A/N: This is the prologue for my epic novel-esque fanfiction that this is hopefully going to turn into. It's an AU version of Naruto, and everything that is different shall be revealed as the story goes on.
Please, enjoy and know that reviews are my soul. c:
"Is your name Hyuga Neji?" questions the head of the council, a small woman with an aged face.
Neji gives a sharp nod, because these questions are standard fare and he knows them like the back of his hand. He has just never been on this end of them before. "Yes, ma'am."
"Do you understand the charges you are being held on?" asks the woman, and her sharp eyes rake him over. Neji can feel them pause on his forhead, where his headband should have been but wasn't.
And he does, of course he does. This entire trial is a useless endevor.
"Yes, ma'am." he answers, giving another nod.
She frowns, chapped lips turning down and wrinkles forming around her eyes. "You are being charged with the claim of murdering Hyuga Hiashi, head of the Hyuga Clan. What is your defence on this matter?"
And there were many that he could have used, actually. False claims and mind altering jutsu and an alibi that Hinata already offered to form for him.
Instead, he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, because this has been a long time coming. "I have no defence. As I told Lady Hinata, our current head of Clan, I plead guilty to all charges that are against me."
And the room goes silence then, as the council looks him over. The whispers start up after a moment though, and the retired shinobii lean close to each other and trade words, stories, horrofied glances in his direction.
Eventually, the head-woman, Tarana Mia, clears her throat. All voices stop, all eyes turn towards her, and she looks almost sad for the briefest of moments. Then her blue eyes are stern again and Neji knows why.
"Then we have no choice. Hyuga Neji, you are found guilty of all charges." says Mia, and there is no sorrow in her voice. Little emotion at all, really. "The Lady Hinata is no longer in charge of you nor your punishment. I will address matters with the Hokage. Do you understand the gravity of your ordeal?"
"Yes, ma'am." says Neji, and this time the words grate on his tongue. He does not regret his actions, not in the slightest, but he still fears his punishment.
Neji has seen the fates of those convicted of betraying the village, after all. Can still remember seeing the people that he almost considered to be friends cry at the funeral of Uchiha Sasuke, and the way that his black robes felt so heavy.
He shifts, tilting his head until he can meet Mia's eyes. Then he gives the slightest of smiles - and knows that there is no doubt in this womans mind that he is responsible for his uncles death.
"I understand perfectly."