Chapter One
My name is Hyuuga Shinju. I am a member of the Branch Family, also known as the Bunke. I wouldn't say that I'm special. I wasn't strong nor was I acknowledged by the Main Branch like Neji-sama. I wasn't shy and gentle, so different from most of our kin, like Hinata-sama. To tell the truth, I barely have anything in common with the rest of my brethren other than my last name and how expendable I am. That's how I am, constantly unnoticed by the flocks of people coming in and going out of the compound despite the famous dojutsu of our clan, the Byakugan.
Many would start describing their appearance by this point, yet I have nothing much to say. My eyes are the same as the rest of the clan, so is my hair, long to my lower back and attached in a low ponytail. I know not of my height or my weight, but I like to think that I'm pretty average compared to the rest of Konohagakure no Sato's female population. If I allowed myself to dwell into such thoughts, that is. I assume that I am what you would picture a female Hyuuga to be.
As many should know, my clan is not exactly composed by the most caring of people. Neji-sama and most of the Bunke grew to despise the Soke whereas the Soke mostly looked down to the Bunke. The elders, of the Main Branch of course, only wish to insure their power over the clan and are mostly afraid of change that would most certainly arise were Hinata-sama to become Head of the clan. Thus, they've thrown both Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama in a competition where the most capable will remain in the Soke.
You are probably wondering whose side am I on, whether I approve of these events or simply my role within this scenario. As you probably expect by now, I am just a spectator who isn't allowed to make the slightest change. Some would call me an obedient yet emotionless doll. That is near yet far from the truth. I may be a spectator, but after eight years of being Hinata-sama's personal secret bodyguard, I've begun to feel for her and even picture myself in her stead which, really, was not so hard. So if I must say, then I am led to believe that I am on Hinata-sama's side rather than Hanabi-sama's, but just the same, if Hinata-sama decides, by her own will, to give that position to Hanabi-sama, I will not interfere.
My fate is to serve the Soke, mainly Hinata-sama, until I die. That is the fate of the Bunke, but maybe, just maybe, I will be able to break away from it. But then, who will guide me as I leave the cage?
Tweet! Tweet!
Startled, the young girl turned around. A messenger bird was perched on her shoulder, asking for food. Shinju smiled amusingly before giving the tiny creature some grains to eat. It wasn't often that a messenger bird comes to her abode, much less one from her clan. Upon further inspection, Shinju concluded that it was from the Soke which only meant one thing, Hiashi-dono has demanded her immediate presence within his office. She stood up and glided through the hallways leading to her destination and knocked on the wooden post near the door.
''Come in,'' the grave voice of the Hyuuga Head ordered.
Shinju did so and bowed down after closing the door, awaiting her orders. Although he had personally ordered her to watch over Hinata, this was the first time she had entered the office. There was an awkward silence looming over them before Hiashi finally spoke.
''How old are you now, Shinju?''
''Twelve years old, Hiashi-dono, thirteen when spring will come by again.''
''As you already know, you will no longer be guarding my daughter with the upcoming exams. There will also be nin from Suna present other than our own. Those three are the children of the Kazekage and our clan has the honor of providing them shelter and food until the end of the event. You will be their servant for that frame of time as their chambers will be next to yours.''
''Hai, Hiashi-dono,'' she bowed again. ''When should I start preparing for their arrival?''
''Immediately. They will arrive in the village in the next two days.''
''Shitsureishimasu.''
''One more thing before you leave.''
Shinju lifted her head, curious as to what else her superior has to say.
''Don't die.''
She bowed again and left the room. One might have thought that he was actually worried about the Branch member, but the truth was that he simply didn't want her to disgrace their clan by dying at the hands of the one known as Sabaku no Gaara. Dying in such a fashion would be like telling everyone that the Hyuuga clan itself was so weak that they lost a member to their esteemed guest from the Land of the Wind. Shinju has heard bits about the Sand Siblings as they were called throughout the years. It was mostly about how violent and uncontrollable the youngest of the trio was. This will be a really long and difficult task.
By noon the next day, the four rooms were pristine clean. Each room had a futon, a dresser (empty of course), a closet, a desk and a window showing either the gardens or the training grounds. The rooms showing the gardens will be occupied by, from left to right, Gaara, Shinju (it was her room already anyways) and the sensei who will accompany them. The other rooms were for the elder siblings and the bathroom was between them.
Ironically, about half an hour after Shinju ate her lunch and changed her clothes, the aforementioned guests were at the village gates. They went to the Hokage Tower to discuss details about their lodging and the Exams which led them to tour around the village. An unfortunate Academy student just had to bump into the middle sibling who had his hand on the boy's shirt seconds later. ''That hurt, brat.''
''Stop it. We are going to get scolded later,'' a foreign girl told him. Shinju was just passing by when she witnessed the scene. By the feel of it, Uzumaki Naruto and his teammate, Haruno Sakura, were in front of her, as well as two of the little boy's classmates. Wasn't he the grandson of the Hokage? Either way, the other two weren't familiar at all, probably here for a mission or, could they be…?
''Sorry, I was just joking around so…'' Haruno tried to explain, stuttering slightly, obviously at a loss of what to do. What a surprise… Without her idol, she was like a weak little girl.
