[Theory] ☯ Brace Yourself; Neji is Coming Back ☯

[Rabbit Teth]

Thanks for reading, though you're looking at the other way, Kishi clearly using mixture of some philosophy, religious, mythology as some reference to his story. Granted, the Garuda and some other 5 statue as such does associated with the Ootsutski and the shobojo legend tale, and or naga as such which ties in to Buddhism to his series but I seriously have no doubt in Mind that Team Gai has always been portrayed as chineese culture. Gai final move imagery was exact like a dragon. The dragon and the phoenix, share a unique place in the history of China. The dragon and phoenix [feng-huang] , are associated with good fortune, wisdom and prosperity. Together they represent a balance of forces, yin and yang, that brings order and harmony to the world.

I totally agree with you on Team Gai tying in with Chinese cultural references but the rebirth legend is Western / Arabian and specifically isn’t in the Fenghuang legends (Japanese Ho-o). The central point of this theory is that Neji could be coming back. The Fenghuang (The Chinese Phoenix) does not symbolize rebirth …the Phoenix (the Western Arabian one) does.

The Fenghuang, the Phoenix and the Garuda are all sun birds and all marked by their red feathers and fire. The Phoenix legend is one of rebirth – it turns to ashes and is reborn. The Fenghuang legend marks the end of an era or the beginning of a new one (it’s also usually female to the dragon’s male) – it flies down from heaven bringing prosperity and it flies back to heaven leaving chaos (kind of like Neji’s death). The Garuda is the one who has a brother, rescues his mother from a curse, acts as a ride to other gods (including Indra) and fights over the fruit of the gods.

(I updated a lot of the references in the story and images of Garuda / Karura here)

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If Fenghuang were to be developed – and I think it could – then I would expect it to mark Sakura (or Hinata but she's already tied into the lion). The Fenghuang (while combining the male Feng with the Female Huang) is traditionally the emblem of the Empress. The Fenghuang is also considered the female equivalent to the male Dragon (they represent conflict and harmony which is supposed to represent marriage) … and well Sasuke is more like the dragon than Naruto. Fenghuang is also usually pictured in Japan amongst Cherryblossom (AKA Sakura).

 

[Draxus]

On that last paragraph statement, if you don't see cousin have blood connection and that the Uzumaki and Hyuga are distant relatives which also have further connection with Kaguya& Hamura then you must be blind, and if you understand the whole concept of Taoism and the goal is Wei-Wu-Wei - "action without effort" as I've explained with Naruto & Hinata then I'm sorry . Remember Ninshuu connects everyone with both spiritual and physical energies. Its definition is Chakra connection between everyone on the planet and possibly those who are currently trapped, and with the will of team work, they will beat Kaguya.

So you think blood connections are the same as chakra connections or do you think everyone is connected through chakra no matter who they are? I disagree, but okay.

 

[Reboryushon]

I don't think the laws of transmigration of NV apply to Neji. He is not a relevant character or associated with the cycle of hate, Obito only returned because he had Kamui, the sage is the sage, one of the most powerful beings in NV and the handler of Chakra to all humans.

Sorry OP , even if you make good points, i don't see Neji coming back.

I will give you a better sig 'tho..done by me with a proper loop.

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[Jnaru]

May be as a reward so6p will revive him, he got rinnegan ....
Anyways I love to have him back, how come only only he gets to die

 

[Hyuga Prodigy]

I totally agree with you on Team Gai tying in with Chinese cultural references but the rebirth legend is Western / Arabian and specifically isn’t in the Fenghuang legends (Japanese Ho-o). The central point of this theory is that Neji could be coming back. The Fenghuang (The Chinese Phoenix) does not symbolize rebirth …the Phoenix (the Western Arabian one) does.

The Fenghuang, the Phoenix and the Garuda are all sun birds and all marked by their red feathers and fire. The Phoenix legend is one of rebirth – it turns to ashes and is reborn. The Fenghuang legend marks the end of an era or the beginning of a new one (it’s also usually female to the dragon’s male) – it flies down from heaven bringing prosperity and it flies back to heaven leaving chaos (kind of like Neji’s death). The Garuda is the one who has a brother, rescues his mother from a curse, acts as a ride to other gods (including Indra) and fights over the fruit of the gods.

(I updated a lot of the references in the story and images of Garuda / Karura here)

You must be registered for see links

If Fenghuang were to be developed – and I think it could – then I would expect it to mark Sakura (or Hinata but she's already tied into the lion). The Fenghuang (while combining the male Feng with the Female Huang) is traditionally the emblem of the Empress. The Fenghuang is also considered the female equivalent to the male Dragon (they represent conflict and harmony which is supposed to represent marriage) … and well Sasuke is more like the dragon than Naruto. Fenghuang is also usually pictured in Japan amongst Cherryblossom (AKA Sakura).

