The reason Hoshimi's Byakugan bloodline was purer than that of ordinary Hyuga clan members could be traced back to one thing—his cheat.
It might have appeared to be nothing more than an experience panel, but each time he upgraded a skill, it didn't just increase that ability's strength. More importantly, it refined the very potential behind it.
That was why, even though Hoshimi's Byakugan was only at level two, its power already surpassed that of most Hyuga clan members. Perhaps, once it reached the maximum level of ten, he might even touch the realm of Kaguya's Byakugan.
However, that goal was still a distant dream. The experience points required for even the first few levels were staggering.
The next morning, Hoshimi rose early, dressed neatly, and stepped out of his home. But the moment he did, he came face to face with Hyuga Tetsu and his son, Hyuga Piao.
Both wore complicated expressions.
"Uncle Tetsu, Little Piao, good morning!" Hoshimi greeted them warmly, as he always did.
But this time, Piao didn't return his cheerful tone. After glancing at his father, he bowed deeply to Hoshimi.
"I wouldn't dare, Lord Hoshimi," Piao said with a respectful voice. "It's I who should be greeting you."
The sight made Hoshimi's chest tighten for a moment, but he quickly relaxed.
He understood.
Their gestures made it clear—Tetsu and his son no longer saw him as one of their own. Perhaps, in their eyes, they now belonged to different worlds. The bonds they once shared could no longer exist so simply. Otherwise, both sides would only invite gossip and trouble.
If Hyuga Tetsu were still a healthy shinobi, maybe the difference wouldn't sting so much. But now…
"Alright, so be it," Hoshimi murmured.
Matching their act, Hoshimi hardened his expression, giving Tetsu only a brief, cold nod before turning away.
The short exchange didn't go unnoticed. Many members of the Branch Family, who happened to be nearby, caught sight of the scene. Their whispers and private thoughts quickly quieted.
After returning home, Piao finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"Father," he said with a troubled look, "why did you make me do that? Hoshimi isn't like that—he doesn't care about Main Family or Branch Family! If I treat him like that, I won't even be his friend anymore!"
Tetsu looked down at his son's indignant face and slowly placed a hand on his head. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"Piao, tell me—what does friendship mean?"
Piao blinked. "It's… when people care for each other. When they help each other."
Tetsu's eyes softened. "And do you have the strength to help Hoshimi?"
"I—" Piao's face flushed red. His mouth opened, then closed. After a pause, he clenched his fists and said stubbornly, "I will. I'll start training seriously from now on. I won't fall behind Hoshimi! One day, I'll definitely be able to help him!"
He raised his head, eyes burning with resolve. "I'll become a Jonin of Konoha! When that day comes, even Hoshimi—half Main Family or not—will look at me as an equal!"
Tetsu's gaze softened with a faint, bitter smile. He didn't have the heart to shatter his son's determination.
Jonin… For a Branch Family child with limited resources, reaching that rank would take unimaginable effort. Maybe an entire lifetime wouldn't be enough.
But even if he somehow succeeded—could he really help Hoshimi? The path that boy had chosen... even a Kage might not be able to walk it beside him.
Tetsu's thoughts drifted back to the conversation he'd once had with Hoshimi—the boy's eyes, filled with an almost terrifying conviction.
Fate… Is it really unbreakable?
He looked up at the sky, the morning sun spilling through drifting clouds. For a moment, he thought of his late wife, the woman he had failed to protect. A trace of pain flashed through his eyes, followed by quiet determination.
"Piao," he said at last, his voice calm but firm, "from now on, I'll personally guide your training."
Piao's eyes widened, surprise quickly replaced by excitement. "Really, Father!?"
Tetsu smiled faintly. "Really."
That same morning, Hoshimi made his way through the Hyuga compound, a place filled mostly with members of the Branch Family. But something about the atmosphere had changed.
Wherever he went, eyes followed him. Conversations stopped mid-sentence.
