Naruto: Himawari and the Ghosts of the Past

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I was listening to Senbonzakura by Hatsune Miku and for some reason it reminded me of Uzumaki Himawari so I decided to write this short little one shot/prologue. I'd like to thank Solvdrage, Lord Farsight and especially Chewie Cookies for their input on this one. The ages of the kids are approximate. Enjoy!

Chapter 1

The Village of Konoha, Hyūga Compound

Uzumaki Himawari was saying goodbye to her big brother Boruto as his genin team prepared to leave. "Sorry Hima-chan but you'll have to hold the fort here with Aunt Hanabi and Hiashi Jiji. You know when they need the best they always call on Team Konohamaru, dattebasa."

As she watched them leave Himawari waved goodbye and thought, '(Sigh) First Mama and Papa had to go to Suna and now Boruto nii-san has a mission. I guess I'll have to play by myself.' The youngest Uzumaki got out her tablet and started scrolling through various screens to find a game. 'Aunt Hanabi is busy learning clan stuff with Hiashi Jiji right now so I guess I'll see them after lunch.' She looked over and saw Hyūga Kō who was her Mother Hinata's old guardian. He had taken a shine to Himawari because she reminded him so much of Hinata-sama when she was younger and happily agreed to watch over her while Hanabi-sama and Hiashi-sama were busy.

Kō smiled at her. 'Himawari-sama is so kind and respectful like Hinata-sama. It really takes me back.' Kō stood up and said to the young girl. "Well Himawari-sama; there is no need to fret. Your parents will be back at the end of the week so I think there will be plenty to do here at the Hyūga compound. Maybe you can make some new friends with the other Hyūga children around your age."

Himawari wasn't as shy as her Mother had been but she wasn't as outgoing as her big brother Boruto either. She dutifully followed Kō out to an area on the Hyūga training grounds where the younger Hyūga children often played. Most of the children were five to nine years old and Himawari was eight so she fit right in the middle of the group. She soon was introduced by Kō to the other children. "This is Himawari-sama who is Hinata-sama's daughter. Please treat her kindly and with the respect due to her station as Hiashi-sama's granddaughter."

The youngest Uzumaki bowed politely, "Please just call me Hima-chan or Himawari; I hope we can all be friends." The other children greeted her politely in a typical Hyūga fashion and all addressed her as Himawari-sama much to her chagrin. Several children introduced themselves and Kō went to another part of the training grounds to watch from a distance so Himawari could play with the other children. Himawari was soon playing with a cute girl with long black hair named Kazuko and her shorter friend Naomi whose brown hair was up in a ponytail.

Naomi said, "Himawari-sama, you're so cute with those whisker marks like Hokage-sama. It must be amazing having Hinata-sama and Hokage-sama as parents,"

Kazuko nodded eagerly at that comment. "Tell us what they are like Himawari-sama!"

Himawari said, "Papa and Mama are both very kind. I love them and my nii-san very much."

"Why don't you live here in the compound with the rest of us Hyūgas?" asked Naomi.

"Well, Papa told me it was a tradition for the Hokage to have his own residence." explained Himawari. "Since Mama and Papa are out of the village right now I'm staying here with Aunt Hanabi."

Kazuko asked, "Was that handsome blonde you were walking around with your nii-san, Himawari-sama?"

Himawari thought t herself, 'Another fan girl.' "Yes that was my big brother Boruto. He had to go out on a mission with his team."

"That's so cool!" squealed Kazuko.

"It is cool but I don't know if Boruto-sama is as cool as Takumi-kun." said Naomi.

Kazuko asked, "What do you mean Naomi-chan? Boruto-sama is a handsome older man. He's the Hokage and Hinata-sama's son. Takumi-kun is cool but not on that level."

Naomi said "Takumi-kun is the coolest guy in the Hyūga compound! How could you say that Kazuko-chan?"

The two girls argued back and forth a bit until they both turned to Himawari. "What do you think Himawari-sama?" asked Kazuko. "Do you think Boruto-sama or Takumi-kun is cooler?"

Seeing Kazuko and Naomi were staring at her expectantly; Himawari said diplomatically, "Well, I don't know who this Takumi-san is and Boruto-nii is my nii-san so I don't see him the same way as you."

"Hmmm….That's true." agreed Naomi. "I don't think of my nii-san that way either. But you need to meet Takumi-kun! He's a prodigy and is brilliant with juken. I heard he mastered the eight trigrams: eight palms move already!"