I Know that the Rebirth origin is from the Western / Arabian but however I've able to pick some source of info that it does seem the case.

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Spoiler

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phoenix


This one explains that Immortality represent the transcendence of death and rebirth. The definition of Transcendence in Buddhism belongs to the mortal beings of the formless realms of existence. Such beings are at 'the peak' of Samsara, Buddhism considers the development of transcendence to be both temporary and a spiritual.

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What puzzling me is that the ancient text often have been swapping and or overlapping the myth of all the sun birds and this all comes down to some non or legit info, which is why I knew my theory had some flaws and that I had to come up and guess the best possible scenario to make it seem plausible because anything is possible in this manga and I thought it's best to discuss and share in this forum to hear you guys thought.

Also The Fenghuang is actually non gender and considered as "King of Bird". There were twin phoenix, one a female and one a Male and when they both merge it became known as Feng Huang. Then it later became as an "Empress" when paired with a dragon, but it's still non-gender nonetheless.

This is what people need to understand, my whole theory revolve seeing Neji as a spirit in the limbo who was possibly a `Lost Soul` and somehow connects to the other world thanks to the chakra itself and balance the essence of Naruto and or Hinata before pass on into the Heaven which theoretically the Ghost Realm connects the Ashura, Deva, Naraka, Human and Animal Realms in which souls keep on reincarnating. Everything regarding the souls and spirits is how it could be interrupted and as such these theories that I`ve provided the link ties in the possibility of seeing Neji as a Spirit.

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The reason why I`v brought up the phoenix is because it adds and fit the meaning to Neji character with how relatable it is with the latest event in Naruto regarding the spirits and I thought I should brought this up. I`m not trying to say how the event will go down but we could possibly see Neji spirit as a phoenix or something that add some symbolism.

 

[Hyuga Prodigy]

Amazing you explained it so nicely sorry have to spread some rep before giving it to you again. Dattebayo!

Thanks, the problem I have is if I have overlooking things and or if the information is invalid but thanks for the support =D

I don't think the laws of transmigration of NV apply to Neji. He is not a relevant character or associated with the cycle of hate, Obito only returned because he had Kamui, the sage is the sage, one of the most powerful beings in NV and the handler of Chakra to all humans.

Sorry OP , even if you make good points, i don't see Neji coming back.

I will give you a better sig 'tho..done by me with a proper loop.

You must be registered for see images

Obito is not the sage, he`s empty after being ripped out, so he`s back to normal human. Furthermore, you underestimate the term `Relavency`in this series. Look what happened to Gai, Kaguya, Black Zetsu, Byakugan and the `Kaguya clan`being relavent. I think the law of the world that has been established which the transmigrate are not necessary the cycle of hatred, if you remember that ninshuu connects everyone from the planet and we learned that chakra links links the pure world to the impure world. I could see the possiblity of naruto going into the limbo world and meet neji or some case.

Anyway thanks for the Sig.

 

[DarkStar1]

Neji is dead and not coming back.

Might see him as a chakra entity to have a final goodbye to Naruto and Hinata, but that would be it. Naruto can't bring the dead back and he can't stop death itself entirely as proven by his healing power not being able to save Obito. Neji was melted in the Tenpachii and his chakra is gone nor does he have any means to go back to the physical realm like Obito has with Kamui.

 

[Rabbit Teth]

I Know that the Rebirth origin is from the Western / Arabian but however I've able to pick some source of info that it does seem the case.

You must be registered for see links

Spoiler

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see links

phoenix


This one explains that Immortality represent the transcendence of death and rebirth. The definition of Transcendence in Buddhism belongs to the mortal beings of the formless realms of existence. Such beings are at 'the peak' of Samsara, Buddhism considers the development of transcendence to be both temporary and a spiritual.

You must be registered for see links

What puzzling me is that the ancient text often have been swapping and or overlapping the myth of all the sun birds and this all comes down to some non or legit info, which is why I knew my theory had some flaws and that I had to come up and guess the best possible scenario to make it seem plausible because anything is possible in this manga and I thought it's best to discuss and share in this forum to hear you guys thought.

Also The Fenghuang is actually non gender and considered as "King of Bird". There were twin phoenix, one a female and one a Male and when they both merge it became known as Feng Huang. Then it later became as an "Empress" when paired with a dragon, but it's still non-gender nonetheless.

