Desire for Strength
Chi Yu openly supported Hyūga Neji before the assembled members of the Hyūga Clan.
With a hint of sarcasm, he said, "Well then, Hizashi, I'll be taking Neji with me. Thanks to certain people who don't understand the situation, we've already wasted too much time. I need to begin his training immediately."
Hizashi gave a calm smile. "Chi Yu, thank you for looking after him."
As Chi Yu turned to leave with Neji, he suddenly asked, "Hizashi, would you like to come see? Watch how I guide Neji in training?"
Hizashi glanced briefly at his twin. Hiashi stood rigid, his face dark as a storm cloud.
Hizashi chuckled softly. "No need. I am still under house confinement. I'll remain here."
Chi Yu sighed inwardly. Hizashi had not changed—still loyal to the clan despite the injustice he endured.
Neji, however, looked at his father in confusion. He had been confined only yesterday himself, yet he was now allowed to leave. Why did his father still refuse?
Turning his gaze back to Hiashi, Chi Yu spoke coolly. "Clan Head, you said yourself that all must obey your orders. Then tell me—may I take Neji and leave?"
Hiashi's fists clenched at his sides. Grinding the word through his teeth, he forced out: "Yes."
Chi Yu scoffed. "The great Hyūga Clan Head? The noble Hyūga Clan? Truly a decaying house."
With that, he led Neji away from the compound.
Hiashi, humiliated, felt his eyes strain with bloodshot rage. His Byakugan threatened to flare red from fury, but still he endured.
Neji, walking beside Chi Yu, looked up at his teacher with open admiration. No one had ever dared speak to his uncle like that—and Hiashi had been forced to swallow it.
His mind flashed back to his father's words: "Your teacher's first lesson will be about strength."
Strength… If he had strength, his father would not be confined, tormented, or forced into submission.
That was the benefit of strength.
Clenching his fists, Neji made a silent vow. I must become stronger. Stronger than anyone. Strong enough to protect Father.
---
Back inside the compound, Hizashi faced Hiashi squarely. "Clan Head, I am prepared. Punish me as severely as you wish—I will accept it all."
Hiashi's expression hardened. He did want to punish his brother. But now Neji stood under Chi Yu's protection—and that meant Hizashi did as well.
Hiashi dared not gamble. He had compromised once already.
Suppressing his anger, he snapped, "Behave yourself," then turned sharply and left, sleeve flicking behind him.
Hizashi exhaled lightly, then returned to his quarters.
Hiashi, still fuming, immediately summoned the Hyūga elders.
When they learned Chi Yu had taken Neji by force, they erupted with outrage, denouncing Hizashi and Neji as ungrateful traitors. Hiashi listened, his patience fraying. The elders were quick to curse but offered no solutions.
At length, he pressed them. "The priority is to distance our clan from Chi Yu. We must not let the Third Hokage misunderstand."
One elder nodded vigorously. "Hiashi, the sooner you explain to the Hokage, the better. Make it clear this was Hizashi's personal decision. It has nothing to do with the clan."
Another added, "Yes. Emphasize that you tried to stop Chi Yu from taking Neji, but he overpowered you. The Hokage must see you attempted to prevent it."
A third leaned forward. "And pledge loyalty. If Hokage-sama doubts you, you should even declare that you will expel Hizashi and Neji from the clan."
Hiashi's brow furrowed. "But now Hizashi and Neji have Chi Yu's backing. If I expel them, and Chi Yu takes offense, what then? And what of the Byakugan?"
One elder explained coldly, "Do not concern yourself. Chi Yu may be powerful, but he is only one man. Konoha is still one of the Five Great Villages. The Hokage cannot allow him to dictate terms. Remember, the Hokage already has his eyes on the Uchiha Clan—they will decline soon. When they do, our Hyūga will become the most prominent clan in Konoha.
The Hokage knows the strategic value of our Byakugan. As long as we reaffirm our loyalty, he will not punish us over one rogue.
As for Hizashi and Neji, they both bear the Caged Bird Seal. Their Byakugan can be destroyed at any time. You should even tell the Hokage that if you expel them, the fate of their eyes will be left to him. That will show our obedience."
Hiashi considered in silence, then gave a short nod. "Very well. I will speak to Hokage-sama immediately."
---
Hiashi left the Hyūga residence and went directly to the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi received him without delay.
Hiashi bowed, then launched into his report, carefully embellishing. He stressed that the clan had tried to resist, that Chi Yu had used violence, and that Neji had been taken by force.
Hiruzen, however, was not surprised. His Anbu had already relayed the incident. He had also heard during Minato Namikaze's wedding that Chi Yu sought to take Neji as his disciple.
Though Hiruzen had believed Hizashi might sever ties after Chi Yu's open defiance of the council, Hizashi had continued to visit—even after Uzumaki Cangna was born.
Now, as he listened to Hiashi's excuses, Hiruzen simply folded his hands and thought to himself: So. Hizashi has not given up after all. And Chi Yu is determined. The real question is—how far will Hiashi bend, and how long can the Hyūga hold their mask of obedience?
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