Chapter 104

Words : 1258 Updated : Oct 4th, 2025

Chapter 104 - 104 Night had fallen, but Konoha Village remained bustling. As the most prosperous village in the Land of Fire, with both thriving commerce and ninja patrols, its citizens felt safe even after dark. The night market was far from quiet. On his way back to the Hyuga compound, Neji walked through the lively streets without paying them any mind. His thoughts were still occupied by what Natsuki had said. He was seriously contemplating where to begin his investigation—without the main family finding out. "The fastest way to gather intel on the Hyuga clan is to access their archives. But the main family would never let a branch member like me browse freely. Not even if I used personal connections to plead with the clan head. It's just not possible. That means I'll need other methods—like gathering information from outside sources. This would make it harder for the main family to notice and interfere. But... is there any information out there?" "Maybe. After all, the Hyuga clan didn't originate in Konoha. There could be records scattered elsewhere, though it might be difficult to find due to the age of the information. Other old clans might've documented something useful. I'll need to seek them out. And because I bear the Caged Bird Seal, I'm not restricted from leaving the village—and the main house doesn't monitor me outside. That's my chance. So what I need now is to raise my strength and my status. Once I'm a jōnin, I can leave the village more freely." "Also... I need to study more. Natsuki was right—a smart mind is essential. Only then can I think of ways to break free. Only then can I recognize valuable clues when they appear. And only then can I navigate the web of main family manipulation with ease." Lost in thought, Neji almost bumped into a running child. He glanced down and noticed the grilled squid in the kid's hand—and it instantly reminded him of Lee's financial struggles. That in turn triggered a memory of something Tenten had once said. Tenten had admitted she once forgot what money was truly for, and it was Natsuki who reminded her. She realized then that her biggest strength was actually having money. With money, everything became easier. Want information? Just pay a bounty. Someone will deliver it to your door. "That's it. I might need more money too. If there's something I can't investigate myself, I can commission someone else to do it in secret!" His eyes lit up. Then he started thinking about his own finances. Even though he was the son of a former branch house head and nephew of the current Hyuga patriarch, he didn't have much saved up. Since his food and lodging were provided by the clan, his allowance had always been minimal. Now that he was officially a ninja and earning his own pay through missions, the clan had stopped giving him any allowance at all. So... how was he supposed to get more money? He thought about it all the way home and still couldn't find a good solution. Then he recalled how Natsuki had once been penniless, yet managed to create the Ninja Kill card game, selling it wildly and solving all his financial problems. Neji was deeply impressed. Compared to that, he felt rather inadequate. If he'd been in Natsuki's position, he probably wouldn't have figured anything out. (Natsuki: Nah... the card game helped, but the rich girl was the real moneymaker!) "No rush. I'll figure something out eventually." He kept thinking and thinking—until he gave himself insomnia. The next morning, when he left the Hyuga compound, he was clearly fatigued, with dark circles under his eyes. At the compound gate, he happened to run into his good uncle, Hiashi. "Clan head!" Neji greeted immediately. "...Neji, off to training?" Hiashi's tone was hesitant and complicated. "Yes. Gai-sensei's daily training mustn't be skipped." "I see. Gai's a good teacher. Be sure to learn well from him." "Yes, sir." "...You don't look well, Neji." "Just didn't sleep well." "..." For a moment, the two stood in awkward silence. Even Hinata, secretly peeking from behind, felt secondhand embarrassment but didn't dare step out. Hiashi eventually sighed quietly and said, "Training is important, but don't overdo it. If you have any difficulties, come talk to your uncle." Neji kept his head down and didn't answer. Hiashi walked past him. But he didn't notice the glint in Neji's eyes—the change in his aura. It's true that Neji had always harbored resentment toward Hiashi. But now, he had bigger goals. Some hatred could be buried temporarily—especially when this particular identity could be useful. Then, Neji suddenly called out, "Uncle, I have a favor to ask!" Hiashi stopped in his tracks, his expression clearly showing surprise and joy. "Ne-Neji, you're... ahem! Of course! What is it? Just say the word—your uncle will help you however he can." Neji looked him straight in the eye and said, "Gai-sensei's training is intense. I need more food and nutrients. But the clan's diet is too light, and I don't want to break tradition, so I'd like to eat out. The thing is... I don't have enough savings." "That's easy!" Hiashi replied without hesitation. "From now on, I'll give you one million ryō each month in private. If it's not enough, just ask for more. Eat whatever you like!" "Thank you, Uncle. I'll go join my team now." "Good. I'll bring the money to you tonight!" Neji nodded and hurried away—before he lost control and started laughing. He knew his dear uncle was sentimental. Whether it was real or just for show, it didn't matter. Neji intended to take full advantage of it—and he felt no guilt about it. His father had been forced to die by the Hyuga clan. This was just repayment of a debt—a tiny bit of interest. In the past, his resentment had kept him from asking for help, even when he was in need. Now, he still hated it all. But like Natsuki said, a wise mind doesn't resist head-on like an idiot. It plays the game—even acts a little. All he had to do was bow his head and say "Uncle," and Hiashi was overjoyed to hand over the cash. Such an easy way to make money—why wouldn't he take it? It also saved him from wasting time coming up with other money-making schemes. That time could go toward training and intelligence-gathering. It was the most efficient option. A million ryō a month? That's over ten million a year. That's no small sum. Enough to move people. With that money, he could anonymously post bounties at exchange stations to gather intelligence on the Hyuga clan's movements and history before Konoha was founded. Within a year, he'd probably be a Chūnin. Then he could gather information during missions outside the village too. Hiashi watched Neji walk away, eyes full of relief and joy. He didn't know what had prompted the change in Neji. But since it was a good change, he chose not to question it. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]

Chapter 104

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