Hizashi could withstand a lot, he could withstand the lack of his own freedom, he could even withstand this barrier that was placed between brothers. What he couldn't accept was the way his son seemed to still smile. Even with his forehead bandaged, newly caged he had stood by as his son had been marked and it sickened him. "You need to remember your duty, son." Words like ash in his mouth, he uttered them grudgingly, knowing Neji was still too young to understand the cruelty of their clan. || send anons as my muse’s father(s)
Why did father always seem so tired? Why did he always sound so sad when he spoke? These were things Neji could never figure out, no matter how much he tried to watch his father. The least he could do himself was be obedient. Maybe that could offer him at least a little happiness? Neji nodded his head once. “Yes, Father.” A smile spread on his lips. “I have to always be there, to protect Lady Hinata.” He recited, as he had been told that many times by not only his father but by Lord Hiashi. Not that it felt like much of a duty to Neji anyway. Was that not the role of an older brother, to want to protect his younger sister naturally? Either way, Neji was prepared to take on that role, and fulfill it to the best of his abilities. “No harm will come to her, when I’m around. And...I hope to make you proud.”