I Refuse

On the other side, there are numerous secret techniques related to training, and some of them are even the clan's closely guarded secrets.

Cash is manageable, but when it comes to the clan's secret techniques, if the main family were to find out, Hiashi Hyuga would undoubtedly face severe punishment.

"Why?" asked Satoru with a serious tone.

Hizashi let out a helpless smile. "Just consider it an investment."

Then, he stood up and walked towards the door.

"I truly hope that this variable of yours can stir up a wind and breathe new life into this decaying ancient tree called Hyuga."

Satoru gazed at s+the departing figure in silence. Rather than considering it an investment, it was more like taking a stance, aligning himself with the idea that he won't accept being caged like a bird.

Is he planning to rebel alongside me, someone who will definitely not accept being confined by fate? Will he change the path of Hizashi, who in the original story ultimately accepted his fate and committed suicide?

Carefully, Satoru stored away the scroll. Hizashi's support would greatly benefit his training. About half an hour later, the knocking at the door resumed.

Satoru opened the door and upon seeing the familiar face, almost instinctively blurted out, "Hizashi-sama, why are you here again?"

His words came to an abrupt halt.

The person before him had an impeccably smooth forehead, and the expression on their face wasn't Hiashi's usual melancholy, but rather tinged with a hint of arrogance.

"Well, it seems my incompetent little brother has paid a visit."

"It's Hiashi-sama. Is there something you need?" Satoru's heart tightened involuntarily.

"My little brother is always locking himself in his room and won't amount to much."

Hiashi shook his head, not wanting to delve further into the matter.

With that said, he stepped directly into the room.

The same wooden table was there, with two cups of tea placed upon it. Hiashi glanced at the tea in front of him, showing a hint of displeasure. He didn't choose to drink the tea; instead, he spoke directly.

"I've come this time with the intention of taking on an apprentice. Satoru, how about becoming my disciple?"

A slight smile curved his lips as he looked at the young Satoru seated before him.

Taking on an apprentice had been a carefully considered decision. He was widely known as the next clan head. In terms of strength, he had already reached the rank of Jonin before turning 20. Teaching Satoru, who was still a Genin, would be more than feasible.

Moreover, once Satoru held the title of the next clan head's disciple, many problems would be resolved. The branch family would become more obedient to the main family due to Satoru's status, and on the Hokage's side, since he himself had taken on an apprentice, they probably wouldn't interfere much either.

"I Refuse!"

The smile on Hiashi's face froze in an instant, as if he was doubting whether he had misheard.

"Are you worried about Shibi-sensei? Don't worry, he's just your mentor. It won't conflict with becoming my disciple. Once you become my disciple, the clan will provide you with a monthly allowance of 100,000 ryō. Additionally, some of the clan's secret techniques will be open to you."

Satoru looked at him helplessly. "I think you've misunderstood, Hiashi-sama. I don't want to become your disciple. It has nothing to do with Shibi-sensei or anyone else. I simply want to be free."

This response left Hiashi momentarily stunned. He didn't know how to proceed with the words he had prepared.

"Free?"

"Yes, exactly. If I become your disciple, I'd probably be constrained by many things. I don't want to be burdened by so many restrictions."

Freedom? Constraints?

How laughable!

What right does a member of the branch family have to speak of freedom? Do you even understand how many people dream of becoming my disciple?

Hiashi forcibly suppressed the anger that was welling up inside him. Years of clan upbringing instinctively compelled him to maintain his so-called dignity. He took a deep breath, calming his internal turmoil.

"Very well, since you've made your decision, I won't force the matter. Although you won't become my disciple, you will still receive the monthly allowance of 100,000 ryō from the clan. Consider it a reward from the family."

With that, without pausing even for a moment, Hiashi turned and left.

Satoru stared at his departing figure with profound eyes. Today, both Hizashi and Hiashi, these two pairs of brothers, had come to see him. However, their intentions were completely different.

He accepted the scroll from Hizashi but declined Hiashi's offer to become his apprentice. In a sense, this was also a form of declaration.

The future might not be too peaceful.

He sighed in his heart.