A Mother's Identity

"Twin brothers Hizashi and Hiashi—one became a member of the Branch Family, the other of the Main Family. In the end, Hizashi even died in Hiashi's place."

"I absolutely won't let that happen." Shiyu had made up his mind.

"Teacher Hizashi is..." Shiyu began to ask.

"Lord Hizashi is with the Branch Family."

"I see." Shiyu followed the attendant and continued toward the Hyuga Branch Family's residence.

From the Branch Family's grounds, he could clearly see the two large characters "Hyuga" written on the buildings. The surrounding architecture was distinctly Japanese.

In the courtyard, Hizashi Hyuga was sitting leisurely, drinking tea.

"Teacher Hyuga! It's been a few days, and you're looking more energetic than ever! You really know how to enjoy yourself—so poetic and carefree." After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, Shiyu asked:

"May I ask why you called me here?" Shiyu got straight to the point.

"Shiyu, I invited you here for two reasons. First, I've already summoned Nao and Kurenai. They should be here soon."

"Once they arrive, we can discuss the Chunin Exams together," Hizashi said unhurriedly.

Shiyu knew that was just an appetizer. Hizashi must have had something important to discuss with him.

"And what's the other reason?" Shiyu asked, getting right to the point.

Hizashi nodded, then waved his hand. His attendants, quick to understand, all withdrew.

"Shiyu, this may seem a little abrupt, but I'd like to talk to you about Kekkei Genkai."

"Kekkei Genkai?"

"Are you sure your eyes aren't Byakugan?" Hizashi asked, seemingly watching for a change in Shiyu's expression.

Shiyu shook his head. "I'm sure they aren't Byakugan."

"Hmm. Do you think it's possible that you inherited two bloodlines? The Uchiha Clan's Sharingan and the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan? That they fused?"

"Hmm? Maybe. My father was Uchiha, but my mother..." Shiyu seemed unsure of his mother's identity.

To Shiyu's surprise, Hizashi stood up and said solemnly, "You're called Uchiha because you inherited your father's surname, but you also have the blood of my Hyuga Clan!"

"What!?" Shiyu was genuinely shocked this time.

"Don't you find it strange? Your eyes look almost exactly like the Byakugan of our Hyuga Clan. The difference is that they also have the Uchiha Clan's Three Tomoe."

"But you kept it hidden, probably because you understand that a tree that stands out in the forest will be battered by the wind. You were right not to reveal your secret without knowing much about the situation; that would have been like asking for trouble. If I'm not mistaken, you've already awakened the abilities of both the Byakugan and the Sharingan, haven't you?"

Hizashi's guess was spot-on. After thinking it over, Shiyu decided not to hide the truth. First, Hizashi had treated him well. Second, Hizashi clearly meant him no harm; otherwise, he wouldn't have dismissed everyone before telling him in private.

Still, what Shiyu most wanted to know was why he had the blood of the Hyuga Clan.

"That's right. I've awakened two Kekkei Genkai. But why do I have the blood of the Hyuga Clan? Could it be...?" Shiyu could hardly believe it.

"It's simple. Your mother was a member of my Hyuga Clan!"

"Hmm? You mean my father was Uchiha and my mother was from the Hyuga Clan?! How is that possible? Clans with Kekkei Genkai should forbid unions like that to keep their bloodlines pure."

"Alas, yes, you're right. That's why, as a child of two great clans, you were shunned by the villagers. I should have waited until you were older to tell you the truth, but... I think you're a mature, precocious ninja with a mind of your own. I felt you shouldn't be kept in the dark any longer."

"Your parents died not long after returning from the Second Shinobi World War, after protecting Konoha. They left you behind."

"I only just learned all this myself. Otherwise, I might have told you sooner," Hizashi said, sounding a little embarrassed.

"It's all right, Teacher Hizashi. If you'd told me sooner, I might not have been capable of getting to the bottom of things. I'm already very glad you chose to tell me about my background. If you'd kept it from me for a long time, I imagine I would have resented you," Uchiha Shiyu said.

He thought of Naruto, whose fate was almost the same as his own. But Shiyu probably wouldn't be as cheerful as Naruto.

"Then could you tell me more about my mother and father?" Shiyu asked again.

"Your mother was named Hinata Shinku. Her identity was quite special, too. She was the daughter of the current head of the Hyuga Clan."

"The clan head's daughter?" Shiyu hadn't expected that his mother in this world had been a princess of the Hyuga Clan.

"This information was sealed before you were born. Since you're called Uchiha, the Hyuga Clan wouldn't go out of their way to get close to you."

"This is classified information belonging to Konoha, and I wouldn't have known about it either. My older brother, Hyuga Hiashi, told me all of this. That's all I can say. If you want to know more, you'll have to ask the clan head yourself," Hizashi explained.

"Then can't I just go ask him now?" Shiyu asked.

"You can, but first you'll have to defeat me using the Hyuga style of Taijutsu. If you can't even beat me, the clan head probably won't acknowledge you."

"I don't need him to acknowledge me. I just want to know about my mother," Shiyu said. He had no interest in whether the head of the Hyuga Clan—his own grandfather—accepted him.

Hizashi Hyuga shook his head. "It's not as simple as you think. Right now, no one in the Hyuga Clan knows your identity, and neither does anyone in the Uchiha Clan. They only know you as a so-called castoff."

"But if your mixed-blood identity is discovered and confirmed, and ill-intentioned people exploit and stir up trouble over it, the worst outcome may be that Konoha refuses to accept you. After all, both the Uchiha and Hyuga are great clans in Konoha."

"I called you here, first, to tell you who your mother was, and second, because I wanted to fight you and see your true strength, then teach you the secret techniques of the Hyuga Clan."

"Honestly, Shiyu, I was shocked that you had the Byakugan. But more than anything, I was curious. Once I learned you really did have Hyuga blood, I was actually delighted."

"That means I can teach you all the secret techniques of the Hyuga style!"