Akira and Hyūga Ren walked side by side through the traditional stone corridors of the inner compound, eventually arriving at the gates of Hyūga Hizashi's private estate.
Standing on either side of the entrance were two sharp-eyed Chunin guards. Even as a member of the Branch Family, Hizashi commanded respect and security that rivaled the Main Family—not only because he was the leader of the Branch house, but because he was the twin brother of the Clan Leader, Hyūga Hiashi.
Hyūga Ren stepped forward nervously, offering a polite bow. "Excuse us, sirs. Lord Akira and I are here to request an audience with Lord Hizashi regarding an urgent matter."
One of the guards recognized Akira and gave a brief, respectful nod. "Wait here."
He turned and disappeared into the estate. Ten minutes later, the Chunin returned, sliding the wooden gate open. "Lord Hizashi will see you in the courtyard. Follow me."
Akira and Hyūga Ren followed the guard through the pristine gravel pathways of the inner garden, arriving at a spacious open courtyard.
Sitting on the porch under the warm evening sun was Hyūga Hizashi. He was gently holding his baby son, Neji, in his arms, chatting softly with his wife. The scene was peaceful, far removed from the tense drama unfolding in the civilian quarters.
Akira and Hyūga Ren stopped a few feet away, lowering themselves into respectful bows.
Hizashi smiled warmly, carefully handing baby Neji over to his wife. She held the sleeping child close, nodding politely to the visitors before Hizashi turned his full attention to the pair.
"Welcome, Akira, Ren," Hizashi said, his voice calm and authoritative. "What brings you to my estate at this hour? Is there a problem?"
Akira raised his head, keeping his expression completely composed. "Lord Hizashi, we came to report a serious violation of clan and village protocol within the eastern civilian sector."
Without embellishment, Akira clearly stated the situation: two teenage Genin, Hyūga BiKan and Hyūga YanKan, had invaded the sweet shop owned by Hyūga Ren's family. He explained how they had destroyed property and intimidated non-shinobi civilians under the pretense of collecting a fake debt.
Hyūga Ren backed his statement, her voice shaking slightly with emotion as she bowed her head. "It is true, Lord Hizashi. They were harassing my sick mother and breaking our shop's furniture. My family has never borrowed money from them."
Hizashi's warm expression vanished, replaced by a cold, stern frown. "Shinobi using force to harass civilian relatives is a direct breach of Konoha law and an insult to our clan's honor. Where are these two now?"
"I tied them to a wooden support beam near the shop with ninja wire," Akira replied calmly. "They are currently unconscious."
"Good," Hizashi nodded gravely. "I will have my guards retrieve BiKan and YanKan immediately. Rest assured, they will be severely punished for their actions and sent to the discipline hall. Such behavior will not be tolerated."
Hizashi then looked gently at Hyūga Ren, his expression softening with genuine sympathy.
"Ren," Hizashi spoke softly. "I remember your elder sister, Ree. She was an extraordinary shinobi—brave, capable, and devoted to the clan. I am also aware of your father's recent absence. I will personally look into his whereabouts and ensure your family receives proper justice and protection."
Hearing those words, tears welled up in Hyūga Ren's eyes. Overwhelmed with emotion, she pressed her hands to her face, bowing repeatedly in quiet gratitude. "T-Thank you, Lord Hizashi! Thank you so much!"
"If that is all, we will take our leave," Akira said, offering a polite nod.
"Wait a moment, Akira," Hizashi called out as Akira turned to go. "BiKan and YanKan may be reckless, but they are trained Genin. How did a boy who has not yet graduated the Academy manage to subdue two Genin alone?"
Akira stopped, keeping his posture relaxed and his face entirely neutral. He met Hizashi's gaze without a hint of nervousness.
"I simply threw two chakra-infused stones from the shadows, Lord Hizashi," Akira answered smoothly. "One hit a pressure point, and the other lost his balance trying to dodge. They were careless and unprepared."
Hizashi searched Akira's unreadable face for a long moment before letting out a soft, low chuckle. "I see. Carelessness in battle is a fatal flaw."
"Respectfully, we shall depart," Akira said, bowing once more before turning to walk out of the courtyard with Hyūga Ren following closely beside him.
As they walked out through the gates of Hizashi's estate, Akira quietly reflected on the interaction.
Hizashi really is a good leader, Akira thought to himself. His communication skills, charisma, and ability to balance authority with empathy are impressive. It's no wonder the Branch Family respects him so much.
Beside him, Hyūga Ren wiped away her remaining tears, looking at Akira with deep appreciation.
"Lord Akira... thank you so much for helping me today," she said softly, her voice filled with sincere gratitude. "For normal civilians like my family, it is nearly impossible to ever meet important people, especially high-ranking shinobi like Lord Hizashi. If you hadn't brought me here, we would have been helpless."
"You are my caretaker, Sister Ren," Akira replied gently, giving her a faint smile. "I won't stand by while my people are bullied."
When they arrived back at Ren's home, they found the street quiet again. Ren's mother informed them that a team of clan guards sent by Lord Hizashi had already arrived, untied the two unconscious Genin, and dragged them away to the discipline hall.
With tears of gratitude in her eyes, Ren's mother quickly bowed to Akira and presented him with a neatly wrapped wooden box. "Young Lord Akira, please accept this. It's fresh, homemade sweet cheese—our family's specialty."
Akira accepted the gift with a soft smile and a polite nod. "Thank you, ma'am. Please take care of yourself."
After saying goodbye to both the mother and daughter, Akira held his box of sweet cheese and began his quiet walk back home under the evening stars.
Meanwhile, back in the courtyard of the Branch estate, Hizashi watched the quiet young boy's back until his figure vanished beyond the garden gates.
His wife stepped up beside him, cradling baby Neji against her shoulder as she looked in the direction Akira had left.
"That child..." she murmured softly, a small smile touching her lips. "He seems remarkably talented."
Hizashi smiled faintly, taking his wife's hand as he looked up at the evening sky.
"More than just talented," Hizashi said softly with a smile. "The kid is smart."