How it all began…
…
Thinking/ Indention/ Flashbacks/ Fantasies
Kyuubi talking to Naruto in mindscape/ Naming a jutsu/ Bold indention
Kyuubi talking telepathically to Naruto/ Calling out a jutsu/ Bold words
…
Hello everyone! It's me, The Open-Eyed Day Dreamer! You may remember my stories (that I'm still currently doing right now… I'm a bit lazy and loopy… Please bear with me!), mostly Naruto related. If you do then great! If you don't then… GET THOSE CRUSTS OUT OF YOUR EYES AND READ MY STUFF! And hello and welcome to my weirdly fantasy filled stories! ^/^'
So anyway, I hope you enjoy this new story I just recently came up with and tell me if you like it alright? 'Till then my friends!
It was nighttime in Konohagakure which resided in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Lights of shops were rarely seen down the streets were markets were held and barely in people were out. It was quiet… a little too quiet…
And it was especially quiet in the Hyuuga Clan's compound, which was an unusual first for such a clan that was strict, stern, and punctual. No guards were about, which was also odd, and all of the lights were turned off… That is, except for one room that held a certain heiress in it. Hinata Hyuuga had just woken up from a nightmare and was shaking like a leaf as she sat in her bed while clutching her blankets up over her nose. She had turned the lamp on and was looking around wildly to see if any monsters were about.
She saw none and grabbed her favorite stuffed bear that was named Mr. Dai, and snuggled him against her chest. He was a big bear, almost the size of little 6 year old Hinata herself, and his colors were very unusual for a bear. He was white as snow and had a large blue spot over his left eye, his arms were lengthy and reached all the way to his head, and he only had one ear. Hinata was playing "surgery" and amputated one of Mr. Dai's ears for a donation to the Sickly Bear Society (a place she made up of course), thus weighting the stuffed animal of hearing with one ear.
Hinata was scared and decided to go sleep with her mother instead of being all alone in her room. Her mother was Hitomi Hyuuga and she was a very pretty woman. She had fair skin accompanied with long dark eggplant hair that went slightly past her waist, and side bangs framing her face down to her shoulders. If you had seen Hinata with her mother, you could tell right away that they looked very much alike.
Hinata swayed her legs over her bed and jumped down from it with a soft thud. Her peach-colored nighttime kimono swished as she regained her composure. She turned Mr. Dai's face so he could look at her.
"You don't think mother will be mad if we slept with her, do you Mr. Dai?" She asked him. She made the bear's head shake from side to side with her small, pale hands. Hinata smiled cutely and gave out a breath of relief. But it was short-lived once she thought of the other person that slept in the same room with her mother. "You don't think father will get mad… do you…?"
Her father, or known as Hiashi Hyuuga, was a very strict and stern man. He always trained Hinata hard in the arts of the Hyuuga, and he had many duties as the head of the Hyuuga Clan. The bluenette was sometimes afraid of her own father but when her mother and her new sister Hanabi that was recently just brought into the world a few months ago; would come to greet the two of them with bright smiles, her father would always mellow down and give her warm smiles as he told her to keep trying to do her best. Her father had long, black hair and featureless, white eyes, which was shared by all of the members of the Hyuuga Clan, for it was their Kekkei Genkai after all.
Hinata looked at Mr. Dai as she waited for his answer. After a minute or so, the bear had shaken his head, courtesy of Hinata of course. She let out the breath she hadn't realized she held in. "That's a relief… I thought father would get mad at me for sure… Let us go then!" She quickly ran out of her room and down the halls to find were her mother and father slept.
But unbeknownst to the young girl, there was a lurking figure that was following a few feet behind her with quiet steps…
…
Hinata made it to her parent's room as she huffed from all of the running and excitement that was coursing through her young body. He reason why she was soo excited was because she couldn't wait to see her mother again. Hitomi was a vital part in Hinata's life. Ever since the child was conceived she had a special connection with her mother. She never complained, yelled, screamed, or fought her mother throughout her young life. Hinata loved her mother soo much; she was willing to do anything for her.
So as she slid open the door and entered the beautifully made tatami room, she quietly crept over to her mother's side of the futon mattress as she snuggled her bear tightly against her. Once she made it over to her, Hinata kneeled down by her mother's side and used Mr. Dai's lengthy arms to poke her mother's cheek. After a few pokes, Hitomi stirred awake and looked up groggily at her assaulter.
"Hinata…?" Hitomi yawned as she covered her mouth with a pale hand. "What are you doing awake, my flower?" Hitomi would always call Hinata "flower" because of the way she acted. Hinata was shy, thoughtful, serene, kind, and very polite person, and she was also a very gentle girl as well. Hitomi considered her "a bud that had yet to blossom", and she was very proud to be called her mother. Hitomi loved Hinata very much and she did not wanted her gentle nature to be diminished like all of the elders wanted. And Hitomi wanted Hinata to be strong in her own way and not the way the elders had wanted. The mother wanted her child to have freedom and not to be caged like most of the Hyuuga's were. So as long as she had a breath in her body, Hinata would continue to be she and not some robot that could be used for manipulation.
