Sasuke.

Since his most admired older brother was Lu Shi's apprentice, he also had to become Lu Shi's apprentice.

"Alright, alright, you're all only three or four years old, why are you thinking so much!" Lu Shi smacked each of them on the head in an annoyed tone.

Sasuke and Naruto squatted on the ground, covering their heads.

"It's all your fault, Sasuke. If I had asked him alone, Uncle Shikatoki would definitely have agreed."

"Hmph! You're too naive, that's why Uncle Lu Shi doesn't want to take you as his apprentice!"

"you!"

The two entered their usual bickering mode.

Everyone else was already used to it, but Neji was a little lost since it was his first time there.

Shikatoki coughed lightly, "To welcome our new friend Hyuga Neji, I'll take you out for a nice meal today."

"Very good!"

Naruto rushed over, shouting, "I want ramen!"

It has to be said that even Naruto Namikaze still has a special fondness for ramen.

Unfortunately, Naruto's suggestion was rejected by everyone.

"Naruto! Shikatoki is treating! Of course we're going to a barbecue! Eating ramen would be such a waste!" Choji retorted excitedly.

"That's right, even if we don't eat barbecue, sushi is fine too! In any case, it's definitely better than ramen!"

Naruto scratched his head. "But I prefer ramen!"

"Hahaha."

Shika picked up Naruto, ending the conflict immediately.

"If you want to eat anything at a barbecue restaurant, we can just take you there on the way. That way, everyone's wishes will be fulfilled!"

Shika's words brought a smile to Naruto's face, who had been feeling somewhat dejected.

"Uncle Lu is the best!"

"That's right."

Lu Shi raised an eyebrow smugly.

"You all have to remember my kindness, especially Naruto and Sasuke!"