Hizashi furrowed his brow and said, "This matter is not your concern. Your task now is to train and learn."
This is not something a child can influence.
"Will the village continue to fight?"
"No."
Hizashi concluded firmly.
"Why?"
"Protecting the Main Family is a responsibility the Branch Family must fulfill."
Hizashi replied in this manner.
Neji looked at his father Hizashi's face, which bore a resolute expression, with confusion.
"One day you will understand... no, it's better if you never understand. For us, this is the best outcome."
Hizashi's face showed a hint of melancholy.
What is the Main Family?
What is the Branch Family?
Eventually, Neji will fully understand the gulf between the two.
But if possible, Hizashi hopes Neji never understands such matters.
Watching his father Hizashi's departing figure, Neji just stood there pondering what message his father's words carried.
◎
"Brother."
After arriving at the Main Family's grounds, Hizashi encountered his brother Hyuga Hiashi in the corridor.
The other party was frowning deeply, seemingly troubled by some matters.
This was also within Hizashi's expectations; becoming the focal point of troublesome affairs, a slight misstep could lead to the rekindling of conflict between Konoha and Hidden Cloud.
The pressure on one person under such circumstances can be imagined.
And this was merely a Hidden Cloud plot.
Many in the Hyuga Clan were well aware of this.
But holding the mentality of fearing the worst-case scenario, they couldn't guarantee Hidden Cloud wasn't just posturing.
It's estimated that many within Konoha Village are complaining why the Hyuga Clan Leader killed the Leader of the Hidden Cloud delegation.
But those who think this way fail to grasp the true core issue of this matter.
The Leader of the Hidden Cloud delegation, compared to the Hyuga Clan kidnapping, seemed more like he was seeking death on his own.
The nature of seeking death and being killed due to a mishap are entirely different.
Yet at this moment, Hidden Cloud seizes the initiative and targets Hyuga, rather than the entire Konoha, understandable why many Konoha Ninja hold this false hope that they aren't targeting Konoha.
Those who harbor such thoughts are mostly Genin and Chunin, whereas seasoned Jonin definitely wouldn't naively believe Hidden Cloud isn't targeting Konoha.
"What are you here for?"
Hiashi asked indifferently.
Ever since the separation, the relationship between himself and his brother Hizashi had become completely strained.
In the past, there had been thoughts of reconciliation, but Hizashi seemed to have his own set of ideas.
As a member of the Main Family, the Hyuga Clan Leader, Hiashi couldn't allow emotions to dictate his actions.
Thus, when Hizashi showed murderous intent towards his daughter Hinata, he punished him.
In the Hyuga Clan, failing to understand the roles of the Main Family and Branch Family makes survival difficult.
"I have some matters to discuss with the Main Clan Elders; they called for me."
Generally, Branch Family Ninja are not permitted near the grounds of the Main Family.
Hizashi's presence here naturally couldn't be without cause, or it would arouse suspicion.
"Them?"
Hiashi's frown deepened upon hearing this.
He couldn't figure out why the Main Clan Elders sought Hizashi at this time.
"Don't ask me, I don't know why they called for me either."
Hizashi shook his head.
"Is that so, fine, do as you will. But, I must warn you, if you show murderous intent towards Hinata again, don't blame me for being unkind."
Hiashi lightly snorted coldly.
Even though it's his own brother, if he harbors murderous intent toward his daughter, naturally he can't be in a pleasant mood.
"Yes, I understand. I was wrong the first time."
No matter what, showing murderous intent towards a child is inappropriate, especially when she is his niece.
Thinking back after returning home, he also felt quite remorseful.
On that day, Hiashi had shown leniency towards him.
If other Main Clan Elders were aware of such deeds, Neji might also be implicated, facing punishment together and subjected to strict monitoring afterward.
In this aspect, his brother remained as cold on the outside as warm within.
But this in no way changes the current situation within the Hyuga Clan; as the clan leader, even Hiashi must follow the Main Family's wishes.
Thinking carefully, such a person becoming the Hyuga Clan Leader must be persevering internally.
Undoubtedly not as ruthless a person.
At this thought, Hizashi's eyes also dimmed.
Precisely because of this, he couldn't neglect his brother Hiashi's safety.
In the past, many of Hizashi's willful actions in the Hyuga Clan were concealed by Hiashi, who tolerated his whims and reckless behavior.
Now it is the time for him to 'repay'.
"Hinata is still just a child. Whatever the case, don't place resentment on her."
Hiashi continued with another piece of advice.
Hizashi nodded and replied, "Rest assured, that was the last time. There won't be any more from now on."
Upon hearing Hizashi's firm tone, Hiashi seemed to be examining something, earnestly staring at Hizashi.
Hizashi instinctively tensed his body, feeling as though Hiashi had completely seen through him.
"What's the matter? Is there something on me?"
Hizashi asked.
Hiashi shook his head and said, "Nothing, I must have overthought it. The Elders are in the third room on the right ahead; you can go directly. I have important matters to discuss with the Third Hokage, so I won't accompany you."