Even though no one had intentionally spread the news, word of Hoshimi becoming a Main Family guard had already spread like wildfire. The Branch Family members who looked at him now carried expressions of awe and subtle flattery.
Hoshimi couldn't help but feel awkward under the weight of their gazes.
Still, he told himself, this was something he'd have to get used to. His days as an ordinary Hyuga had ended. There was no turning back.
Quickening his pace, he slipped out of the crowded area, leaving the murmurs behind.
And once he was gone, the Branch Family members seemed to come alive again, their chatter resuming like a river returning to flow.
"Elder Katyu is truly benevolent," one whispered. "And Young Master Yuto—he's kind as well. To let a child with only a little talent become a Main Family guard… such generosity!"
"If that's the case," another murmured hopefully, "then maybe my son has a chance too! He's around Young Master Yuto's age!"
Hearing that, many parents made quiet decisions in their hearts.
They were all caged birds—marked by the Cursed Seal of the Branch Family. But even a caged bird could choose what kind of life it lived.
Would they be canaries, pampered and cared for, or wild sparrows struggling against fate?
Regardless of their choice, one thing was certain: Hyuga Katyu's influence had spread. Among the Branch Family, his reputation now nearly rivaled that of Hyuga Hiashi himself.
And his grandson, Hyuga Yuto, had gained prestige of his own. His rising popularity would make it much easier for him to inherit the Main Family's power someday.
At that very moment, in the tranquil courtyard of the Main Family estate, Hyuga Katyu and his grandson Yuto sat together enjoying breakfast.
When they finished, the maid stepped forward to clear the table.
Katyu turned to his grandson, noticing the boy's fidgeting hands and hesitant eyes. A faint sigh escaped him.
"Go on," he said gently. "Whatever it is, just say it. I'm your grandfather, not a stranger."
Yuto hesitated for a few seconds, then finally spoke up. "Grandpa… why did you make that kid my guard? Is it really just because he's a little talented?"
Truth be told, Yuto wasn't happy about it. He was young, and his childish mind preferred the idea of a personal maid over a guard who was only a few years older than him.
Katyu could see it clearly—the lack of ambition in the boy's expression. His eyes narrowed slightly.
With a sharp bang, his palm slammed onto the table. The sudden sound made Yuto flinch.
The kind grandfather vanished in an instant, replaced by the commanding presence of a Main Family elder.
"There's no 'why,'" Katyu said coldly. "Think about it yourself."
He rose from his seat, gaze heavy with authority. "And one more thing—he's already your guard. Learn his name. He's called Hoshimi. Hyuga Hoshimi. Remember it."
Katyu's voice grew deeper. "Never forget the magnanimity expected of a Main Family member. Cultivate him well."
Yuto swallowed hard, lowering his head. "Y-Yes, Grandfather."
As Katyu turned away, his expression softened just a little.
He didn't expect the boy to understand right now. But someday, when Yuto grew into his role, he would realize that everything—their reputation, their influence, even Hoshimi's position—was part of a much larger plan.
A plan to strengthen the Hyuga's hold on their fate.
Meanwhile, Hoshimi, unaware of the heavy schemes that surrounded him, continued walking down the quiet path that led away from the clan grounds.
He breathed out slowly, the morning air cool against his skin. The gazes of others, the whispers, even Piao's distant bow—all of it lingered in his mind.
This world was one ruled by blood and hierarchy.
He clenched his fists. Then I'll rise high enough that no one can look down on me again.
His Byakugan shimmered faintly beneath his eyelids, and for an instant, he caught his reflection in a nearby window—calm, sharp, determined.
The eyes of a boy who refused to accept fate.
That day marked a quiet turning point.
Hyuga Tetsu began training his son with renewed resolve, while Hoshimi continued climbing steadily toward a strength that would one day shake the very foundation of the clan.
And in the halls of the Main Family, Elder Katyu watched with calculating eyes, weaving his threads of influence as the next generation stepped unknowingly into the future he was crafting.
For the Hyuga, change had already begun.