Brothers Promote Talks
Inside Hyūga Hiashi's private chamber in the Hyūga Clan compound, two brothers sat in silence on the tatami floor.
Though bound by blood, Hiashi and Hizashi had little to say to each other these days.
Hizashi's expression was already grim. He suspected the reason for Hiashi's summons.
After a long pause, Hiashi finally spoke.
> "Hizashi… you have overstepped."
The accusation confirmed Hizashi's guess—it was about Chi Yu's request to take Neji as a disciple.
Expressionless, Hizashi replied,
> "Overstepped? Clan Head, what exactly do you mean? The Branch Family has always followed its duties. In what way have I overstepped?"
Hiashi's gaze sharpened.
> "You know how sensitive Chi Yu's position in the village is. And yet you agreed to let him take Neji as his student. That is overstepping."
Hizashi's tone grew edged.
> "Overstepping… by finding a master for my own son? Does the Main Family now dictate even the personal decisions of the Branch Family?"
Hiashi frowned.
> "Hizashi, I am speaking to you as your brother. Must you use such a tone?"
Hizashi took a slow sip of tea before answering.
> "Brother? You began with an accusation, not a discussion. That is the tone of a superior to a subordinate, not one brother to another."
Hiashi's voice deepened.
> "Because you don't see the danger you've invited to the clan. Chi Yu is not a man without enemies. His current involvement with Uchiha affairs could implicate you—and the entire Hyūga—without warning."
Hizashi met his gaze steadily.
> "All I know is that Chi Yu has a strong reputation in Konoha, is highly skilled, and has shown no hostility to the Hyūga. Neji would be fortunate to have such a teacher.
> When my son was three years old, he was fated to bear the Caged Bird Seal, bound to protect the Main Family for life. I cannot shield him from that. The least I can do is ensure he has the strength to protect himself when that duty places him in danger.
> If agreeing to Chi Yu's offer is a crime, then punish me. That is your Main Family's right, isn't it?"
> "Hizashi, this isn't nonsense," Hiashi shot back. "I am warning you out of concern. Do you understand that?"
A faint, sardonic smile tugged at Hizashi's lips.
> "Then I thank you for your concern, Clan Head. Rest assured—my dealings with Chi Yu will be limited to Neji's training. They will not bring trouble to you or the Hyūga."
Hiashi's eyes softened slightly as he looked at a face so much like his own.
> "We are brothers. Why must there be such a gulf between us? The Main–Branch system is tradition. I cannot change it."
Hizashi's gaze was conflicted, but his words were cold.
> "And I wish we could speak as brothers. But since the day I was branded with the Caged Bird Seal, every word from you has been an order from the Clan Head. Whatever bond we had ended that day.
> I am Branch Family. My life is to be spent for the Main Family—whether I will it or not. I was born moments after you, yet my fate was decided before I could even speak. And my son's fate is already sealed as well.
> You take the Branch Family's loyalty for granted. We are of the same clan, but not the same family. I have no right, nor desire, to expect brotherly affection from the Clan Head."
He stood.
> "If there is nothing else, it's late. I will go check on Neji."
Hiashi gave a silent nod.
Hizashi bowed formally, then left.
Out in the corridor, he exhaled heavily.
The disappointment was deep. Once, Hiashi had sworn—
> "When I become Clan Head, I will change the relationship between the Main and Branch Families. We will always be brothers first."
Those words were long forgotten.
Thinking of Neji, Hizashi felt a dull ache in his chest. He wanted his son to live freely—something he himself had never been allowed. But such dreams were illusions for one born into the Branch Family.
At best, Chi Yu's presence might ease Neji's path within the confines of his fate.
---
Five Days Later
Chi Yu lounged on the sofa opposite Uzumaki Kushina and Hatake Kakashi.
Kushina brought her hand down sharply on Kakashi's head.
> "Kakashi, you're hopeless! How many times have I told you—chakra control must be precise! You keep fumbling it, and that's why your Yin Seal hasn't even begun to form!"
Kakashi rubbed the sore spot with a sigh and cast a helpless glance at Chi Yu.
It wasn't that he didn't try—Kushina's instructions were simply so abstract that he often had to guess. Sometimes he'd quietly ask Chi Yu afterward for clarification.
As for asking Kushina directly? He valued his skull too much.
Chi Yu had once tried to speak up on Kakashi's behalf, only for Kushina to snap:
> "Do you think I can't teach him? Don't interrupt!"
He'd barely avoided a beating that time—and had been banished to the sofa for the night.
So when Kakashi looked his way now, Chi Yu merely spread his hands in defeat.
No way was he risking Kushina's temper again.
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