Naruto: Reborn as Neji Hyuga After Dying in One Piece-Chapter 70. Konoha Has Never Known Peace

◉◉◉◉◉

Inside the chamber, Neji let out a slow, steady breath.

His hands trembled faintly, not from fear, but from exhaustion. The sealing was complete. The [Sealing Method] had done its job... for now.

Beneath his hand, the fiery curse mark on Sasuke's neck, the [Curse Seal], was subdued. Three tomoe encircled in a spiraling design now glowed faintly beneath the skin, locked in place by chakra seals.

Sasuke collapsed forward, gasping for breath.

Her body trembled with the aftershocks of the pain. Sweat poured from her face, and her fingers spasmed from the intensity. She didn't even have the strength to speak.

Neji moved quickly, lifting her gently by the shoulder and resting her against the pillar. He draped her cloak over her bare shoulders.

"Easy," he muttered. "It's done."

Sasuke could barely register his words. Her vision swam, but she nodded faintly.

Neji frowned. 'She's completely drained. Is it because of the gender change? Or is the curse mark just that invasive...?'

He leaned back and sighed.

'Well, I'm blind, aren't I? So none of this is awkward... Right?'

He stood, just as the faint scrape of footsteps echoed from beyond the chamber door.

Neji stiffened.

He's here.

---

Outside the chamber, Kakashi stood alone... until the shadows shifted.

"Yo," the voice slithered through the air like smoke. "Still babysitting, Copy Ninja?"

Kakashi didn't turn.

"...Orochimaru."

The Snake Sannin emerged, his smile as cold as ever.

"Don't worry," he said, eyes gleaming. "I'm not here for you."

Kakashi tensed.

"You're after Sasuke."

Orochimaru chuckled. "She's not just a 'pawn.' She's the piece. The queen is on my board."

He took a step forward.

Kakashi's hand twitched, and chakra began to gather in his palm. A chirping, high-pitched whine pierced the air as [Chidori] flickered to life, casting light across his mask.

"I'm not letting you through."

The smile on Orochimaru's face didn't fade; in fact, it widened.

"Such conviction," he hissed. "But your body says otherwise."

Kakashi's heart pounded.

"This seal you placed... it means nothing," Orochimaru said. "You of all people should know the hunger for power. When the time comes... she'll come to me willingly."

Kakashi gritted his teeth. "You're wrong."

"Am I?" Orochimaru turned, his robes swirling around him. "We both know the truth. She's a revenger. The kind who would abandon everything for strength. That's what makes her perfect."

The killing intent that surged from Orochimaru was suffocating. Kakashi's knees nearly buckled.

If he attacked right now... I wouldn't survive.

Then, just like that, the pressure vanished. Orochimaru walked away.

Kakashi exhaled shakily. 'You idiot... You really thought you could face down one of the Sannin?'

He laughed bitterly under his breath. "I must've hit my head..."

---

The chamber door creaked open.

Neji stepped out.

"Are you okay, Kakashi-senpai?"

"...Fine." Kakashi straightened his posture, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.

"And Sasuke?"

Neji nodded. "The seal held. But she's completely wiped."

Kakashi glanced inside. Sasuke lay slumped against the wall, her eyes closed, cloak wrapped tightly around her.

He smiled faintly. "Thanks, Neji. I'll take it from here."

Neji turned to leave.

Then—

"Be careful," Kakashi said. "He didn't attack... but that only means he's waiting for something."

Neji nodded again.

"Understood."

But on his way back, Neji stopped at a corner, his instincts prickling.

From the shadows, a voice emerged.

"Neji Hyuga... correct?"

Neji didn't flinch. "Orochimaru."

The Snake Sannin stepped forward, his eyes glinting.

"I've read your file. The blind prodigy. The boy who gouged out his own eye rather than wear the cursed mark of the Hyuga clan."

"You must be proud," Neji said dryly. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Orochimaru smirked. "I admire it."

He stepped closer.

"You're not one to settle for mediocrity. I know your type. The hidden blade. The buried ambition."

"What do you want?" Neji asked.

"I offer you what Konoha cannot provide. And sight."

Neji's voice was cool. "I've grown used to the darkness. I find this world... easier to stomach when I don't have to see it."

Orochimaru paused. Then laughed.

"Well said."

He leaned in, whispering like the devil behind a confession screen.

"If you ever change your mind... seek me out. I'll give you everything you desire."

Then he vanished.

Neji stood motionless, expression blank.

The future of Konoha... will never be peaceful.

---

Back in the shadows, Orochimaru watched Neji disappear down the corridor, a cruel smile curling his lips.

"He'll come to me eventually," he muttered.

"Konoha... will never be at peace."

◉◉◉◉◉

~Uploading Schedule= 2 Chapters/day

~Support with 100 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter

◉◉◉◉◉

For early access to advanced Chapters on P-atreon:

P-atreon/iamxeno

(Just remove the - hyphen to access Patreon normally)

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!