This is what people need to understand, my whole theory revolve seeing Neji as a spirit in the limbo who was possibly a `Lost Soul` and somehow connects to the other world thanks to the chakra itself and balance the essence of Naruto and or Hinata before pass on into the Heaven which theoretically the Ghost Realm connects the Ashura, Deva, Naraka, Human and Animal Realms in which souls keep on reincarnating. Everything regarding the souls and spirits is how it could be interrupted and as such these theories that I`ve provided the link ties in the possibility of seeing Neji as a Spirit.

You must be registered for see links

You must be registered for see links

The reason why I`v brought up the phoenix is because it adds and fit the meaning to Neji character with how relatable it is with the latest event in Naruto regarding the spirits and I thought I should brought this up. I`m not trying to say how the event will go down but we could possibly see Neji spirit as a phoenix or something that add some symbolism.

You've got a lot of good information on here but the parts on rebirth are just wrong. A quick search through Wikipedia and some academic sites (the ones that reference their information and support assertions they make) and you'll find pretty vigorous denials of misconceptions linking the western myths about the phoenix rising from the ashes and the Fenghuang myth. Kishi has artistic license to conflate the myths but the myths are distinct. Growing up in Japan, I doubt Kishi would make that kind of error.

I might agree if the context were different and there was some unfinished business for Neji to return to complete but there really aren't any clues for that. Neji freed himself from his cage, he was free to choose his fate and did so willingly and his final words express a sense that he is thanking Naruto and reminding him of his new duties.

Here are some more reliable sources

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That said, I still like a lot of your ideas.

 

[Vega]

You brought up some very good references, and considering Kishi is capable of dong anything at this point I don't see why Neji coming back would be a problem. Naruto promised to change the Hyuuga the curse, this may be one step in doing such. Good read

 

[Hyuga Prodigy]

You've got a lot of good information on here but the parts on rebirth are just wrong. A quick search through Wikipedia and some academic sites (the ones that reference their information and support assertions they make) and you'll find pretty vigorous denials of misconceptions linking the western myths about the phoenix rising from the ashes and the Fenghuang myth. Kishi has artistic license to conflate the myths but the myths are distinct. Growing up in Japan, I doubt Kishi would make that kind of error.

I might agree if the context were different and there was some unfinished business for Neji to return to complete but there really aren't any clues for that. Neji freed himself from his cage, he was free to choose his fate and did so willingly and his final words express a sense that he is thanking Naruto and reminding him of his new duties.

Here are some more reliable sources

You must be registered for see links

You must be registered for see links

That said, I still like a lot of your ideas.

Yea, although I can`t rule out the Wiki entirely since it`s not always reliable and simply anyone can edit and by looking different source and by comparing it is hard to tell due to this overwritten myth, the distinction from where Kishi grow up is very plausible as you said but he could possibly integrate the pieces to his work though I`m starting to doubt.

The spirits in the the last couple of chapter or so does brings in the possibility of not just seeing Neji spirit, but also but everyone else who died, and this could possibly Kaguya goals to enter the spiritual realm.

 

[Hyuga Prodigy]

You brought up some very good references, and considering Kishi is capable of dong anything at this point I don't see why Neji coming back would be a problem. Naruto promised to change the Hyuuga the curse, this may be one step in doing such. Good read

Thanks, although I may be overlooking but I think I arguably made point. Its not just Neji, we could see everyone else in the spirit who died which right now things turning interesting in the direction from where Kishi is going. Thanks again for reading it. =D

 

[Trea]

Great Read. +rep. I think it is plausible and I would like to see it happen. I did not like the way Neji died especially after Naruto promised to do something about the Hyuga curse. I too thought the cover of 64 had more meaning and thought that meant he might come back in spirit.

 

[Rabbit Teth]

Yea, although I can`t rule out the Wiki entirely since it`s not always reliable and simply anyone can edit and by looking different source and by comparing it is hard to tell due to this overwritten myth, the distinction from where Kishi grow up is very plausible as you said but he could possibly integrate the pieces to his work though I`m starting to doubt.

The spirits in the the last couple of chapter or so does brings in the possibility of not just seeing Neji spirit, but also but everyone else who died, and this could possibly Kaguya goals to enter the spiritual realm.