Hinata blushed at the nickname her mother gave her. No matter how many times she said it, it just seemed that the Hyuuga heiress couldn't stop herself from blushing, and she didn't know why. "Mama… I wish to sleep with you… Is that alright…?"
Hitomi smiled at her eldest daughter. "Of course you can my flower. You can sleep with me anytime you want. Although," she turned and looked at the huge empty space that was beside her, "I do wish your busy father would stop working all the time and spend more time with us." She sighed. "Oh well, at least your little sister will have more company tonight."
They both looked over to the crib that was not far from them. Hinata stumbled over to her baby sister eagerly as she looked through the cribs bars. She was very short for a 6 year old and she couldn't quite reach the handles of the cribs yet. Hinata blushed slightly as she smiled at the small bundle the crib held within it. There, her little sister that was named Hanabi Hyuuga, she lay as she slept peacefully in her sleep. Hanabi had brown short hair that would most likely grow darker once she had gotten older, a constant blush that stained her chubby cheeks, and closed white eyes that had a hint of lilac in them.
"She's soo cute…!" Hinata exclaimed as her blush tinted a bit darker. "She will be very pretty when she grows older… I bet she will be much more prettier than me Mama!"
Hitomi chuckled at Hinata's humbleness. It never ceased to amaze how her daughter always put others before herself. But she couldn't complain, after all, she was exactly the same way as well. "I don't know," she giggled, "I think, no, I know you will be very beautiful one day… Even more beautiful than myself my dear."
Hinata blushed horribly at her mother's praise. She stuffed her red face into her animal pal as she tried to hide her embarrassment. More beautiful than her own mother? She doubted it. After all, her mother was considered the most beautiful Hyuuga in the entire Hyuuga Clan. The young heiress thought that she was absolutely no contest against her mother, therefore she always berated how she was in fact not cute and was plain and that she should just accept it.
Before the bluenette could answer, a nasty laughter broke Hinata's line of speech. "Well isn't this touching?" A voice sneered at the two. "I'm sorry to interrupt but I have business here that needs taking care of." Hinata and Hitomi jumped as the saw a figure lean against the door. It was a tall, slim man with dark eyes with lines underneath them, black hair and beard. He wore the older-styled flak jacket which had thick shoulder pads. His head was bandaged and a forehead protector Hinata didn't recognize, covered his right eye. He wore a black suit of clothing and an obi around his waist.
Hinata didn't know how this man was but Hitomi knew full well who the man was. Hitomi quickly stood up, pulled out a kunai that hid in her white kimono's sleeve, and pushed Hinata behind her. She narrowed her eyes as she addressed the man.
"Kumogakure ninja." She hissed. "Not only that but you are the Head Ninja of Kumogakure, are you not?"
He clapped as he started to slowly make his way over to the females, drawing out a kunai from his weapons pouch that was strapped on his waist as he did so. "Well done, I applaud your intellect. You Hyuuga are truly the real deal." His sharp eyes suddenly turned cold with malice. "But you and I both know what I'm really here for." He pointed towards Hinata who jumped in surprise and fear. "Give me the girl and no one gets hurt."
Hinata started to shake like a leaf as she ripped her eyes slowly from the man to her mother who stood rigid as a rock. "M-Mama…" She squeaked as she started to pull on her mother's beautifully white kimono. "Wh-Why does h-he want me? Why?"
The head's wife looked down at her eldest daughter and felt her heart rip in two. She absolutely hated it when she caused Hinata so much strife. But she needed her to be strong if she was going to make it out of here alive. "Hinata." She whispered. "I need you to listen to me… Go to the crib and get Hanabi out of here."
The bluenette's lavender-tinted eyes widened with fear. What about her mother? Was she going to be okay? Was she going to follow them? Would she make the bad man go away? She had to know and she had to know now.
"Wh-What about y-you Mama? A-Are you coming o-out with u-us?" She asked as tears threated to spill down her cheeks.
Hitomi gave Hinata a solemn smile as she nodded towards the young girl. "Of course my flower… Now get going and get Hanabi out of here and warn your father. Hurry now, hurry!" She whispered softly.
Hinata hesitated at first, but gave a small nod. She dashed as she made a run for her sister with clumsy but quick strides. The Head of Kumogakure smirked as he watched the girl make a futile attempt to get away from him.
"I admire your bravery you little brat," He laughed as he twirled his kunai on a finger, "but you're coming with me!" Before he could run over to Hinata, he felt a sharp pain slice through his cheek. He growled as he paid his attention back to the woman as she had her Byakugan activated and was standing in the Hyuuga's rigid fighting style.
"Your fight is not with her but with me. And don't call my child a brat. It is you who act more childish than she does." Hitomi spat as she charged at him with smooth strides.
The head ninja spat on the ground as he grinned at the woman running towards him. "Fine if you want it so badly, I'll give you a fight!" And he too charged towards her.
…
Hinata made it to her sister just as the babe began wailing at the noise commencing behind her. Hinata grabbed the safety latch and unhooked it. She then pulled down on the bars and the side of the crib slid down completely revealing a venerable baby Hanabi. The whole time this was happening Hinata was crying silent tears of woe and despair. She felt utterly helpless as her mother fended off the bad man that was trying to capture her. It didn't help that she was steal glancing of her mother being momentarily overpowered, or how Hanabi cried at the commotion.
