Invitation
Chi Yu was puzzled. If Hinata Hizashi already suspected he would one day leave Konoha, why would he still bring Neji to him, risking both clan accountability and future consequences?
"Hizashi," Chi Yu asked, frowning, "if you already guessed my intentions… then why?"
Hizashi met his gaze with steady resolve. "At first, I hesitated. If you were to leave Konoha, Chi Yu, would Neji be implicated as your disciple? Should I give up this idea altogether?" He paused, his expression softening. "But after careful thought, I chose not to give up. Not for the clan, not for appearances—but because I believe in your character."
Chi Yu's brow furrowed, his expression caught between disbelief and irony. "My character? Hizashi, in Konoha you may be the only one who thinks that way. To most, I'm cold, unfeeling… ruthless."
Hizashi gave a wry smile and shook his head. "Once, I thought the same. But after you expressed interest in taking Neji as your disciple at the Fourth Hokage's wedding, I began to investigate you thoroughly. Forgive me—"
"I understand," Chi Yu cut in quietly.
"After all," Hizashi continued, "a master is second only to a parent. For Neji's sake, I had to be cautious. I looked into your conduct. During the war, I heard rumors of you—victories won at terrible cost, comrades treated as expendable. I was grateful not to serve directly under you; I thought I would not survive such command."
He glanced at his son before looking back at Chi Yu. "At first, when you offered to take Neji as your disciple, I was glad. I thought of your reputation, your strength. A powerful backer could secure Neji's future, as it did for Kakashi with the Sharingan. But the more I learned, the more I realized the rumors were incomplete. You are cold to the world, yes—but fiercely protective of those you call your own. You shield your wife, your disciples, those closest to you. That is what matters."
Hizashi's tone deepened. "So I no longer care about the whispers, or the opposition. Neji becoming your disciple is an opportunity I refuse to waste. I believe it may be the best decision I ever make as a father."
He straightened, his voice resolute. "Chi Yu, you owe me no burden. Be yourself. Even if you leave Konoha one day, do not worry for Neji. Whatever pressure comes—from the clan or from the village—I will bear it. That is the duty I owe my son."
Chi Yu studied him in silence. He had not expected Hizashi to go so far for Neji's sake. If Chi Yu did leave, the consequences for Konoha would be severe; he would almost certainly become a missing-nin. Neji, as his disciple, would be branded by association. Hizashi, who insisted on entrusting his son to him, would bear the clan's blame.
And yet… Hizashi was undeterred.
Chi Yu's thoughts turned grim. He remembered what was to come. In only a few years, the Hyūga clan would face a crisis: Hinata Hyūga, barely three years old, would be kidnapped by a Hidden Cloud envoy. Hiashi would kill the kidnapper, and the Cloud would demand his body as recompense. To avert war, Konoha and the Hyūga elders would choose Hizashi as the substitute—forcing him to die in his brother's place.
Hinata would be born within the month. Hizashi's time with Neji was limited to three short years.
Chi Yu's eyes narrowed as he came to a decision. He spoke in a low, steady voice. "Hizashi, I won't hide this from you. I've already founded an organization outside Konoha. Including me, there are five official members—Orochimaru among them. I want you to join."
Hizashi's eyes widened slightly, but Chi Yu raised a hand to stop him from replying.
"Listen first. Since the Nine-Tails' rampage, Konoha has been weakened. Other villages watch us like wolves, probing our defenses. Even if war hasn't broken out, harassment is inevitable. Konoha's clans, with their bloodline limits and secret arts, are tempting prey."
He fixed Hizashi with a sharp gaze. "And your Hyūga clan is the most vulnerable. The Byakugan's strategic value eclipses even the Sharingan. In war, its power to perceive and track movements makes it priceless. Others have tried to take it before. One succeeded—the Hidden Mist shinobi Ao, who still bears the stolen Byakugan. His name remains on Konoha's wanted list."
Chi Yu's voice hardened. "Now, with Konoha weakened, others will come again. The main family will expect the branch family to shield them, as always. But when disaster strikes, it is the branch that bleeds first. You, as head of the branch, will bear the blame. Surely you see it now—that the clan will sacrifice you as easily as they once did."
Hizashi's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Chi Yu leaned forward. "You risked much to entrust Neji to me. I see your resolve. So I'll ask you plainly—don't waste yourself on a clan that doesn't value you. Join me, Hizashi. Stand with me. For Neji's future, and your own survival."
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