After what seems to have been YEARS, I am finally writing fanfiction again!
*Sheds tears of joy*
If I had been in New Zealand, I would not have the chance to write any fanfiction, since my homestay parent does not allow use of the computer during weekdays…
HOWEVER, I am currently in Korea for the holidays and can use the computer whenever I please!!
*Laughs evilly*
It is time for me to finally write about my beloved "Hina" pairings!
…SasuHina…
…GaaHina…
Ahh, how sweet and charming those words sound…!
Although, no one would read any of my fanfictions, just the joy of writing will keep me going! (*^^*)
To those who DO read my stories, thank you and enjoy your holiday!
Oh, I rewrote 'Bodyguard' because there were many careless mistakes… I bet there are some in this one as well. But, I hope you'll enjoy it never the less!
-Phase 1-
-The Hyuuga Compounds-
"Rule number 1: As born as the eldest Hyuuga, one has an obligation to control over the clan's secret scrolls. This means, he or she has absolute power over the clan.
Rule number 2: From the age of 5, the eldest Hyuuga-chosen as the successor- is to be under surveillance and protection by the members of the Hyuuga until the successor of the Uchiha is capable of doing so himself.
Rule number 3: The heir must not resign their responsibilities as a Hyuuga.
Rule number 4: The heir MUST remember that his or her life is more valuable than the Uchiha's death."
Father's voice cut off at the end of the sentence. He stared down at my sitting form.
The usually stern face of my father looked more fierce than usual. His eyes showed no emotions.
"…Do you understand all the rules I am trying to clarify, Hinata? You as the oldest, must be able to keep the clan's scrolls. Not only do those scrolls hold the secrets and the power to construct the deadly nine-tailed fox spirit from 1000 years ago, if those scrolls are to be stolen, our promise to the Hokage will be broken. Even to the Uchiha you must keep it a secret. And whatever happens you must survive. Let the Uchiha sacrifice his life for you."
Yet there was another short pause. Although it was barely noticeable, I saw the slight disdain in his eyes.
"However, if the Uchiha really does die, do not let such useless event concern you."
I turned 5-years-old that day and I did not fully understand, but because of my father's intensity, I muttered out without a second thought. "H-hai. I u-u-understand."
…Five years later…
-The Uchiha Compounds-
"Rule number 1: As born as an Uchiha male, one has an obligation to protect the heir of Hyuuga clan.
Rule number 2: From the age of 10, the eldest Uchiha –chosen as the successor- is to train under a tutor until he is fully able to become the bodyguard for the Hyuuga.
Rule number 3: The Uchiha successor is not able to forfeit his position. However, when the Uchiha successor turns 35, he is release from his title as the Hyuuga's bodyguard.
Rule number 4: The Uchiha MUST on any circumstances, protect the Hyuuga. Even though it may been sacrificing his life…"
Father's voice trailed off at the end of the sentence. He stared into my eyes while grasping my shoulders tightly.
The usually stern face of my father twisted with countless emotions; starting from a grimace to a forced smile.
"…Do understand what I am trying to say, Sasuke? Being an Uchiha isn't going to be an easy. Since the time of our great ancestors, these rules have been strictly placed for all the firstborn sons were chosen to receive the title of a bodyguard. I, being the only son in my generation, also took this title and carried out the tasks that were set for me with pride… So, your brother, being the firstborn, was chosen as the successor five years ago. He trained and studied hard for many years…"
Yet there was another short pause. Although it was barely noticeable, I felt my father's hands tremble on my shoulders.
"…However, since Itachi is now…gone, you are no longer the younger member of the Uchiha clan. Now, you are the oldest. Protect the Hyuuga with your life."
"I understand father."
I was 10-years-old.
This occasion happened quickly after hearing the news of my older brother's death, I promised myself to keep strong; keep the family strong. So although I had not comprehended the heavy responsibilities that weighed upon me, I had to reply firmly.
Huff. Huff.
"Oh, come on Sasuke! You have to keep up with me. Resting during training is unacceptable! You are already 16, and trained hard for the last six years. It is time for you to be serving the Hyuuga soon. But with your state now, you're not even close to becoming a bodyguard!" A silver-haired man called out to the Uchiha boy who was resting for the first time in hours of running.
"Huff. This is outrageous. You've had a rest a couple times. This is my first time resting!" Sasuke complained glaring at his tutor, while trying to catch a breath.
