A Young, Green Leaf
A year has passed after I gained those out of place memories. I've been accepted to the Ninja Academy, and I spent my days toiling away at home as father only increased the intensity of his tutelage. That, and I've begun writing a coded book that I hid under the floorboards. All of my future plannings, and daily diary is kept safe in there, encrypted by the alien language that is English.
At the Academy, I attempt my best to appear as a normal and average student. Well, perhaps slightly better than average, which is permissible thanks to father's drills and training. The Reason as to why I kept my innate intellectual maturity to myself, is to avoid the prying eyes of the likes of Danzo Shimura. Freedom to grow is something I'd truly value. While serving under the ROOT, being molded into a lethal weapon of Konoha might be the fastest method to gain power, I wouldn't dream of selling my soul to the devil.
Another development, one not so fortunate in my favor, is that Hinata Hyūga is turning three years old. According to tradition, the clan gathered all unsealed children of the Branch Member, and put into them the restraining juinjutsu called the Caged Bird Seal. So agonizingly painful it was, that I was reduced into a trembling mess on the floor just like Neji and the few other Hyūga children.
What comes next, however, is more than just physical pain. Not long before this, the Third Great Shinobi War ended with Konoha comfortably on top. Kumogakure representatives visited Konoha on a diplomatic mission, and attempted to steal the Byakugan of a young Hinata. Hiashi thwarted their attempt and killed one of the diplomats, which led to an international incident.
Kumogakure denied all accusations of the kidnapping, and demanded the body of Hiashi as compensation for the death of their Head Ninja as per the stipulations of the treaty. However, Neji's father and Hiashi's younger twin, Hizashi Hyūga volunteered to take the place of his brother. This had another advantage, besides saving the life of the head of the clan; Hizashi's Caged Bird Seal,would seal his Byakugan upon his death, safeguarding its secret.
What follows is a year long grief and air of hatred that persisted in the clan compound. The Hyuga Affair, as Kumogakure would paint it, becomes a dark footnote in the clan's history.
"Hirata, how are your classes going these days, are you performing well?" Hisaruno asked, his cold glances meeting my own as I passed through the front door of our small estate.
Holding back a sigh, I told him the truth. "It's been a week already that I surpassed the standard curriculum regarding Chakra Theorems, Shurikenjutsu, and of course the Taijutsu classes. Not to mention most academic subjects such as math, history and politics. I feel that I need to push my limit further, but I don't want to stand out too much.. father.."
Taking a moment to pause, Hisaruno replied with a little light of content in his eyes. "I'm glad I asked. You were always a gifted child, son. What I couldn't fathom, is why are you so persistent to hide your genius? It's about time for the Hyūga to have a prodigy of their own.. one to match that Uchiha Itachi"
Flashing memories of the soon-to-come Uchiha massacre, I held my breath and arranged a reply hoping father would sympathize.
"Prodigies either die young or live a life full of regrets and suffering, Father. Make no mistake, I will attain my place amongst legends one day. But for now, I wish to cover my basics and build a solid foundation to grow. I… want to take my time and have a somewhat normal childhood.."
Quite surprisingly, it worked. Father's expression mellowed, and I could feel his gaze on me shifted into something softer. Perhaps.. he could see me more as a son than a soldier in training.
"That's… a wise decision. You have my support, son. Actually.. I just talked to the wife of the late Hizashi-sama. They're holding up quite well, but young Neji is coping quite badly. I offered to have you spend some time with him, and train with him. You're both uniquely prodigious for your age, and I understand how you seem to disregard your classmates. Your sensei consulted me regarding your lack of socializing. Therefore, starting next week, we will host Neji for him to live and train here for a while until things settle down."
I couldn't quite hide the look of surprise, though I'm glad father just chalked it up to anything but anything other than my meta-knowledge brain buzzing with red alerts. I had hoped to have as little interaction as possible with part of the main and supporting characters, but it seems fate works a little funny in this world.