The Foolish Sunshine
Hyūga Hizashi froze when Chi Yu told him Uzumaki Kushina could remove the Caged Bird Curse Mark.
Chi Yu calmly lifted his teacup, taking small, unhurried sips, allowing Hizashi space to think.
The Caged Bird Seal had existed for generations without being broken. Its design—both a means of control and a safeguard for the clan's Byakugan—was layered with complexities. Chi Yu was certain attempts had been made to break it before, all of them ending in failure.
It was no surprise that Hizashi was shocked. But Chi Yu had not expected the answer that came after a long pause.
> "No," Hizashi said quietly. "We cannot do that."
Chi Yu's brows drew together.
Kushina blinked in confusion. "Why not?"
Even Kakashi looked up in surprise. Hizashi had spoken before with clear bitterness about Neji being marked—about his own son's life being dictated by the Main Family. Now, given a chance to end it, his refusal made no sense.
Hizashi's expression was firm, but his voice was heavy.
> "I am of the Branch Family, but also its head. The Caged Bird is our clan's law. If Neji's seal is removed, it will spark unrest. Neji and I would be branded traitors, sinners who broke the Hyūga's code."
Kushina and Kakashi still looked unconvinced.
Chi Yu tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "So… it's about loyalty to the clan. A sense of honor, yes?"
Hizashi's shoulders eased slightly. "You understand me, then."
But Chi Yu's next words cut like a blade.
> "Understand? No. I think you're a fool. A hopeless fool."
Hizashi's eyes widened.
Chi Yu set his teacup down and leaned forward. "You complain about injustice. You claim to want change. But the moment change is offered, you hide from it. You say you want Neji to be free, yet you refuse to take the one step that would free him. What was the point of agreeing to me becoming his teacher?"
His tone sharpened.
> "You know my reputation. I don't bow to authority. If the Main Family moves against Neji in the future, would you expect me to protect him? I protect my disciples when they fight for themselves—but if they kneel and accept their chains, I will leave them to rot. I will not waste my strength on those who've already surrendered."
Kakashi lowered his gaze, silent but in agreement.
From Kushina's arms came a sudden wail—Neji crying. She quickly tried to soothe him, but the sound filled the room like a reminder of the child's future.
Chi Yu's voice grew even colder.
> "Hizashi, you've bent your spine to the Main Family for so long you've forgotten how to stand. You curse them in private yet obey them like a loyal hound. Under your care, Neji will grow into another you—resentful, but too afraid to act. I have no need for such a disciple."
Hizashi's head lowered, words caught in his throat.
Memories flickered—his wife, forced to the battlefield days after giving birth because Branch members fought in the Main Family's stead. Her death at the hands of enemy shinobi. His own hatred, deep and burning… yet never acted upon. Even without the seal, he had never dared resist.
Chi Yu's gaze didn't soften.
> "Life is short, Hizashi. Faith in the clan means nothing if that clan takes everything from you and gives nothing in return. Ask yourself—what have you truly gained from your loyalty?"
Hizashi's fists clenched, knuckles pale, breath uneven. The truth of Chi Yu's words pressed on him like a weight he could neither deny nor cast off.
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