"So what do you look for in a man Himawari-sama?" asked Kazuko.

Himawari was taken aback. 'Where did this come from?' "Ummm….Well I guess I would want him to be kind and caring like my Papa."

"Those are good qualities." agreed Naomi. "What about cool and handsome?"

"Well I-" started Himawari.

"What is this?" asked a boy's voice.

Naomi almost squealed. "Takumi-kun! Did you come to play with us?"

"No, I didn't." said the rather handsome but smug looking brown haired Hyūga boy. He stared down his nose condescendingly at Himawari. "This is the Hyūga Compound outsider. A blue eyed freak like you shouldn't be here. And why do you have those marks on your face? Are you trying to be cool like Hokage-sama? Trust me, you'll never make it!" He laughed and pointed at Himawari and two friends that were with him joined in.

Kō saw what was going on and went to intervene. He sighed. 'It seems Himawari-sama has the same bad luck with getting bullied as Hinata-sama did….'

Kazuko said, "Takumi-kun, Sho-kun, Osamu-kun! You shouldn't be insulting Himawari-s-"

"I can speak for myself Kazuko-san." said Himawari as she stood up.

"You've got a dorky looking ahoge too!" said Takumi.

Himawari was looking down with her eyes shadowed under her bangs. Kazuko and Naomi thought she was going to cry. When Himawari looked back up her byakugan eyes were blazing and she was pissed. "Nobody disses the ahoge!" she growled. "You. Me. Sparring ring. Now!" she said to Takumi while leaking a mass of killing intent.

Takumi looked a bit frightened. 'This girl is a Hyūga!' "Uhh….sorry?"

Himawari grabbed Takumi by the collar and said, "You messed with the ahoge. You're going down." as she dragged him to the sparring ring with a lot more strength than the others imagined the rather petite girl would have.

Kō came trotting up just as Himawari pushed Takumi into the ring and took her juken stance. Takumi looked shaken and really fearful by now. Kō said, "Himawari-sama, I-"

Himawari said, "Good timing Kō-san; you can referee this match." Then she growled, "Are you ready Takumi-baka? Or should I say, training dummy?"

Takumi wondered why Kō was being so respectful towards this girl but assumed his stance. Gathering his courage the boy said, "Don't blame me if you get hurt. I won't take it easy on you just because you are a girl."

Kō was going to diffuse the situation rather than referee but Himawari told him, "Both fighters are ready Kō-san."

"Very well." said Kō in a resigned tone. "Ready? Begin!" 'I'll intercede before anyone gets too roughed up.'

"Eight trigrams: sixteen palms!" roared Himawari as an image of her Grandmother Kushina briefly appeared behind her. In a blur Takumi was lying unconscious on the ground smoking with his tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth. Himawari had her small foot on Takumi's back in victory and made a show of dusting her hands off. She said to the dumbstruck Kō, "I believe this match is over."

Kō said weakly, "Winner, Uzumaki Himawari!"

In Hiashi's Office….

Hiashi had watched the whole affair outside with his byakugan. "It seems my granddaughter is quite the little prodigy. That Takumi boy never stood a chance and he's quite talented."

Hanabi nodded in agreement. "I do wonder what he said to Himawari-chan to make her retaliate like that. It must have been bad given how kind she is normally. Hima-chan struck him down before he even had a chance to move."

Outside….

After sending Himawari to explain her actions to Haishi-sama; Kō had the unenviable task of hauling the wrecked Takumi down to the healers which unfortunately included Hyūga Madoka who was Takumi's Mother. Kō figured Madoka would be quite upset but got an unexpected reaction from the normally kind healer instead. Madoka woke up her son and said, "Stupid boy! You're just like your Father thinking you are invincible and picked a fight with someone stronger than you. What do you have to say for yourself?!"

"She's….so cool….I think I'm in love." said Takumi weakly in a dream like tone.

Madoka pulled the sheets up over her son's head as if he was a dead body. She had a completely flat look on her face and turned to Kō. "Kō-san; can you please tell me what exactly happened?"

Kō explained, "As near as I can tell, young Takumi-kun attempted to bully Himawari-sama with his friends so she dragged him into the sparring ring by the collar and hit him with a sixteen palms attack during a spar."

"Himawari-sama as in Hinata-sama and Hokage-sama's only daughter?" asked Madoka. When Kō nodded the healer said, "It seems Takumi-chan got what was coming to him. I'll make a formal apology to Himawari-sama later and he will make one too. Takumi-chan is too arrogant for his own good. Maybe this will teach him a bit of humility."

