Hizashi, dressed in a beige ANBU squad leader's trench coat, walked slowly toward the Hyūga clan compound.
Ordinarily, after finishing their duties, ANBU did not wear their uniforms.
First, it was for the sake of concealing their identities. Even so, although this requirement existed, its effectiveness was limited.
After all, once someone entered ANBU, ordinary missions naturally became fewer. At most, during rotational leave, they would take on some lighter tasks.
Former teammates could understand this as well.
As for taking missions while resting, money was secondary; the main purpose was to relieve the intense pressure brought by ANBU work.
Escort missions and the like not only allowed for conversation and a chance to enjoy the scenery, but also helped maintain one's physical condition.
Second, it was because ANBU, as an organization directly under the Hokage, was a violent institution with functions such as surveillance.
Wearing ANBU attire would give others a sense of oppression, making them unwilling to approach.
But Hizashi was different…
He was an ANBU personally invited by the Hokage in public—everyone in the village knew this…
Moreover, he liked this outfit.
He did not have many friends to begin with; those he could call close friends were mostly people he had met within ANBU…
Hizashi looked at the gate of the clan compound and smiled faintly.
Each time he saw the clan crest inlaid upon it, the Caged Bird seal on his forehead would grow slightly cold.
Yet the ANBU uniform on his body would instead radiate warmth, driving that chill away.
"Hizashi-niisan, long time no see…"
"That outfit looks really sharp on you! This off-white trench coat—it's different from the one before…"
The Hyūga branch family member guarding the gate greeted Hizashi enthusiastically, his eyes lighting up.
His name was Hyūga Iroha.
Although the main house had forbidden the branch family from discussing Hizashi's affairs, how could that possibly stop them?
The story of Hatake Sakumo accompanying Hizashi back to the clan compound and directly confronting Clan Head Hyūga Tenzō—like a tale that was supposedly banned yet spread wildly—was passed from mouth to mouth among every branch family household.
In the era of shinobi clans, the branch family had never even dared to harbor such fantasies…
At most, they hoped that the next clan head might show some consideration for the hardships of the branch family…
As for openly confronting the clan head, standing on equal footing, and laughing loudly as one left?
That was truly the "ultimate branch family fantasy"!
"Thanks to the Hokage's favor…"
The corners of Hizashi's mouth lifted unconsciously as he stopped to chat casually with the branch family members, speaking with some emotion: "Has the clan been doing well lately? You know how it is—I don't return very often now. I have to work for the village."
"I've made a few friends in ANBU, but I've neglected my old comrades from the branch family."
Hizashi deliberately, yet seemingly unintentionally, revealed his current situation—he was valued by the Hokage and was doing well within ANBU…
To be sure, there was an element of "showing off in public."
But the real intention was to dispel the branch family's worries about joining ANBU…
Only if he, as the first example, did well could it prove that this path was the right one—and that was also the truth.
"Hizashi-niisan, it's fine, it's fine—you should focus on proper business outside first!"
Iroha first instinctively glanced around, then lowered his voice slightly. "The main house has been discussing you a lot lately. They say this situation is unprecedented in a hundred years, and they've also been talking about the Hokage…"
Hizashi narrowed his eyes. "What are they saying?"
Iroha only felt that the usually gentle Hizashi in front of him suddenly became dangerous.
His tone was still fairly even.
But combined with that ANBU trench coat, it gave people the feeling he might draw a blade in the next second…
Iroha steadied himself and said quietly, "They didn't say anything too excessive. Broadly speaking, they're saying the Hokage suddenly intervening in Hyūga affairs somewhat breaks the unwritten rules—why didn't he discuss it with them at all?"
"It's basically a complaint…"
Hizashi gave a cold snort.
If it were outright curses, then not only would he report it to the Hokage, he would also go have a talk with Department Head Danzō!
A broad-minded and benevolent Hokage might not care about the main house's nagging—that was because he had a great character.
But Department Head Danzō would definitely take it seriously!
Still, even if it was merely a complaint, Hizashi would report it.