"Shh Hanabi shh…" Hinata tried to silence her sister with a wobbly voice. "I-It's okay, Mama will—!" Hinata was suddenly cut off once she heard a sharp cry of pain slice through the air. But it wasn't a man's cry, it was a female's cry. Hinata whirled around as she saw her mother bleeding heavily from the various cuts and bruises she received from her attacks against the man. She was pressed against the wall as the man advanced forward. Even though he had the upper hand, the head ninja did also display his own injuries from their scuffle. One arm was hanging limp as he had deep wounds and cuts from senbon Hitomi threw at him.
Hinata watched helplessly as her shaking grew more and more. What should she do? What can she do? All of these questions constantly plagued her mind as the seconds rolled by and her mother's survival looked bleak. She should run away? Or should she fight? The young girl collapsed on her knees, gripped her head, and wailed pitifully as her uselessness took over.
I… I can't do anything right! Hinata thought as her crying escalated and Hanabi's wails untied with hers. Because of me Mama will… She's gonna…!
"Hinata." Said girl looked up as she saw her mother look up at her with a gentle smile stretched across her lips. "I know you did your best and I'm very proud of you… But you must run and get your sister to safety… Run and tell someone what has happened… After that, you must hide… You must hide and survive!"
Hinata suddenly froze. To her, something felt… wrong about that sentence. Like it wasn't supposed to sound like that. Run…! Hide…! Run and get someone else…! Hide…! She replayed those words over and over again until finally something snapped within her.
The small child suddenly arose slowly on her two feet as her face morphed into an expression she has never shown before. Anger.
No…! No more hiding! She thought as she grabbed Mr. Dai by an arm. Her posture straightened, her head held high, and her lips started to droop as it turned into a frown. I'm not going to hide! I'm not going to run! I'm not going to leave Mama anymore! She suddenly started to narrow her eyes a little more as small veins started to pop around them. I will protect her and Hanabi! To protect Mama and Hanabi… The veins started to grow larger as her pale eyes started to see the insides of chakra networks. …Is to protect my family!
"Byakugan!" Hinata screamed and she threw her stuffed bear at the bad man's back to get his attention. The Head Ninja of Kumogakure willfully took the bait but a second later, he wished he hadn't. Hinata had suddenly dashed at the man with incredible speed and delivered a chakra encrusted palm into the man's stomach. He keeled over for a minute but Hinata then started to give him jabs on random chakra points on his body.
Hitomi watched with shock as her daughter took on a dangerous man three times her size. Hinata has awakened her Byakugan… She thought numbly as she could do nothing be sit there and watch her daughter fight. My daughter has awakened her Byakugan and is fighting the Head Ninja of Kumogakure right before my eyes…!
The head ninja was beginning to lose all feeling in his body as the child continued her onslaught of precise and painful chakra encrusted attacks. He was being defeated by a mere child! He growled as the girl jabbed his solar plexus. He was the Head Ninja of Kumogakure darn it! And he wasn't going to roll over for some pipsqueak.
Before Hinata could hit the man's throat with a palm, he grabbed his kunai and sliced her cheek. She screamed in pain as she staggered away from the man and tried to stop the blood that was spilling out from her cut.
"Take this you little urchin!" He bellowed as he punched her on top of her head, leaving Hinata to crash to the floor and writhe in pain. But the older shinobi wasn't finished yet. He got up from his knees and stumbled over to the shy girl. Once he was on a side of Hinata, he started to violently kick the girl without mercy.
"No! Stop this at once!" Hitomi cried as she tried to move her numb body but found out she could not. "Leave my daughter alone!"
The Head Ninja smirked as his kicks became more violent. "Heh! This will teach her to not mess with Kumoga—!" He didn't get the chance to finish his sentence once he felt an exploding pain shoot through his chest. The head fell to the floor next by Hinata with a heavy thud. Blood started to spill out of his mouth as the man's eyes rolled up into his skull. He was dead.
"This will teach you to never hurt my daughter. Scum." A cold voice said as he picked up Hinata in his strong arms.
Hitomi looked up with happiness and relief at her savior. "Hiashi!" The man looked over to his wife and instantly came over to her side. He wore a simple, white kimono, held closed by a dark-coloured sash along with a brown, long-sleeved haori. Hiashi started to examine his beloved's wounds as he looked at her with worried eyes. Hitomi laughed heartily at her husband's expression. "I am alright my love. You have no need to worry."
"No need to worry?!" Hiashi yelled at his wife. "I turn my back for one minute and what do I see? I see you and Hinata blooded and half-conscious while Hanabi's crib has been opened and she is crying! I have plenty of reasons to worry!"
"Hiashi," Hitomi says sternly as she gets her husband's full attention, "I think the important thing is treating our daughter for her wounds." She then nods at the state Hinata was in. Blood was flowing from her scalp, down into her face as a nasty purple bruise appeared on her right cheek. Her pale arms were swollen and her body looked crumpled and paler than usual. When Hiashi applied a little force on Hinata's ribs, her body twitched and her face contorted into a look of pain.
