Beside the swing set outside the Ninja Academy, the setting sun cast long shadows of the three figures.
Most students had already left, finishing their day's classes and returning home for delicious dinners. Very few people remained.
Hyuga Rakawa and the other two stood by the swing set. Hiashi and Hizashi, the defeated brothers, stood opposite him. Hiashi's expression was awkward, making it a bit speechless.
Hizashi, on the other hand, faced the most secretive genius of the Hyuga Clan who had defeated them with a serious expression. The scene was a little strange.
Rakawa's demeanor was calm, his expression and aura extremely unsuited for his age.
"Speak. Why are you looking for me? Do you want a rematch?"
Even though the person opposite him was the Young clan head, he wasn't overly respectful, just very plain. What truly concerned him now was only how to improve his strength.
Hiashi's face was peculiar. He glanced at Hizashi, who had no intention of speaking, and after much squirming, he finally revealed the whole story.
"Well, actually, we, we are truly convinced. You're stronger than us, more of a genius than us. So, so could you guide us?"
Even with Rakawa's extremely mature mindset, he couldn't help but be a little surprised upon hearing this. Guide them? Why?
There were many powerful individuals in the Hyuga Clan who could perfectly guide these two. Why did they seek him out?
"Reason."
"Because you are stronger than us. In the future, you will definitely surpass countless people in the clan. If we follow you during your growth, there will certainly be immense benefits."
"I refuse."
"Huh? Why?"
Hiashi thought he had been sincere enough, so why was he still refusing?
"It's simple. You and I are of similar age. If I were to take you as disciples, it would inevitably seem strange to outsiders and would also tarnish the Hyuga Clan's reputation. Therefore, I refuse."
The reason was sufficient, and Hiashi had only just thought of this point. Indeed, if he were to be guided by Rakawa, someone his own age, then the Hyuga Clan's reputation outside would be ruined. People would question whether the Hyuga Clan no longer had capable individuals, or was incapable of nurturing the next generation, thus becoming a laughingstock for the Hyuga Clan.
Looking at it this way, guidance was out of the question.
Hiashi felt a pang of disappointment, completely beyond his expectations. He hadn't considered the string of consequences beforehand.
"Then, how about you be our boss? That way, no one will say anything. Obeying the strong is a rule of the Shinobi World, isn't it?"
"Indeed, the strong make the rules. However, rules are meant to be broken. There's no need to discuss this further."
Rakawa finished speaking and left, having already grasped the intentions of Hiashi and Hizashi. Unfortunately, in his view, it was a childish matter.
The Hyuga Clan held an extraordinary position in the Shinobi World; it was an ancient and prestigious family of Konoha. If the Young clan head were to obey someone from the Branch Family as their boss, he would largely be scorned and looked down upon.
At least for now, it was impossible. He was still young and lacked sufficient strength. How could he bear the title of boss?
Therefore, he chose to refuse and strode towards the Hyuga Clan Mansion.
Hiashi stood dumbfounded for a moment, then turned to look foolishly at Hizashi, saying, "It seems we were rejected."
"Yes, very decisively rejected."
"Why?" Hiashi was displeased. They had been sincere. Even if not for the sake of the clan, at least for the sake of being classmates.
Hizashi shook his head, watching Rakawa's increasingly blurry retreating figure, and whispered, "Actually, he has already guided us. 'Rules are meant to be broken.' I will remember that phrase."
"Rules are meant to be broken? I don't understand, it's too profound. But it sounds really impressive, Boss, we won't give up!"
He shouted the last sentence at Rakawa's almost vanished back, clenching a fist and raising it to the sky, demonstrating his resolve.
Hizashi looked at him, then also raised his fist. "We won't give up!"
...
That night, within the Hyuga Clan compound.
Rakawa's residence was a private courtyard, enjoying the same treatment as the elders.
There was a clear distinction between the Hyuga Main Family and Branch Family, because the Hyuga Main Family essentially consisted of only one person. For example, the current Hyuga Main Family only had Hyuga Senyo. Hiashi and Hizashi were merely Hyuga Main Family descendants, and one of them would certainly become a member of the Branch Family in the future.
The Hyuga Clan's Mansion was vast and heavily guarded, clearly displaying the prestige of a noble family.
Rakawa's courtyard featured a small lake, flower beds, a pavilion, rockeries, and corridors, and was even staffed with several Branch Family guards.
Those unaware of the truth would certainly assume this was the Young clan head's courtyard, not that of a Branch Family member.
On the corridor, Rakawa sat down, pondering the events of the day.
There was only one thing he truly cared about, and that was what Fugaku Uchiha had said.
In this life, his parents were ninjas, and both were Chunin.
According to the explanations from Senyo and some elders previously, it was essentially due to an urgent mission that required his parents' help. Later, something went wrong during the mission, leading to their deaths and the mission's failure.
Eight years had passed, but he had never forgotten this matter.
His parents had given him life in this world. Although it was only for three days, he should do something for them, at least avenge them.
By now, many in the clan had forgotten about this incident, but a Young clan head of the Uchiha Clan mentioned his parents, immediately drawing his attention.
If he didn't know the root cause, why would he bring it up?
It was impossible to learn the truth from Senyo and the others; they would definitely not tell him, only let him search for it himself, nothing more.
After much thought, still without a clue, Rakawa slowly stood up.
Just then, someone, a frequent visitor, walked into the courtyard.
"Clan Head, you visit late at night. I apologize for not coming out to greet you."
The person who entered was Hyuga Senyo, robust and vigorous in his prime.
Hearing Rakawa's words, Hyuga Senyo walked over unhurriedly and said calmly, "I heard about today's events from Hiashi. What do you think?"
"Nothing much. Utterly absurd."