Author's Note: I have no excuse for the wait. None at all. Sorry. : (
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
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Chapter Four
Compromise
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"……Hyuuga Neji-kun."
Hinata's eyes widened at the sound of Neji's name, as she continued to stare at him searching for his reaction. Yet, he remained as stoic as ever, as a member of the branch family he had long been trained not to show his emotions. Especially in front of the elders. Slowly Hinata's gaze reverted back to the front, as the old man began to speak again.
"Of course Neji-kun, this comes with added benefits for you. Your seal will be removed immediately, you will move into the main mansion, and you also will take the same classes as Lady Hinata. Understand that she will rule and you will be at her side until she begins to bear heirs, at which time you will become clan leader. This is the decision of the council. Agreed?"
Before Hinata had a chance to speak up Neji has was on his feet, suddenly regaining enough strength to stand. "Sir, I can not agree to this arrangement.", he spoke calmly in a serious tone. The council members glared and Hiashi was about to speak before Hinata interrupted. "Otoosan, you can not be serious about this. If I am to take control I should be able to find my own husband. You can not force me to….."
"Silence Hinata!", anger was apparent is Hiashi's ivory eyes as he began to speak. "You two have no say in this decision. With all the danger the village has been in lately, the council finds it fit for the clan to remain strong. Allowing weak outsiders to come in and soil the Hyuuga blood will not be accepted. As a Hyuuga you are expected to marry a Hyuuga to preserve the Byakugan. You both know this. Hinata, you know that it is required when a Lady is the heir she is to marry the strongest, for protection and to keep the clan strong. In the case it is Neji-kun," he paused as he looked from Hinata to Neji. He too did not like the idea all too well, but in the end it was found to be best for the clan and it allowed Neji to become part of the main family, something he knew his brother had always wanted. His eyes stayed focused on Neji as his voice became softer, "Neji, think of what your father would say. He always taught you to do whatever was best for the clan, did he not?" Neji nodded, "I have been training you and know how strong you are. It would be an honor if you would help Hinata, protect her, for the clan"
The speech had worked on Neji. By the time Hiashi finished, Hinata could tell Neji was fully on board. 'Real nice chichioya, playing the father card.', Hinata thought with a glare' His words resounded in her head 'help Hinata, protect her' I thought I was the one inheriting the clan, not Neji. Wasn't the whole point that I had gotten stronger and am worthy now!" Chotto….. ", she spoke but no one seemed to hear her as they continued having personal conversations and making plans.
"Matte!", she screamed as she stood up.
Hiashi was on his feet just as quickly. "You insolent…. Sit back down Hinata! Now!", he roared, appalled at his daughter's disrespectful outburst.
"Iie, Otoosan! I am so sick of this. I refuse to this whole arrangement. Stop treating me like I am weak. If I am to take the clan, that I want to do it my way. I will remain a kunoichi, I will choose my own husband, one I love and that is worthy of the Hyuuga clan. Times are different now father, kudasai, think about what you are doing!"
The room was shocked by Hinata's outburst. One, because she had actually stood up to her father and two, that she did not stutter once. The last time they had seen Hinata she was a weak troublesome girl that stuttered and obeyed without hesitation.
Hiashi was practically shaking with anger at his daughter's lack of respect. It further solidified his opinion that this girl was unworthy and a disgrace to the name. Unfortunately, it was not solely up to him to choose his replacement. The council felt Hinata had proved herself and it was tradition that the first born is the heir. The council was nothing if not sticklers for tradition. "Sit. Down. Hinata." he said in a voice that left no room for argument. She sat down without even realizing, but that did not stop her from glaring fiercely at her father, the council members and lastly, Neji.
His face had changed.
Before he had remained completely still, as if accepting the councils decision completely. As was expected of Hyuuga Neji. But now, he looked as if he was deep in thought.
"I have something to say" he said politely. "I can not accept this condition…."
"Neji", Hinata said softly, surprised by his words.
"Neji!", he father said harshly, also surprised by his words.
Neji continued, "at least not with out a few changes. I think Hinata-chan will agree with me that a few conditions are out of date. One, Hinata should be allowed to remain a kunoichi, with the understanding that she is not to take on any high ranked missions. Also, Hinata is to be known as the true clan leader and I will only step in if it is completely necessary or she asks me too. She is the one with the royal blood.", he gave her a tender look and as she gaped.
"Finished?", Hiashi asked.
His only response was a sight nod of his head, as he rested his chin on his chest, eyes closed.
There were whispers throughout the room coming from all the members. The eldest spoke again, "Go outside. We have things to discuss."
Hinata and Neji obediently stood up and bowed before stepping outside.
Once the door was closed Hinata captured Neji in a tight hug. "Arigato, Neji!".
"Hn, Hinata. I do not like this either. Not one bit. But as Hyuugas it is our duty. As the heir you had to have known this was coming. At least we can try to do this on our own terms.", he said, trying to convince her everything was going to be okay.
It was only a couple of minutes before they were once again called inside. The only words spoken were "Agreed" before they once again left the room.
Neji returned to his room alone, without another word to Hinata.
While Hinata instead went to Hanabi's room, where she cried for the rest of the night.
To Be Continued.
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Translations:
Otoosan- Father
Chotto Matte- Wait a minute
Iie- no
Kudasai- please
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To My Dear Reviewers:
Ashleysays: Thanks for the encouragement. Sorry this chapter is not that long. I promise to make the next one long.
PersianLady: Glad you think so. Hope you still find it interesting. I promise it will get better. I am just trying to get the back story developed.
Kuja-nara: The compliments really help, lol. I really love your fic and am glad to see you are enjoying mine.
NaruHinaforever: Don't worry, they council will get what they deserve. And of course, this is a Hinata fic so she will definitely end up happy.
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