Beside him was a girl in her teens, wearing a white kimono ninja outfit, also a Jonin of the Hyuga Clan. Like the man, she served as an elite guard for Hiashi, ensuring his safety.
The young girl was Ayane.
Having completed the training mission with Sakumo's squad, she now had to follow the family's arrangements and commands, which was only natural.
Her becoming Hiashi's guard had been decided from the very beginning.
Remembering the mission to protect the Main Family was a duty she, originating from the Branch Family, had to fulfill.
Although the overall strength of the Hyuga Clan was inferior to that of the Uchiha Race, in terms of strict family rules, they were unmatched by the Uchiha.
"You two just wait here for now."
"Yes."
Ayane and the man bowed slightly, stepping back from Hiashi.
On the road ahead, only Hiashi stepped out.
At the end of the path, a young girl in a kimono awaited Hiashi.
She had no headband on her forehead, nothing obstructing it, but also no 'Caged Bird' Seal.
Although not a direct member of the Main Family, she was a branch within it, far above the Branch Family in status and position.
"It seems the time for Lord Hiashi to inherit the title of Patriarch is not far off."
The Hyuga male Jonin whispered softly.
"What do you mean?"
"This time it's a matchmaking ceremony. After starting a family, Lord Hiashi will quickly become the Patriarch... It's a tradition of the Main Family."
"Senior Toma seems very familiar with such procedures."
Ayane smiled.
Hyuga Toma was the name of this Hyuga Jonin.
He belonged to the generation before Ayane's and in talent, was not inferior to her. His mastery of the Byakugan and Gentle Fist surpassed most members of the Hyuga Family.
In addition, as a member of the Branch Family, he had a great spirit of sacrifice for the Main Family, which got him selected as one of Hiashi's guards.
Not all Branch Families are the same.
Most Branch Family ninjas are not taught the Hyuga Clan's core Gentle Fist techniques, such as many derivative techniques and the 'Revolving Heaven,' known as Absolute Defense.
These are profound techniques only Main Family ninjas can learn.
Ayane and Toma were given the privilege to learn, enabling them to protect Hiashi, the leader of the Main Family, better.
"It's nothing. By the way, I heard that under Jonin Sakumo, you performed remarkably and have already become a Jonin at such a young age. That's quite impressive."
Jonin Toma said with a smile.
Becoming a Jonin in one's teens is rare even within the talented ranks of the Hyuga Clan.
Especially being a woman.
"I'm exhausted, often having to complete high-difficulty tasks and narrowly escaping death several times. I don't want to experience those days again. Life within the family is peaceful."
Toma Jonin agreed with Ayane's lament.
Three years after the Second Great Ninja War, even in times of peace, ninjas still had duties to perform.
Especially elite squads like Sakumo's, and the missions they took were at least A-rank.
"But you also need to be cautious, don't entangle too deeply with foreigners, especially regarding emotions. The Hyuga and Uchiha are different; the Hyuga will not let women marry out, even accepting others into the family is impossible. Moreover, you're Hiashi's guard, a very important position."
Toma said meaningfully.
"What do you mean?"
Ayane tilted her head, glancing at Jonin Toma.
"Nothing, I just hope that an outstanding Jonin like you, as a fellow Branch Family member, won't be neglected by the elders."
Jonin Toma sighed.
"I don't understand."
"You're smart; you must understand what I mean. Don't do anything unnecessary. Every move you make is watched by the elders. This is the Hyuga Family, where Branch Families have no secrets. As Hiashi's guard, our lives differ from those of other Branch Family ninjas."
Seeing Ayane's confusion, Jonin Toma gave a bitter smile.
"..."
Ayane fell silent.
"My life was arranged by the elders. My wife was a Branch Family woman I had never met before, and I hastily married in such circumstances because it was the safest choice. Your future will be the same, so don't try to rebel; the power of the Hyuga Family isn't something you can resist. Besides this, you can enjoy many privileges that Branch Family ninjas cannot."
"Should I thank those considerate elders for planning my future so thoughtfully?"
Ayane said with a smile, without any hint of anger or resentment on her face.
The pure white eyes contained the purest of smiles.
"Only this way can the Hyuga Clan's bloodline remain pure. Our Byakugan is a very noble Kekkeigenkai. Genetically, we are indeed a different class from those civilian ninjas. I don't want to hear one day that you met an untimely demise."
Jonin Toma looked up at the blue sky, where a flock of birds was flying freely, and revealed a faint smile.
The desire to become a free-flying bird... what a luxurious wish.
"Don't worry, Senior Toma, I will fulfill the Hyuga ninja's mission."
Ayane gave a gentle, reassuring smile.
"You're really a terrifying woman."
Gazing at Ayane's beautiful smile that showed nothing but the smile, Toma couldn't help but utter these words.