Chapter XI: Hidden Story
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Year 78 since the establishment of Konoha.
Two days have passed since this year's Annual Test, and anticipation has been building among all the young ninjas to receive their test results and advance into their final year.
This was the time of year which was filled with both enthusiasm and trepidation. Many would lose hope and be dropped from the Academy, while others would rise through the ranks and achieve feats that others could only dream of.
But...not for our MC. While others were fretting over their results, he was just simply lounging on the balcony of his house, feeding birds and relishing the unpolluted atmosphere. If he started singing, people might even start calling him a Disney princess.
Lost in his thoughts, he noticed some of the Hyuga girls walking in a group on their way to the academy. They were deeply engrossed in discussion, even opening ninja scrolls and reading out their contents as they walked.
It reminded him of the time in his old world when he would read books on the way to exams, ensuring he didn't leave anything out.
Tatsuya chuckled softly before suddenly a mischievous smirk formed on his lips. Then with practised precision, he executed a series of hand signs.
[Wind Release: Gale Whisper]
Just as his hand signs were completed, a gentle gust of wind manifested, slightly blowing the skirts of the nearby girls.
"Ahhhh!" The girls immediately shrieked, hastily clutching their skirts to prevent any further exposure.
Tatsuya couldn't help but grin at the classic anime-like scenario he had orchestrated. However, he also made sure that the wind was not too powerful, ensuring it didn't actually reveal much other than a glimpse of their thighs.
"Who did that?!! Come out now!" they shouted in unison, their voices laced with embarrassment and fury.
In a synchronised display, all of their eyes suddenly sharpened, veins visibly pulsating around their temples, signalling the activation of their Byakugan as they looked around to find the culprit.
"I am here, girls," Tatsuya's voice rang out from the second floor, drawing the attention of the startled group.
With swift reflexes, they turned towards the source of the voice, their Byakugan activated in anticipation. However, as their gaze settled on Tatsuya, their Byakugan suddenly deactivated, and a sudden realisation dawned upon them.
"Y-Young Lord!!" they exclaimed in embarrassment, their cheeks flushing slightly as they gazed up at the handsome figure of Tatsuya, who was smiling down at them.
Despite their initial rage, the presence of Tatsuya changed their reactions. If it had been anyone else who had done it, they would have been furious and taken drastic measures. However, now, they couldn't fathom doing such a thing to the Young Lord.
It was not just because of his handsome face, but also his position and power that he held.
"I have a name, you know. Call me Tatsuya, I am already tired of this Young Lord title," Tatsuya said, casually playing with a toothpick.
They exchanged uncertain glances before one of the girls looked at Tatsuya and hesitantly said, "Ok, T-Tatsuya-sama."
Tatsuya smiled warmly and replied, "Good. And you girls were too tense about the results. Relax a little, I'm sure you all will pass easily."
"T-Thanks Tatsuya-sama." They quickly thanked him. They felt a little motivated thinking that even their genius Young lord think they would pass so who are they to worry.
"So, what are your names? And which year and section are you from?" Tatsuya asked with mild curiosity, since he had some free time now, so why not engage in some casual conversation then.
Hearing his question, a girl with short dark hair and an oval face stepped forward to answer. She looked cute, simple, and pretty, with her short cut suiting her well. She had that pleasant charm about her.
"M-My name is Maya, Tatsuya-sama, and we are from the same year. I was in section D," she replied before the others began introducing themselves.
"I am Rena from section C."
"I am Miyu from section D."
"I am Hina from section E."
"Oh, same year. My bad then, I didn't recognize you," Tatsuya apolosized, realizing his oversight. Since he had only remembered his old life a week ago, he hadn't managed his memory perfectly causing him not to recall the non-important ones.
"It's okay, Tatsuya-sama, please don't apologize. We...just weren't that visible, and you were also busy with your training as clan lord," Maya quickly said, and the others also chimed in to reassure him. If word got out that they made him apologize to them, it would spell trouble.
