Author Note

This story is a major AU scenario, on what if Naruto was in the Hyūga clan, I know that's already been done so many times. So I decided to add my own twist to the story. Warning this isn't going to be a focused on the Village as a whole, the focused is the Hyūga clan. I really want emphasize the toxicity of the clan before they changed canonically.

When there's a time skip you'll see this symbol ⁂

Let me know after reading how you guys feel about it. Enjoy!


When Paths Diverge

In the heart of the Hidden Leaf Village, the Hyūga clan's reputation was impeccable, their strength renowned. But for Mukai Hyūga, a darkness had crept into his life, leading to a fateful betrayal that would shatter his world and change the dynamic of their clan forever.

Mukai was once a respected member of the Hyūga clan, known for his skills and loyalty. However, as the years passed, financial troubles began to weigh heavily on his shoulders. The pressure to provide for his growing family, a wife and two young children, became unbearable.

Desperation clouded Mukai's judgment, and he saw a way out that he could never take back. In a secret meeting with a rival Village, he sold secrets of the Hidden Leaf, betraying his clan and village for a pouch full of ryo.

News of Mukai's treason reached the Hyūga clan's council, and the punishment was swift and severe. He was banished from the clan, forever branded a traitor. His family's fall from grace was equally swift, their name tarnished by his actions.

Mukai's wife, Ayumi, and their two children, Naruto and Aiko, were no longer welcome among the Hyūga. The once-supportive clan members turned their backs on them. They were ostracized, their lives burdened by the sins of their husband and father.

The burden of disgrace weighed heavily on Ayumi's shoulders. She had been a loyal wife, unaware of her husband's treacherous actions. She had loved Mukai, but now she and her children were met with cold glares and whispered insults wherever they went.

Naruto and Aiko, too young to fully understand the gravity of their father's actions, bore the brunt of the clan's hatred. They were mocked and isolated by their peers, and their education and opportunities could've been severely restricted.

Mukai's decision to betray his clan for money had torn apart the once happy Hyūga family. They were left to navigate a world filled with disdain and mistrust, struggling to rebuild their lives in the shadow of his unforgivable betrayal.

Years Later

In the opulent halls of the Hyūga clan's main branch, a tense atmosphere hung heavy in the air. A group of Hyūga elders, their piercing white eyes filled with scrutiny, had gathered to witness an important event; the Byakugan awakening test.

Naruto, standing in the center of a ceremonial chamber, felt the weight of his clan's expectations upon him. It was a rite of passage for every Hyūga child to awaken their Byakugan, a symbol of their heritage and power. But as he concentrated, trying to tap into the legendary ocular ability, nothing happened.

"What do you see? How much can you perceive, with those eyes of yours?" One of the elders asked cryptically.

Naruto still straining his eyes became worried but still answered "I don't see... anything at all."

The elders exchanged disapproving glances, and murmurs of disappointment filled the room. Naruto's mother, wore a mask of disbelief and despair. This was a grave embarrassment for the Hyūga clan. Another reason to blemish to their reputation.

"Unbelievable," one elder muttered, while another shook their head in disgust. Naruto's mother, standing at the back of the room, held back tears, torn between her love for her son and her loyalty to the clan.

Naruto's own frustration and humiliation welled up within him, and his attempts to activate the Byakugan grew more desperate. But the harder he tried, the more it eluded him.

The Hyūga elders were not known for their patience. "This is unacceptable!" one of them bellowed.

"You bring shame upon the clan you dirty monkey. You are a disgrace, just like your father!"

As Naruto stood there, struggling to hold back tears, he could feel the scornful gazes of the clan members upon him. He had become the black sheep of the Hyūga, a mere monkey who couldn't achieve the eyes of God, a symbol of failure in the eyes of his family and clan.

In the days that followed, Naruto's life took a dark turn. He was stripped of his privileges, his access to clan techniques, and was treated as an outcast. He's now a symbol of disgrace, a constant reminder of what the clan considered imperfection. The due was cruel and due to that his heart began turning cold.

Months Later

As Naruto walked through the cherry blossom garden, a serene tranquility enveloped him, he needed to escape reality sometimes and before his dad left, he and his family spent time here. It felt as though he had stepped into a realm of ethereal beauty. The world was painted in shades of pink and white, an enchanting tapestry of nature's grace.

Each cherry blossom tree, with its slender branches and delicate blossoms, stood as a testament to the fleeting nature of life's precious moments. The petals quivered in the gentle breeze, like whispers of secrets shared among the flowers.

The air was perfumed with a sweet, floral fragrance that danced around me, leaving me with a sense of calm and wonder. The petals underfoot rustled like a delicate, living carpet, as he moved along the winding stone pathways.

The sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled patterns of warmth and light on the ground. Beams of sunlight illuminated the blossoms, making them appear as if they were adorned with a thousand tiny, glistening diamonds.

Around the cherry blossom trees, other plants thrived, their lush green leaves providing a beautiful contrast to the soft pinks and whites above. The garden was a symphony of colors, with vibrant life and delicate grace intertwined.

As he continued to stroll, the gentle rustle of leaves, the occasional song of a bird, and the laughter of others who shared this moment of serenity added to the enchantment of the garden. It was a place where time seemed to slow, where the world's worries faded, and where the beauty of nature stood in all its resplendent glory.

In this moment, surrounded by the cherry blossoms and lush greenery, he thought found solace and a profound appreciation for the ephemeral beauty of life, until he rounded a corner.

There she was Ayumi Hyūga, lifeless. A rope tied around her neck. She couldn't handle the disgrace from not only her husband but Naruto not awakening his Byakugan. So in the spring when he was 9, his mother hung herself from the Cherry Blossom tree in the garden.

From across the way, a Hyūga councilman and his wife was walking passed until they saw the scene. His wife put her hands over her mouth in shock but the councilman sneered in disgust and anger. "Hey! Clean that trash up at once. It spoils the view of the flowers."

Naruto just stood their with a blank face. He mind was completely broken at this point. 'You are free.. ' That was the only thought that crossed his mind.

1 Year Later

Deep within the heart of the Hyūga compound, a young Naruto and his brother Aiko found themselves ensnared in a web of stringent traditions and unyielding expectations. They were sparring to perfect their clans fighting style. Unlike Naruto, Aiko awakened the famed eyes of the clan, causing a wedge between them but when their mother committed suicide, that caused the brothers to no longer considering themselves family. Aiko blamed Naruto weakness for his mother death.

"Naruto, Aiko, it is time," Hiashi stern voice resonated, beckoning the brothers to the arena. As they stepped onto the sand, a chill hung in the air, mingling with a sense of impending struggle. Aiko's Byakugan flared to life, the trademark eyes of their clan, while Naruto's determination radiated from his every movement.

Their clan head, clad in traditional robes, scrutinized them with an unrelenting gaze.

"Show me your resolve," he commanded, his words heavy with the weight of generations of Hyūga before them.

Without a word both brothers charged towards each other.

Aiko's strikes were precise and calculated, a reflection of years spent adhering to a strict regimen. His movements were a testament to the harsh trainings that instilled discipline, but also stifled individuality.

"Do you think strength is merely technique, Aiko?" their clan head chided, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment. Noticing he can't land a decisive hit.

Naruto's approach contrasted sharply. His agility and fluidity reflected his desire to break free from the confines of their clan's outdated customs. Since he couldn't awaken his eyes, he had no choice but to adapt. "Strength lies in adaptation, sir," he retorted, his voice a blend of defiance and longing. A longing that one day he can bed acknowledged but it was foolish dream to have.

The clash of their fighting styles mirrored the dichotomy of the clan itself.

Aiko's eyes, sharp and focused, saw only the path paved by tradition. "Our heritage demands precision, trash." he argued, sweat mingling with determination on his brow.

Naruto's eyes, however, burned with a different fire, one that sought to reshape his future. To carve his own path. "Our heritage should evolve, not stagnate," he countered, his movements a dance of rebellion against the rigidity that bound them.

Instead of seeing a bout of ideals that can shape the future. All Hiashi saw was someone who's less then trash not knowing his place. Seeing Naruto starting to gain the upper hand, their leader's gaze became unflinching, a mixture of anger and frustration etched on his face. "You scoundrel, don't get a big head" he admonished, he stood and began walking towards them but they didn't notice.

"Boy" Hiashi spoke out, but the brothers was engaged in battle.

Aiko the threw a right jab but Naruto caught it and kneed him in the stomach. Aiko grunted in pain, still holding his arm, Naruto judo flipped his brother on the ground. As the dust settled and the sun began its descent, Naruto stood over his brother in triumph , their breaths ragged, their emotions raw. Not hearing the sound to stop Naruto raised his fist about to attack until he was back handed across the face on to the ground.

As he laid there on his stomach, Hiashi planted his foot on the back of his head. Looking down at the boy, he shook his head. "Aiko, you clearly have work to do. Naruto, you give a proper response when spoken to, scum." Naruto gritted his teeth slightly as the clan head lifted his foot and began walking away. "Come with me Naruto, I've got some special type of training for you today." Hiashi proclaimed.


Catacombs

As they ventured deeper into the hidden, dark passageway, a sense of mystery and anticipation hung heavy in the air. The corridor was a realm of shadow and secrets to Naruto, its walls made of aged stone, cold to the touch, bearing the weight of untold history.