In Hiashi's Office….

Hiashi had a gob smacked look and Hanabi was trying not to laugh at the simple explanation Himawari gave them. "Could you repeat that Hima-chan?" asked Hiashi.

Himawari nodded. "Takumi-baka called me an outsider and then he made fun of my eyes and my whisker marks. I could let all that pass. But then….then he dissed the ahoge Jiji. Such disrespect calls for divine retribution." Himawari's tone was deadly serious and Hiashi just stared.

Hanabi stifled a snort and said, "Father, a lady's hair is most important to her. Isn't that right Hima-chan?" Himawari nodded decisively with a stern look that looked adorable on her cute little face.

….

Rumors where soon flying fast amongst the children of the Hyūga clan. "Don't diss the ahoge!"

….

Later, Himawari was visiting Neji's grave and placing sunflowers there. She said, "It seems unfair that you are not buried among the Hyūgas at the mausoleum at the Hyūga Compound. Mama says it's because so many were lost during the war that you were buried out here among your comrades. I wish I could have met you. Mama and Papa have always said you were a great hero." She said a short prayer and then added, "I hope you are happy and among friends in the pure land."

….But Neji's spirit wasn't resting….

….

Midnight, The Hyūga Mausoleum

Hyūga Neji's spirit sat forlornly at the Hyūga Mausoleum by the memorial dedicated to his Father Hizashi. "I have to wonder how it came to this Otou-san. My spirit cannot rest until my task has been carried out. Hinata-sama and her children visit me and consider me an Uncle. I've been watching over Hinata-sama when I can because I thought I needed to guard over her person but apparently I was wrong. It seems that it is Hanabi-sama who is the one in danger. If only I could speak to someone like Hiashi-sama to deliver my message….I don't know what to do…."

"How is Aunt Hanabi in danger?" asked a little girl's voice. Neji turned in shock and saw Himawari staring wide eyed at him. She was wearing a little night gown, slippers and a flower patterned yukata to keep her warm in the night air. "I heard you so I came here." explained Himawari.

Neji said "You….you can see me?"

Himawari nodded and said, "I can see you just fine but you are see through. Are you a spirit of a Hyūga ancestor?" The eight year old looked absolutely fascinated.

The spirit nodded unsteadily. "I am, er was Hyūga Neji."

Himawari gasped, "You are my Uncle Neji?" She looked at him very carefully with a cute expression of pure concentration on her face. "It is you! You look just like the pictures Mama and Papa have!" She bowed properly. "I am honored to meet you. My name is Uzumaki Himawari but you can call me Hima-chan!"

Neji smiled at the little girl. "You are so much like Hinata-sama, Hima-chan. I am honored to meet you as well. How is it you can see me though? No one else can."

The little girl took a thinking pose, "Well, it only make sense. You are my Uncle and I've always wanted to meet you. Mama and Papa said you saved their lives during the war so you've always been my hero….after my Papa of course."

The spirit sweat dropped. "Of course…." 'I suppose her child like reasoning she can see me is as good as any….'

"So Uncle Neji; how can we help Aunt Hanabi?" asked Himawari looking excited. "It will be like my first mission as a kunoichi!"

Neji smiled again at his 'niece.' Well, your first mission should be to keep it a secret that you can see me and talk to me."

"But why?" asked Himawari sadly.

Ummm….Because everyone will think you are insane if you claim you can see and talk to spirits." said Neji patiently.

"What about Aunt Hanabi and Hiashi Jiji?" asked the youngest Uzumaki with big puppy dog eyes.

'Must….resist….cuteness!' thought Neji. "Hima-chan, it has to be our little secret or I might vanish. You don't want that do you?"

Himawari shook her head 'no' rapidly. "No but what about Aunt Hanabi?"

Neji shifted over and Himawari sat down beside him. "Hanabi-sama may be forced into an arranged marriage against her will by some crooked, sexist old men in our clan." explained Neji. "I want to protect her from this but I don't know how."

"Why don't I just tell Aunt Hanabi then and she can beat them up?" asked Himawari. "Aunt Hanabi is pretty tough. I've seen Aunt Hanabi and Mama spar."

The spirit shook his head. "You wouldn't be able to prove it Hima-chan. These old men are very, very sneaky and very smart. They'll hide all the proof before Hanabi-sama could catch them."

"Hmmm…." said the little girl. "If Hiashi Jiji and Aunt Hanabi can't stop them….then I'll have to do it myself."

