Disclaimer: I still don't own Naruto. It belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, I am just one of his many fans and this fic is an extension of my love for that great anime.
The engagement
Chapter 7: The Hyuuga clan's drama
The following morning, the entire Hyuuga compound was a buzz due to the news they received of Hinata-sama's betrothal to the village hero. Everyone was overjoyed for various reasons, that the former heiress has managed to find such a good match and others were eager to prepare for the upcoming wedding.
"This is all so exciting, Hinata-sama must be thrilled..."Ayano, a young female of the main house said to her twin sister Hoshi.
"I know what you mean, Uzumaki-san is the most eligible bachelor in the village, and he's practically has the Hokage title reserved..."Hoshi replied to her twin with a grin.
"Hmp...If you ask me, I don't think it will last..."Hitomi, Hinode's granddaughter said with her arms crossed. Hitomi was a daughter of the main house and she was a spoiled girl who thought she deserved the best of everything. She was the spitting image of Hinode in both looks and attitude, the only difference was that she was young.
"Please give it up Hitomi-chan, jealousy is a rather unattractive feature in a woman..."Hoshi jabbed to her uppity relative.
Hitomi was only 17 and she thought she was hot stuff because she was a jonnin, something her parents and Hinode-obasan were very proud of. It was obvious she was jealous of the engagement between Hinata and Naruto since she was one of his fan girls and made a few passes at the blonde, even after he started dating Hinata. Naruto however was oblivious to her advances and remained with Hinata, much to the other girls dismay.
Hitomi glared and had a scandalized look on her face, as if Hoshi said something that was untrue.
"I am not jealous, I am just sharing my opinion..."Hitomi said with a glare that almost had her activating her Byakugan.
"Well, we didn't ask for it..."Ayano snapped back to the younger girl, clearly tired of her jealous comments.
"Ladies, this is no time for gossiping, you all are suppose to be training..."Aika, a plump, Hyuuga woman in her 40's instructed to the younger girls.
"Yes, Aika-obasan..."The three girls said in union as they went back to their training.
It seems everyone in the prosperous, noble clan were all thinking about the upcoming marriage between their former heiress and the village hero. Especially one very old man who was eager for the wrong reasons.
Keisuke was in his late 80's and he was currently the oldest member within the Hyuuga main house. Despite his advance age, he was by no means feeble. Although his body was no longer in it's prime, he prided himself in retaining his sharp mind. Keisuke was strolling around his estate as he saw the other members of the main house were very excited about the engagement between Hiashi's daughter and Uzumaki Naruto and they should be.
His skills, fame, lineage and connections guaranteed that someday soon, the boy would lead their village. He had a big future ahead of him and Keisuke wanted his clan to be there when it happened. Hinata's engagement to him was like a blessing from Kami-sama himself, he knew that the boy was his key to the Hokage's office once he married into the clan.
"That girl couldn't have done any better...'Keisure thought smugly as he thought about Hinata fulfilling her role in increasing their family's standing.
Keisuke believed that the best way a woman could bring honor to their family was by finding a suitable husband and he was relieved that Hinata-sama didn't fail at that. He and the other elders were at one point considering arranging an omiai for her once she reached 20, but her relationship with Uzumaki-san canceled that plan since the boy was a superior match than some mere nobleman or jonnin from one of their allies.
Naruto was an elite ninja who was revered world wide, he was powerful, famous and had a lot of important connections, especially with the other Kage's, Royals and practically every important person in the shinobi world had a high opinion of him. He was surprised but very pleased when he learned that Uzumaki was courting one of their own and even more when Hiashi announced the engagement.
He knew that soon, their clan's greatest ambition would come true!
He had high hopes that Neji, rest his soul, would have had the chance of becoming Hokage, he was a talented genius and he was a proud member of their clan despite coming from the branch house. Unfortunately he died defending their village during the war. He died like a true warrior of their clan and Keisuke was upset that such a strong boy was no longer among the living anymore.
"At least there is still a chance..."Keisuke thought with a smirk, he was going to make sure Uzumaki-san became a true Hyuuga by any means necessary.
It was the more practical solution anyway, Uzumaki-san was powerful but he still came from humble beginnings and his clan was gone now. The Hyuuga clan has been around since the founding of Konohageruke, and they were among the elite in the shinobi world. They had wealth, connections and a noble lineage that they needed to uphold. Uzumaki-san would become a very important asset once he joined the main house, where he would groomed into their ideals, traditions and lifestyle.
Unfortunately Hiashi-sama was not being reasonable and refused to see the big picture, Uzumaki-san being added to their registry was in their best interests and it would re-affirm their place as the strongest clan in the village, if not the entire shinobi world. It wasn't just the boy's future that he was interested in, as much as he didn't want to admit it, but the Uzumaki clan had impressive genetics that would be very useful for their bloodline.
