Chapter 9: 9: Alliance (1)

Chapter 9: 9: Alliance (1)

In the days that followed, Shiraishi often noticed Ayane staying alone at the academy. She appeared devoid of friends or any sense of purpose, her eyes empty, resembling a walking corpse. This seemed to be the true mindset of a "slave." It seemed impossible for her to escape this shadow in her lifetime.

Shiraishi couldn't comprehend how a girl who clearly longed for freedom was labeled a "slave" by her own clan. However, he understood that it must have been a state of despair and unimaginable pain for her.

After that day, Ayane's grades plummeted, and their homeroom teacher, Fujimura Taiga, said nothing about it. All he could offer was some insignificant words of comfort and encouragement, urging her to focus on her studies and not dwell on other matters.

Although Fujimura Taiga genuinely wanted to help his students, he knew that the traditions of the Hyuga clan would not be altered by an academy teacher like him. He was fully aware that seeking assistance from the Third Hokage was futile.

These powerful families functioned like small villages within Konoha Village, and many of Konoha Village's regulations were beyond their control. Shiraishi had a clear understanding of this.

Words of comfort were futile for Ayane; she needed to find enlightenment on a deeper level. Mental trauma could only be healed with mental medicine.

.....

Inflicting physical pain on oneself had always been an effective remedy to counter emotional numbness. By experiencing this physical pain, Ayane could truly feel alive. She reminded herself that she was a person, not a captive "livestock" of her family.

Ayane didn't comprehend the traditional meaning of family, nor did she want to understand it. Despite the adults' attempts to enlighten her, claiming that the "Caged bird" seal was for her own good and the preservation of the family's legacy, she couldn't help but question why it was always her making sacrifices. Her mind was filled with thoughts of destruction and a growing hatred.

As her thoughts of hatred and anger intensified, her once gentle and fair face transformed into a distorted and fierce visage, devoid of its former gentleness.

She attacked the training stake with the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist. Gradually, her attacks became increasingly forceful, fueled by her need to vent and grow harder.

Even as her fists bled and the pain persisted, Ayane showed no signs of stopping. Instead, she embraced the pain, hoping it would counter her emotional numbness.

After a while, she ceased this self-destructive method of release, squatting beside the stake. Clasping her knees with both hands, she lowered her head, her long black hair concealing her face as she sobbed softly.

The sun was setting, and darkness enveloped the woods. It was almost nightfall, and the forest air turned chilly. Dark green leaves fell onto Ayane's shoulders as she continued to sob quietly.

Suddenly, in that moment, the sound of slow footsteps echoed through the dim woods, causing Ayane to abruptly stop crying.

"You find me suspicious, don't you?" Shiraishi the asked with a smile.

Suspicious? Doubtful of what? Ayane furrowed her brow, her white eyes displaying a hint of wariness.

"Do you already feel inferior?" Shiraishi's words instantly filled Ayane's chest with an overwhelming aura of hostility.

This sentence wounded her pride and self-esteem. All the negative emotions flooded her heart, causing Ayane to lose control in an instant. She lunged at Shiraishi, throwing a punch toward him.

Shiraishi smiled faintly, recognizing Ayane's attack as feeble and deceptive, a product of her anger dominating her composure.

With such a level of attack, there was no need for him to be on guard. This much he understood.

So, he caught Ayane's fist and swiftly countered, pinning her body against the nearby tree, rendering her immobile.

The situation shifted in an instant.

Perhaps the sudden defeat caught Ayane off guard, freezing her in place. She certainly hadn't expected this outcome.

"You've been hiding your strength. Why?" Ayane turned to Shiraishi, questioning him.

"What's the hurry? Before we delve into that, how about we discuss your situation?" Shiraishi calmly spoke in a warm voice.

"Hmph! What would someone like you, a commoner, understand? Stop mocking me."

Ayane's words carried a desire to tear at Shiraishi's throat.

What could a commoner like him possibly comprehend? She had been burdened with a "Caged bird" seal, and her entire future would be controlled and planned by those distant clans. Her freedom and dignity had been ruthlessly stripped away.

Every time she glimpsed the haughty expressions of the clan members, she felt an overwhelming urge to trample upon their pride. She wished to make them experience the humiliation and despair of having their dignity and freedom manipulated.