Hizashi Hyuga bowed respectfully before Uzumaki Kuming as he made his request. His sudden appearance left Kuming and Uchiha Fugaku exchanging bewildered looks. They had no idea why the Hyuga Clan's second son was so eager to join Kuming's Anbu squad.
Before Kuming could ask him about it, Hizashi began making his case. "Captain Uzumaki, you came to invite my older brother to join your squad because you recognized the power of our Hyuga Clan's Byakugan Kekkei Genkai."
"To be frank, my abilities aren't much inferior to my brother's. I can provide the squad with just as much strength as he can."
"And unlike my brother, I belong to the Hyuga Branch Family. Assigning a Branch Family shinobi to the Anbu would be as simple as an order from Lord Hokage. It wouldn't cause any trouble."
"Forgive my bluntness, but there's no way you'll get my brother from the Main Family to join your squad."
Hizashi couldn't go three sentences without mentioning the Hyuga Clan. Whenever he said words like "Main Family" or "Branch Family," he seemed to grit his teeth. Sensing his resentment, Kuming understood why he was so eager to join the Anbu—and Kuming's squad.
"He's desperate to escape the Hyuga Clan's influence, and he hates being part of the Branch Family."
"Hizashi Hyuga, as a younger twin, are you unwilling to accept your fate?"
Kuming didn't bother to avoid saying it in front of Hiashi. He spoke plainly. At his words, Hizashi suddenly lifted his head, his eyes burning with fervor.
For the first time, someone had said aloud what he had kept in his heart all these years, living in the Hyuga Clan. Hizashi felt understood, and his gaze toward Kuming grew fervent.
By then, Hiashi had also come to Kuming's side. Hearing Kuming's words, Hiashi's