No doubt she has a few bruised ribs… Hiashi sighed and gave into his wife's demands. Not long after that, a few branch member guards ran in looking rather unnerved and weary. They had awoken from their slumber once they heard scuffling and the sound of two bodies thumping against the floors.
"Lord Hiashi, what has—?"
"Get my brother in here immediately!" Hiashi barked as he interrupted the branch member. They nodded curtly and quickly filed out leaving Hiashi to tend to his daughter and wife's wounds as much as he could. After a few minutes, a man that looked identical to Hiashi came in. His name was Hizashi Hyuuga and he was the identical twin of his brother. He had long, black hair and featureless, white eyes, but the thing was he had the trait called the Caged Bird Seal that was implanted on his forehead and shared by all of the branch members of the Hyuuga Clan. He wore a long-sleeved, loose-fitting kimono held closed by an obi, which seemed to be the common attire of the clan.
"Hiashi what is the—!" Hizashi stopped dead in his tracks once he saw the state of his sister-in-law and his niece were in. His white eyes grew filled with worry as he quickly went over by his brother's side. "Wh-What has happened here? Who has done this?"
"The mangy culprit is over there." Hiashi growled as he pointed towards the dead ninja. His twin brother narrowed his eyes as he registered the man's identity.
"I see… He was after the Byakugan, wasn't he?" Hizashi asked Hitomi. The woman nodded and began feel tired.
"Hai. He tried to take Hinata's eyes but I was able to intercept him, but I did not keep him at bay long enough for you to show up Hiashi." Hitomi explained to her two dearest men. The brothers pulled the same look of an eyebrow lifting simultaneously.
"What do you mean by that?" They asked in unison, making Hitomi laugh heartily.
She smiled as she looked down at Hinata's mangled body. Hiashi managed to stop the bleeding, but they needed professional help. It wasn't anything dire, but it still needed to be treated. "I am saying that Hinata was the one that provided the diversion long enough for you to get here my loves."
Hiashi and Hizashi's pale eyes widened in utter surprise. It was the same for the other branch members that were also present in the room. Hinata had severely damaged the Head Ninja of Kumogakure? But she was only a child, surely this was some misunderstanding? They were about to be in for another surprise when Hitomi addressed the two men again.
Hitomi winced as she brought up an arm to stroke Hinata's dark blue hair. Hiashi protested at first but stopped once he saw the loving and proud look on his wife's face. "Can you believe it Hiashi my dear?"
"Believe what?"
Hitomi giggled. "That our beloved daughter has stood up to a man that was ranked Head Ninja of Kumo, but not only that. Hinata activated her Byakugan. Can you believe it? She actually activated her Byakugan at such a young age!"
That really settled in the surprises that day. Hiashi's mouth went slightly agape as Hizashi's eyes widened again before he started to chuckle. He placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Well it seems that my son has some catching up to do, right Brother?" Hizashi smiled warmly as he gently took Hinata out of his arms. "Come on, let's go get these two taken care of." He said as he started to carry Hinata out of the room.
Hiashi could only nod numbly as he carefully scooped his wife into his strong arms and stagger right behind his brother. They whole way he was confused while his wife was just giggling at his expense. All the while this was happening, he only had one thought circling around his head.
What just happened?
Hiruzen Sarutobi, or formally known as the Third Hokage, was smoking his pipe as he assessed the situation right in front of him. The Hyuuga Clan head with his brother and five other members were standing rigidly awaiting further commands. It had been five days after the assault on the Hyuuga Clan by Kumo, and they were more tense than ever. The whole compound was surrounded by guards' day in and day out, surveying every little detail into every known place. They constantly switched guards every five hours or so and the clan was sharping their skills with knew found vigor.
Ever since Hinata and Hitomi had been injured in their scuffle with a dangerous man, the whole clan has been on unrest. The branch family was doing their best not because they were ordered to do so, but because the wanted to. Hinata and her mother were always kind to the branch family and tried to help out with anything they could if the opportunity showed up. And for that, the lesser branch were immensely grateful to them.
Hiruzen blew out a ring of smoke before addressing the stern clan. "Tell me Hiashi, how is Hinata and Hitomi doing?"
The old Hokage watched as the clanhead's eyes relaxed a little while the rest of his body remained as strong as a rock. "Very well thank you. Hitomi is making a full recovery while Hinata is as well, but she will be having some signs of the fight still showing on her body for a few weeks." He replied curtly.
Hiruzen smiled. He always did like to see the little heiress. He rarely saw her but when he did, he was always amused at how shy the girl was. It had taken some time, but the Third had managed to make the girl approach him without hesitation. On occasions, she would even run up to him and give him a hug before returning back in between her parents and having her father scold her on how that was not appropriate.
"Wonderful news." He said with his smile growing wider. "I take it you will be letting some battle scars stay, am I correct?"
Hiashi gave the Hokage a rare smile. "You already knew that didn't you, so why ask?"
The Sandaime gave a raspy laugh. "Just because I'm old, doesn't mean I can't have a little fun." After a few moments the Hokage's facial expression turned serious. Hiashi immediately took the hint and steeled his eyes. "I have some news, Hiashi. News pertaining to the Kumo incident…"
Hiashi knew that this day would come and prepared for it accordingly and was ready to make the necessary arrangements for whatever Kumogakure threw at him. But he wasn't ready for what fate had in store for him.
