Mother's Identity

"Hizashi and Hiashi, twin brothers, yet one became the Branch Family and the other the Main Family. In the end, Hizashi even died in Hiashi's place."

"I will never let something like this happen," Shiyu resolved inwardly.

"Teacher Hizashi," Shiyu began to ask.

"Lord Hizashi is in the Branch Family."

"As expected." Shiyu then followed the servant and continued on his way toward the Hyuga Branch Family compound.

Located in the direction of the Branch Family, one could clearly see the large characters "Hyuga" written on the houses when looking up, and the surrounding architecture was very Japanese in style.

In the courtyard, Hyuga Hizashi was leisurely drinking tea.

"Teacher Hyuga! It's been a few days, and you look more energetic than ever! You really have a refined taste, so poetic and picturesque, living such a carefree life." Shiyu exchanged pleasantries politely for a while before asking.

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

"Shiyu, I've invited you here for two reasons. The first is that I've already gathered Nao and Kurenai, and they should be arriving soon."

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

Shiyu knew this was just the appetizer; Hizashi must have had something important to discuss with him.

"And what is the other matter?" Shiyu finally hit the nail on the head.

Hizashi nodded, then waved his hand. Hizashi's servants, being very perceptive, all withdrew.

"Shiyu, this might be a bit abrupt, but I'd like to discuss the matter of Kekkei Genkai with you."

"Kekkei Genkai?"

"Are you sure your eyes aren't the Byakugan?" Hizashi asked, seemingly observing Shiyu's expression.

Shiyu shook his head and said, "They're definitely not the Byakugan."

"Hmm, do you think it's possible? That you inherited two bloodlines? The Uchiha's Sharingan and the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan? That your bloodlines merged?"

"Hmm? Perhaps. My father is Uchiha, but..." Shiyu didn't seem to know his mother's identity.

Unexpectedly, Hizashi stood up and said sternly, "Your name is Uchiha, inheriting your father's surname, but in reality, you also have the blood of my Hyuga Clan!"

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

"Don't you find it strange? Your eyes are almost identical to the Byakugan of our Hyuga Clan. The difference is, they also possess the three tomoe of the Uchiha Clan."

"However, I suspect you've been keeping it a secret because you understand the principle that 'the wind will destroy the tree that stands out in the forest,' right? Indeed, if you don't understand many things, exposing your secrets is no different from seeking your own death. If I'm not mistaken, you've already awakened the abilities of the Byakugan and the Sharingan, haven't you?"

Given Hizashi's accurate guess, Shiyu decided not to hide anything. Firstly, Hizashi had been good to him. Secondly, Hizashi clearly had no ill will towards him, otherwise, he wouldn't have dismissed everyone and spoken to him privately.

However, what Shiyu wanted to know most at this moment was why he possessed the blood of the Hyuga Clan.

"That's right, I have indeed awakened two Kekkei Genkai, but why do I have the blood of the Hyuga Clan? Could it be...?" Shiyu found it hard to believe.

"It's very simple. Because your mother was a member of my Hyuga Clan!"

"Huh? So my father is Uchiha, and my mother is from the Hyuga Clan?! How is that possible! Clans with Kekkei Genkai should not allow such a thing to ensure the purity of their bloodlines."

"Alas, yes, it's exactly as you said. Therefore, as a mixed-blood of two great clans, you were ostracized by the villagers. By rights, I should have told you the reason after you grew up, but... I think you are a sensible and precocious ninja with your own ideas, so I felt you shouldn't have been deceived for so long."

"Your parents died protecting Konohagakure not long after the Second Shinobi World War, leaving you behind."

"I only found out about these things recently, otherwise, I might have told you sooner," Hizashi said somewhat apologetically.

"It's alright, Teacher Hizashi. If you had told me sooner, I might not have even had the ability to understand the circumstances. I'm already very happy that you've actively told me about my background. If you had deceived me for a very long time, I imagine I would have held a grudge then," Uchiha Shiyu said.

He thought of Naruto, who had a fate almost identical to his own, though Shiyu probably wouldn't be as cheerful as Naruto.

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

"Your mother's name was Hinata Shinku. Her identity was also very special; she was the daughter of the current Hyuga Clan head."

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

"This information was sealed before you were born. Because your name is Uchiha, the Hyuga Clan wouldn't proactively associate with you."

"And this is a secret of Konohagakure. I didn't know about it originally. My brother, Hyuga Hiashi, told me these things. This is all I can say. If you want to know more, you'll have to find the clan head yourself and ask him." Hizashi explained.

"Then, can I go ask him directly right now?" Shiyu asked.

"You can, but first, you must defeat me using Hyuga-style Taijutsu. If you can't even defeat me, the clan head likely won't acknowledge you."

"I don't need his acknowledgment. I just want to know information about my mother," Shiyu said, having no interest in whether the Hyuga Clan head, his maternal grandfather, acknowledged him or not.

Hyuga Hizashi shook his head. "These matters aren't as simple as you think. Currently, your identity is unclear not only to the Hyuga Clan but also to the Uchiha Clan. They only know you as a so-called castaway."

"But if your mixed-blood identity is discovered and confirmed, and then exploited and incited by those with ulterior motives, the worst-case scenario is that Konoha might not tolerate you. After all, the Uchiha and Hyuga are both major clans in Konoha."

"I called you here this time for two reasons: first, to tell you your mother's identity, and second, I hope to spar with you to see your true strength and teach you the secret techniques of the Hyuga Clan."

"To be honest, Shiyu, your possession of the Byakugan surprised me, but I was more curious. When I learned that you indeed have Hyuga blood, I was actually delighted."

"This way, I can teach you all my Hyuga-style secret techniques!"