Chapter 55: Orochimaru, the Dream Weaver

“The ‘food chain’—what a cruel term that is.”

Orochimaru extended his tongue and licked his lips. Suddenly, a new thought flickered in his mind, and he turned to look at Hizashi Hyuga, asking,
“Hizashi, the original purpose of the Caged Bird was protection. Why divide into Main and Branch families and not simply inscribe the seal on everyone?”

Hizashi’s wooden expression wavered, hesitation flickering across his face. After a moment, he answered,
“Only the Main Family has the ability to inscribe the Caged Bird seal. No matter how you look at it, there will always be at least one left unmarked. As for the Branch Family, their descendants must have the seal, or else, when they reach a certain age, the Byakugan will be destroyed by chakra inherited from the previous generation…”

At this point, Hizashi’s face was filled with bitterness and humiliation. Once a member became part of the Branch Family, not only did their own fate become sealed, but that of their descendants would as well, forever bound by the destiny of the Caged Bird.

Orochimaru nodded, understanding from the perspective of an outsider. Unlike Hizashi, he observed these matters with more detachment and clarity, and couldn’t help but admire the Hyuga who had created the Caged Bird seal.

Setting aside the oppression the Main Family exercised over the Branch Family, the Caged Bird provided comprehensive protection for the Branch—safeguarding both the Byakugan’s ocular power and their bloodline.

Especially the latter. If someone were to obtain the Byakugan bloodline, kunoichi from every shinobi village, big or small, would surely not hesitate to make any sacrifice.

Orochimaru speculated that the Caged Bird seal directly acted upon the chakra soul, a type of advanced soul-based ninjutsu—a subject worthy of deep study.

“But the Caged Bird is too flawless—almost without a weakness. It blocks every escape for the Branch Family. Hizashi’s wish is certainly troublesome.”

He glanced at Hizashi. At this moment, sharing a portion of the Djinn’s power, he could see the sphere of light within Hizashi, referred to as his “wish,” gradually dimming.

Turning his gaze back to the Djinn, he asked silently: “I really have no way to resolve this. Do you have any solution?”

“None.”
The Djinn shrugged. “It’s just like ‘world peace’—long-winded, troublesome, and impossible to guarantee. As a Djinn, I never accept wishes of this kind.”

“What then? Didn’t you say you’d use Hizashi’s wish to counterbalance mine?”

“It’s simple—just have him change his wish. Did you think I’d go out of my way just to let you crush him like this?”

“…”

Night deepened, and cold moonlight spilled over the fortress, silver and chill as frost.

Hearing the Djinn’s suggestion, Orochimaru grinned, licking his lips, his smile laced with malice. He repeated himself,

“Hizashi, I will not perform the physical enhancement surgery for you.”

Hizashi raised his head, a ripple stirring in his otherwise vacant gaze. In addition to confusion, there was now a trace of resentment.

Yes, you won’t do it—I’ve already understood that, but why say it again now? Even if you are one of the Legendary Sannin, toying with people like this will surely bring retribution.

“But I think your desire for the surgery was never about power, was it?” Orochimaru smiled knowingly. “You want the approval of the Main Family. You want to escape the fate of the Branch.”

Hizashi’s body trembled, hope rekindling in his eyes. Could Orochimaru truly intend to help him?

After the war with the Cloud, Hizashi had come to understand Orochimaru’s terrifying strength. He knew that if Orochimaru turned against the Hyuga, it would be a massacre.

Gentle Fist? Taijutsu? They were almost useless against the massive white serpent form.

With Orochimaru’s help, the Branch Family’s situation would surely improve.

“I cannot help you. With the Caged Bird already inscribed, you cannot break free from the Main Family’s shackles.”

Hizashi’s face froze. Instinctively, his hand moved to his forehead protector, but Orochimaru continued,
“However, I’ve heard you have a son.”

“Thirty-five million ryo can’t change your fate, but perhaps it can change your child’s.”

Neji!

A jolt shot through Hizashi, as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head. He looked up suddenly, “Lord Orochimaru, do you have a way to protect Neji?”

In Orochimaru’s vision, the sphere of light within Hizashi blazed brighter than ever.

“So it really is possible—can a person’s wish really change so easily?”

Orochimaru smiled at Hizashi on the surface, but mentally directed his question to the Djinn.

The Djinn had previously used himself as an example, emphasizing the high standard required for a wish to be recognized. Yet now, witnessing how swiftly Hizashi’s wish had shifted, doubt lingered in Orochimaru’s mind.

“It’s not that simple. Wanting to spare Neji from the Caged Bird is an extension of Hizashi’s previous wish; the two are directly linked.”

The Djinn sighed. “After all, humans are not a species that gives up hope easily. When disappointed in one area, they seek compensation in another.”

Using Hizashi as an example, this insight into human nature was indeed convincing.

Orochimaru neither agreed nor disagreed. He looked at Hizashi, a sinister smile appearing on his face. “I do have a solution, but before that, I must see if your son’s talent is worthy of my effort.”

There are no favors without reason—Orochimaru understood this well. Even though he only sought Hizashi’s wish, he still needed a respectable pretext.

Taking a gifted Byakugan disciple was, of course, the most palatable reason for most people.

“…But Neji is not even two years old yet.”
A troubled look came over Hizashi’s face. How could the talent of a child not even two years old be properly judged?

“That’s between you and your boy. Our agreement lasts only until the Caged Bird is placed upon him.”

Orochimaru’s smile grew more wicked. “Of course, I have another method. We could use it right now, if you wish to try.”

A chill ran through Hizashi. Instinctively, he sensed danger lurking in Orochimaru’s words. He hurriedly replied, “I will be sure to educate Neji well.”

“Excellent. Thirty-five million ryo—once your child’s fate has changed, I’ll collect my fee.”

“…”

Watching Hizashi leave, his steps heavy, Orochimaru turned to the Djinn. “I can’t shake the feeling that you actually could fulfill Hizashi’s original wish.”

“So what if I could? As a Djinn, the wishes I hate most are those that are long-winded, troublesome, and impossible to satisfy.”

The Djinn paused, a mocking smile flickering on his face, as if recalling something. “Selfish wishes are easier to grant. The completion rate is high, and the feedback I get is greater—why wouldn’t I prefer them?”

Orochimaru was silent for a moment, then nodded.

After all, he was the one making the wish, and naturally, he hoped it would be as simple as possible.

“So, can you grant me my second wish now?”
Orochimaru asked, his longing for the Pure Land still strong.

“No, not until you’ve cleared your debt,” the Djinn refused without hesitation. “This is, after all, a trick of an evil god—I won’t let you become dependent on it.”

“As for reaching the Pure Land, aside from the Soul Transformation Technique, you might consider other ninjutsu.”

“For example, the Impure World Reincarnation. I’ve heard it can also communicate with souls in the Pure Land.”

Orochimaru paused for a moment before a gleam flashed in his eyes.