''Hey! Let go of that hand!'' Came the loud voice of dead-last Uzumaki. Shinju could imagine his expression easily enough, kind of. He was obviously a friend of the Sarutobi.
''But I want to play around before some noisy people came,'' was the foreign nin's reply. Such arrogance… Her family members were stuck up enough thank you very much.
''Let the boy go,'' Shinju interfered. ''He didn't do anything to warrant such wrath from you. It was an accident after all. Furthermore, harming him should be the last thing on your mind if you do not wish to be kicked out of our village which I doubt you do.''
The nin growled and seemed to turn towards her. ''You know, after short impertinent kids, I hate kids like you who think they're so clever. I'll take care of you after those two short brats.'' He prepared to punch, but…
Shinju took out a coin and aimed it at the guy's arm. At the same time, a rock was tossed towards the same place, crushed by the coin on the way, its pieces landing on the ground. The coin still hit with enough force to hurt the stranger, making him let go of the boy.
''Why you…!''
''What do you think you're doing in another's village,'' a familiar voice asked. Of course, since he appeared and all, the next thing one would expect is…''SASUKE-KUN!''
''Another kid that pisses me off…'' The guy mumbled under his breath as Konohamaru went to his idol's side. To tell the truth, Shinju doubted that the others even heard what he said…and she felt somewhat insulted that the guy would call them kids. After all, Team Seven and she are probably just a year so younger than him. Then again… he's probably one of those people who get pissed off at every single thing, not that it's a good excuse.
He took off whatever it was on his back (it did seem to be tied with chakra strings though) and seemed to prepare for battle. At least, until… ''Stop, Kankuro.''
''G-Gaara.'' The one named Kankuro stuttered. So her assumption was right after all… How wonderful.
''You're a disgrace to our village,'' came his voice, behind the tree the last Uchiha was sitting on. You'd think that their sensei would be the one lecturing Kankuro instead of his younger brother. Although it was a bit of a surprise that he even bothered to interfere, but then again, he must have his reasons…namely said Uchiha. He was one of the strongest of the newly appointed Genin after all. Basically, he's… reserved the privilege of fighting the guy for himself… ''Why do you think we came all the way here to Konoha?''
''Listen Gaara,'' Kankuro tried to explain. ''These guys started it.''
''Shut up,'' Gaara seemed to glare, scaring his brother. ''I'll kill you.''
''I-I get it. I was at fault. I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry,'' Kankuro admitted fearfully, fully aware that the threat was not a light one.
''Excuse them, you guys,'' Gaara addressed to the Konoha citizens. Moments later, a breeze of sand brought him to the ground by his teammates. ''Let's go. We didn't come here to fool around.''
''I know…'' Kankuro seemed to struggle as he and his sister started to follow behind the youngest.
''Wait up!'' The Haruno girl exclaimed somewhat needlessly.
''What is it?'' The eldest sibling, the girl, asked as the trio stopped walking.
''Judging from your forehead protectors, you are ninja from Sunagakure no Sato, right?'' Pause. ''It's true that the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind have an alliance, but a treaty prevents ninja from entering each other's country without permission. State you purpose. According to your reasons, I will…''
''Please Haruno-san,'' Shinju interfered again. ''If you must know, they have clearance to come to our village and to stay for around a month and half due to the upcoming Chunin exams.''
''Chunin exams?'' Uzumaki asked, confused. ''What's that?''
''As you should know, Chunin is the rank of ninja that come after Genin. Every year, two exams are held to determine which Genin can access to that second rank. There are different tests that cover around a month and a couple of days. This time, the exams are held in our village and if your sensei deems you capable enough, then he or she will give you permission to participate.''
''How do you know so much? Did you participate in them before?'' Uchiha Sasuke demanded.
''I was only informed in advance. The next exams should be held in a week anyway.''
With that, the Sand Siblings resumed their walk only to be interrupted once again by a member of Team Seven. ''Hey you there.'' Sasuke jumped off his branch. ''What's your name?''
''M-Me?'' The girl asked, somewhat girlishly if that even makes sense.
''No. The one next to you with the gourd,'' he replied, pointing the guy as if to accentuate his point.
The other two turned around as well. ''Sabaku no Gaara. I am also interested in you. What's your name?'' He asked almost ominously.
''Uchiha Sasuke.''
''And you, girl?''
''You mean me?'' Sakura nervously asked, more by fear than anything else.
''No, the other one.''
''It's no use giving it to you anyway. I'm not participating in the Selection Exam.''
''Eh? But you knew so much!'' Naruto exclaimed in disbelief.
''Believe or not, I am just a civilian unlike you people. We'll be seeing each other soon anyway. Sooner than you think.'' Shinju mumbled the last sentence before walking back to the compound. ''Oh, and one more thing, Kankuro, was it? If you insist on playing around, I suggest you to do so in the training grounds instead of the street. It's unbecoming of someone of your status.''
Hn. It seems like other foreign nin are starting to pick out the challenging ones as well. This year's Exam seems to be filled with surprises. I wonder how our own nin will fare in these Exams?