Naruto didn't even finish his sentence, yet Hinata already understood his meaning.
Of course, he knew about Neji's deep-seated resentment toward him, and more broadly, his hatred for the Hyuga Main Family. Yet, there was one thing Neji didn't realize: Naruto also despised the hierarchical system that trapped the Main and Branch Families.
"Neji… that… that…"
Hyuga Neji's cold eyes narrowed, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Ah… isn't that Lady Hinata?" he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, you want to punish a servant of the Branch Family, hmm?"
Hinata's face paled. "I… I didn't do anything!"
"Neji, I… I know you hate the Main Family," she began, her voice trembling yet determined. "But… I hate the Main and Branch Family system too…"
Neji's laugh was sharp, cutting through the tension. "Shut up! How could a young lady of the Main Family ever understand my feelings? You are free to choose your path, but I am a bird trapped in a cage for life!"
If this had been the Hinata of old, she would have shrunk back in fear, intimidated by his harsh words. But this time… she had no intention of standing timidly before Naruto—or anyone.
Summoning every ounce of courage, she inhaled deeply and met Neji's gaze head-on.
"You're wrong, Neji," she said firmly. "In the web of the Main and Branch Family system, we're all the same. Birds tied to the cage of fate. I don't want to be the heir of the Main Family either. If it weren't for my father's trust and expectations, I would have been forced to work tirelessly from a young age, striving to meet standards I could never reach…"
She hesitated for a moment, then continued with a quiet resolve. "Maybe I am weak, maybe clumsy… but the person I used to be has already been defeated by Hanabi. I am no longer the heir of the Main Family…"
Neji's expression faltered. The sudden shift in Hinata's words struck him like a lightning bolt.
Others might not grasp the weight of her confession, but Neji knew exactly what it meant. If Hinata lost her right to inherit the Main Family position, it would condemn her to the same fate as him: relegated to the Branch Family, marked from birth with the seal of the caged bird. His sisters, his twin brother, even his father—none of them had escaped this cruel destiny. And now, Hinata's future mirrored his own.
A strange calm replaced Neji's usual resentment. "You… what did you say?"
Hinata bowed her head, her features etched with both relief and sadness.
"If the Main and Branch Family system does not change, I too will become a Branch Family member one day, just like you, Neji. We share the same destiny…"
Neji stood frozen. He had never expected such clarity from her.
Then, laughter erupted—sharp, bitter, and incredulous. Neji looked skyward, his voice echoing with wild amusement.
"Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Hinata… you finally understand my feelings!"
His laughter faded slightly, replaced with a hint of bitterness. "It's a shame I cannot feel sympathy for you. You have enjoyed the privileges of the Main Family, while I… I was doomed from birth to a tragic fate!"
Hinata's lips quivered, but she nodded in understanding. "You're right… but, Neji, it's not the individuals that cause hatred—it's the system itself, isn't it?"
Her gaze hardened with resolve. "I want to fight with you, to change this system. I want us to break free from the cages of destiny!"
Neji's heart thudded violently. Could it really be possible? A partner in challenging the fate imposed on them from birth?
"You… and me? Change the system?!" he spat incredulously.
"Stop dreaming, Lady Hinata," he continued, his voice harsh. "This is our destiny. Nobody can change it. From the moment we are born, we are slaves to fate!"
Hinata, unwavering, shook her head. "No. I don't think so. I may be clumsy, I may be weak, but I have already escaped the fate of being the Main Family heir. And I've seen others striving desperately to overcome their own destinies…"
"Who?!" Neji demanded, narrowing his eyes.
Hinata's gaze shifted, and all eyes in the courtyard followed it.
"Uzumaki Naruto."
The name rang like thunder. Everyone froze.
"Oh my God… what?!" Rock Lee's shocked expression mirrored everyone else's disbelief.
Naruto, slightly embarrassed but smiling sheepishly, scratched his head. "Yup, that's right!"
Neji's frown deepened. Of course, he knew the name Uchiha Sasuke. The prodigy of Konoha, admired and feared in equal measure. But the one who could challenge such a genius? Naruto?
Hinata's eyes sparkled, brimming with pride. "Yes… Naruto-kun has also worked tirelessly to defy his destiny. Isn't that proof enough, Neji? People can change their fates!"
Neji's mind reeled. First, Hinata had lost her position as the Main Family heir, meaning her future lay in the same despair he knew all too well. And now, this… Naruto had actually defeated Uchiha Sasuke? Could fate be defied after all?
"No… impossible… impossible!" Neji muttered, trying to maintain his usual stubborn composure.
"Lady Hinata," he said coldly, shaking his head, "don't think your few words will change me. What you call defying fate is really just your own incompetence."
He cast a sharp glance toward Naruto. "As for Uzumaki Naruto… I don't know exactly how he defeated Uchiha Sasuke. But I know this—if it happened, it was nothing but luck."
Hinata's heart tightened. "I know… it's not enough for me to do this alone. My strength isn't enough… that's why I need to train with you, Neji. Together, we can change things…"
Neji's jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. "Naive, childish words," he said, spinning on his heel. "They are nothing but illusions of hope."
And with that, he strode away, leaving Hinata standing in the courtyard, helpless but determined.
Naruto's mouth twisted into an exasperated grin. "What an arrogant guy!"
"Don't mind him, Hinata!" he said, stepping forward with his usual energy.
Hinata's lips curved into a small, appreciative smile.
"By the way, the results I got today… I couldn't have done it without you, Hinata. Shall we celebrate with some Ichiraku Ramen?" Naruto asked cheerfully.
Rock Lee's eyes widened. "What about me?!"
Naruto laughed, slapping his knee. "Lee, of course! You trained Taijutsu with me, so you get a reward too!"
Ino quickly stepped forward, waving her hands. "Me too! Me too!"
Naruto chuckled warmly. "Ino… you didn't really help, did you?"
Ino huffed, hands on her hips. "I watched! That counts as helping!"
Naruto laughed even louder, clapping his hands together. "Then it's settled! We all go together! The more, the merrier!"
And with that, the small group of friends—determined, hopeful, and ready to defy the cages of their fates—set off, leaving behind the lingering shadows of a system that sought to control them. For the first time, Hinata felt it deep in her chest: destiny could be challenged. It could be rewritten.
And with allies like Naruto by her side, perhaps even Neji could one day see it too.
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