Chapter 5
"Lord Hikaru, when did you return?" Neiki sheathed his short blade, smiling at the newcomer.
Hikaru, a member of the Hyuga central family, had a similar background to Ryo, who bullied Neji at the Ninja Academy. Hikaru’s father was an elder in the Hyuga clan. Hikaru himself was exceptionally talented and composed. He was three years older than Neiki and had recently become a Konoha Jonin.
Neiki and Hikaru exchanged looks. Although Hikaru had never offended Neiki, he couldn’t help but feel hatred towards him due to his highly pure Byakugan.
"I just got back," Hikaru replied, pausing slightly without noticing the malice in Neiki’s eyes, only feeling a bit puzzled.
Having completed a three-month mission, Hikaru reported to the Third Hokage first and then was directed to find Neiki before proceeding to the clan leader, Hiashi. While Hikaru acknowledged Neiki’s extraordinary talent and the title of one of Konoha’s Twin Prodigies, who made the young generation of the Hyuga central family bow down with his strength, he couldn’t understand why the clan leader needed Neiki for his report.
Hikaru admitted Neiki was exceptional, but after facing numerous life-and-death crises on missions, Hikaru valued life and comrades more. He harbored no ill will towards Neiki, who was bound to make a name for himself.
Still, Hikaru felt uneasy. As a Jonin of higher rank and seniority, why did he need Neiki’s presence to report to the clan leader?
Does the clan leader value Neiki that much?
Walking side by side, Hikaru asked directly, "Do you know why Hiashi-sama called you?"