"We have told them what has happened over hear and they were quite furious. So furious, that they demanded that you give them something in return for your supposed transgressions you have committed on them." The Hokage began as he puffed another cloud of smoke.
Hiashi tensed as he waited for the Hokage's reply. When the old ninja didn't reply, Hiashi became impatient. "And those demands are…?"
The Sandaime inhaled deeply before addressing his audience again. He linked his fingers together as his facial expression became serious. "They demand… the death of you Hiashi Hyuuga. A ninja for a ninja per say…"
Hinata was merrily chasing Mr. Dai as the stuffed bear ran away from her. They were in a meadow full of flowers with the sun shining high and the sky clear of clouds. Hinata was having a wonderful time as she chased her beloved stuffed animal as they played a game of tag.
"Wait up Mr. Dai!" Hinata screamed happily as she started to steadily gain on her friend. "Wait for me!"
"No way! You've got to catch me first!" The bear teased as he started to get farther and farther away from her. Hinata giggled as she continued running, but fell tired once she couldn't find the strength in her legs to push on. She watched helplessly as her animal pal ran farther and farther away until he couldn't see him anymore. Hinata jumped once she felt the meadow give way under her feet and she started to fall into a black abyss of darkness. She watched with fear as the sun and the sky melted away and the color of pure black filled her line of vision. She screamed as she continued to fall down… down… down…
Hinata snapped her eyes open and jerked her body up in the air. She panted heavily as she looked around with wide, scared eyes.
"Hinata! Calm down sweetie, I am here. Please be still my flower." A familiar yet soothing voice called out to the young girl.
Hinata's eyes adjusted to the bright light as she looked around the room. It had white walls with white tile flooring. Hinata saw a chair and heard a soft beeping that resounded throughout the room. It smelled like medicine and chemicals and it made the bluenette's nose wrinkle at the smell. She immediately knew she was in the hospital. The bluenette shakily turned her head over to see her mother sitting up in the bed next to her. She was covered with gauze and bandages but she was smiling at Hinata nonetheless.
"It's good to see you up Hinata. Are you okay? Did you have a bad dream?" Her mother asked her. Hinata just responded with her eyes watering before she broke down crying. She wailed as she tried to wipe away her tears with her tiny fists, but the young heiress found out that she couldn't stop herself from crying.
Hitomi's eyes looked crestfallen as she watched her eldest daughter cry. She cringed as she forced herself out of bed. She made her way over to her daughter with wobbly steps before placing her bottom down on the side of the bed with a heavy whump. She outstretched her arms and wrapped them around Hinata. The 6 year old gripped her mother's hospital garments hard as she cried into her chest.
Hitomi smiled gently as she began to stroke her daughter's hair with soothing strokes. "It is okay my sweet; you have done nothing wrong… Why, if you had not fought that man, I would surely not be here before you right now. You should be very proud of yourself."
Hinata continued to cry as she listened to her mother's words. She had done nothing wrong? But she had caused her mother soo much pain; she didn't even want to look at herself. Hinata had noticed the way she had come over to her; she was hurt and there wasn't a thing the bluenette couldn't do about it. So Hinata cried, but she cried with sorrow and guilt. Sorrow for her mother's pain, and guilt for her own weakness and how she wasn't strong enough to prevent those wounds from happening.
The young heiress' mind suddenly brightened with an idea. She wasn't strong now, but if she could train herself, then maybe, just maybe, she could prevent this from ever happening again!
Hinata felt her cries subside until it was nothing more than a few whimpers here and there. She lifted her head up to look at her mother with wet, red, lavender-tinted eyes. "Mama," Hinata began, "I… I want to get s-stronger so that I can protect you the next time a-a bad person comes!"
Hitomi smiled down at her soon-to-be-look-alike. She knew this day would come, but she had thought it would come in a much less… scary fashion for her young daughter. "Well my flower, there is a way for that to happen you know." She said as she poked Hinata's little red nose.
Hinata's eyes grew into small saucers. "R-Really?! How Mama?!"
"Why the Ninja Academy of course!" Hitomi giggled at her eldest daughter's expression.
Hinata tilted her head in confusion. "Ninja… Academy…?" This was the first time she had ever heard of that.
Hitomi giggled and snuggled her daughter closer as she began to explain. "Hai. The Ninja Academy is where young children, like you," she poked Hinata's nose again and this time it made the girl giggle, "train in order to become shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village. Once you have passed your third year there, you will be promoted to the rank of Genin and will start your career as a ninja of the Leaf. It sounds pretty exciting doesn't it?"
Hinata's eyes went wide after she heard her mother's revelation. There was an Academy where she could train to be a ninja? Well, sure she was already training as a ninja in the Hyuuga arts, but the young heiress had no idea that there was a school for children who wanted to be shinobi. And since it provided Hinata with just the golden opportunity she was looking for, she eagerly took it.
"H-Hai! I would like to join this Ninja Academy!" Hinata squealed as she began bouncing on the bed. "Oh please may I mother? May I?!"