"Hizashi-niisan, would we also have a chance?" Another branch family member guarding the gate spoke up; his name was Hyūga Hoheto.
He was still a teenager, and he didn't speak with twists and turns.
Hoheto looked at Hizashi with bright eyes. "ANBU still needs people, right? I heard the village has newly established a patrol unit—if I can't get into ANBU, going there would be fine too…"
Iroha froze for a moment. Young people really were bold—was he seriously going to be this direct?
But then he immediately followed along, eager and insistent. "Hizashi-niisan, I want to go too!"
Hizashi smiled to himself.
His plan had already succeeded halfway…
Both Iroha and Hoheto were exceptionally talented shinobi among the branch family.
And the greater the talent, the stronger the yearning for freedom…
"I've taken your intentions to heart."
Hizashi smiled faintly. "Tell the branch family comrades—if anything comes up, come to me at any time."
"If I'm not around, then go to Sakumo-sama… If it's urgent enough, you can even go directly to the Hokage."
"Although we are of the Hyūga branch family, first and foremost we are shinobi of Konoha."
"The Hokage's Will of Fire treats every shinobi who wishes to serve the village equally," Hizashi said softly.
"You probably don't know this, do you…"
"That Duy whom people mocked—the Hokage was able to uncover his potential!"
"He mastered an extremely powerful secret technique. His chakra is even stronger than mine. He has already become a Special Jōnin, and now he is my colleague, serving as ANBU's physical training instructor."
Iroha and Hoheto widened their eyes.
That Might Duy?
Even stronger than Hizashi-niisan?
The longing in their eyes grew ever more intense, and in their hearts, the image of Sarutobi Hiruzen became ever more towering.
The Hokage who could turn stone into gold…
Hizashi took in their reactions completely, smiling inwardly—everything was understood without words.
Done.
Iroha and Hoheto opened the gate for Hizashi. Both moved with eagerness, but their actions were sincere.
This was the hope of the branch family!
As Hizashi stepped inside, he saw Hyūga Takashi with a branch family member beside him, pointing around everywhere.
Their gazes met.
The smile on Takashi's face froze instantly.
He had received an order from Hyūga Tenzō to go find Hizashi today and bring him back to the clan for a talk…
Takashi had been thinking that even if Hizashi had entered ANBU, he was still of the main house.
Open hostility was unlikely, but at the very least, appearances had to be maintained.
But then he saw that beige squad leader's trench coat.
Takashi's body seemed to move beyond his control. On his frozen face, a smile unconsciously welled up as he greeted Hizashi with enthusiasm: "Hizashi, long time no see!"
He had completely forgotten that when Hizashi and Tenzō had confronted each other, he had been the first to jump out.
"Takashi, is that you."
Hizashi replied with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Still the same as ever…"
Takashi's expression stiffened, yet he did not think to retort.
As a member of the main house with little talent, the few scraps of presence he possessed came from showing off in front of the branch family.
As time went on, his heart truly became empty and dull…
How could he not also want to earn the respect of shinobi outside the clan compound?
A thought flashed through his mind.
If he could, would he be willing to give up his main house status and trade places with the present-day Hyūga Hizashi?
He instinctively denied it, yet within his heart it was as though another voice had arisen.
"Sigh, I don't want to either…"
"Hizashi, the clan head has something to discuss with you. I was just about to go find you."
Takashi forced a smile, then turned away, his interest clearly lacking.
This reaction was quietly noted by Hizashi.
The main house, it seemed, was not an ironclad monolith either…
And upon reaching the clan head's reception room, Hizashi sat facing his clan head father, Tenzō, with a board of go laid out between them.
Both waited for the other to speak first.
After a long while, Tenzō finally spoke. "A letter has arrived from the Kaguya clan."
"Father, so it turns out you've been privately colluding with hostile forces outside the village…"
"Have you come to turn yourself in to me?"
Hizashi's response made the clan head—who prided himself on always holding wisdom in his grasp and understanding balance—completely lose his composure.
Slapping such a huge charge on him right from the start…
Are you trying to get your father killed?!
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