"Hey, it's not my fault that you were born as an Uchiha, right? Besides, the weather is perfect today! No glaring sun beams to make you feel nauseous."
The tutor with the name of Hatake Kakashi, teased as he walked towards his student.
Kakashi offered a hand to Sasuke who was crouched.
Sasuke glanced at the outstretched hand and grimaced.
"Che, I don't need your help." Sasuke answered, straightening up and jogging past Kakashi. Kakashi drew back his ignored hand.
Kakashi only chuckled at this and caught up to the raven-haired boy.
The situation reminded him of the first time they had met.
Kakashi recalled the memory from two years ago.
Kakashi had been assigned to become Sasuke's tutor…
All Uchiha successors HAD to be genuinely good at all aspects of human existence.
Maybe it sounded over exaggerated, but it was the truth.
The Uchiha had to be intelligent; generally in economy, history, math, hospitality and languages. Since the Hyuuga heirs traveled to many different villages to discuss the villages' crisis as the Hokage's substitute, the Uchiha also needed reasonably good communication skills.
Most importantly, the Uchiha successor must be tough in body and mind, able to defeat any enemy calmly. It wasn't easy being skillful in so many things at once. That is why Sasuke studied day and night to graduate high school at the young age of 14.
People called him a genius. Well, there was no way anyone would NOT think so.
It was around summer, Kakashi presumed when he had met the so-called "Genius". The young boy had a mysterious and dark aura about him. With sharp black eyes that held endless depth. Sasuke had a stoic expression as if to see the world logically as if he did not believe in happiness and miracles or dreams.
Kakashi remember being called a "perverted looking old man", a "creepy masked freak" and a "clueless idiot" by Sasuke when Kakashi had said hi.
From that moment, Kakashi decided that he hated the little brat. But, it was his duty to train the Uchiha boy. It was the Hokage's orders and Kakashi was determined to figure out why the boy was so cold.
The reason was found out after the first few months of training.
Sasuke had been practicing the self-defense stance by himself at the Uchiha compounds' training ground. Kakashi was watching his progress up on a tree. Sasuke practiced and practiced until his legs gave out. The boy fell with a small thud.
Kakashi was about to help him get up but saw the boy struggling to do so by himself. The tutor waited to see what Sasuke would do. That was when Sasuke started to curse to himself, his pupils shook with sorrow.
"Damn it. Damn it. I have to get stronger. I won't die like Itachi. I'll live and when I am released at 35, I'll take my revenge on that execrable Hyuuga clan. They won't get away with killing my brother. They won't!"
'Ah, so that was the reason… Itachi…" Kakashi had thought. He knew it must have been the reason for Sasuke's attitude. The young Uchiha successor was trying to cover up any sign of remorse or sadness with his dark atmosphere. How lonely would he have felt? Shutting out the supporting hands and love around him to become strong.
Kakashi had walked in Sasuke's direction. Sasuke realized his tutor had heard the soliloquy.
"Hey, Sasuke."
Sasuke looked away from Kakashi to hide his sorrowful expression.
"Training hard huh? I almost thought your sweat drops were tears. But, it must have been my imagination."
Sasuke looked up from seeming surprised at Kakashi's words.
Was the man trying respect my pride? By pretending not to overhear him?
Sasuke smirked at the thought. He pushed himself up and stood face-to-face with Kakashi.
Kakashi spoke first.
"You know, to survive in the Hyuuga household, you also have to be able to communicate and gain trust from the people. To do so, you have to more open. If you keep shut in your own world, holding in your inner self, You will eventually find yourself not knowing who you are and what your purpose is,"
"Sasuke, if you have a purpose, and desire to fulfill it, you have got to be yourself. Don't forget that."
There was silence for a while. A breeze went by lightly.
"You know…" It was Sasuke who broke the silence.
"You are not as bad as I thought." He said with an awkward smile and quickly started walking into his house.
Seeing the smile, Kakashi changed his view upon the youngster.
He was a good kid.
Before he reached the house, he stopped in his tracks and said to Kakashi,
"I still think you are a freaky, perverted, old man."
Kakashi's cheek twitched
Okay, maybe not a good kid…
When Sasuke reached his house he added,
"But, not an idiot."
…But certainly, an interesting one.
Clatter. Clatter.
"I told you, Hinata. You must not touch the cups with the pot!" Hyuuga Hiashi said, grimacing.
Hinata flinched, accidentally spilling the tea over the table. "S-s-sorry!" She said and hurriedly got up, getting a towel to wipe the mess. Hiashi sighed, looking much older with deep creases formed on his forehead. Hinata was shameful and only hung her head low.