Hitomi laughed at her daughter's behavior once more and scooped her little bundle into her arms before she began nuzzling Hinata with her nose. "Of course you can my precious flower. We just need to get your father's consent as well and you'll be good to go! I heard that the Academy will be opening in about a month's worth. We'll have plenty of time to get you prepared and ready for school. Oh this is so exciting!" And after that, they began talking with Hitomi mostly explaining what Hinata will be learning at the Academy and how they will prepare her for it.
Hiashi, Hizashi, and the batch of branch members that were chosen to accompany them were walking down the hospital halls to where Hinata and Hitomi resided. Hiashi was very distraught and his steps were heavy and not swift and brisk. He was contemplating everything the Sandaime had discussed with him. He was going to have to die for something Kumo had caused? It was ludicrous and it just didn't add up. But he had no authority over the situation for he was not a Kage. So for now, he tried to think of some way to alter his path of demise.
"Brother…"
Hiashi looked up to see Hizashi looking in deep thought. His face contorted into different emotions of confusion, to determination.
"Yes Hizashi?"
His identical twin looked at him with resolve blazing in his all-seeing eyes. "Let me do it."
Hiashi stopped in his tracks as well as everyone else. Hiashi looked at his brother with shocked eyes. "Wh-What did you say? You can't honestly mean that can you Hizashi?!"
Hizashi sighed before he turned around to face his older brother. He knew this day would come where he would have to sacrifice himself to protect his brother. As it was the duty of the lesser branch's job to protect the main with their lives. "Hiashi, do you know what it is like to bear the Caged Bird Seal? It is demeaning and we are helpless to its power… By sacrificing myself I have a chance at freedom. I can finally be free of this accursed seal and not have to feel its wrath ever again… It is my wish to do this."
"B-But what about Neji?! Surely you wouldn't leave your own son would you?!" Hiashi protested. Before Hizashi could answer, they all suddenly heard a door slid open. All of the Hyuugas turned to see little Hinata standing by the hospital door with a small hand still gripping the handle.
"Hinata…?" Hiashi and Hizashi both said simultaneously.
Hinata was staring at her father and uncle with mortification written all over her round face. She had heard everything her uncle Hizashi had said. Sacrificing? Freedom? Caged Bird Seal? Suddenly, it all came crashing down on her once she remembered the night before. She realized that the Head Ninja of Kumogakure was a much known man throughout the shinobi nations. Her memory was still fuzzy, but she could remember her father hitting the man before he lay still. So when she heard the conversations and the saw the tired looks upon her relatives, she immediately knew what was happening.
Hinata was very young, but she wasn't stupid. She limped over to her father and uncle's sides still feeling the effects from yesterday's scuffle. She grabbed onto each of their robes and pulled on it to get their attention.
"Yes Hinata? What is it that you want?" Hiashi asked his daughter as he kneeled by her with his eyes displaying kindness.
The young heiress looked down for a moment before looking up at her father with determined eyes. "I know this is not my place father but… why don't you use a cadve… a cadev… a counterfeit body in your place?"
All of the other Hyuugas present widened their eyes wit surprise and shock. Hiashi turned to look at his brother, just as he turned to look at him. They both shared the same thought.
When had Hinata become soo smart?
"Do you think it will work Hiashi?" Hizashi asked him. He did want to sacrifice himself, but he felt that he had much more things to be done before that could ever happen. Plus, he couldn't help but feel that Hinata would have such a great impact on the Hyuuga Clan, and that it could change it for many generations to come.
Hiashi pondered the situation. A counterfeit body could work, but how would they make it look exactly like him?
As if she could read his thoughts, Hinata spoke up once more. "You could use makeup to make it look more like you, and put layers of hard to break through genjutsu over the body so no one could suspect a thing." Hinata looked at the ground as she began to shuffle her feet. "B-But the problem is, how can the genjutsu not be detected from well-trained shinobi?"
Hiashi looked at his daughter incredulously. When had she learned about genjutsu? He certainly did not teach it to her. He didn't even explain the concept to her. He grabbed onto Hinata's shoulders and looked the shy girl straight in the eyes.
"Hinata, who told you about genjutsu?" Hiashi demanded.
Hinata looked into her father's eyes for a split second before refocusing back to the ground with a flustered face. "M-Mama told me… Sh-She said i-it was something I-I was going to l-learn about once I-I went into th-the N-Ninja Academy…"
"The Ninja Academy?!" Hiashi screamed and he stormed into the hospital room while he was dragging poor Hinata along with him. He stomped right in front of Hitomi who had not moved from her spot.
"Hitomi, did you tell Hinata about the Ninja Academy?!"
Hitomi folded her hands neatly in her lap as she looked up at her fuming husband with calm collective pale eyes. "Hiashi, you knew this day would come my husband. You need to accept that our little Hinata-hime is more than ready to embrace the art of the ninja… Wouldn't you agree?"
Hiashi sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Yes… It does seem that Hinata has… experienced more than what a normal 6 year old would have, but what with the crisis at hand now and the suggestion of genjutsu over the body…"
Hitomi raised a brow. "Body? What are you talking about my love?"
