"I won't Go Back"
~ Chapter 20 ~
The Residents of Oasis Village, the people residing here are as varied as their motives for choosing to live here. Today more than ever.
Although some are some are more skeptical of "the blessed siblings" than others, ALL can agree to one statement. "I won't go back."
One such individual is Negiro, formerly a Hyuga, now head of Oasis "Security Corps"
Born to a Hyuga "side branch" Negiro was a slave in every way the word describes.
Call it "hope" or even "propaganda", Negiro doesn't care about his employer's origins. What matters is that it was Lord Shiroyuki who removed the cursed "Caged Bird" seal from his forehead.
Though the removal means he can never return, their kindness is what allowed him to truly live in the first place.
"The Hyuga were NEVER home. I had to start over here, but at least this "Life" is MINE!"
"Freeing me earned the "Wellspring family" my undying gratitude. The fact they agreed to keep doing it for others who can slip away to make the trip, solidified our trust into a truly unshakable bond."
Today there are exactly twelve of us... I can only pray more slip away safely."
Three years ago, the main Hyuga branch considered Negiro "expendable" enough to be released from the war and he was sent off to Wind in an "Observational" role. To get a feel for the rumors of Oasis. To see if there's any credence to this "Wellspring Maiden".
To gather information for "The Main Hyuga Household". Shortly after his arrival, it was the plentiful Fruit such as the apples, born of Sakuya's plentiful Chakra that drew Negiro's attention.
He was in a meeting with Lord Shiroyuki, a simple formality. While present, a "nameless" attendant brought in a tray of cut apples. The red peel was the glossiest he'd ever seen and the scent... enticing. A gift for Lord Shiro from his sister. To be enjoyed with Lord Reiji and whatever visitors might be present.
Negiro had no intention of accepting, but Shiroyuki had begun eating, and with Lord Reiji adding additional "social pressure" it seemed rude to stand on ceremony.
"I figured, If I die it won't matter. The caged bird seal will make the Byakugan impossible to study, dead weight is all I'd be to them. That is why it was someone like me who was sent after all.
It's no secret that the "branch members" are viewed quite openly as fundamentally expendable. A resource to be expended on the whims of the Main house."
"Biting into my first slice, the initial crunch (from that first bite) was unusually satisfying and the taste was incredibly delicious... But more than anything, I felt invigorated.
It wasn't until I finished the equivalent of a full apple that I noticed. That my Caged Bird seal was reacting.
As this is a seal decidedly NOT for my protection or benefit, I was understandably concerned." Negiro remembered.
"I could FEEL it, not pain but a twitching sensation. Like the binding effect was struggling to keep hold of my system. In my panic, I grew dizzy, the brothers only sat there. Watching in idle curiosity.
"Clutching my forehead, Lord Shiro finally spoke, as did Lord Reiji. But in my haze I couldn't understand what they were saying, only certain from the pity on Lord Shiro's face that I was going to die. As a series of golden chakra chains extended from Lord Shiro and flowed in my direction, I had no further doubt and lost consciousness."
"I don't know how long I was out, only that when I awoke, I was feeling lighter and more at peace than ever. At my hospital bedside were two individuals."
"The first was Sakuya, she must have been around fourteen, she was apologetic, near tears. She expressed sorrow that I had such a strong reaction to her apples. As Lord Shiro clarified, the fruit and vegetables born of her "Wood Release", in addition to being very nutritious, also hold a powerful "cleansing" effect. Nullifying negative "invasive" effects upon the body.
Normally it targets the usual suspects like poisons and malnutrition. In my case, The caged bird seal at my forehead was viewed by the purification as an especially egregious "Assault" and it worked overtime to eliminate it.
Unfortunately, my body had long acclimated to the caged bird seal, so it took the additional application of Shiro's Adamantine Chains to weaken it further. A resulting overload that knocked me out.
When I looked at my reflection, free for the first time of that... Monstrosity. I knew there was nothing I wouldn't do for them."
A few weeks later after cutting all ties with the Hyuga, they believing him dead and cremated, Negiro, age twenty-four enrolled in the Oasis Security Corp as an initiate... Not out of pressure. The brothers made it clear I could build my life in any arena of my choosing.
"The main household would surely find their blatant lack of interest in putting my Byakugan to use for Oasis to be insulting, but I found myself feeling only relief. I actually laughed.'
"I won't go back."
~
Michi, Mother of two, knows she will NEVER go back.
Not to the days of scorching heat and uncertain water supply.
"Not to the days languishing in ill health."
She isn't the only one, Michi knows that if this is the price to pay for their new happy more fulfilling existence, it's a comically small one.
Michi honestly has no idea how much of the "Official accounts" are accurate, she honestly doesn't care either. So long as her way of life goes on uninterrupted.
Indeed, she did not recognize Kyou Uzumaki on sight, and at his polite questioning, she only felt one thing.
'Another outsider poking their nose...'
So far as Michi and many others are concerned, "The "Truth" is exactly as presented. "I won't go back. NEVER."