"Hinata, you are the oldest of the Hyuuga clan and must be able to be cautious of everything. Even doing things like pouring tea. How will you be able to control over the secret scrolls and protect it, when you cannot even properly and cautiously pour tea? I have even made you this room to practice, yet you are so careless!" Hiashi said, looking straight into Hinata's eyes whilst she blushed with embarrassment.
"You do know that the new Uchiha successor is going to be ready to take the bodyguard role soon, do you not? I hear that he excelling in his study and training. While you, who has started studying earlier than him, struggle so much." He said repulsively. Receiving nothing but an apology from his daughter, he stood up with grace, his clothing perfectly smoothed out.
Before he exited the 'TEA ROOM', Hinata caught the words Hiashi muttered to himself.
"I hope this Uchiha is better than the older one."
…
Hearing this, Hinata's heart fell. Her eyes teared up rapidly. Her figure shook uncontrollably as she remembered that Uchiha.
'He was long-haired, tall and always smiling. He was also very good-looking. He had been my bodyguard when I was 10. He was five years older than me. I remember looking timidly into his deep orbs, and he, smiling down at me said, "Hello, Hinata-sama. My name is Uchiha Itachi, your bodyguard from today onwards." He bowed and I did the same offering a small "N-nice to m-m-meet you." He looked so brave and strong; I had the belief that he could protect me and fight off any "bad guys" who tried to harm us.
Not only was Itachi brave, he was generous. Even when I got lectured for lacking the skills I needed to become the leader of my clan, Itachi cheered me on. His kindness gave me more self-esteem. Soon, he became like an older brother to me. But…'
Hinata tried so desperately to fight back her tears that overflowed from the corners of her eyes.
She thought of what had happened to him.
'On one sunny day, after all my courtesy lessons, Itachi-oniisan came to pick me up. I waved at him, running straight into his arms. "How was your day, Hinata-sama?" He asked.
"I-it was l-lots of f-fun! A-although I-I messed u-up on the s-striding, again." I said looking a little down. Itachi-oniisan brightened up and caressed my hair. "We all fail sometimes. I bet you'll become a great Hyuuga, with your kind heart and all." He soothed, guiding me to the way homet.
We were only a few meters away from our destination. When, a hand harshly covered over my mouth.
"U-uph-!"
I squealed out as my body was smashed onto the ground. Itachi-oniisan immediately turned, seeing my head crushed under a massive foot. Blood trickled down the side of my face, soaking the collar of my kimono. Itachi-oniisan scowled when I started to groan out in pain. "I-i-tachi-oni-i-san…" I stammered out through my numb lips.
The assaulter snickered cruelly. I could only make out the huge outline of his body from the ground.
I noticed my sight was becoming blurry due to the tears that formed in my eyes.
My head was further pushed into the concrete as the assaulter saw Itachi-oniisan stood in an attacking stance.
"Don't come any closer, Uchiha or this girl dies. Just hand over the secret scrolls. " Said the attacker.
…
No… No… No!
"HELP!!! I screamed at the top of my lungs. "HELP!!!"
I had known that Oniisan was attempting to find a way to save me with no harm done.
But, I was scared, so frightened that the foot upon my bleeding head would put on more force. More and more and more force until I died.
Death was scary.
At my screaming, Itachi-oniisan gritted his teeth, and without another second's pause; leapt at the huge man in front of him.
The assaulter was taken off guard by this action and stepped away from me, but at the same time, taking out a pocket knife.
Itachi-oniisan did not notice the weapon being withdrawn. He lunged at the enemy once more, with killing intent.
Itach-oniisan was going to strike the assaulter in the neck.
However…
The assaulter extended him arms on that very moment.
"Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!" I shrieked, getting up from the ground in effort to prevent what was going to happen next.
A second too late, and the worst came true.
The sound of the enemy's neck breaking became harmonized with the sound of a knife coming in contact with raw flesh.
The sounds were followed by two men's bodies falling onto solid ground.
There was silence. Only the sound of blood trickling down from the abdomen of my loving brother filled the emptiness.
I lost focus.
I lost hope.
If I hadn't called out to Itachi-oniisan, he would not have died.
If I hadn't been so weak, Itachi-oniisan wouldn't have died.
If I had made it in time to stop his death, to have warned him quicker,
He would have NEVER died.
It was absolutely all my fault.'