Neji looked panicked and said, "No Hima-chan! You could be hurt! Besides, you aren't strong enough to face an adult!"

Himawari stood up and activated her byakugan to check the grounds. She had a look on her cute face of a conspirator. Neji wondered if she was planning to overthrow the Daimyo or something. She quickly sat back down beside his ghostly form and whispered, "Can you keep a secret Uncle Neji?"

Neji nodded uneasily and said, "Yes, what is the secret?"

With a gleam in her eyes of pure, unadulterated mischief Himawari said, "I have a power that can defeat any foe. Even Boruto nii-san trembles in fear at my awesome might."

Wondering what on earth she could be talking about, Neji asked, "Whatever do you mean Hima-chan?"

Himawari stood up and made a small fist in front of her. "I, Uzumaki Himawari am the QUEEN OF PRANKSTERS!"

Lightning flashed and thunder split the heavens and Neji shivered in fear as he caught a glimpse of a red haired Kushina laughing in pride behind Himawari's petite form in perfect synch with her granddaughter.

'OH. MY. GOD.' thought Neji as Himawari continued to giggle cutely but evilly at the same time. 'How can a little girl's giggle be cute and adorable but evil and maniacal at the same time?!' wondered Neji in terror.

"They'll never know what hit them." promised Himawari. "First I'll have to round up some accomplices and my supplies though. It sounds like rain is coming. I'll come back tomorrow night and you can tell me the names of the targets! Farewell!" said Himawari dramatically as she shot back to the compound in a small cloud of dust leaving an utterly dumbfounded ghost of Neji.

As it started to rain Neji said to himself. "Kami have mercy on my soul; I fear I have unleashed a terrible evil upon this land….On the other hand those old bastards deserve it." Shrugging, Neji went back into the Hyūga Mausoleum. He didn't like to stand out in the rain even though it simply passed through him….

….

Himawari's Room

The next morning the youngest Uzumaki awoke and was already scheming in high gear. She got up to do her morning rituals before Hanabi knocked on the door and came in. "Hima-chan; are you awake?"

"I'm in the bathroom brushing my teeth Aunt Hanabi!" called Himawari.

"After you finish we'll get you dressed and I'll comb your hair Hima-chan." said Hanabi as she picked out some Hyūga robes for her niece. "By the way, that boy Takumi-kun and his Mother Hyūga Madoka-san will be stopping by after breakfast. Madoka-san is a kind woman and is one of our healers so be respectful to her."

"Okay!" called Himawari. "What about Takumi-baka?"

Hanabi covered her chuckle with a cough and said, "He is here to apologize for his earlier indiscretions and insulting you. You need to be a gracious lady and address him as Takumi-san when you accept his apology."

Himawari came out of the bathroom and said, "This is all Hiashi Jiji's doing isn't it?"

Her Aunt smiled and said, "Actually it was Madoka-san's idea though she did arrange things with Father so they could apologize to you formally."

"Hmmm….No wonder Papa doesn't like all the formality." said Himawari.

"You are always kind and respectful Hima-chan; just like Hinata nee-chan." said Hanabi. "Just be yourself."

"At home it's always warm Aunt Hanabi." said Himawari. "Around here you need permission to hug someone and even say I love you. It's too stuffy."

Hanabi chuckled and said, "Believe it or not many clan members feel that way. Father is trying to change that but the Elders and other traditionalists are stuck in their ways. Some of them even suggested having you move here once they found out you had the byakugan but Naruto nii-san put his foot down and sent them running when they suggested it."

"Go Papa!" cheered Himawari much to her Aunt's amusement. 'They probably are the same old meanies that are trying to mess with Aunt Hanabi and make her unhappy.'

"There; your hair is all done." said Hanabi as she put the decorative beads around Himawari's ahoge. "Now let's get you in your kimono."

"Can I change into my skirt and blouse later?" asked Himawari.

"I'm sure that will be fine." answered Hanabi. After dressing her niece properly Hanabi beamed and said, "There we are Hima-chan. Now you look like a proper and dazzling Hyūga Lady." Himawari giggled.

….

After breakfast Hiashi, Hanabi and Himawari were in the room where Hiashi received his guests. Hiashi felt that Madoka's actions were proper given the possibility that Himawari could theoretically inherit the clan head position someday. Hanabi knew that Himawari felt rather awkward but the little girl hid it well enough. Himawari really didn't want anything to do with Takumi-baka but decided it would be better to let it go….but then again he messed with the ahoge….maybe she'd bust Takumi's chops….

