Chapter 11: Main Family and Branch Family

Chapter 11: Main Family and Branch Family

"Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Neji?"

The moment Ryosuke saw the two figures approaching, he instantly recognized them. The man walking beside Neji was none other than Hyuga Hiashi's twin brother, Hyuga Hizashi—the current head of the Hyuga branch family. And the boy next to him was his son, Hyuga Neji.

As expected, Hiashi, who had just been guiding Hinata through her training, turned around the moment he sensed their presence. His expression became noticeably guarded.

Without any change in expression, Hiashi walked toward them and said coldly, "Hizashi, people from the branch family aren't allowed to enter the main family's compound without permission."

Then, as his gaze shifted to Neji, his tone softened slightly. "But I heard Neji placed first in the entrance exams. That's a commendable achievement. He's brought honor to the Hyuga clan."

"Thank you for your praise, Uncle Patriarch," Neji replied politely, bowing with perfect etiquette.

"Don't exaggerate. He was just lucky," Hizashi said with a humble smile, though his eyes betrayed his pride. "Most children of his generation are quite average. There's no real competition."

Though Hizashi and Hiashi were identical in appearance, the paths their lives had taken—and the weight of their responsibilities—had shaped them into two very different men. Hiashi, burdened by the duties of clan leadership, looked noticeably older than Hizashi, despite being only a few minutes older by birth.

"Uncle Hizashi."

Ryosuke and Hinata, having paused their training, walked over and respectfully greeted the two elders.

With a slight nod, Hizashi responded in a cool tone, "Next year, Miss Hinata and Master Ryosuke will begin their studies at the Ninja Academy, yes? If you ever run into trouble, you can count on Neji for help."

"Then I'll be in your care, Brother Neji," Ryosuke said with a calm smile.

As Hiashi's younger brother, Hizashi was no stranger to Ryosuke. In fact, all Hyuga members with combat ability or clan status were required to attend the clan's annual assembly. As members of the main family, Ryosuke and Hinata had been allowed to participate at a young age.

Neji, however, was someone Ryosuke was seeing for the first time—though that wasn't the case for Hinata.

Before Ryosuke's marriage into the family, Hiashi had done something that made him deeply wary of the branch family. Ever since, the branch family members, aside from guards and summons, were not allowed to set foot in the main house.

So, Ryosuke had never really had the chance to meet Neji before.

Neji bowed slightly to the two elders and said with quiet determination, "When the time comes, I'll take good care of Miss Hinata and Master Ryosuke."

Ryosuke silently observed Neji's composed demeanor, noting the seriousness in his tone. It wasn't a front. Neji meant what he said.

This, Ryosuke realized, was the first ripple from the altered storyline.

By now, in the original plot, Neji would've already been branded with the Caged Bird Seal, fully aware of his role in the branch family—and his duty to serve the main family.

But perhaps because Hizashi was still alive in this timeline, Neji had not yet grown resentful of that fate. He still accepted his identity and responsibility, at least for now.

"Patriarch," Hizashi said formally, "the reason I brought Neji here today is because his physical abilities have reached the level where he can begin training in Gentle Fist. I've come to request your permission."

"You don't need to come personally for matters like this in the future," Hiashi replied, his voice flat. "If that's all, please leave the main house grounds."

"I understand." Hizashi bowed deeply, then turned and left with Neji in tow.

As they departed, Ryosuke caught a subtle flicker of emotion in Hizashi's eyes when he glanced at Hinata. It was a complicated look—one of conflict, regret, or perhaps resentment.

Hiashi didn't notice it. Neither did Hinata. But Ryosuke, who was standing at the right angle, saw it clearly.

"It seems the divide between the main family and the branch family is colder than I thought," he said quietly after Hizashi had gone.

Hiashi called Hinata back to her training before turning back to Ryosuke with a weary sigh. "Who would willingly live a life where their freedom and safety are dictated by others?"

Then he added with a heavy tone, "Besides... Neji's talent is undeniable. Compared to Hinata, Hizashi probably believes his son is more qualified to lead the clan."

Although the two brothers were born as equals, their paths had diverged. At one point, their relationship had been close. Hizashi would often bring Neji over for small gatherings.

But everything changed the day Hizashi watched Hiashi train Hinata.

That day, he saw his brother's daughter stumble through training with clumsy movements and a soft temperament. That day, he realized his gifted son would forever be overshadowed—bound by bloodline and status, not talent. That day, he couldn't accept it.

"That day... he wanted to kill her," Ryosuke said flatly, breaking the silence.

Hiashi didn't deny it. "Yes. He had killing intent—toward his own niece."

There was a deep sorrow in his eyes as he said it. "From that moment on, we were brothers only in name. The bond between us... was gone."

Hiashi fell silent again, his eyes drifting toward Hinata, who was practicing under the hot sun.

Sometimes, he thought, maybe if Hinata had more talent, a stronger spirit, maybe things wouldn't have turned out this way. Maybe Hizashi would've accepted her. Maybe they could've led the Hyuga Clan together, just like in the old days.

But Hinata had never met his expectations.

Ryosuke noticed the look on Hiashi's face and spoke firmly. "It's not Hinata's fault."

"I know," Hiashi replied. "But as a member of the main family, and the future head of the Hyuga Clan, she cannot afford to lose to someone from the branch family. Yet she keeps falling short…"

He looked away, shaking his head. "Fortunately, we have you now. As her husband, I trust that you'll protect her... and safeguard the Hyuga's main family. Am I right?"

His sharp gaze landed on Ryosuke, waiting for an answer.

The sun burned overhead. The only sound was Hinata's steady breathing as she continued her training in the background.

Ryosuke looked Hiashi in the eyes and smiled slightly. "I'll do my best. But you know... fate is unpredictable."

"Konoha isn't as peaceful as we'd like to believe. And the shinobi world is never truly calm. If something unexpected happens… I might not live to see that day."

Hiashi frowned at the noncommittal answer but eventually let out a long breath. "With your ability and willpower, even if Konoha were reduced to ten survivors in the flames of war… I'm certain you'd be one of them."

He didn't press the topic further. Instead, he shifted the conversation.

"By the way, Hizashi mentioned the academy. What are your thoughts?"

He gave Ryosuke a knowing look. "For someone like you, attending the academy might be a waste of time."

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