Chapter 23: The Tragedy of the Hyuga Clan
Hyuga Hizashi arrived at the main house's courtyard.
During the recent meeting, the Third Hokage and Konoha's high-ranking officials had made their decision, which the elders of the Hyuga clan also approved.
Although it was difficult for his elder brother, the clan leader, to accept, this was the only way to resolve the conflict between the Cloud Ninja and Konoha.
Most importantly…
He wasn't sacrificing his life for the main family; he was doing it to protect Neji, his brother, family, and even Konoha.
Now, all he wanted was to see Neji one last time before he courageously faced death.
"Neji… there are so many birds flying today; they look so carefree…"
Hyuga Hizashi looked up at the blue sky, feeling a long-lost sense of peace and freedom.
Yes…
Since being marked as a caged bird in childhood and becoming part of the branch family, he had been educated to live for the main family wherever he went.
Especially as he saw Neji growing up and displaying unparalleled talent.
He had cursed the main family more than once in his heart.
But at least this time, it was a choice he made himself.
A choice of freedom.
"Ha…"
Hyuga Hizashi took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
He didn't know if it was his imagination, but standing on this land made even breathing feel refreshing, filled with a sense of freedom.
"Neji?"
However, when he found Neji, he discovered his son was in an attacking stance.
In front of him stood another boy with black hair and black eyes.
Clearly not a member of the Hyuga clan.
"Yah!"
Neji didn't believe Haru's words at all.
Not long ago, his sister Hinata had been kidnapped by ninjas from the Cloud Village.
Now, seeing a stranger, Neji suspected he might have sneaked in as well.
Haru looked at least six or seven years older than Hinata; how could they possibly be of the same generation?
Most importantly, when Hinata had seen Haru, she had chosen to run away.
A liar.
Neji rushed forward, aiming a palm strike at Haru's face, intending to subdue him.
It had to be said that Neji's moves were clean and decisive, with no flaws visible in his entire body.
From a distance, Hizashi watched, feeling pain every time Neji showcased his talent.
Why…
Why wasn't Neji born into the main family?
Why was there a distinction between the main and branch families?
Why was there a caged bird seal?
Clearly, Neji's talent surpassed everyone else's; at this age, he was unmatched among his peers!
Before Hyuga Neji, there was no opponent!
Yet Hinata, as the main family's eldest daughter, was…
Hizashi felt that his eyes could foresee the future.
Once conflicts arose in the ninja world again, Hyuga Neji would undoubtedly achieve great feats in battle, becoming a hero of Konoha.
But…
Why?
Why was he part of the branch family?
Hizashi's hands clenched into fists. He had come to see Neji one last time to tell him that he had chosen to die willingly.
But now, looking at Neji's stance, his heart felt a mixture of emotions.
If only he could see Neji grow up.
See the caged bird seal become a thing of the past.
"Hmm?"
Unexpectedly, Neji's angle, speed, and strength were all perfect, yet Haru merely tilted his head slightly and evaded the attack.
This wasn't as simple as it looked.
Besides having overwhelming physical skills, the natural dojutsu, Byakugan, was the true specialty of their clan.
It allowed them to easily predict their opponent's movements and strike precisely that was the Hyuga clan.
Seeing Neji fail to land a hit, he quickly anticipated Haru's movement and continued his assault.
However, even without the Byakugan, Haru could clearly see through Neji's attack patterns.
Although Neji had no rivals among his peers and possessed the Byakugan's assistance,
Haru's strength was above Neji's.
Seeing Neji adjust for another attack, Haru stood his ground, channeling chakra to his chest to enhance his defense.
Bang!
Neji's palm struck Haru, but he felt a tremendous force push back, followed by a loud explosion in his ears that sent him flying.
With his feet off the ground, Neji was like a kite with its string cut, crashing down ten meters away.
Haru turned to see Hyuga Hizashi appearing out of nowhere, and Neji happened to fall at his feet.
Hizashi's face was filled with shock.
Even with the Byakugan, he hadn't been able to catch Haru's movements.
From his perspective, it seemed Haru merely tilted his head to avoid Neji's first attack, then stood still.
Following that, it was Neji, who had gone all out, who was sent flying.
Could it be that Haru's move was too quick for him to catch?
But was that possible?
Even without activating the Byakugan, his dynamic vision was already much better than average.
Most notably, Neji was a top talent of the Hyuga clan, and within all of Konoha, that title would never be shaken.
Even if Haru appeared to be older than Neji, he couldn't possibly be a match for such a talent.
But the reality was that Haru not only defeated Neji but did so without even launching a single attack!
I haven't even put in any effort, and you're already down!
"F-Father…"
Neji lay on the ground, trying to get up, but then saw his father, falling into a dilemma.
Did his father see everything?
Neji clenched his fists, filled with resentment, while activating the Byakugan, preparing to come at Haru again.
Yet doubts lingered in Neji's heart.
How did Haru manage to send him flying?
How was he able to do that?
Just as Neji prepared to attack again, Hinata returned from her escape, bringing a servant with her.
However, facing Haru and Neji, Hinata still hid behind the door, too scared to approach.
"Stop!"
The maid shouted to halt the two sides while hurriedly running over with a baby girl in her arms.
Upon noticing Hyuga Hizashi, the maid quickly explained the situation, assuring that Haru was not an intruder.
'Hinata, Natsu and Hanabi?'
Haru glanced at the maid standing between him and Neji, immediately recognizing her identity.
She was a maid of the main Hyuga family, responsible for taking care of two-year-old Hanabi at this time.
It seemed that Hinata had gone to find her and explained the situation.
Thinking of this, Haru instinctively looked at Hinata, only to see her shrinking back behind the door, barely managing to nod at him in encouragement.
Haru couldn't help but draw in a breath, feeling that "this Hinata is just too shy."