Unaware of his little granddaughter's mutinous thoughts, Hiashi invited Madoka and her son in. Madoka smiled and said graciously, "Thank you for your time Hiashi-sama, Hanabi-sama and Himawari-sama. I've come to formally apologize for my son Takumi-chan's previous indiscretions against Himawari-sama." she bowed deeply and said sternly, "I believe you have something to say Takumi-chan."

Takumi came before Himari and bowed deeply before Himawari and said, "I deeply apologize for hurting your feelings Himawari-sama. I humbly ask for your forgiveness my lady."

Himawari said kindly, "I accept your apology Takumi-san." '….You baka.'

Takumi rose with stars in his eyes and took Himawari's hands in his. "You are the only girl for me. Your lovely eyes and cute ahoge only enhance your beautiful face." Time stopped as he stared deeply into her eyes. "Please be my girlfriend."

Then time started going again -really fast. "Urasai Takumi no baka! Eight trigrams: sixteen palms!" Seconds later the room was in silence as Takumi's unconscious body hit the floor with a thud….

Madoka looked at her idiot son and said, "Stupid boy! I told you to be on your best behavior!"

Hiashi remained stoned faced and said, "Your apologies are accepted Madoka-san. I do ask that you inform young Takumi-san to observe the proper customs when attempting to court a young lady as Himawari-chan is not only this clan head's only granddaughter but also she is the only daughter of Hokage-sama himself."

Madoka looked terribly embarrassed. "I will do exactly as you have instructed Hiashi-sama." she said as she bowed multiple times.

Hanabi said, "Do you need someone to carry young Takumi-san back to the infirmary for you Madoka-san?"

The healer hoisted her son over her right shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "I thank you but that won't be necessary Hanabi-sama." Madoka turned to Himawari and said, "Please forgive my stupid son's idiotic behavior. It is genetic I'm afraid. He inherited it from his equally stupid Father."

Himawari said, "Of course Madoka-san." and bowed slightly as was appropriate.

After Madoka was shown out of the main branch house Hanabi exploded into laughter. "Oh. My. God! This is killing me! Hima-chan, you just blew the entire concept of decorum completely out the window! I'm tearing up here! Bwahahaha!"

In spite of himself, the fearsome look on his little granddaughter's cute face made Hiashi smile. "Hima-chan; come sit with your Jiji and relax. You dealt with Takumi-san as was necessary." he snickered.

"Takumi-baka had better leave me alone." said Himawari. "I feel like I need to wash my hands from where he touched me Hiashi Jiji."

Hiashi turned to his youngest daughter. "Hanabi-chan; if you are quite done with your laughing fit; please take Hima-chan to freshen up."

Hanabi smiled and wiped the moisture from her eyes. "Come on Hima-chan. Let's take you to clean up and change into something less formal."

….After his daughter and granddaughter left, Hiashi finally let loose and broke into laughter at Himawari's antics….

Uzumaki Residence

Hanabi and Himawari went out to lunch and then went to Himawari's room at home to pick at some more clothes for Himawari since she was going to need some for her stay at the Hyūga compound. Hanabi was helping Himiwari and when they got ready to head back, Himawari said, "I forgot something! Be right back Aunt Hanabi." as she dashed back to her room.

Hanabi sat on the couch in the main room and said, "There's no hurry Hima-chan."

Himawari was in her closet and moved some toys to reveal a hidden panel in the floor. Inside it was a sealed scroll labeled supplies. 'I am so glad that Mama and Papa taught me sealing when they did nii-san.' Opening the scroll she checked her supplies. 'Itching powder, laxatives, paint bombs, stink bombs, trip wire, various hair dyes and permanent makeup….' After going through an infernal arsenal of mass pranking destruction; Himawari sealed everything up in the deceptively small scroll and pocketed it. She ran back in the front room and said, "Sorry about taking so long. I had to straighten things up before we left Aunt Hanabi."

Not realizing her niece was prepared to unleash Armageddon upon those plotting against her; Hanabi took her little niece by the hand and they walked back to the Hyūga Compound….

POSTSCRIPT:

So I decided to do my first T-rated story. Having written a lot of horror and violence lately I needed a change of pace and little Himawari is a personal favorite of mine (far more than Boruto actually). I'm really not used to writing children so I figure that will be part of the learning curve. Future chapters will be longer; I really want to see if this goes over. See you next time. Blue out. 3/19/16