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### **Hyūga's Chains**
The **Hyūga Clan**, a clan so deeply rooted in outdated traditions, imposed endless restrictions upon its members. While the **main family** wasn't as shackled as the **branch family**, they still operated under strict limitations. The **branch family** was nothing more than glorified servants—slaves bound by the cursed seal, existing solely to protect the so-called noble main house.
And me? Being a **reincarnated soul** or some shit—I sure as hell don't like being a **slave**.
I mean, who does? Life is already difficult enough when you aren't born privileged, so why does it have to be even worse?
I let out a dramatic sigh as I walked down a dirt path through the forest, my body still aching from the day's training. "*Sigh* Why couldn't I have just been born into the main family?" I groaned, throwing my hands up in mock despair.
"What's the difference?" came Shisui's voice, my **not-so-bright** friend, looking at me with genuine confusion.
I gave him a blank stare, resisting the urge to call him an idiot. Thankfully, Itachi stepped in to explain.
"The branch family exists to protect the **noble** main family," Itachi said, his voice calm and composed. "And to ensure their loyalty, the main family places a **cursed seal** on all branch members once they reach a certain age."
Shisui's face twisted in horror. "Wait, WHAT?! How is enslaving your own **family** even allowed?! Does the Hokage know—" He suddenly cut himself off, his voice trailing as his gaze landed on my forehead—where the **Caged Bird Seal** was marked.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance. "As Itachi said, the branch family exists as slaves to the main family," I stated flatly. "Don't **insult me with your pity, Shisui**. Unlike the rest of the Hyūga, I don't buy into that fate and 'Caged Bird' bullshit. I refuse to be another puppet dancing for their amusement. I **shape my own future**, and soon... I'll be the one writing my own story."
A heavy silence fell over the three of us. Itachi and Shisui, for once, chose not to comment, likely realizing how **deeply personal** this topic was for me. If nothing else, at least these two were smart enough to know when to shut up.
Seriously, kids in this world are way too mature. Must be because they're **aliens** or something.
---
"So, they put us three in a team, huh?" I sighed, shoving my hands into my pockets. "This is gonna blow up in their faces. How troublesome."
It wasn't hard to see the **Hokage's intentions**. Hiruzen was clearly **testing** to see if I could be used as a countermeasure against the Uchiha. With my strength, intellect, and status as a **highly valued branch family member**, my words carried weight within the Hyūga.
At least, that's how it **looked** to outsiders.
In reality, I was nothing more than a **tool**—a well-trained **dog** being used to make my master look good. The **main family** had invested in me, given me training and resources, but it wasn't out of kindness. No, they were **attempting to brainwash me** into becoming a devoted follower, like my **pathetic excuse of a father**.
They wanted to **parade** me around as a "model" branch member. If they could create a **Kage-level shinobi** from the branch family, it would reinforce their power and **solidify their control**—all while taking **none** of the risks themselves.
It was disgusting.
---
"Hehehe, don't say that, Jiyū!" Shisui beamed, seemingly **oblivious** to my irritation. "The higher-ups probably just **know** that we three, plus me as leader, are gonna become **legends**!" He stretched his arms out dramatically, as if basking in imaginary glory.
I resisted the urge to **punch him**. Listening to Shisui talk was like **having a cockroach crawl into your ear while you're sleeping**, only to wake up with it **burrowing into your brain**.
"*Sigh* Well, I gotta go now. I've been **forced** to accompany those three brats shopping."
Babysitting duty. Again.
I could barely **tolerate the idiots my own age**, and now they were making **me** responsible for three spoiled, pampered Hyūga brats. **Twin cousins** from the main branch—prized like trophies—and **Neji**, my younger brother.
It wasn't that I hated them.
...No, actually, I **kind of did**.
I wasn't sure if I could bring myself to truly **care** about anyone from the Hyūga clan, even if they were my family. But… I supposed I had **some** level of care for Neji. As for **Hanabi**...
*Shiver.*
If I could, I'd **leave Konoha entirely** just to get away from that **demon child**.
---
Flickering back to the **Hyūga compound**, I could still hear the echoes of my friends' goodbyes. As I arrived in front of my uncle's house, I found myself lost in thought.
I often wondered… **Where will my path take me?**
I never asked to be here, yet here I am. **Most of my memories sealed**, in another body, in another world. It's hard to truly **connect** with people when they see life so differently.
Although I consider Itachi and Shisui my friends, I **could never fully understand them**, just as they could never fully understand me.
*Haaaa~ If possible, I just want a lazy and relaxed life after all of this is over…*
My musings were interrupted by a sudden **shiver** down my spine. Instinct screamed at me to move, and I took a quick step back—just as the **door slammed open** with a loud *BANG*.
Something **shot forward** at me like a **projectile**, and I barely dodged in time.
"Mn! Hmph~ Brother!~ Why did you **dodge**?!"
Standing before me, **pouting like a scorned kitten**, was none other than **Hanabi Hyūga**.
"I could've been *sniff* hurt!~" she whined, puffing out her cheeks dramatically.
My eye twitched. **I hate dealing with this gremlin.**
Her chakra felt different—purer than I remembered from the original story. Unlike other Hyūga, she had an **impressively balanced Yin-Yang energy**, which likely explained why her **Byakugan** was so unnaturally powerful.
It was strange. This level of purity wasn't normal.
Was it because of **me**? Had my **existence** somehow **influenced** her potential to increase more than what it was in canon?
Regardless, if **properly trained**, she could likely evolve her **Byakugan into something greater** in the future. The thought tempted me—training her properly—but right now, I had more pressing concerns. And I also have a small dislike for anything that's Hyuga.
"*Sigh* Alright, brat. Grab the other two, and let's get this over with. I wanna go back to sleep."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph~ You'll **regret** this, nii-san.~"
Ignoring her bratty behavior, I turned my attention to **Neji**, who walked out with a small **smile**, and **Hinata**, who followed **shyly behind him**.
Neji was different then what was shown in canon. Before receiving the **Caged Bird Seal**, he was actually a **happy child**.
How **unfortunate**.
Wouldn't allow that shit to happen to **me**, though.
"Alright, brats," I muttered, rubbing my temple. "Where am I taking you?"
Hanabi **bounced ahead**, her excitement contagious. **Too contagious.**
"*Sigh* Let's go quickly before she does something **stupid**."
With a **wry smile**, Neji grabbed my hand.
Hinata hesitated at first, then, after a brief moment, **latched onto me as well**.
And just like that, my **babysitting nightmare** began.
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### **End of Chapter**
Was pretty free for the past 3 hours and high asf, weed be inspiring me to type.
Tell me your thoughts.