Commissioned by Stargaze11, thank you for the generous commission.
…
Year 54 of Konoha
Land of Fire, Konoha Village, Hyuga Clan Residence.
As the sun dipped below the western horizon, a figure descended from the sky. A young man clad in Jonin attire, bearing the emblem of the Hyuga Clan, landed in a secluded courtyard at the heart of the clan's headquarters.
The courtyard, though modest in size, was meticulously arranged. A gently flowing stream, rising with wisps of white mist, bisected the space. Ornamental rocks and gnarled stones were interspersed with lush bamboo groves and vibrant flora, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. Small animals roamed freely, lending a sense of natural harmony to the scene.
At the far end of the courtyard stood a traditional Japanese residence, modest in size but exuding an air of dignified simplicity. Its tightly shut doors concealed the interior from view.
Yet the newcomer didn't dare approach. Kneeling on one knee atop the stone bridge spanning the stream, he addressed the direction of the house with respectful deference.
"Brother, the orders have been issued. The clan has been strictly forbidden from leaving their homes tonight. Miss Hinata and Neji have already been retrieved from school."
After a silence of four or five seconds, the sound of a sliding door echoed.
The man cautiously raised his head.
The sliding door of the residence opened, revealing the interior.
The room was small, its dimensions easily taken in at a glance. It was completely empty except for rows of candles and a large tatami mat that occupied three-quarters of the space. Covered with a thick blanket, it looked remarkably soft.
At the very center of the tatami sat a powerfully built man with striking white eyes.
He wore a loose white robe that enveloped his entire body, revealing only one arm. The robe appeared unusually bulky, making his frame seem unnaturally wide, as if he were holding something in his lap.
Curiosity stirred within the man, but he didn't dare activate his Byakugan to examine the figure. The man before him was not only his elder brother but also the clan head of the Hyuga Clan- Hiashi Hyuga.
And he was the clan head's younger brother- Hizashi Hyuga.
Though he was the clan head's younger brother, he never dared to overstep his bounds within the clan.
Four years ago, his elder brother slaughtered all five elders of the Hyuga Clan, making the Hyuga Clan his alone. Aside from him, no one had the authority to give orders within the clan.
Yet Hizashi, and indeed the entire clan, harbored no resentment.
After eliminating the elders, the first decree issued by his brother, now the Clan Head, was to abolish the centuries-old Main Family-Branch Family System. He removed the Caged Bird seal from the foreheads of the Branch Family members, granting them equal status with the Main Family for the first time and resolving the clan's internal conflicts.
As a member of the Branch Family, Hizashi was the greatest beneficiary of this change.
What cemented his unwavering loyalty to his brother was his belief that he had abolished the Main Family-Branch Family System primarily to protect his son, Neji.
I remember it clearly, it was the year Neji turned three.
Traditionally, all Branch Family children had the Caged Bird seal inscribed on their foreheads on their third birthday.
Though he knew that his son had become a mere vessel for others' purposes the moment the Caged Bird seal was imprinted on him, he was powerless to stop it.
Just as he stood in despair, helplessly watching the scene unfold, his elder brother suddenly appeared, halting the process and entering into a heated dispute with the Elders.
Yet he still harbored little hope. He knew that within the clan, the Elders' authority surpassed even that of the Clan Head, let alone the fact that there were five Elders and only one Clan Head.
But ten days later, at dawn, his brother, the Clan Head, unexpectedly summoned all members of the Hyuga Clan together and announced a shocking revelation— the five Elders had been discovered to be traitors and had been eliminated by his own hand.
The excuse seemed utterly false, and his brother didn't even produce any evidence. Yet not a single clan member dared to question it.
The reason was simple- the terrifying power his brother had displayed during the announcement had left everyone shaken. His immense chakra had frightened everyone present.
From that moment on, no one dared to oppose his brother.
Thus, the Caged Bird seal was successfully abolished, and the members of the Branch Family began to revere him as a god.
In less than a year, through a combination of persuasion and coercion—carrot and stick—Hizashi managed to win over even the most skeptical members of the Main Family. They now revered him with utmost respect.
This transformed the Hyuga Clan into an unshakable unity, their standing in the village skyrocketing. They officially surpassed the Uchiha Clan to become the true powerhouse of Konoha.
As Hizashi was lost in reminiscence, a gentle voice broke the silence.
"I understand, Hizashi. You've worked tirelessly."
Hiashi's voice brought Hizashi back to the present. He gazed at his brother with admiration, a little overwhelmed by the praise.
"You honor me, Brother. It's only natural for me to serve you."
Hiashi waved dismissively. "There's no need for such formality between us brothers. Remember, you're my younger brother, and we're family."
Hizashi felt a pang of emotion. Since his brother became the Clan Head, their brotherly bond had grown distant. He understood; as the leader, Hiashi had responsibilities that sometimes left him little choice. He'd thought they could never recapture the closeness of their childhood, but now it seemed that might not be true.
"I understand, Brother."
"Mm."
The sky gradually darkened. Hiashi gazed into the distance, where the crimson moon was slowly rising. Dark clouds drifted by, carrying an ominous scent in the air.
"Hiashi, do you feel it? Konoha is strangely quiet tonight," Hiashi murmured, turning to look at his brother.
His eyes held both confusion and surprise.
Following his brother's gaze, Hizashi seemed to recall something. He hesitated before asking, "Brother, do you mean... the Uchiha tonight?"
Judging by his brother's expression, Hiashi knew Hizashi hadn't guessed the truth. Indeed, as someone caught up in the situation, it was hard to imagine the Konoha elders being so ruthless—and tonight was the night of the Uchiha massacre.
Instead of beating around the bush, he stated bluntly, "Starting tomorrow, Konoha will no longer have an Uchiha Clan."
Hizashi's face filled with shock and fear upon hearing this revelation.
Hizashi had already suspected that the village was planning something against the Uchiha Clan, given the strange atmosphere in the village and the recent rumors of their impending betrayal. But hearing his brother say, "Starting tomorrow, Konoha will no longer have an Uchiha Clan," sent a chill down his spine.
That's the Uchiha Clan—the very founders of the village!
Could the village elders really be so ruthless?!
If the village dares to treat the Uchiha Clan this way, doesn't that mean the Hyuga Clan could face the same fate?
The thought struck fear into his heart. Even though he disapproved of the Uchiha Clan, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of empathy. "Brother, how can the village...?"
Hiashi waved dismissively, as if the matter held no weight. "Don't worry. The Uchiha are the Uchiha, and the Hyuga are the Hyuga. Besides, as long as I'm here, the village wouldn't dare harm the Hyuga."
"I understand."
Though Hiashi tried to reassure him, Hizashi remained unsettled.
Hiashi, however, had no intention of elaborating further. He sensed the beauty in his arms stirring awake.
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