Ep. 440: Neji learns the masked man is his father Hizashi, who orchestrates a test to evaluate Konoha's handling of the Hyuga Affair.

440

Tsunade reads a document while Neji reveals the masked man is his father, Hizashi Hyuga. Shizune brings alcohol as Tsunade drinks and continues reading. Neji asks about kidnapped shinobi, and the masked man informs Team Jiraiya they will retrieve them. The masked man leaves Neji to reunite with his comrades. Konoha genin form a single team to plan the rescue, joined by Neji. The masked man appears before Team Jiraiya, Hidan, Kakuzu, and Sasori, ending the test. Hidan, Kakuzu, and Sasori depart, while others are ordered to return evacuated villagers home. Neji explains the experiment's nature. Konan creates paper butterflies to guide the genin to the captured shinobi, who are then released. Kurenai questions the events, and the masked man arrives to explain. He removes his mask, revealing himself as reincarnated Hizashi Hyuga. Neji details the Hyuga Affair, and Hizashi explains his reincarnation by a bandaged man and his orchestration of the incident to assess Konohagakure's response. Hizashi and Neji discuss Neji's changed motivations after fighting Naruto. Neji's words help Hizashi release his attachments, allowing his soul to depart. Yahiko heads to the village to return Komichi's teddy bear, Kenta. An explosion destroys the village, and Nagato finds Kenta damaged, growing furious and believing Yahiko dead.