But Hiashi was a fool, a sentimental, unrealistic fool since he and a few others were willing to sacrifice such an advantage for Uzumaki-san's clan, which was all but gone now.
"You are only prolonging the inevitable Hiashi-baka, but the Hyuuga's are the strongest in the village and you and that boy will understand it, I will make sure of it…."Keisuke thought as he went to talk to the other elders in order to discuss their future.
Meanwhile, away from the Hyuuga estate, the two men in question along with Hinata were in the park, sitting on a bench. Naruto wanted to talk to Hiashi more about the sudden ultimatum the elders were planning to do.
"I just don't get it, aren't you like the head of the clan, Hiashi-sama? Can't you just order them that they can't do this?..."Naruto asked to his future father in law.
"I wish it was that simple Uzumaki-san but it's not, I may be head of the clan, but during important affairs, everything is cast into a vote and if the majority of the clan agrees on the matter, I have no choice but to allow it..."Hiashi said with his gaze down, being a leader was not as easy or glamorous as people wanted to believe, their were many difficult and often unpleasant matters that needed to be done and his decisions would always have some effect on his clan.
"Fortunately and unfortunately, the topic about our little situation is in a deadlock, practically half of the clan is either with or against the idea of forcing you to become a mukoyōshi and placing the cage bird seal on your children..."Hiashi said to the younger male.
"I just can't believe this is happening..."Hinata said somberly as she looked to the ground. She often thought about her future with Naruto even before they became a couple.
She dreamed of one day becoming his wife, living in the same home together and even starting a family together. She wanted that more than anything in the world but she never once would have thought they would face a situation like this. They were being threatened with the future of their children! If they didn't agree to the elder's demands, their children might be force to bear that horrible cage bird seal and if they complied, her beloved's family name would end. It was a no-win situation with the elders getting their way.
"I promise that no matter what, I won't let the elders get their way, it's your birth right that the Uzumaki family name continues, no strings attached..."Hiashi said determined to his future son-in-law and daughter.
"Maybe we should bring this up with Kakashi-sensei? I'm sure he could think of something..."Naruto said optimistically, only for Hiashi to give a troubled expression.
"Uzumaki-san, the Hokage may be the leader of the village, but there is a policy regarding clan affairs..."Hiashi told the confused blonde.
"A policy?..."Naruto asked in a confused tone since this was the first he heard of this.
"Naruto-kun, when the village was founded, Hashirama-sama made an agreement with each of the noble clans, in which that matters within each clan must be resolved on their own, and unless the circumstances are dire, the Hokage cannot interfere unless the majority agrees on it.."Hinata explained to her shocked beloved.
'Are you kidding me?!..."Naruto shouted in dismay.
"It's also the reason why the cage bird seal still exists..."Hiashi said with a frown.
"Believe me when I tell you that both the Third and Fifth Hokage have tried in helping abolish it but there are still too many people who refuse to change..."Hiashi told him, which caused his future son-in-law to blink.
"I didn't know that the old man and Tsunade-bachan tried to get rid of it..."Naruto said in a surprised voice….he was even more surprised to learn that apparently even that wasn't enough to get rid of the seal.
"Even the Hokage's influence has it's limits..."Hiashi said in a sulking voice.
The three remained their with dismayed looks but it changed to determined ones. No matter what they were not going to let the elders tell them how to live their lives.
Suddenly, an ANBU appeared before them, confusing the couple and the middle aged clan head.
"Good afternoon Naruto-san, Hokage-sama is requesting your presence in his office right now..."The ANBU said politely to the blonde.
"What does Kakashi-sense want?..."Naruto asked to the masked ninja.
"He didn't say but he's demanding to see you right now, he is also requesting the presence of Hinata-san here..."The ANBU insisted, causing the three to blink.
Naruto, Hinata and even Hiashi fallowed the ANBU and soon found themselves within the Hokage's office.
The saw Kakashi there at his desk wearing an annoyed expression on his face, though they didn't understand why.
"I can't believe you Naruto..."Kakashi said, starling the blonde.
"What are you talking about?..."Naruto asked in confusion to his boss and sensei.
I'm talking about the fact that Guy came over here earlier to congratulate me for the fact that one of my students was finally going to "experience the youthfulness of marriage." and all that.."Kakashi said quoting his self-proclaimed rival.
"Why did I have to learn about your engagement from Guy and not from you?..."Kakashi asked annoyed and somewhat upset that he was overlooked like that.
Naruto suddenly had a sheepish expression on his face, clearly embarrassed he forgot that little detail.
"Oh, sorry about that Kakashi-sensei, I was going to tell you I swear but...I kinda got a little sidetrack..."Naruto said as he scratched the back of his head, feeling embarrassed.
"I'm afraid it was my fault Rokudaime-sama, I had some urgent business to discuss with my future son-in-law and we lost track of time..."Hiashi said with a bow, since Kakashi was the Hokage and deserved the respect.
