Chapter 19: Izayoi and the Younger Sister-in-Law

Chapter 19: Izayoi and the Younger Sister-in-Law

Konoha, 57th Year, July 23rd.
Hyūga Clan Compound.

Thud-thud-thud—
The training hall of the clan leader’s estate echoed with a series of sharp, resonant impacts.

Inside, a boy and girl locked in a taijutsu duel moved like blurs. The sounds came from their hands—palms striking, fingers flickering like shadows as blue chakra flared around their fingertips. Both Hinata and Neji Hyūga bore tense, sweat-drenched expressions, their temples throbbing.

Each attack met its match, deflected before landing or interrupted by a counter. Chakra clashed violently, sending shockwaves of wind howling through the room.

The duel tested their endurance. A single lapse could spell defeat.

Predictably, after dozens of exchanges, a crisp strike broke the stalemate.

Slap—
Hinata’s finger jabbed into Neji’s chest, channeling chakra into his system. His own chakra flickered out instantly.

Before he could react, a storm of blows rained down on him. Each strike injected chakra into his body, sealing his tenketsu points while searing pain through his nerves.

Neji bit his lip, refusing to cry out.

As Hinata withdrew, her breathing steadied. She gazed down at Neji, slumped on the floor, and said softly, “Thank you for the match, Niisan.”

Nearby, Hiashi Hyūga’s lips curved into a faint smile.

Before Hinata could notice, his expression hardened. “Neji, go have your injuries treated.”

“Yes, clan head.”

Neji bowed, hiding his resentment and stormed out.

Hinata turned to Hiashi, eyes bright. “Father, may I take Hanabi out to play?”

“Hn. Go ahead.”

“Thank you!”

Hinata hurried outside, retrieved her three-year-old sister, and headed to Izayoi’s home. Three years had passed since she’d begun training with him. Back then, she’d still trembled at the sight of Neji. Now, her victories over him—and Hiashi’s approval—spoke volumes.

Her growth stemmed from mastering the Gentle Fist, a technique demanding both Byakugan precision and chakra control. Only Izayoi rivaled her skill in the latter among their peers. Even Sakura Haruno, famed for her chakra control, paled against Hinata’s relentless practice.

Defeating her once-feared cousin had transformed Hinata. Confidence now radiated from her. The clan elders, including Hiashi, had officially declared her heir.

Some elders urged Hiashi to brand Hanabi with the Caged Bird Seal, but he refused, citing his late wife’s wish for Hanabi’s happiness until she turned twelve.

Strangely, Hiashi no longer opposed Hinata’s bond with Izayoi. He even allowed her to bring Hanabi to visit him—a subtle move to protect both daughters from the seal’s tyranny.

Izayoi, oblivious to these machinations, assumed Hanabi’s freedom stemmed from Hinata’s rise. He dismissed the Caged Bird Seal as a minor curse, far weaker than Orochimaru’s Heaven or Earth seals. With Yin-Yang Release, he could dispel it easily if needed.

---

Knock-knock-knock.

“I’m here to play, Onii-san! Let me in!”

Izayoi opened the door to Hinata and a tiny figure clinging to his waist.

“Onii-san, let’s go out!” Hanabi chirped. Dressed in a pink kimono, her short black hair framed a cherubic face.

Izayoi pinched her cheeks. “What shall we do today, Hanabi?”

Above her, floating status effects glowed:

[Princess of the Byakugan (Gold)]
[Byakugan (Purple)]
[Otsutsuki Bloodline (Blue)]
[Jonin Potential (Blue)]
[Chakra Control (Blue)]

Though lacking Hinata’s golden trait, Hanabi’s profile rivaled a weaker version of her sister’s. Both bore destinies that bent reality.

“I want mochi balls and piggyback rides!” Hanabi jumped, reaching for his shoulders.

“Your wish is my command.” Izayoi hoisted her up. “Hinata, close the door.”

As they walked toward the bustling marketplace, Hinata watched the siblings fondly. Since her mother’s death, these outings had shifted from twosomes to threesomes.

Back then, Hinata had wept endlessly. Only Izayoi’s warmth had eased her grief—grief that deepened her reliance on him. Their bond had begun evolving that day.

Determined to spare Hanabi her own fate, Hinata trained relentlessly. Now, seeing Hanabi’s laughter atop Izayoi’s shoulders, she felt her choices were right.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end