Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
I. Chained
Despite being comparatively gregarious when placed in the context of other members of his family, Hyuga Hizashi was still a mystery in that no one really knew much about his private life. For instance, he was clearly interested in women but has never, as far as anyone could tell, actively pursued anyone. This was very disappointing for many of the eligible bachelorettes in the village because with his family background and personal success as a shinobi, Hizashi was considered quite the catch. There was much speculation as to the cause of this unfortunate circumstance but ultimately no one, not even his closest friends really knew why Hizashi appeared set in his single lifestyle.
Maitao Gai may be the closest to ever finding out the reasons behind Hizashi's choices and it wasn't because he was looking for them. It was just that he was the only one who was willing to stay with Hizashi who, after one god awful fight with a member of the Main Family's council, decided to drink himself to death.
At least, that is what it looked like to Gai.
And because he considered Hizashi a friend, who was oddly enough there for him when his family started to fall apart, he couldn't just leave the man alone when he was clearly in turmoil.
Thus, Gai learned that Hizashi, in everything but name, was a slave. The Hyuga's Byakugan was so valuable that the Hidden Leaf Village would allow the clan to act autonomously to village law so they can brand members of the clan like cattle and dictate the course of their lives. The Main Family expected absolute obedience and encouraged severe punishment to maintain the status quo. The village council would look the other way and in exchange they would have the precious and most sought after Byakugan on their side during times of conflict.
And so at the cruelest moment in his life when he was being particularly obstinate, a Main House member will tell Hizashi that his best and only contribution to the world would be when he married and produced viable offspring that would inherit his strong Byakugan but hopefully not his temper.
A stud.
"Why would I bring a child into a life like that," Hizashi questioned bitterly, his face flushed with alcohol. "This is the only thing they cannot control. God help me, I will die before I give them what they want."
The alcohol would make him forget the conversation and Gai's kindness that night but years later, while his new baby sleeps, Hizashi will cry brokenly, overwhelmed by both the love for his son and an odd sense of self-loathing.
~ TBC ~