Episode -1: A Murder at the House of Hyuga

  Context: The year is 1979 in the Land of Fire. At opposite ends of the Hidden Leaf Village, there are the houses of the Hyuga clan. The main family and the extended family. Every generation of Hyuga must decide on a clan leader from the main branch to lead from the main household. This leader is typically a man, even if he makes for a weak choice. Yet, Hiashi Hyuga, the current leader, has only been able to father two daughters. It does not matter which person was born first.

  A young Neji Hyuga and his father, Hizashi, are headed toward the main house to stay the night and maintain their relationship.

  Neji: I don't get why we have to be friends with these people at all. They don't care about us, and we'll never get to lead the clan, despite me being more qualified.

  Hizashi: Hiashi cares about us, and we care about him. Just has a funny way of showing it sometimes.

  Neji: “Funny?” He acts like you poisoned his tea. Aren't you supposed to be brothers?

  Hizashi: Being the leader puts a lot of stress on him.

  Neji: That doesn't excuse anything.

  Hizashi: … It doesn't matter if they're mean to us. We need to respect the main branch and show them that we're their family. They control the future of our houses and whether or not we continue to be a major house in the village.

  Neji: Nobody can control the future...

  Hizashi: For the sake of the Hyuga name, act nice, Neji.

  Neji: I can act.

  Once they reach the main house, they knock on the front door and a woman answers them.

  Hizashi: Greet-

  She holds up a finger, as if to say, “One moment.” After a bit, a young Hinata runs up to them and bows.

  Hinata: S-Sincerest greetings to you, our honored guests! I offer my deepest apologies for not being here on time. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

  Hizashi: Don't worry so much. Of course we forgive you.

  Neji: … What he said.

  Hinata looks up, but she still looks worried.

  Hinata: P-Please follow me to the master of the house.

  As the four walk through the house, the woman leans down to Hinata's ear and whispers;

  Hina: You did very well.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  The compliment has no affect on Hinata. They enter a very formal meeting room, where Hiashi is sitting on a cushion on a raised section of the room as he looks through documents.

  Hizashi: It's good to see you, Hiashi.

  Hiashi: … Tired after the trip?

  Hizashi: It's only across town. We'd travel the whole world for the clan.

  Hiashi: I need Neji at full strength. Eat and sleep. He's sparring with Hinata tomorrow.

  Neji closes his fist behind his back.

  Neji: Is that all you'll need us for, sir?

  Hiashi: We'll see tomorrow.

  Late in the night, Neji lays awake in his bed when he sees someone pass by his window. After jolting upward, he steps up to the window, opens it, and peaks through, seeing his father climbing across the second story wall.

  Neji: Dad?

  Hizashi looks back and puts a finger on his own mouth, silencing Neji. The boy nods at him and closes his window before going back to bed. In the morning, Hinata knocks on his door, waking Neji.

  Hinata: The master would like to see you in the next ten minutes. It's urgent. The house guards will escort you if you're not ready in time.

  Neji: What's happening?

  Hinata: … Just, be there...

  She stumbles as she walks away. Minutes later, Neji and Hizashi meet with Hiashi as four guards stand at each wall of the room. 16 in total.

  Hiashi: Well? Out With It!

  Hizashi: … With what?

  Hiashi: Don't play a fool, Hizashi. My wife is dead and you know nothing? The first night you stay here in a year!

  Hizashi: Hina's... What happened?

  Hiashi: As you know, she was poisoned in the middle of the night with a bottle of concentrated, fast-acting Venom Sumac. The bottle was in her hand with her saliva on it. You really expect me to believe she did it herself?!

  Hizashi: Venom Sumac? Only someone with connections to the Land of Marshes could get their hands on that.

  Hiashi: So, you admit it was you?!

  Hizashi: Master Hiashi, I don't know how Hina got her hands on this poison, but my loyalty and devotion to this clan never wavers and never ceases.

  Hiashi: Is that so?... I cannot prove your guilt, but I can prove your loyalty.

  The master claps his hands and the guards bring in a table, two chairs, and a medical eye scooper.

  Hiashi: Give me your eyes and you may leave, still being the lesser house's head.

  Neji: What?! You Can't Do This!!

  Hizashi: Neji!

  Neji: No! How Can You Ask That Of Your Brother?! Can't You See He's Loyal?! He Didn't Do Anything!!

  Hiashi: You'll understand when you're older.

  Neji: No, I Won't!! I Hate You!!

  Neji steps towards Hiashi and Hizashi holds him back.

  Hizashi: That's Enough, Neji! Everything is fine.

  Neji wrestles away from his father and glares at him.

  Neji: How Are You So Calm?! H-How can you let them do this to you?

  Hizashi: … Because,

  it's my destiny.

  Episode Listing

  Episode -4: Twin Worlds

  Episode -3: The Night of Nine

  Episode -2: Family Man

  Episode -1: A Murder at the House of Hyuga

  Episode 0: Pain and Sorrow

  Episode 1: Fragile Mind

  Episode 2: Play My Tricks

  Episode 3: New Routine

  Episode 4: That I've Learned

  Episode 5: To Understand and Know

  Episode 6: As We Move On

  Episode 7: Heavy Pulse

  Episode 8: Sweaty Clothes

  Episode 9: Bloody Eyes

  Episode 10: Rest Your Head On Me

  Episode 11: Wake

  Episode 12: I'm Not Here

  Episode 13: There Must Be Some Mistake

  Lore: The medical eye scooper was designed as a way to more humanely blind someone. Although blinding shots to the eye exist, the scooper remains a popular option among different clans and factions.