The girl beside him was still in her teens, dressed in a white kimono ninja outfit, also a Jonin of the Hyuga Clan. Like the man, she served as Hiashi's elite guard, tasked with protecting his safety.
The girl was Ayane.
After finishing the training mission with Jonin Sakumo's squad, she now had to follow the clan's arrangements and instructions, which was only natural.
Her appointment as Hiashi's guard had been decided from the very start.
To always remember her duty to protect the Main Family—this was a responsibility she was obliged to fulfill, being of Branch Family origin.
Although the overall strength of the Hyuga Clan was inferior to the Uchiha Clan, in terms of strict clan regulations, they were unmatched even by the Uchiha.
"You two just wait here for now."
"Yes."
Ayane and the man both bowed slightly, stepping back from Hiashi to maintain distance.
On the road ahead, only Hiashi walked forward alone.
At the very end, a young girl wearing kimono was waiting for Hiashi.
She wore no headband over her forehead, nothing to conceal it, but she also had no 'Caged Bird' seal engraved there.
Although not part of the main branch, she was a branch of the Main Family, her status and position far above anyone from the Branch Family.
"It seems the time for Hiashi-sama to inherit the role of Patriarch is not far off."
The Hyuga male Jonin sighed quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"This is the arranged marriage ceremony. Once married, Hiashi-sama will soon become the Patriarch... it's the Main Family tradition."
"Senior Toma, you seem very familiar with these proceedings."
Ayane smiled.
Hyuga Toma was the name of this Hyuga Jonin.
He was a ninja of the previous generation to Ayane. In terms of talent, he was absolutely not inferior to her; his mastery of the Byakugan and Gentle Fist surpassed most members of the Hyuga Family.
Moreover, as someone from the Branch Family, he possessed a remarkable spirit for self-sacrifice to protect the Main Family, which was why he was chosen as one of Hiashi's guards.
There were also differences within the Branch Family itself.
Most Branch Family ninja were not taught the Hyuga Clan's core Gentle Fist techniques, such as many advanced variations, or even the so-called Absolute Defense, 'Revolving Heaven.'
These profound techniques were taught solely to Main Family ninja.
However, Ayane and Toma were granted permission to learn them, so they could better protect Hiashi, the Main Family's head.
"It's nothing. By the way, I heard that you performed exceptionally under Jonin Sakumo—at such a young age you've already become a Jonin. Truly impressive."
Jonin Toma smiled as he spoke.
To become a Jonin in one's teens was rare even within the talented Hyuga Clan.
Even more so for a female.
"It's exhausting. I constantly had to take on high-difficulty missions, nearly died several times—those days, I never want to experience again. Life in the clan is much more peaceful."
Toma acknowledged Ayane's complaints.
Although the Second Great Ninja War had ended three years ago, even in this time of peace, ninja still had duties to perform.
Especially elite squads like Sakumo's—their missions were always at least A rank.
"Still, you must take care not to get too involved with outsiders, especially in matters of the heart. The Hyuga are unlike the Uchiha; they never allow women to marry outside, not even accept outsiders through marriage. More importantly, you're Hiashi-sama's guard. That position is of utmost importance."
Toma spoke with meaningful undertones.
"What are you implying?"
Ayane tilted her head, glancing at Jonin Toma.
"Nothing much. As a fellow Branch Family member, I don't wish to see a talented Jonin like you neglected by the elders."
Jonin Toma sighed.
"I don't really understand."
"You are clever, surely you understand my meaning. Don't do unnecessary things. Every move you make, the elders are watching. This is the Hyuga Family—here, Branch Family members have no secrets. As Hiashi-sama's guard, our lives are vastly different from ordinary Branch Family ninja."
Seeing Ayane's confusion, Jonin Toma forced a bitter smile.
"..."
Ayane fell silent.
"My life was arranged by the elders. My wife was a Branch Family woman I'd never met before; we married in haste because it was safest. Your future will be the same—don't bother resisting. The Hyuga's strength is not something you can defy. Besides that, you can enjoy many privileges that ordinary Branch ninja will never have."
"Should I thank those thoughtful elders for so kindly arranging even my future?"
Ayane smiled, her face showing neither anger nor any sign of resentment.
In her pure white pupils was only the most genuine smile.
"Only this way can the Hyuga bloodline remain pure. Our Byakugan is a highly prized Kekkeigenkai; genetically, we are a different class from civilian ninja. I don't want to hear someday that you died a senseless death."
Jonin Toma looked up into the blue sky, where a flock of birds soared freely. A faint smile appeared on his face.
To become a bird that flies free... truly, a luxury of a wish.
"Don't worry, Senior Toma. I will fulfill the Hyuga ninja's mission."
Ayane gave a gentle smile that reassured.
"You're really a terrifying woman."
He stared at the beautiful smile Ayane revealed—just a smile, and nothing else. Toma couldn't help but voice those words.