That sounds like Kishi. I was kind of happy with the way he wrote Neji's death but I think he could have been given more time in the run up. Those Chinese myths you bring up could be worked into the manga in other ways. While looking up the myths you raise I noticed one of the Mandala (a geometric representation of heavenly forces) designs from the room where the Gedo Mazo was stored. If Hamura is the Hyuuga ancestor then we could see a lot more of the Chinese or Korean myths. Given that Kishi has already drawn an older Hanabi and given Hamura's tie in with the Hyuuga, you're probably just well ahead of the curve.

 

[Honord Sage]

Neji is dead and gone accept it. He is not coming back so let it be.

 

[Hyuga Prodigy]

That sounds like Kishi. I was kind of happy with the way he wrote Neji's death but I think he could have been given more time in the run up. Those Chinese myths you bring up could be worked into the manga in other ways. While looking up the myths you raise I noticed one of the Mandala (a geometric representation of heavenly forces) designs from the room where the Gedo Mazo was stored. If Hamura is the Hyuuga ancestor then we could see a lot more of the Chinese or Korean myths. Given that Kishi has already drawn an older Hanabi and given Hamura's tie in with the Hyuuga, you're probably just well ahead of the curve.

Wow I didn't know that Gedo Mazo was stored in room one of geometric form of Mandala, that was nice observation could you give the manga scan cause I don't think I even remember recalling it which one.

Well given the fact that Hamura posses the Byakugan does lead to the strong possibility that he is Hyuga Ancestor and he also might as well be the Uzumaki and this reiforce the Wu and Wei concepts from Taoism representing complement Yin and Yang theory I have behind for Naruto and Hinata and how their destiny entwined which this may be too far fetched on my part but perhaps Neji roles as a spirit could possibly balance the essence between Naruto&Hinata in an attempt to guide context of destiny before he pass on. And yeah we might get to see lot more in chineese myth, it all depends from the Direction Kishi is going, but I think i see this possiblity cause there shown some sign of it, such as Hinata LionFist is one of the Chinese Zodiac.

 

[Rabbit Teth]

Wow I didn't know that Gedo Mazo was stored in room one of geometric form of Mandala, that was nice observation could you give the manga scan cause I don't think I even remember recalling it which one.

Well given the fact that Hamura posses the Byakugan does lead to the strong possibility that he is Hyuga Ancestor and he also might as well be the Uzumaki and this reiforce the Wu and Wei concepts from Taoism representing complement Yin and Yang theory I have behind for Naruto and Hinata and how their destiny entwined which this may be too far fetched on my part but perhaps Neji roles as a spirit could possibly balance the essence between Naruto&Hinata in an attempt to guide context of destiny before he pass on. And yeah we might get to see lot more in chineese myth, it all depends from the Direction Kishi is going, but I think i see this possiblity cause there shown some sign of it, such as Hinata LionFist is one of the Chinese Zodiac.

Mandalas are used by most religions. You could describe a lot of designs in Naruto as a mandala (Sasuke's eye is the design used for Chakra and the Six Realms in Pure Land Buddhism … but it's also the Star of David). The meaning usually depends on the context. The Gedo Mazo is surrounded by three Mandalas. They are the three circles behind the Gedo.

Within the context they show one large circle enclosing 9 smaller circles. The big circle clearly represents the Juubi, the nine smaller circles clearly represent the nine bijuu (heavenly forces). It's almost certainly too early to say anything for sure but what was interesting to me was that the nine bijuu circles are enclosed in a square. Hagoromo is symbolised exclusively by circles - the Rinnegan is nothing but concentric circles. The mandala behind the Gedo has a square which to me at least seems unusual.

The thought crossed my mind while reading your post that the square could be the four stations of the Chinese Zodiac - Turtle / Tiger / Pheonix (peacock) / Dragon. Hamura as the Hyuuga ancestor could be the father of the chinese related jutsus which would include Taijutsu. The square could be meaningless (just a frame) but it could be a reference to the same zodiac that Might Guy's techniques tie into.

Spoiler

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I doubt Neji will come back to life but I wouldn't rule out some kind of spiritual encounter. I figure if we get a part three then the Hyuuga storyline could be a central component…. but that's more speculation than theory.

The Lotus that the Gedo is sitting on is something I go into in a different theory. Statues from the Amida Triad all tend to be shown sitting on a Lotus. They are even called the Lotus Family:

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Spoiler

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[Hyuga Prodigy]

Mandalas are used by most religions. You could describe a lot of designs in Naruto as a mandala (Sasuke's eye is the design used for Chakra and the Six Realms in Pure Land Buddhism … but it's also the Star of David). The meaning usually depends on the context. The Gedo Mazo is surrounded by three Mandalas. They are the three circles behind the Gedo.

