Life in the Hyuga compound was always regimented and oppressive. After returning from the Eastern Front, Hizashi Hyuga quickly slipped back into its stifling atmosphere.
Six in the morning: Get up and make breakfast for Neji.
Half past six: Pay his respects to the Clan Head.
Seven to eleven: Practice Gentle Fist.
Neji practiced with him today, too. His bright eyes, sweet smile, and energetic little body were all so adorable.
Neji was only a little over two years old, but he was always well-behaved. He never cried and fussed for no reason like other children his age, which made life much easier for Hizashi, a single father.
If there was anything about the boy that worried Hizashi, it was that he was too sensible and too talented!
"Phew!" "Hah! Hah!"
Watching Neji practice Gentle Fist in the courtyard, his movements precise and orderly, Hizashi was always overcome by a faint sense of melancholy.
His older brother Hiashi's daughter, Hinata, was already six months old and perfectly healthy.
If Big Brother didn't have a child, perhaps Neji could be adopted by him and become part of the Main Family.
The devilish thought came to Hizashi out of nowhere. He shook his head, a little regretful, trying to banish the terribly disrespectful idea from his mind.
His relationship with his older brother was actually quite good.
"It's just... Neji..." Hizashi murmured to himself.
"Hizashi!"
A deep voice rang out. It sounded nine parts like Hizashi's, but was heavier and more authoritative.
Hizashi jolted in fright and sprang to his feet, activating his Byakugan.
He didn't need to turn around to see who was behind him: the Hyuga Clan Head, Hiashi, along with the Mist delegation's two envoys, Chen and Kaguya Ren.
Hizashi composed his expression, then turned around as calmly as