Chapter 14 - Power Changes Destiny

CHAPTER WORDS :- 1319

Chapter 14 - Power Changes Destiny

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On weekends, when the Ninja Academy was closed, Ayane remained within the Hyūga Clan compound, never venturing out.

Within the Hyūga Clan, the branch and main families lived in separate areas.

The main family rarely associated with the branch family. To them, the branch family existed solely to carry out their assigned duties and ensure the clan's survival.

Among the branch family members of her generation, Ayane was exceptionally talented. Her skills caught the attention not just of the branch family but also of the main family, whose expectations for her future were high.

Whether as a protector of the main family or as a potential candidate to produce heirs, her fate seemed predetermined from the beginning.

"Ayane, someone from the main family came earlier. They want you to serve as Lord Hiashi's personal attendant. This is a great honor for someone from the branch family."

Her mother's expression radiated pride, as if having such an exceptional daughter was her life's greatest achievement. Ayane paused briefly before obediently nodding.

However, would the main family truly use the word "want," implying a request?

Rather than "wanting" her to do this, it was more of a command—perhaps even a thinly veiled threat.

As a branch family member, Ayane had no standing to negotiate with the main family.

She had seen branch family members who dared to defy the main family, only to writhe in agony under the power of the Caged Bird Seal. Long ago, she had decided how to deal with the main family: complete submission.

"Lord Hiashi is a remarkable shinobi. At just fourteen, he's already a renowned Chūnin in the village. Many believe he'll become a Jōnin before he's twenty."

Ayane knelt on the tatami mat, her long, straight black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her pale white eyes betrayed no hint of excitement or joy as she quietly listened to her mother's endless chatter.

Her mother was a traditional woman, deeply submissive to the system.

Perhaps, after witnessing countless examples over the years, her initial resentment toward the main family had transformed into reverence and humility.

The branch family was not allowed to defy the main family.

Their purpose was to serve—whether it meant sacrificing their love, lives, or dignity.

Everything the branch family had was a gift from the main family.

Such ingrained beliefs had turned her mother into a loyal tool of the main family.

Thus, Ayane never engaged in pointless arguments with her mother.

Habits, after all, were powerful things.

"Ayane, don't resent the main family. They act for the good of the Hyūga Clan. The Caged Bird Seal is not a curse but a protection for the Byakugan, safeguarding it from falling into the hands of outsiders. One day, the other branch family members will understand this."

"I understand, Mother."

Ayane didn't resent her mother, despite her loyalty to the main family.

However, she couldn't agree that the Caged Bird Seal wasn't a curse.

Perhaps it did protect the Byakugan, but what about those who were killed by it, dying without dignity at the hands of their own kin?

What had they done to deserve such a fate?

Why didn't the village intervene?

Ayane didn't believe that the Hokage and other high-ranking officials were ignorant of these atrocities.

Such actions—harming one's own comrades—should have been grounds for imprisonment.

the village was twisted and hypocritical. And they were merely the lowest, most expendable part of its structure.

Every time the Hokage led a school assembly and proclaimed the Will of Fire, Ayane felt utterly disconnected, alienated, and even fearful.

The blood coursing through her veins refused to yield to such a fate.

She dreamed of becoming a bird flying freely in the sky, not one trapped in a cage, its wings clipped. One day, she would break free from the chains of her birdcage and soar high above.

She remembered Natsuki giving her Courage, telling her how to change a date of someone - "Be strong and do it yourself!"

She would do it. She would.

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Hyūga Hiashi.

His name carried weight within the Hyūga Clan. He was the heir to the main family and a renowned young Chūnin in Konoha. Destined to become a figure admired by many, Hiashi's future was assured.

Ayane had never imagined she would serve as this person's attendant—least of all someone from the main family she so despised.

Still, it was inevitable. The main family's guards and attendants were always chosen from the branch family.

"Lord Hiashi, I am Hyūga Ayane. I will be serving as your personal attendant starting today."

Sitting on the veranda, the handsome young man with straight black hair and pure white eyes gazed at the pond.

When he heard her voice, he turned his head slightly to look at the girl who shared the same pale Byakugan eyes.

Her gaze held no emotion. Yet it wasn't lifeless; her soft smile carried a faint trace of sadness.

"Do you hate the main family?" Hiashi asked.

Ayane was momentarily stunned, not expecting such a question.

"Yes, I do."

Lying would only invite suspicion. Sometimes, honesty was the best way to lower someone's guard and avoid hypocrisy.

Hiashi nodded, murmuring to himself.

"I hate it too. Because of these rules, Hizashi hasn't smiled at me in years. All I see in him now is coldness and hostility. Hizashi is my most cherished brother. We used to play together, mock each other, and fight over snacks like ordinary kids…"

"I see. Lord Hiashi is a kind person," Ayane said with a faint smile.

"I am not kind at all. Nor can I afford to be. Three years ago, Hizashi and I sparred. I deliberately lost, hoping the main family would see his worth. But when we returned, my father used the Caged Bird Seal to punish him, forcing him to the ground in agony, begging for mercy. My father told me that as the heir of the main family, I must ensure the branch family remembers their place. They must never forget who their masters are."

Hiashi stared at the clear blue sky, letting out a sigh of resignation.

Ayane remained silent.

"From that moment on, I understood what the rules truly meant. In the Hyūga Clan, where rules govern everything, Hizashi… no, the entire branch family is chained to the will of the main family. They cannot resist. They have no freedom."

Hiashi stood and glanced at Ayane again.

"So, it's only natural for you to hate me and the main family. But never let that hatred show as hostility or killing intent toward me. I am the main family, your master."

A caged bird that showed defiance to its owner would only provoke displeasure—and death.

This was his warning.

Thus, the so-called "request" for her to serve as his attendant had been coercive from the start.

"I understand. I will be mindful of my conduct, Lord Hiashi."

Seeing her composure, Hiashi nodded in satisfaction.

He went back into his room and returned with a birdcage. Inside was a white bird.

Ayane's expression stiffened slightly upon seeing it.

Hiashi didn't notice her reaction, instead murmuring softly: "Do you know? I've never replaced this birdcage, but I've changed the bird inside seven times. This is the eighth one. I bought it for you."

"And the others?"

"The moment they flew out, I killed them."

"Why would you do that, Lord Hiashi?"

"Before you, I had seven attendants. All of them were executed for various reasons by my father."

Hiashi hung the birdcage outside.

"I hope your story doesn't end the same way…"

It was unclear whether these words were meant for the bird—or for Ayane.

THE END

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AN:- HONESTLY, THIS CHAPTER HAS SO LITTLE CHANGES I AM SUPRISED. THIS CHAPTER WAS GOOD ENOUGH IN THE MTL, AS IT BROADENED AYANE'S ROLE IN THE STORY, WHILE ALSO INTRODUCING SOME CANON CHARACTERS.