Hyuga Residence
Surrounded by a retinue of followers, Jaxon calmly gazed at the traditional yet magnificent estate of the Hyuga Clan.
He had to admit—this residence was impressive.
The sprawling courtyard stretched nearly the size of two football fields. Polished marble floors gleamed in the sunlight, bordered by vibrant greenery. Every detail radiated wealth and refinement. Although different in style from his own home, the sheer elegance and luxury of the Hyuga compound were unmatched in Konoha.
Yet what truly caught his attention wasn't the architecture—it was the two young boys in the center of the courtyard.
They were locked in a spirited sparring match, fists and feet moving in a fast, practiced rhythm. Despite their identical appearances, their clothing and demeanor revealed subtle differences. They looked to be one or two years older than Jaxon, but their coordination and agility were already admirable.
Jaxon stopped in his tracks, eyes locked on the sparring match.
Reborn into this life, he'd experienced the pleasures of wealth and nobility. But deep down, who didn't harbor a dream of mastering martial arts? Watching the twins, a tinge of envy sparkled in his eyes.
Hyuga Tokuma, noticing his gaze, smiled knowingly. He raised his hand and called out toward the courtyard, "Hiashi! Hizashi! Come over here!"
The two boys halted their match instantly. Upon hearing their father's voice, they looked toward the walkway where a group of ten people approached—including not just Tokuma himself, but several clan elders and a handful of unfamiliar, well-dressed strangers.
Though curious, the brothers immediately made their way over.
"Father!"
They bowed in unison, respectful and disciplined.
"No need to be so stiff," Tokuma said, frowning slightly at their formality. He turned toward Jaxon and gestured with a wave. "This young man here is the son of the current Finance Minister of the Land of Fire. You're all about the same age. I hope you'll take this opportunity to get to know each other."
"No problem, Father," replied Hyuga Hiashi, the elder brother. He glanced at Jaxon—a well-dressed child, only three years old—but didn't show much expression.
In the eyes of many newly-minted genin, nobles were hardly worth noting. To Hiashi, people like Jaxon held no real power—they couldn't fight, and they lived lives detached from real struggle.
Although Jaxon lacked the ability to sense chakra the way some shinobi did, he could clearly perceive the faint trace of contempt in Hiashi's eyes.
"I heard yesterday that a noble child was visiting Konoha. You must be Young Master Jaxon, correct?" Hyuga Hizashi, the younger twin, offered a polite greeting. Despite being born only minutes apart from Hiashi, Hizashi's temperament was notably more modest.
A strip of white cloth tied across his forehead marked him as someone who had already undergone the Hyuga Clan's traditional rite—the sealing ceremony reserved for branch family members.
"I've heard tales of the Hyuga Clan Head's twin sons," Jaxon responded smoothly. "Like twin dragons dancing around a pearl. You two must be Hiashi and Hizashi, am I right?"
His words, elegant and poetic, left a brief silence in their wake.
Tokuma blinked—then burst out laughing, deep and hearty. "Ha! Did you all hear that? What a clever tongue! What a refined way with words!"
The surrounding Hyuga members exchanged surprised glances. Most shinobi weren't exactly eloquent speakers—after all, the battlefield didn't demand flowery language. But this boy spoke like a diplomat. A future noble, indeed.
"You flatter me, young one," Tokuma chuckled. "My two sons are far from worthy of such praise."
Still, despite his modest words, pride was evident in Tokuma's eyes.
"But compared to you, Jaxon, they're still a step behind," he added with a wink.
"Whether someone becomes a hero or not isn't something we can determine at this age," Jaxon replied calmly, glancing once more at the cold, proud Hiashi and the quiet, introspective Hizashi. Though they looked alike, the difference in their spirits was stark.
"Indeed. Who can say what fate has in store?" Tokuma nodded in agreement.
Without lingering, he turned toward the main building. "Let's continue inside. It's not proper to stand around talking in the courtyard."
The group naturally followed, including the two brothers who trailed behind their father.
"Do you know who that is?" Hiashi asked Hizashi quietly, his tone brimming with arrogance.
"I overheard villagers talking about him yesterday while you were training," Hizashi replied, lowering his voice. "His name is Jaxon. He's the eldest son of the Hoshino Family, which is now the wealthiest noble house in the Land of Fire. His father was recently appointed as the Minister of Finance. I even heard they have ties to royal lineage."
"Tch. Just another spoiled noble," Hiashi scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "And yet Father welcomes him personally?"
His tone was full of disdain. It was clear he didn't understand why someone like Jaxon was being treated with such honor. Still, Hiashi wasn't foolish—he knew better than to speak out loud in front of the elders.
---
Inside the Hyuga Clan Hall
Once inside, the servants from Jaxon's entourage carefully placed their gifts in the hall, then promptly exited. Only Butler Afu remained standing behind Jaxon's seat, ever silent and composed.
The Hyuga side had also narrowed to a smaller group—just Hyuga Tokuma, his two sons, and the elder Hyuga Fire.
As Jaxon took his seat, a cup of warm tea was already waiting for him. Before he could lift it to his lips, Tokuma leaned forward with a warm smile.
"I remember meeting your father during a trip to the capital several years ago," he said. "It's been a long time since then. How is the Head of the Hoshino Family doing?"
Isn't that obvious? Jaxon thought to himself but maintained a courteous tone.
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Tokuma. My father is doing well. Although his responsibilities have increased, he's handling everything with ease."
Hyuga Fire, unlike Tokuma, was not bound by the expectations of a host. He got straight to the point.
"May I ask, Young Master Jaxon, what brings you to visit the Hyuga Clan today?"
It was a reasonable question. While it might seem abrupt, it would have been rude if Tokuma himself had asked the same without first engaging in polite exchange. As a lesser-ranked elder, Fire could afford a more direct approach.
Jaxon smiled faintly.
Though he hadn't answered yet, his posture remained calm and composed.
He took a small sip of tea, allowing the fragrance to spread across his tongue, then slowly placed the cup down. All eyes were on him.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he finally responded—
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)