Author's note: I do not, nor will I ever own Naruto. There is no Hyuugacest in this story, implied or otherwise. Read, Review, and Flame if you wish.
Neji concentrated chakra into his eyes, activating the Byakugan for which the Hyuuga clan was famous for. Veins bulged around his temples, and suddenly he was able to view his surroundings in a nearly 360 degree panorama. Counting the targets that had been placed in the trees at random intervals, Neji slowly drew ten kunai from his hip pouch - five in each hand. With blinding speed, he leapt into the air and whipped the bladed projectiles in every direction. The satisfying rip of metal piercing paper rewarded his efforts even before he landed on the ground soundlessly. Using his Byakugan assisted eyes, Neji surveyed the targets. A satisfied smirk lit his otherwise blank face. All ten targets had been hit dead on.
With his Byakugan still activated, the newly promoted Chuunin took himself through several Gentle Fist drills, attempting to increase the precision of his Tenketsu strikes on a wooden mannequin that had been borrowed from Hiashi-sama several weeks back. With a start, Neji sensed the approach of another person coming from the Main House compound. Narrowing the scope of his Byakugan and directing it towards the approaching figure, Neji confirmed what he had already suspected. Hinata-sama. It seemed she was carrying a large basket as well.
Neji had been appointed Hinata's guardian at the age of four, following the placement of the Cursed Seal upon his brow. After the death of his father, Neji carried a burning hatred for the Main House of the Hyuuga clan. A hatred that seemed to manifest itself in his treatment of his younger cousin. In hindsight, Neji admitted his behavior was both cowardly and spiteful. With no other target to safely vent his anger on, the Hyuuga genius chose to pick on the one member of the Main House no one seemed to care about. Ignored by her father, displaced by her younger sister, Hinata was deemed a failure by the Main House elders, and relegated to the ignoble training of an ordinary Genin. Free from the fear of reprisal, Neji taunted her, ridiculed her, and on the day of their match during the Chuunin exams, he tried to kill her. So obsessed was he with his own 'cursed destiny,' Neji realized he had never taken the time to consider the pain of those around him.
It had taken a certain drop-out, loud-mouthed, blonde-haired shinobi to knock the proud Hyuuga off his high horse and come to realize the truth of his situation. With no one to believe in him, and no natural genius to speak of, Naruto Uzumaki had risen to the challenge and avenged Hinata's loss. More importantly, he made Neji aware of how selfishly he was living his life. To believe in the immutability of fate was a coward's way of rationalizing his lack of action. Naruto put his words to action, and snapped victory from the jaws of defeat using a technique he was once considered the worst at. Later discovering the truth of his father's death, and the agony it had put Hiashi through, Neji decided to put the selfish hatred he had been nurturing for more than half his life behind him. To do that, however, he would need to atone for the selfish mistakes had made for far too long. He would have to get Hinata-sama to forgive him.
It was slow going at first. Hinata-sama had avoided him as much as possible following the attack by the Hidden Sand and Hidden Sound Villages. Even after Hiashi-sama invited him to train at the Main House, the shy Hyuuga girl was rarely to be found. Hiashi-sama had also chosen to take his eldest daughter back into the fold, but to Neji's eyes, it was still a tenuous relationship that may never fully heal. For his own part, Neji still felt awkward around the younger cousin he had almost killed, and it took many clumsy attempts at conversation before they were able to converse normally.
Neji relaxed the chakra in his eyes, allowing his vision to return to normal. Wiping his brow with the back of his hand, he exhaled slowly, willing the tension to leave his body. The first time he had managed to coax Hinata-sama into training with him, she kept tensing up even when they were lightly sparring. When he had asked her what the problem was, she meekly replied that his expression was frightening her. Since then, Neji tried to keep his face as pleasant as possible, going so far as practicing in front of a mirror. Much to his chagrin, Hanabi had caught him in the act of trying to smile while he waited to meet with Hiashi-sama in the living room of the Main House. Wordlessly, Hinata's younger sister bowed to him and informed him Hiashi-sama would see him shortly. Neji never had the courage to ask Hiashi-sama if Hanabi had mentioned his behavior.