Hiashi sighed and began to relay what happened with the meeting with the Hokage and Hizashi's declaration. Hitomi was mortified at first, but slowly she her mind began to ponder over the situation at hand.
After a brief moment of silence, the beautiful woman spoke again. "I see… That is actually not a bad idea. And I know just the person who can be able to distribute such a high class genjutsu."
"Really? Who might that be?" Hiashi asked. At that remark, his wife looked at him and gave him a small mischievous smile. He instantly knew what she was implying and sweat began to formulate on his neck. "Oh. Her."
Young 15 year old Kurenai Yuhi was sitting at a dango shop as she ate her dango. She had long, black, shoulder-length untamed hair, and very unique eyes that are red in color, with an additional ring in them. And she wore the standard Leaf ninja gear which consisted of a green flak jacket with a red maelstrom in the middle of the back, regular shinobi sandals, and a Forehead Protector that was placed firmly on her forehead.
Kurenai was considered a genjutsu specialist because of her advanced genjutsu that she could pull off when many other shinobi couldn't. Even though she was a Chūnin, many ninja that were in the village showed her great respect; which she hated very much. Right now, she was just waiting for her friend, Anko Mitarashi, to get here so they could have a girls day.
Funny how fate could be cruel to those that didn't even know they were about to be dragged into something big.
Kurenai blinked when a ninja appeared in front of her. But it was no ordinary ninja or ANBU, no it was a Hyuuga. And by the looks of it, it seemed the guy was very unnerved by something.
"Miss Kurenai, Lord Hiashi requests your presence at the hospital in Room#203 immediately." He said quickly.
Kurenai blinked again and pulled out the dango stick that was in her mouth. "What for?"
The Hyuuga messenger started to fidget a little before remaining rigid once again. Now the genjutsu mistress was really interested. "I… cannot say it out loud in public, nor do I have the permission to do so. Lord Hiashi will explain everything once you get there. It is imperative that you come Miss Kurenai."
Kurenai sighed and began to twirl her dango stick between her fingers. "Well, since Anko isn't going to come I might as well. It's not like I have anything else better to do while I sit here." She stood up and followed the messenger back to the hospital with brisk strides.
…
Kurenai slid open the door to Room#203 and walked in to find that all of the Hyuugas were awaiting her. She was surprised but masked it well as she went to go discuss with the group. "So you called me? What's this about Lord Hiashi?" She asked in a curt manner.
Hiashi sighed as he addressed the genjutsu mistress. "Ah yes, hello Kuren—"
"Kurenai!" A voice addressed the young teen with a happy manner.
Kurenai craned her neck to see her favorite adult Hitomi Hyuuga. Ever since the girl was little she had looked up to Hitomi and her skills as a ninja. So when she saw her role model all banged up and hurt, you can bet the genjutsu specialist was worried.
Kurenai quickly made her way over to Hitomi and grabbed one of the woman's hands as she fretted over her. "Miss Hitomi! What happened to you?! Did someone hurt you?! Why if I ever ran into the person who did this, I'm gonna—!" She stopped once she saw a little girl; no more than 6 maybe, pull on Hitomi's robes. She looked at Kurenai with big, curious eyes as she stood beside her role model. "Who's the squirt?"
Hitomi laughed at Kurenai's attention span. With teens it was always one thing that quickly led to another in a matter of seconds. "Why Kurenai, this is my daughter Hinata Hyuuga. Surely you can see the comparison between her and me?"
Kurenai's red eyes widened in shock as she looked between Hitomi and her daughter. She noticed that there were in fact similarities between the woman and the little girl.
"Wow…" Kurenai breathed as she kneeled down to the heiress' height. Hinata squeaked and tried to hide behind her mother's legs as she observed the Chūnin shyly. "I never knew… Umm, hey there kid." Kurenai greeted as she waved at Hinata.
Hinata blushed as she tried to make herself more invisible to the teenager. Kurenai couldn't help but snort at the bluenette's antics as Hitomi laughed at Hinata's behavior also.
"Well, she seems a bit shy." Kurenai chuckled as she began scratching a cheek with a finger.
"Ahem!" A voice interrupted the two young women. They turned to see Hiashi looking very miffed that he was ignored completely. "If you're all finished, I would like to move on to important matters please."
Kurenai rolled her eyes as she stood up and faced the stern man. "Ah yes, please continue Lord Hiashi."
Hiashi nodded and began telling Kurenai about the Hyuuga incident. Kurenai was appalled at what happened and became angry at the Head of Kumo of what he did to a shy girl like Hinata. She didn't know the girl, but no kid should be treated like that, no matter what caliber they uphold. So when Hiashi told the plan Hinata had come up with, Kurenai was surprised at the cleverness the kid had, but she was also a bit happy that the girl had displayed such an ingenious plan.
For now, the young Yuhi covered her emotions as she readdressed the Hyuuga's clanhead.
"Hmm… It does seem like a good plan…" Kurenai sighed and then shrugged. "Oh what the heck, I'll give it a shot."
All of the Hyuugas looked relived that the genjutsu mistress had willingly agreed to their terms. They thought it was going to be difficult at first, but it was a surprising turn of events that went greatly in their favor.
