Chapter 11: Main Family and Branch Family
Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Neji?
The moment Ryosuke saw their appearance, he instantly knew their identities.
The person who arrived was Hyuga Hiashi's twin brother, Hyuga Hizashi, who is also the current head of the Hyuga branch family.
Beside him stood his son, Hyuga Neji.
As expected, Hyuga Hiashi, who had just finished guiding Hinata in her training, turned around with a suddenly alert expression.
Approaching them, Hyuga Hiashi said coldly, "Hizashi, members of the branch family are not allowed to enter the main family's territory casually."
Looking at Neji standing beside him, he added, "But Neji's academic performance is outstanding. I heard he ranked first in his class in the entrance examination. He brings honor to our Hyuga family."
"Thank you for the compliment, Clan Leader," Neji politely responded.
"Don't praise him too much, it's just luck. The others of his generation are all mediocre. There's no one remarkable to compare him to."
Although Hyuga Hizashi was humble when speaking about his son, there was a proud smile on his face.
Although there was no physical difference between Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi, their experiences and responsibilities had molded their personalities differently.
Especially Hyuga Hiashi, who often worried about clan affairs, seemed older than Hyuga Hizashi, despite being born only a few minutes apart.
"Uncle Hizashi," Ryosuke and Hinata greeted their elders as they approached.
Nodding somewhat coldly, Hyuga Hizashi addressed them, "Next year, Miss Hinata and Master Ryosuke will be going to Ninja School, right? If you encounter any troubles, you can ask Neji for help."
"Then we'll trouble you, Brother Neji," Ryosuke nodded with a smile.
As Hyuga Hiashi's younger brother and the head of the branch family, Ryosuke had naturally met him before.
All Hyuga clan members with combat abilities or holding power were required to participate in the annual clan meeting. As members of the main family, both Ryosuke and Hinata were fortunate enough to attend at a young age.
As for Neji, it was the first time Ryosuke had seen him, but Hinata had seen him before.
Due to certain past incidents involving Hyuga Hiashi, people from the branch family were strictly monitored. Aside from guards and messengers, they were not allowed to enter or leave the main family's land freely.
So Ryosuke hadn't had much chance to meet Neji.
With a serious expression, Neji earnestly promised the two elders, "When the time comes, I'll take good care of Miss Hinata and Master Ryosuke."
Observing Neji's demeanor, Ryosuke made sure his words were genuine, not just an act.
This was the first impact after the plot change.
By now, Neji should have been marked as a caged bird and understood his identity as a branch family member, as well as his responsibility to protect the main family.
But because Hinata was still alive, he didn't reject this identity for now.
"Chief, the reason I brought Neji here this time is because his physical fitness has reached the standard for practicing Baguazhang or the eight trigram palm, so I came here to ask for instructions," Hyuga Hizashi explained to Hyuga Hiashi.
"You don't need to come here in person for such matters anymore," Hiashi replied, not particularly concerned about it. "If there's nothing else, please leave the main family's premises as soon as possible."
"Understood,"Hizashi bowed respectfully and replied, then left with Neji.
Before leaving, he glanced at Hinata with a somewhat complicated expression in his lowered eyes.
Hyuga Hiashi didn't notice, nor did Hinata, but Ryosuke, being taller, caught sight of it.
"It seems the relationship between the main family and the branch family is colder than I thought," Ryosuke remarked after Hinata Hizashi had departed.
"Hinata, continue your training," Hyuga Hiashi directed Hinata before turning to Ryosuke. "Who would want their life and property firmly controlled by others, and besides..."
"Neji's talent is indeed remarkable. In Hizashi's eyes, his son is more suitable to lead the family than Hinata."
Although they were twins, their differing identities made their relationship much colder compared to the previous generation's main and branch families.
Initially, their relationship was quite good. Hizashi often brought Neji to their house for small gatherings.
But since Hizashi brought Neji to observe Hinata's training, the familial ties had suddenly broken.
Upon witnessing Hinata's awkward movements and weak temperament, Hizashi couldn't accept that his gifted son was losing to Hinata due to his status, possibly facing restrictions from her in the future, so...
"He had murderous intent," Ryosuke calmly continued when Hiashi didn't say more after this revelation.
"Yes, he did. He directed it toward his own niece,"Hiashi's eyes filled with regret. From that day on, the two brothers were only related by blood, not by familial affection.
Sometimes he wondered, if Hinata had better talent and a stronger spirit, their relationship might not have soured like this.
Perhaps Hizashi would have willingly let Neji assist Hinata and continue to control the entire Hyuga clan as they did in their early years, but unfortunately, Hinata never met his expectations.
So all along, he had been somewhat disappointed and frustrated with Hinata.
Seeing his expression, Ryosuke said seriously, "This isn't Hinata's fault."
"I know it's not her fault, but as a member of the main family and the future head of the Hyuga clan, she can't afford to lose to someone from the branch family, yet she continues to disappoint me," Hiashi shook his head.
Hiashi shook his head, "But fortunately, we have you now. As Hinata's future husband, you will take good care of her in the future and maintain the status of our main family, right?"
Staring at Ryosuke intently, he awaited his reply.
In the training ground under the scorching sun, the only sound left was the sound of Hinata's training.
The two exchanged looks, and the atmosphere fell quiet for a moment. Ryosuke smiled and responded, "I will do my best. You know, fate is unpredictable."
"Konoha isn't as peaceful as we once imagined, and the ninja world can't always be tranquil. If something unexpected happens, I may not have the chance to see that day."
Seeing Hyuga Hiashi's lack of assurance, he shook his head regretfully. "With your character and abilities, even if only ten people are left to survive in Konoha Village amidst the smoke of war, I believe you'll be one of them."
Seemingly unwilling to dwell further on the matter, he changed the subject. "But just now Hizashi mentioned the issue of going to school. What do you think about this?"
"For you, attending school seems unnecessary. It would only be a waste of your time."
(End of this chapter)
Double release today….:)
[P.S: Does anyone know a way to earn genuine money online ?]