"Good morning, Neji-niisan," Hinata said with a bow. Turning to face her after assuring himself that his face was as non-threatening as possible, Neji returned the bow.
"Good morning, Hinata-sama. What may I ask is in that basket?" Blushing slightly, the younger Hyuuga pulled out several baked goods, offering Neji a muffin. Accepting the muffin with a slight smile, Neji took note of the formal robes she was wearing. It seemed she wasn't here for training today.
"You're certainly dressed up today, Hinata-sama. I assume we'll have to cancel today's training session. Is there some sort of function you have to attend today? Hiashi-sama did not mention anything yesterday." With a tired sigh, Hinata gestured for him to join her at the make-shift table set near the training mannequin. In the months since his return from the failed mission to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha, the relationship between the cousins had improved greatly, and Hinata seemed to be far more at ease around him. After being promoted to Chuunin alongside him, Hinata-sama's confidence had been boosted immensely, and she finally lost the stutter. Now, as Neji prepared for the upcoming Jounin tests, Hinata-sama trained with him, encouraging him and remarking that she was considering applying within the next two or three years.
"Neji-niisan, I was sent by my father to bring you back to the house. We're going to have an important meeting today, and the presence of both Main and Branch Family members is required. It is likely to take quite a while, and during that time, no food will be provided. I thought you might like some breakfast before we go back. Please eat up."
With a nod, Neji bit into the muffin, savoring the warmth of the freshly baked treat, and the subtle infusion of fruits it delivered to his palate. Hinata-sama seemed uncharacteristically stoic today. Not just quiet or nervous. Resigned and solemn. It puzzled Neji.
"Hinata-sama, what is this meeting about? You seem a bit too serious for my liking today." With a sad smile, Hinata regarded him quietly.
"Neji-niisan, do you remember the first real conversation we had? Wh-when you apologized to me."
"Of course," Neji replied confidently, "First good decision in my life. Why?"
"Do you remember when you asked me about the 'cursed seal?' " Neji blanched, recalling the shame he felt for asking such an insensitive question.
"But if you knew I was going to kill you, why didn't you use the 'cursed seal' to subdue me?" Hinata-sama had turned away from his face, a hurt expression on her face. Neji cleared his throat and wondered what he had done wrong. Finally, Hinata-sama turned back around to face him, tears in her eyes.
"I know you think I'm weak and inept, Neji-niisan. And you're probably right. But I would hope you know me better than that. I may be a failure as the Hyuuga heir…but I am not a coward. We had a match. I would not dishonor it."
"I'm sorry," Neji had replied contritely, "You're not a coward, and you've never been one. I'm the coward for even suggesting it."
"I remember what you said," Neji said softly, "You demonstrated how much better of a person you are than I am, Hinata-sama." The blue-haired girl shook her head slowly and looked back at her older cousin, a sad expression on her face.
"That horrible seal has kept our family apart for too long. It has prevented you, our strongest member, from taking your rightful place as heir to the clan. No longer. Father and the council of elders have decided to give you your birthright. You will be made a member of the Main Family today, and become the new heir." Neji dropped his muffin, shock overwhelming his senses. He stared at Hinata for at least a minute before finding his voice again.
"That is impossible," he whispered, "I am a member of the Branch Family. We can never be the Head of the clan. The laws forbid it Remember the seal we carry till we die?" Hinata smiled again, the sadness in her eyes confusing Neji to distraction.
"You're wrong Neji-niisan. My father knows a forbidden technique which will remove the seal forever." Neji was driven into speechlessness again, and after staring for another long minute, he grabbed Hinata's hands.
"Hinata-sama, you're serious?" She nodded carefully, and gave him another smile.
"But what about Hanabi-sama? Wasn't she made heir in your place?"
"Hanabi is willing to abdicate to you," Hinata replied softly, "She witnessed your strength on several occasions. She knows your talents exceed even hers. It has already been agreed upon. You need but accept the offer, and we can begin the ceremony immediately."
With a joyous exclamation, Neji threw his arms around his surprised cousin, and gave her the biggest hug she had ever received in her life. Laughing softly into his shoulder, Hinata patted him on the back.
"Congratulations, Neji-sama."