Hanabi sat in a garden, deep in the Hyuuga estate. Her kimono was elegantly arrayed around her, much like the wings of a wasp that flutter with grace sufficient to make one forget the stinger, despite its cruel poison. Her face however, was not the mask of indifference so many of both houses saw. She was openly admiring her cousin, recently returned from a mission. The pool of water (a pond is too common for a Hyuuga's garden) did not ripple, even though he was practicing the various high and jumping kicks that Hiashi had begun to teach him. His voice did not stutter nor pause except as was natural for the conversation. He was doing quite well for someone who had only recently received a leg injury.
"… and so it has never been proven if I am more agile than Lee-san, because the Hokage has denied my request for admittance into one of the s-ranked training areas."
"Hm. Maybe when you reach jonin. That should be soon, don't you think?"
Neji's foot came to a sudden stop on the branch overhanging the pool, without disturbing a single leaf. It continued its serene rest as he released the chakra holding him to it.
"I imagine so. Though I do wonder if he will reach that far… I suppose it is my duty to see that he does."
She absently noted the dip in the surface of the water where he had landed.
"It is fitting that the Hyuuga should lead, even in sculpting a rival to prove yourself against."
Hanabi was mildly concerned that her cousin wasn't all there at the moment; he was paler than usual and staring at something that was clearly not there, as she could not see it. What came next confirmed her suspicion. Her cousin held out his hand to the empty space beside the pool.
"Ino, join marz."
And with that, he collapsed. Hanabi rose with a sigh. The waves on the pool raised and lowered her as she walked upon them, the hem of her robe ghosting over the once-still waters. A minor Suiton jutsu brought her cousin to the surface and expelled the fluid that dared to enter his lungs. The bandages on his leg now held equal amounts blood and water, his strenuous movement most likely having opened the wound. For all her delicacy, she did not flinch from picking up the wet and bloody body as she called the family physician. The ruining of silk garment is easily worth the opportunity to support her hero. When it came time to become clan head, she would not forget the terrible irony of a branch member that is exemplary in all things Hyuuga. Indeed, she already had foreordained him to be her councilor and sparring partner, as consort was impossible due to the unfortunate closeness of birth. Hanabi draped her cousin along the small bench with the same care that she had arrayed herself for this meeting. In the quiet moment before the physician's arrival, she knelt and played with his hair, as she had seldom opportunity to do so.
The pride of Hyuuga is great.
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AN: This came (more or less) from a dream, specifically the "Ino, join marz" bit. Is this a bad sign?