The only source of light was the faint, flickering glow of torches placed intermittently along the uneven stone walls. Each torch cast dancing, elongated shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of their own. The light barely reached the edges of the passageway, leaving the heart of the corridor shrouded in obscurity.

The air was heavy with a musty scent, as if the very walls exhaled the secrets they held. Cobwebs draped the ceiling , a testament to the years this passage had remained concealed. Their footsteps echoed softly, the sound ringing through the silence like a secret finally breaking free.

The corridor seemed to stretch endlessly upwards, the only sounds are heard is their hushed breathing and the occasional drip of water from unseen sources.

Hiashi, their clan head broke the long silence. "When Itachi Uchiha was around your age, what do you suppose he was doing?"

"..." Naruto chose not to answer as they walked upwards the corridor.

Ignoring the disrespect, Hiashi smiled. "He was training with Anbu, and now he can simple tasks from his clan and take on missions on his own." They stopped in front of a large door. The Hyūga clan head opened the door. Naruto eyes widen and quickly became nervous looking at the forest below.

Hiashi smile widened, he walked behind Naruto and placed his hands on both his shoulders. He then continued.

"I heard last week he killed an A class rank, Missing ninja last week. You couldn't image how strong he is." He said lowering he head to the boys ear. "You want to know who he killed?" He asked mockingly

Naruto didn't respond, becoming increasingly nervous at the situation before him.

"Your Father..." Hiashi whispered. Naruto eyes widened, then suddenly Hiashi push the boy down towards the Forest floor.

Thud

Crash

Crack

Thump


Forest of Death

"Ngh, Dammit" Naruto grunted as he stood up from the ground. He looked around trying to find a way out the forest. Naruto had no choice but accept his situation and push forward.

In the heart of the dense and unforgiving forest, the weather was dark and relentless as thick clouds blocked the sun, casting an eerie pallor over the landscape. A cold wind howled through the trees, and rain fell in a relentless, unending drizzle, turning the forest floor into a muddy, treacherous maze.

With determination and the survival instincts of youth, Naruto faced the challenges of the wild. Hunger gnawed at his belly, and he watched the forest's birds with unwavering focus. He had observed their behavior, learned their patterns, and honed his skills. His eyes tracked the flight of birds, watching them hunt for small prey, and he began to mimic their tactics.

With a makeshift slingshot he had crafted from twine and a forked branch, the boy attempted to strike small game; a squirrel, a rabbit, anything to stave off his hunger. In the cold and wet of the forest, he struggled to make a fire, but he managed, and the warmth became a vital comfort against the elements.

One evening, as the sun's feeble light waned, a pack of wolves emerged from the shadows, drawn by the scent of a potential meal. Naruto, armed with two a sharp sticks like twin blades, he had fashioned, stood his ground, his heart pounding in his chest.

The leader of the pack, a massive beast with bloodshot eyes, lunged at him. Its sharp fangs gleamed in the pale light, and its maw reeked of the wet forest. The boy's heart raced as he instinctively thrust one of the sharpened stick towards the attacking wolf. The makeshift weapon found its mark, puncturing the creature's side.

The wounded wolf yelped, but its pain only seemed to intensify its fury. It snapped its jaws menacingly, bloody froth dripping from its maw. The other wolves hesitated, circling the boy, their eyes gleaming with malevolent hunger.

In the ensuing chaos, the boy found himself in a gruesome dance of survival. Desperation filled the air as he swung his sharp sticks, the wolves lunging, snapping, and gnashing at him. Blood and mud mixed together in a horrifying ballet of violence, and the boy's tattered clothing bore testament to the brutality of the struggle.

His face was marred with deep scratches, and his hands were bitten and torn. The forest floor became a battleground, slick with rain, blood, and muck. The boy's heart raced, his breath ragged, but his determination to survive never wavered.

In a final act of defiance, the boy screamed, his voice echoing through the trees. The leader of the pack, bleeding from its side, bearing the scars of their battle, fell on the ground dead. He then waved his sticks menacingly, and the pack, sensing his newfound ferocity, finally retreated into the shadows.

The boy, battered and bruised, emerged from the grisly fight, his body a patchwork of wounds. He then looked up towards the heavens.

"RRRAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGG"

His roar reverberated throughout the forested area as he claimed his victory. He had proven himself against the forest's most relentless hunters, a testament to the unforgiving savagery that could be unleashed in the fight for survival.

He then collapsed to the ground from his injuries. A shadow loomed over him.

"Oh what's this? A week out here alone in the wilderness and you're still not dead yet? Impressive." Hiashi stated as he loomed over him.

The boy on the ground bleeding out, gave him a cold stare despite the pain he was in.

The clan head became serious "The sooner you quit fighting the inevitable, the easier it'll be for you..."

Still seeing the look of anger from the boy he scoffed, "If you're going to burn your eyes towards me, then activate your bloodline and do it already you dam dirty monkey."