Within the context they show one large circle enclosing 9 smaller circles. The big circle clearly represents the Juubi, the nine smaller circles clearly represent the nine bijuu (heavenly forces). It's almost certainly too early to say anything for sure but what was interesting to me was that the nine bijuu circles are enclosed in a square. Hagoromo is symbolised exclusively by circles - the Rinnegan is nothing but concentric circles. The mandala behind the Gedo has a square which to me at least seems unusual.

The thought crossed my mind while reading your post that the square could be the four stations of the Chinese Zodiac - Peacock / Tiger / Pheonix (peacock) / Dragon. Hamura as the Hyuuga ancestor could be the father of the chinese related jutsus which would include Taijutsu. The square could be meaningless (just a frame) but it could be a reference to the same zodiac that Might Guy's techniques tie into.

Spoiler

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I doubt Neji will come back to life but I wouldn't rule out some kind of spiritual encounter. I figure if we get a part three then the Hyuuga storyline could be a central component…. but that's more speculation than theory.

The Lotus that the Gedo is sitting on is something I go into in a different theory. Statues from the Amida Triad all tend to be shown sitting on a Lotus. They are even called the Lotus Family:

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Spoiler

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I see that was very interesting, then I can assume that the Gedo Mazo that was sitting on the Lotus is the origin of the center surrounding by Mandala in other word the Holy Fruit. As for Hinata Lionfist is the Komainu which strongly resemble Chinese Guardian Lions and originate from Tang dynasty China. The Chinese guardian lions are believed to have been influenced by lion pelts and lion depictions introduced through trade from either the Middle East or India, countries where the lion existed and was a symbol of strength.

Spoiler

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What really got met thinking is that this jutsu was only shown OUNCE and it got off screen when she fought Pain and then completely ignored, even through out the war. Hinata's only been shown air-palming things rather than using this. Kishimoto seems to do this A LOT (foreshadowing) throughout the series, perhaps we'll see her true technique later on that ties in the Hyuga role.

 

[Rabbit Teth]

I see that was very interesting, then I can assume that the Gedo Mazo that was sitting on the Lotus is the origin of the center surrounding by Mandala in other word the Holy Fruit. As for Hinata Lionfist is the Komainu which strongly resemble Chinese Guardian Lions and originate from Tang dynasty China. The Chinese guardian lions are believed to have been influenced by lion pelts and lion depictions introduced through trade from either the Middle East or India, countries where the lion existed and was a symbol of strength.

Spoiler

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What really got met thinking is that this jutsu was only shown ONCE and it got off screen when she fought Pain and then completely ignored, even through out the war. Hinata's only been shown air-palming things rather than using this. Kishimoto seems to do this A LOT (foreshadowing) throughout the series, perhaps we'll see her true technique later on that ties in the Hyuga role.

The Gedo I think is the poisoned body of Hagoromo. The case could be made that it is Hamura but Hamura didn't have a beard as far as we know. Hagoromo sent his body to be sealed in the moon but Madara (with the help of BZ) recovered it when he obtained Rinnegan. The body does whatever the person with his eyes tells it to do. Madara putting Hagoromo at the centre of the lotus is an indication that Hagoromo is supposed to represent, among other deities, Amida (the primary Buddha / Boddhisatva of Pure Land Buddhism). Amida is a sort of Jesus like figure who guides people to greater understanding and helps them transcend beyond the six pure lands (the dimensions that Team 7 are in right now) which serve as a sort of purgatory (ranging from Hell (Naraka) to the Deva plain where arrogance sets in because everything is so easy). Kishi has put his own spin on top of things but the basics of the story look like religious allegory.

As for the Lions what you say sounds exactly right. Hinata pulls out the lions just as she is protecting Naruto. It may not be the only technique she or her family is capable of. I would expect Hinata to be developed further.

Kannon represents the origin of all techniques and could be interpreted as being Kaguya. Currently she is a wrathful manifestation (either because of her original sin of because of a snake). The Wrathful Kannon is called Hayagriva (the original form of the Indian deity imported into Japan and which is used as the basis for Haguya's design) or Bato Kannon (the japanese name for the same but usually pictured with a horses head). The manifestation of Kannon relating to fertility (i.e. Naruto's girlfriend) is called the Byakue Kannon. Kishi has been overlapping the religious imagery onto each of his characters.

 

[SasukexNeji]

Awesome theory OP!

Ashura > Naruto
Indra > Sasuke
Neji > ? For some reason, I want to say Sai...

 

[Blackwatch]

Not happening.


A spiritual encounter at best, which is still pretty unlikely.