Watching the battle unfold between Hinata and Hanabi, Hiashi kept a close eye on their every move, his face maintaining a solemn expression, contemplating something unknown.
As a maid, Hyuga Natsu looked at Hinata and Hanabi dueling with worry. She was well aware of Hinata's personality, which, unlike Hanabi's tenacity, was timid and somewhat insecure.
This confrontation was very disadvantageous for Hinata.
However, this was a duel arranged by Clan Leader Hiashi, and as a maid, she could only stand outside the arena as a spectator, unable to intervene. If she overstepped her bounds, the members of the Main Family would activate the Curse Seal on her forehead without hesitation, putting her through unbearable pain.
As Hyuga Natsu expected, as the battle continued, Hinata's footwork began to falter, and her breathing became labored. Under Hanabi's relentless pursuit, she quickly fell into a disadvantage.
"Ha!"
With quick reflexes, Hanabi extended her foot to trip Hinata's heel, followed by a soft blow to Hinata's abdomen. Without hesitation, the strike sent Hinata's body flying across the dojo floor, making her let out a faint cry of pain.
Because Hanabi controlled her strength in the final blow, Hinata only suffered minor injuries, which could be remedied with some medicinal ointment.
Looking at Hinata on the ground, still reeling from her defeat, Hanabi glanced at her and said indifferently, "I've won, sister."
Hinata lowered her head further, breathing heavily, and slowly stood up without speaking, seemingly accepting her defeat.
"Lady Hinata."
Hyuga Natsu walked over to Hinata, brushing the dust off her clothes and checking her injuries.
"It won't do to protect her like this, Natsu. Hinata, as the eldest daughter of the Main Family and the future successor of the Hyuga Clan, has now been defeated by her younger sister. It really is unacceptable for her as the elder sister."
Hiashi sighed heavily, his tone filled with deep disappointment.
"I'm sorry, Father..."
Hinata knew she had let Hiashi down, lowering her head in apology.
"Without even the resolve to fight directly, you shouldn't be at this level. I'm disappointed in you, Hinata. If you continue to be so timid, for the future of the Hyuga Clan, I will reconsider the Main Family's successor. Hanabi is more suitable than you right now."
Even though these words were cruel, Hiashi still said them to Hinata.
Losing her status as the Main Family's successor meant Hinata would be marked as a member of the branch family.
Hinata seemed to recall something terrifying, her body trembling more violently and her breath becoming more rapid.
She had witnessed those punished by the Main Family, with faces twisted in agony, kneeling and begging for forgiveness. These images remained in her memory.
She didn't understand why the clan separated the Main Family and branch family, or why they branded the branch family with a cruel Curse Seal... but it was a tradition that the Hyuga Clan had maintained since ancient times, ensuring the continuity of the Hyuga Clan's lineage, and was considered the correct governing method.
These were the teachings from her father and the elders.
Everything was for the continuation of the Hyuga Clan, so the branch family ninjas had to be marked with the Curse Seal.
"I-I will try my best, Father."
Not knowing how to respond to Hiashi, Hinata could only give such a promise.
"No, you still don't understand where you lost. Excessive compassion will lead you into hell; this is the fate of the clan and could become your fate. Reflect on your position after you return, the Hyuga Clan does not need weakness."
Hiashi's cold words left Hinata short of breath, even less daring to meet his gaze.
As the atmosphere reached its peak of tension, footsteps echoed from outside, and a figure kneeled at the entrance, respectfully speaking to Hiashi:
"Lord Hiashi, Elder Danzo has come to visit."
"I understand. Have Elder Danzo wait a moment; I'll be there shortly."
Hiashi replied, turning his head.
"Yes."
The figure disappeared from the entrance.
"I have some matters to attend to. Natsu, I'll leave Hinata and Hanabi to you. Also, supervise Hinata in completing her assignments. If she doesn't finish, don't let her have dinner."
Hiashi thought for a moment and instructed Hyuga Natsu.
"Yes, Lord Hiashi, I will take good care of the two young ladies."
Hyuga Natsu obeyed the command and replied.
"I appreciate it."
Hiashi said, then turned and left the dojo to meet with Danzo.