The boy didn't respond, he passed out from the blood lost.

Days Later

Naruto woke up to find he was in his dusty dank room. He noticed the he's covered in bandages. He then saw the Hyūga princess next to him sleeping. He can never understand Hinata, why was she so nice to him? Why always she watch him from a far? Nothing made sense at that moment. She began to stir and when she saw him awake she jumped to her feet.

As she continued to nursed his wounds, he realized he had triumphed over the forest's most relentless hunters. His week in the wilderness had been a harsh, and brutal, but he emerged from it with newfound strength, knowledge, and a deep understanding of the resilience that lay within him.

He stared into space in deep thought.

"N-Naruto-kun, I'm glad you're okay" She said silently.

He became slightly confused, "Have I been out that long?"

She nodded hesitantly "I b-became w-worried when you disappeared and r-returned unconscious. You've been out for t-three days, you okay" She asked concerned for his health.

"..." Naruto just sat there unresponsive as he stared into space. He slowly got up and went towards the bathroom. She put her head down slightly dejected from him ignoring her, but before he closed the door he looked at her once more. "Thank you, Hinata." He closed the door as she blushed red walking away.

Naruto turned the nob on the sink to wash his face and hands. When he looked on the mirror, he removed the bandages and saw gashes going across his face. He bore the signs of a warrior. As he washed his face his mind started going down a dark path.

"Train, Wake up. Over and over. Train, Wake up. Do anyone else understands what it means to be alone while surrounded by family? No. I have no family. So who am I doing this for?" He spoke out loud to himself. After a while he still couldn't find the answer so he decided to endure.

3 Years Later

Naruto POV

Three years came and went, and by 13, I fell into a set schedule. Wake up. Spar with brother. Then thrown into the forest to survive for a week, that became my new norm. I could no longer can distinguish between day and night.

Wake up

Spar

Forest

After a while I gave up the thoughts on have a normal life. There was no point of thinking about it

Wake up

Spar

Forest

Because those thoughts fills with insurmountable pain.

Wake up

Spar

Forest

And after the years of training, passing my limits and I reached to the point I don't feel physical pain anyone. But no matter how strong I get

Wake up

Spar

Forest

A new pain always comes along but if I'm not going to die. All I can do is endure it. I'm tough enough where that it never kills me. So I must endure..

Wake up

(Endure it)

Spar

(Endure... IT)

Forest

(ENDURE IT!!!!!)

But... For what? I can never answer that question.


Naruto kneeling on the ground surrounded by dead bears. He's breathing hard from the fight he's just finished. All the while his brother and clan head looked down at him from the door. Naruto just stared at the pool of blood as if in a trance.

"HEY DOWN THERE. YOU STILL WITH US?" Aiko screamed mockingly. Hiashi looked down with disgust and shook his head at Naruto being alive.

"Of course he is, that dam bastard. There's no point in worthless trash like you being alive. Don't go getting a big head just because you're sturdier than the average monkey!" Hiashi proclaimed, sneering at the disfigured faced boy.

Naruto hearing those words really internalized them but did not respond.

Hiashi scoffed at the nonresponse from the boy and began closing the door. "Well then, how about another couple of hours."

As the door closed Naruto was left there in the forest and the rain began to pelt on his face. "There's no point in being alive, huh..." The thought of killing himself crossed his mind. He then shook his head. "Hah, it's a bit too late for that." Why had he been so weak, that was the thought raging in his head.

He began walking in deep thought. He forgot to watch his step

SNAP

He yelped in pain as the rocks beneath his feet broke sending him tumbling down the small hill. He tried to catch something in order to stop his fall but felt terror seep in his heart as the deep valley started getting closer and closer.

But there was nothing to grab, nothing to stop his descent to death and his heart stopped when he felt the ground going missing from beneath him.

He closed his eyes not wanting to see himself die a horrible death. It was all so dark and cold as he continued to fall...

CRASH

He didn't know what took over him but he opened his eyes only to see his life flash before his eyes.

All the good and bad times, the memories of his famil, tears and joys. Then a final image of a certain Hyūga princess and her loving smile. That smile always made him felt warm inside; Maybe he would see her again one day.

However all those thought vanished from his mind as in the darkness he saw something. It was distant but growing larger and larger.

His eyes widened in shock as he felt something that stopped his heart.

A pair of gold eyes full of hatred staring at him as a large shadow looms over him. The figure began to chuckle in amusement.

"KuuuKukuu. Now what do we have here?"


Author Note

Thats all for now.

Chapter 2 is coming soon, I hope you guys enjoy.

If you have any questions or suggestions to make the story better just leave review. Once more, I appreciate everyone for contributing with this story. So please… the more reviews the better.

See ya.