Months ago before the Great War

The usual silent enveloped Hyuuga Manor, like any other night. Despite rumors about war have already spread within the village, none of Hyuuga members seem affected. They still maintained that composed look and cold demeanor, refused to show worry or fear.

These last several weeks, Hiashi Hyuuga and some elders have been involved in Kages talk to defeat Uchiha Madara. The clan involvement in upcoming war was so crucial that even other Kages strongly demand its support.

"Your Byakugan will play a great role in upcoming war Hiashi. We don't know yet how strong Madara has become, but in worst scenario Byakugan could be our trump card against Sharingan and Rinnegan. That's why I-"

"Excume me Tsunade-sama," Hiashi cut her words and looked straight into her eyes, with full dignity, "I already understand what role my clan should fit in. And yes, you have my word that Hyuuga family will not back down as long as we breathe in order to defend Konoha. The problem is, I fail to understand if your decision Kages, is worth my men's life" Hiashi gave the same cold look to other Kages, reminding them that Hyuuga only bow down to those who deserve.

Tsunade knew this will happen. The atmosphere grew thicker as Kage from Tsuna, Kumo, Ame and Kiri startled at his bluntness. They know that Hyuuga is pain in the ass, but they didn't expect this much.

"There will be no future if we lose this war Hiashi! What's more important than fight for our peace?" Raikage slammed his hand on the table, make it bent down and cracked a little.

"What kind of peace it is Raikage? If it only survives for a damn couple year or a little more!" Hiashi's eyes pierced toward Raikage, demanding an answer. His voice rose a little but he still maintained that crossed arm upon his chest.

"Hiashi", Tsunade tried to calm him

"Don't waste any time to convince me, if you are not convinced yourself Tsunade-sama. Hyuuga family has been too familiar with war. We are involved since the first war under the First Hokage's command, and it has been decades. When the war is over, what will you the Kages do? Do you really ready to make peace and forget those ugly scars behind?"

Another long silent moment.

"Let's call it a night," Hiashi called for some servants to enter the room and escorted his guest out, "seems like we are getting nowhere."

At the front gate he said his final words of the night, "please do come back when you have the answer" and gave a small nod to the Kages. When the door finally closed and the Kages dispatched, each of them knew that what Hiashi said was true.

At the other hall in southern wing of Hyuuga Manor, Neji Hyuuga took a faster step toward a certain room. When he arrived in front of the door, he gently asked permission to enter.

"Hinata…"

"Yes, come in Neji-nii"

As the door slid open, he could saw his cousin turned her body to face him. Dresses in red yukata, she looked gracious as always even when dark circles is formed under her eyes. Neji knew his cousin was barely getting sleep these past few days. He sit in front of her.

"It seems the war is inevitable anymore, Hinata"

"Has father make decision yet, Nii-san?"

"Not yet, but it wouldn't be too long"

Hinata took a little moment to close her eyes and drown in her mind. It's about time…

She opened them and turned her gaze to cherry tree beside her room. "Nii-san, please inform the council that I myself will represent the Hyuuga clan to attend the noble families meeting in Karasu", she responded decisively.

Neji was taken a while by Hinata's answer. She showed no hesitation and looked dignified, just like any Hyuuga did. Long ago Neji thought that Hinata was destined to be a failure, but since he knew her better he found out so many faces that his beloved cousin has hidden from people, even from her own father. And this face right before his eyes was one of them.

"Understood", he answered shortly only to receiving a warm, gratitude smile of Hinata.