Kakashi lost his annoyed expression, it was kinda hard to tell due to his mask, but Naruto noticed due to his eyes softening a bit.
"Well, alright...I guess there is no point in staying mad anymore...Congratulations Naruto, I knew you had it in you..."Kakashi said, truly happy for his student.
It feels like it was just yesterday he was assigned and he recalled the blonde's introduction, about his goal of becoming Hokage and how he would be a great ninja. He still couldn't believe that the loud little rookie was now a strong, mature man now. He was proud of the blonde that stood before him, and he knew his late sensei, rest his soul, would have been proud as well.
"Good luck with him Hinata, just to warn you he's quite a handful, I know from personal experience ..." Kakashi teased which caused a protest from his blonde student and the girl to fight back a giggle.
"Oh calm down Naruto, I was just teasing..."Kakashi said, still grinning since his eyes were in a U-shape which meant he was still laughing on the inside.
"Yeah, whatever..."Naruto grumbled a bit.
"We have a lot to prepare for, I can see the village is going to be swarming with visitors who would be all over a chance to witness the wedding of the world hero..."Kakashi said, getting their attention.
"Not to mention we have to get things ready..."Kakashi said suddenly and only Hiashi knew what he was talking about.
"Ready for what?..."Naruto asked and Hinata was also confused.
"Rokudaime-sama is referring to your engagement party..."Hiashi said, surprising the engaged couple.
"An engagement party?...'Naruto asked in disbelief, Hinata also looked surprised as well.
"Of course Uzumaki-san, I believe it's is the perfect way to announce your engagement to the rest of the village..."Hiashi said to the younger male.
"But I already told all of mine and Hinata's friends and I'm planning on sending a letter to Gaara and all my other friends...we even celebrated at Ichiraku's…."Naruto protested, not liking where this was going.
He knew that engagement balls were a bit stuffy and if it involved the Hyuuga clan, he knew he would not be having any fun. He had been to one of the Hyuuga parties before and he nearly died of boredom at the formal event, the only upside was that he at least got to dance with Hinata and she looked so beautiful in her kimono, like a real princess.
"Uzumaki-san, you still have a lot to learn about politics...You plan to become head of the Uzumaki clan and Hokage someday, don't you?..."Hiashi asked and Naruto nodded.
"You need to establish ties with other clans, not to mention this engagement and wedding will help cultivate our friendship with the other hidden villages..."Hiashi said, and it made sense, politically speaking of course.
Naruto was the key to their victory in the war, he was famous throughout the world and he was the reason they were at peace with the other hidden villages, and this was a good chance to test that friendship.
"He's right Naruto, this is a good way to strengthen our friendship with the other villages, especially now that we are at peace..."Kakashi said, trying to keep himself in the conversation.
"All of our many allies, the other Kages, not to mention the Daimyo's and many others will be expecting an invitation to your wedding, not to mention your many fans would want to help "the hero of the world", celebrate his big day…."Kakashi said to his student who did not look pleased.
Naruto put his face in his hands and felt a headache, while Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder. She somewhat expected something like this to happen, she was used to formal events like this due to her status as Hiashi's daughter and she didn't mind the idea but she knew Naruto grew bored at those things.
"Why does everyone want to use my marriage for their own agenda?..."Naruto muttered while Hinata tried to cheer him up.
"It won't be so bad, Naruto-kun, at least we will be together..."Hinata said in an optimistic tone to her fiance.
"Cheer up Naruto, it's just a party and you and your lovely bride are the main attractions..."Kakashi said in good humor.
Naruto sighed and he knew he didn't even have a choice at this point, he had a bad feeling that this wouldn't be the end of these sudden surprises.
-To be continued-
Next time on the engagement
News and Gossip
A/N: I decided to change the title for this chapter. Sorry for the confusion, also I would like to apologize for the late entry, I had some nasty writers block for this chapter….but I hope this chapter makes up for it.
REPLIES to my totally awesome reviewers :)
gwb620: Don't worry, it will come soon.
Guest: Aw, your making me blush…. :)
guest: They were most likely home since it was a continuation of the last chapter and it was late at night.
Rose Tiger: I can't say how yet but Naruto and Hinata will deal with Keisuke when the time comes.
Kedo: Interesting idea...though I don't know just yet….
AlphaMike369: I agree, Naruto acting all formal and stuffy is just plain wrong in my opinion, and I agree, Hinata Uzumaki has a very nice ring to it.
VictorianFrog: I'm pleased to see that you enjoy my work, thank you for the kind words ;)
SilentSambo88: I try my best and I owe a lot to Narutopedia for helping me with the details.
Sultryvoice: I would never let anyone do that, but I am an author and I'm open to any criticism if you have any.
Brianna2704: I'm glad you like this story, praise from my fans always mean a lot to me, so thank you :)
Remember I'm available for PM, and if you have a suggestion , I'm willing to listen ;)
:) Till next time beautiful people, remember to read and review :)