"Thank you very much Kurenai," Hiashi said with a small smile, "you have no idea how much this means to us."
Hizashi nodded as he agreed alongside his big brother. He put a reassuring hand on the clanhead's shoulder as he gave Kurenai a small smile of approval as well. "Yes, you have saved a life this day."
Kurenai nodded curtly to them. She was ultimately surprised at the rare signs of emotion the Hyuuga brothers were displaying. Usually, it was only Hitomi that ever displayed any emotion at all in the Hyuuga compound, as far as the genjutsu mistress knew; but she had never in her life seen the two brothers show any emotion between each other, or to others.
She felt a small body brush past her and saw little Hinata run up to the two males and grab onto their haoris with her small, pale hands. Kurenai watched as the young heiress gave the two brothers a toothy smile and they, in turn, gave her smiles that were full with happiness. Both of them patted her head and Hinata began to giggle.
Kurenai felt her mouth go agape as she watched the whole scene unfold right in front of her very eyes. She felt someone tug on her arm and turned around to see Hitomi smiling brightly at her.
"It's amazing isn't it?" She said as she watched her daughter bounce up and down excitedly as she began to chat animatedly with Hiashi and Hizashi. "She has brought so much relaxation in the Hyuuga compound in a matter of days… I have never seen Hiashi and Hizashi look soo… happy with each other."
Kurenai nodded and looked at the two men. "Yes, it seems your daughter has done the impossible. Pretty neat kid you've got there, Hitomi."
Hitomi giggled and a small blush graced her cheeks. "Yes… it seems I have." She looked down at her hands for a moment before looking back up at Kurenai again. "Kurenai, I wish for you to teach my daughter."
Yuhi almost facefaulted once she heard that. "What the…?! Where did that come from?!"
Hitomi looked at the genjutsu mistress sternly. "You are going to enter the Jonin exams… right?"
Kurenai felt sweat begin to formulate on her neck. "Well yes but—"
"Then you will be able to teach a Genin team correct?" Hitomi was getting excited. If she could get Hinata on Kurenai's team, then she knew Hinata would be much happier and learn a thing or two from one of her precious people.
"Hitomi," Kurenai sighed, "the Genin team selections are completely at random. I can't do anything about it; it's up to the Hokage to decide on the teams." Hitomi hung her head in despair and Kurenai felt guilt begin to well up inside of her. She sighed again and looked at Hinata. The 6 year old was being swinged back and forth courtesy of Hiashi and Hizashi. She was laughing and had a small blush on her face.
Kurenai felt something twinge inside of her as she had felt something she hadn't felt in a long time. She felt… warm… There was something about that girl, that little Hyuuga before, that made her feel alive again. Yuhi felt herself relax as her face morphed from a look of sternness, into a look of happiness.
"But maybe I'll try to reason with the Sandaime when the time comes…" She said faking a look of annoyance. She glanced at Hinata again and her innards felt that warmth again. "… Just maybe…"
…
The next day arrived and Kurenai was already at the Hyuuga compound. She had just met up with one of the Hyuuga guards and went into the family's tombs. She went along with Hiashi, Hizashi, and Hitomi and had to find the freshest body they could find. After that, the plan went along smoothly. Kurenai put one of her strongest jutsu over the body that was nearly impossible to break even for someone like her.
A few days went by and it was time for the transaction. Hizashi and some of the select Hyuuga he picked out went to give the body at the Hidden Leaf Village's main gates. The Kumo ninja were already waiting and inspected the body once the casket was set down before them.
"Is this Hiashi Hyuuga?" One Kumo ninja asked with an emotionless tone.
Hizashi narrowed his eyes. He had to play the part of being angry so their plan wouldn't fail. The real Hiashi was laying low in the Hyuuga compound while his brother took on the part of participating in the transaction. "Yes it is. I hope you Kumo are happy. It seems your constant complaining and contempt for others has put an imbalance to the Hidden Leaf." Hizashi spat.
The Kumo ninja just grinned at Hizashi's anger. The four ninja picked the casket and disappeared in a swirl of wind. They one said one thing before they left. "Thank you for your corporation, Leaf ninja."
After a few seconds, Hizashi retracted his Byakugan he had activated as soon as the… guests left. He smiled and stuffed his hands into his sleeves. He led the other branch members back to the compound with a calm pace.
"No, thank you." Hizashi said quietly to himself.
Next time on Changes for the Better: Ninja Academy and First Meetings!
Oh yeah! I'm done! And I finished this one in record time too! Hey guys, it's me the Open-Eyed Day Dreamer! Okay you guys, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret about me. That secret is… Dun da da da! I can get really distracted easily… -_-'…
Okay the thing is I'm really unfocused and I just recently came up with this story and I completely disregard my other story: The Evolution of Love and… you see where I'm going with this? I will say though that I will get back on that story soon so please bear with me people (I really need to get my head back in the game)! It's just that on the Evolution of Love, I'm at a horrible writer's block so it's gonna take some time to get over that hurtle. 'Till then, please wait!
Okay my dudes and dudettes! If you have sneezed through this whole story then GOD BLESS YOUR FACE! Ha Ha! OK, see you awesome readers later! Byyyyhiiiii!
