Kaname knew how to be a prime example of Hyuuga excellence. She knew how to make her spine stiff and her smile as perfect as porcelain. She knew how to bow with the proper amount of respect as not to lower her own station and simultaneously humble herself when necessary. She knew how to gracefully complete ceremonies of all kinds and she could tell anyone how clan politics worked to a tee because there was more to her training than just the physicality.
So naturally long story short, Kaname knew how to be polite and she was summoning up every etiquette lesson she had been given in order to be on her best behavior in front of Uchiha freakin' Itachi.
Both of them chose to sit there quietly instead of engaging in conversation, but that doesn't mean their adult caretakers weren't forcibly dragging them into one.
Making sure to attend to both Neji's and Hinata's needs - the latter of which crawled into her lap - Kaname watched as Neji pouted at not being able to share the space with his little cousin.
Flashing him an indulgent smile she tilted her head to the left and let him cuddle into her side, watching as baby Nata-chan grabbed onto his long brown hair and rubbed her face in it.
Scowling Neji yanked his hair back for only a second before the heiress' lower lip trembled and he resigned himself to letting her have her way. Resisting the urge to pat their heads while in public - and questionably friendly - company, Kaname instead turned curious eyes towards the Uchiha heir.
Surprisingly his face was still young, still stress line free but she knew that soon it would change. His hair was still short, bangs hanging into his still round face and his eyes didn't seem so troubled or shadowed.
It was strange, she decided as the boy met her eyes, to see a monster before it was made.
"Please pass me the tray of cookies Itachi-san." She asked politely as to cover up the real reason for her staring and with a nod Itachi handed it over. "Thank you."
He hummed lowly for a second and gave her a courtesy smile. "You're welcome Kaname-san."
Resisting the urge to twitch at the sound of his childish voice she marveled at how his mature countenance contrasted with his young physical form.
It was certainly discerning.
Tearing her eyes away from him she passed both the children a cookie before turning her ear towards the conversion the adults were having and not a moment too soon.
Hearing her name on her aunt's tongue she blinked and this time turned fully to face them.
"-Kaname has also started her training." The Hyuuga Matriarch said with a gracious sense of pride that made her cheeks almost burn red. "She has made wonderful progress with her personal studies and style."
It was obvious they had been talking about this subject for a while and she internally berated herself for not snapping to attention at the first mention of anything having to do with her.
"If you don't mind me asking," Mikoto started and Kaname turned to view her. "What kind of training does she do? You mentioned her developing a taijutsu and I have to admit, despite no longer being an active kunoichi these types of things still draw me in."
Her aunt smiled prettily. "Not at all, though I'm sure Kaname would be able to explain it far better than I ever could, after all it was of her creation."
Beaming gently Mikoto turned friendly - but always accessing - dark eyes towards her and Kaname felt herself sit up a bit straighter at the attention.
"I use the pressure and chakra points located inside of the body to incapacitate and kill my opponents." She said with the proper amount of demureness, unable to find a reason not to tell her at least this much. "It is similar to the gentle fist in intent but how it is used and applied is very different."
"The fighting style itself employs acrobatics and much more movement than the traditional Hyuuga style." Kaname explained further. "I also do not use palm strikes as my primary attack, instead I used the tips of my fingers and my knuckles."
Mikoto looked intrigued.
"That is extremely impressive Kaname-chan." The dark eyed woman praised and said girl resisted the urge to shrink into her aunt's side. "To be able to create something like that is very amazing."
"Thank you Uchiha-hime." She replied inclining her head in respect but said woman gave a rather gale laugh.
"Oh please," She said, a pleasant smile curving her beautiful face. "call me Mikoto."
This time hesitating the tiniest bit she bowed once more.
"Of course...Mikoto-hime."
Gaze brimming with interest, Kaname immediately knew she wouldn't like whatever idea she knew this woman was going to privately suggest to her aunt and when the next day came, she knew she had been right.
But regardless she turned her attention back to the two babies demanding that she coddle them and made especially sure to ignore the faintly curious look the eldest Uchiha heir was giving her.
She would not get involved.
She was getting involved.
Standing outside the Uchiha compound with her uncles, her aunt, her cousins, and her grandfather, Kaname felt very nervous.
Dressed in standard Hyuuga sparring attire, she dutifully followed behind her family as they were lead inside by the Uchiha guards. Having been invited to have a training buddy session with Itachi, Kaname didn't know whether to be scared or excited at the prospect.
Reaching the training center she looked around, eyeing the cement floor and equipment before they were led over to one of the viewing enclaves.
Uchiha Fugaku was an imposing man she surmised as she was seated on a cushion. Almost instantly the adults began their clan head lingo and Kaname tuned out the conversation with until she was directly addressed.
Bowing with the appropriate level of respect Kaname welcomed and introduced herself.
"Hello, I am Hyuuga Kaname and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," She said with a sweet smile. "Uchiha-sama."
Edit: 3/24/16
I think Mikoto is more devious than people give her credit for.
