The Hyuga compound was enveloped in a solemn and heavy atmosphere.
Today was the day of the Hyuga clan's assembly. All members knelt formally on tatami mats, their eyes fixed on the clan head and his heir—Hyuga Yoshikata and Hyuga Hiashi.
Unlike the frequent, often treasonous meetings of the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga assemblies were strictly for periodic reassignments of duties.
Shinobi from noble clans received support from their families—resources, training, and financial aid—and in return, they were expected to serve their clan's interests. The Hyuga took this principle especially seriously.
The main branch dictated the affairs of the branch families, and even Konoha's leadership rarely interfered with these internal arrangements.
Assignments fell into two categories: missions issued by the village, and selections for guards and servants to protect and serve the main branch.
Hyuga Kiyoshi knelt in a corner. Those with poor shinobi aptitude would become servants to the main branch, while those with talent were assigned as guards—unless they held special positions even the Hyuga couldn't influence.
Like Kiyoshi's role in the Research and Development Department. This position lay outside the main branch's jurisdiction, and if they dared to meddle—
Sarutobi Hiruzen would never allow it.
Kiyoshi watched as several branch members, still Genin due to their limited talent, were assigned as household servants to the main family's estate. Their duties would include tending to the main branch's daily needs.
Others, who had excelled in the academy, were appointed as Hiashi's personal guards.
His gaze shifted to the man at the forefront of the branch family section—
Hyuga Hizashi.
At just nineteen, Hizashi had become the branch family's leader—a position not chosen by the branch members themselves, but by the main branch's elders.
All because his brother is the next clan head.
As Kiyoshi's thoughts drifted, a voice snapped him back to attention.
"Hyuga Kiyoshi."
Clan Head Yoshikata's call made him stiffen.
"Present!" Kiyoshi stood abruptly, drawing the room's eyes to him.
Yoshikata's command was clear: "Find an opportunity for Hiashi to establish contact with Uchiha Kin, head of the Research and Development Department."
Ideally, they should become friends.
Kin's "Six Styles" had destabilized the Hyuga's Gentle Fist dominance. Even civilian shinobi proficient in the Six Styles could now hold their own against Hyuga fighters—sometimes even winning.
The Aburame clan had gained Kin's favor, earning their members the moniker "Immortal Insect Masters" among the factions. The Hyuga needed to adapt.
Currently, Kiyoshi was the only Hyuga close to Kin.
But if he were to request a custom jutsu from Kin, the credit would fall to him alone. Yoshikata had no intention of stealing Kiyoshi's merits—
Yet a branch member's contributions meant little to the clan. It would be better for Hiashi to earn this goodwill, especially with the growing resentment between the main and branch families.
This was for the next generation's stability.
For the clan's future.
"I can't."
Kiyoshi refused without hesitation.
"Lord Kin doesn't take orders from me."
Yoshikata's eyes narrowed. There was something unsettling in Kiyoshi's tone.
"Lord Kin," he murmured.
So, Kiyoshi has been swayed by Uchiha Kin. But what use was a single branch member?
"At least try," Yoshikata said, choosing not to press further. Antagonizing Kin over this would be unwise.
"Yes!"
Kiyoshi's response was sharp.
"Sit."
As Kiyoshi knelt again, Yoshikata resumed assigning clan affairs.
Hiashi, seated beside his father, watched Kiyoshi with mixed emotions.
When did we grow so distant? Kiyoshi had once been his favored guard candidate, yet he'd left that path.
Did I do something wrong?
His gaze drifted to Hizashi at the branch family's forefront.
Even his brother's eyes had grown cold.
Main branch and branch family...
The thought lingered, but he dared not voice it. His father and the elders were staunch defenders of this system.
After the meeting, as Kiyoshi prepared to leave—
"Kiyoshi."
A voice stopped him.
He turned to see Hizashi approaching.
"Clan Head."
Kiyoshi bowed respectfully.
Hizashi quickly raised him. "We're both branch members. Formalities are unnecessary."
He shook his head. With age, he'd sensed the undercurrents within the branch family—and felt their pull himself.
But he resisted the resentment.
This is to protect Brother and the elders.
The Hyuga's main branch wasn't a single line. While the clan head led publicly, other elders controlled hidden branches—a contingency should the main line fall.
These reserve branches lived as wealthy civilians, trained but non-combatant, until needed.
And the branch family served them too.
"Rules are rules," Kiyoshi said firmly.
The Hyuga prized discipline above all. Since graduating, this had been drilled into him.
Even Hizashi, as branch leader, wasn't exempt—though his treatment was less severe.
"Fine." Hizashi sighed. "I just hoped you'd help Brother. He struggles too."
Kiyoshi's pale eyes locked onto Hizashi, the intensity making him uneasy.
"What?"
Kiyoshi shook his head.
"I've said it—Lord Kin isn't influenced by me."
In truth, Kin had once asked what Kiyoshi needed. Had he asked, Kin would've obliged—a small favor for a loyal subordinate.
But to seek Kin's help would betray who he was.
"Still... you're a Hyuga."
Wasn't the branch family part of the clan too?
Kiyoshi met Hizashi's gaze and shook his head again.
"I hope you'll always believe that."
Main and branch were distinct, a line the Hyuga would never blur. Not even Hizashi, the clan head's brother, could change this.
I wonder how long he'll last.
Resentment toward the main branch was inevitable.
Kiyoshi was no exception. And he doubted Hizashi would be either.
(End of Chapter)