Seeing them somewhat tense, Tatsuya sighed internally. In this version of Naruto world, hierarchy was given much more importance than in the original. Here, one couldn't just barge into the Hokage's office like Naruto did and talk to him casually. Though Naruto could still do that, just others couldn't.
And it was even more important in clans like Hyuga, where bloodline hierarchy was given more significance than in other clans.
Otherwise you would get to taste that sweet Mental toture of Cage bird.
"Don't be tense, guys! I am not going to get offended so easily. I am not like those senile old coots who have stuffed their heads with nothing but idiocy," Tatsuya said with a light tone.
Hearing his words, Maya and the others felt their hearts race in nervousness for a moment, before they remembered it was the young lord who said that, and not them. Exchanging sidelong glances, they let out nervous giggles simultaneously, appreciating Tatsuya for not being like the others but also feeling a little nervous in his presence, thinking if some elder listens to them, they might get disposed of secretly.
Hearing their nervous giggles, Tatsuya chuckled before he focused his gaze on Maya for a moment, contemplating something before asking, "By the way, do you know Hayami-san? You somewhat resemble her. Are you related to her by any chance?"
As for who Hayami Hyuga was? She was his babysitter in his early years, up until he was five, before she quit her work because her husband was paralyzed during a mission. Thus, she wasn't able to dedicate time to both caring for him and attending to her husband.
So, as when he began refreshing his memories from now starting form his early days, he found Maya's face quite similar to Hayami's, which is why he asked that question.
Maya blinked in surprise at the unexpected question before becoming silent and only after couple of seconds did she nodded slowly. "...Yes, Hayami-san is my…. Mother," she replied.
"Oh, no wonder you look so similar to her. How is she now? I still remember her; she took very good care of me when I was young. Please tell her that she is welcome to our home anytime. She should visit us," Tatsuya said warmly, reminiscing about his old memories.
"She is dead," Maya suddenly said with a cold voice, even forgetting whom she was addressing now.
Maya's words hit Tatsuya like someone gave a sucker punch to him, as he was both stunned and speechless by hearing the sudden news.
"How?" Tatsuya asked in shock.
"She killed herself," Maya said in a monotonous tone. Tatsuya could even sense some hidden anger and coldness in her tone.
He wanted to ask more about it, but felt it was insensitive to inquire further given the current situation when Maya was on the street, and he was in his house.
Tatsuya nodded slowly, feeling a pang of sadness for Maya's loss. He could tell that the topic was difficult for her, and he didn't want to press her further. Instead, he offered a sympathetic smile and said, "I'm sorry to hear that, Maya. If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
Maya gave him a small nod in response, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you, Tatsuya-sama," she murmured, before turning to leave with the others.
Watching them go, Tatsuya couldn't shake off the heaviness in his heart. He made a mental note to check up on Maya later and see if she needed any support. After all her mother literally wiped his ass when he was child, the least he can do is give her daughter some help she needs.
Returning to his house, he found Mother cooking in the kitchen. He immediately went to her, and hugged her back, placing his chin on her shoulder.
"Hmm? Finished your gazing at the sky mindlessly?" She said, but hearing no answer, she turned her head sideways to him. She saw him looking at her with a face that she very rarely saw. She quickly asked, worried, "What happened?"
"Did you know Hayami-san died?" Tatsuya said with an almost accusing tone.
Hearing his words, she fell silent and attempted to turn towards him, but he didn't let her. Instead, he held her body and asked, "Answer me, Mom?"
She was silent for a moment before saying, "...Yes."
"Why didn't I know about it, and that she even has a daughter?" Tatsuya asked calmly. He knew Mother wouldn't hide something like this for no reason.
"It's…. complicated," She said, sighing.
- x - X - x -
Sigh... Sorry for the sudden delay. I already had quite a busy schedule this week due to a death in the family. But suddenly I also caught a severe fever yesterday.
So it was quite tough to produce chapters... But I will able to somehow write one, so here it is guys.
Thanks for waiting.
Link: patreon.com/NexusPrimodius