Two figures were conversing at the entrance to the dimly lit main dining room of the house. Both dressed in finery many could only imagine, as would be expected of two men in such high standing of their careers.
"I must admit I was expecting something on a larger scale would be needed to draw out such influential people. Even the great Hiashi Hyuuga has deigned to show his face." There was a slight accent that tried and failed to cover the layer of coldness in his voice.
"Such a thing is not needed when someone has as much power as I, you should know that." The man grinned and the deep light showed slightly pointed teeth that were even paler than his skin, which could be compared to ghostly in complexion.
"But it's never enough, is it, Dr Orochimaru."
"Of course not, Dr Kabuto, that's why your here. Now, let us go and greet the guests. We must be perfect hosts; the devil is in the details."
BREAK
Hiashi Hyuuga was feeling... Uncomfortable, not that he would ever admit that to someone. He had enough trouble admitting it to himself. There was something about Dr Orochimaru that made his skin crawl and his instincts tell him to be wary and ready to fight. The Doctor had a presence not unlike a snake's and the head of the Hyuuga household had a sense of respect and slight loathing for the man.
As for his new protégé... well, Hiashi wasn't quite sure what to make if him, something that didn't happen often. The young boy seemed polite enough and, for someone who was raised in rural France- Hiashi could hear that accent a mile off, despite the younger doctor's attempts to surpress it-, his English was as fluent as it got. The young man seemed friendly so as to not be unapproachable but reserved enough to be in complete control of what was happening around him.
He knew why he was here; the conversation from the Akamichi's ball was a clear indication of Orochimaru's intentions. He wanted funding for his latest piece of medical technology. Why else would he invite so many wealthy people to an almost intimate gathering such as this if not to bargain for their favour? The protégé was probably just here to see how it was done.
"Ah, Lord Hyuuga, I did not get the chance to speak to you at the Akamichi's gathering."
Kabuto had taken a spot in the chair next to his; the same grin was plastered on his face. Any lesser man than Hiashi would have found it perturbing, to say the least.
"Fear not, Doctor, I take no offense. Your superior was... Interesting to talk to. He seems to think quite highly of your medical skills."
"I'm glad that you did not find it an inconvenience on your part. I did have a rather lovely conversation with one of your daughters. I believe she was called Hinata. I don't think she remembered me though. Such a shame."
"You have not seen each other for years, Kabuto. Even I must admit that you look quite different to what I had expected. You've become a man."
Only Hiashi Hyuuga could utter such a statement without a hint of emotion to indicate its actual meaning. It was true; Kabuto had grown into a fine man of intellect. It was a shame, the Hyuuga patriarch noted, that he had gained some of the foreboding aura of his master.
The last time the he had seen the young doctor must have been... Hinata's seventh birthday. Yes, that sounded about right. They had been in the south of France visiting the Yakushi's for the occasion. They had even planned for Kabuto and his eldest to marry.
The Yakushis were old money and had been part of the French royal family before the revolution had taken its hold and formed the New France, a freer one. Or so they said. The family had been one of the first investors to support Hiashi and it had come with a price. He had never told Hinata about the deal he had made. How could he, when he had no idea how much he would care? He had never been one to pay attention to his emotions. They got in the way if you did; the Elders had been very clear about this. They had been clear about many things.
When the Yakushis had disappeared soon after and all investigations produced only the lone nine year old boy that sat before him as an adult, the head Hyuuga had assumed the deal was void. He had not expected the young doctor to know of the promise that his parents had taken on his behalf.
It dawned on the Hyuuga that if the boy knew then he had every right to claim Hinata as his own. But that wouldn't be a bad thing. Kabuto was a valuable marriage prospect for his eldest daughter.
He had a highly regarded profession and would be on hand if any of the family got sick. His inheritance from his deceased parents - god rest their souls- was quite substantial, not to mention the interest it would have accumulated by now. Being only a few years Hinata's senior meant he was a much more appropriate match than some who had asked for his permission to court her in the past...
Kabuto had been wittering on about the industry and his impressions of the two Hyuuga children enough to show interest without being too informal or as to seem as if he was searching for favours. It impressed the Hyuuga patriarch that the young Yakushi could keep a conversation so well; it was a dying skill nowadays.
Hiashi's mind juggled with retaining the information that was presented to him and the conversation- if you could call it that- at hand. Hanabi had fulfilled her part already. The Sarutobi heir was under her thumb. As for his eldest...
It was decided. She had had enough time. If Hinata could not find a suitable spouse on her own then as he father it was his duty to do it for her.
And he knew just the right man.
"Pray tell, Doctor. Have your thoughts travelled to settling in England as of late?"
Kabuto showed nothing but a small happy spark that blossomed in his eyes at the question.
"I have indeed, Sir. This country has always fascinated me and your medical resources come from as far off as China. To be able to have such a network at my disposal would help my research greatly."
"Well, Doctor. I have heard from your master that you are in temporary housing. My own residence is closer to the hospital for your convenience. We have a spare room and would be delighted to have you. If you so desire it."
The Head Hyuuga let a trace of a smile quirk at his lips. This could turn out to be very agreeable indeed.
BREAK
He was almost safe. All he had to do was ignore the furious pace of his heart as he barrelled through the foliage, ignore thoughts of his fate if he were to stop now, ignore the pain in his muscles from the earlier attack.
Naruto caught himself in some of the estates new blackberry bushes, only to face plant one of their vegetable patches. Scrambling to his feet and rounding the corner he came face to face with the beast.
"NARUTO!"
Sakura's nostrils flared with unconcealed anger.
He was in for a world of pain.
BREAK
Hinata and Hanabi had been so relieved when their father had given them the news. All thoughts of despair and anguish on their parts long since dismissed.
Iruka's own despair was linked to the untimely death of an old friend and he had been given a day off for the funeral. The butler had apologised profusely for misleading them and even gone as far to bake them some treats to cheer them up, no matter how much they insisted it was unnecessary.
Eating their apology gifts, the two Hyuuga children mused over Hanabi's upcoming birthday and their father's growing concern over Hinata's single status.
The younger of the two sisters reassured her that it was nothing to worry about. But then neither knew that their father had decided to take matters into his own hands.
"Do not fret, Sister. I have no doubts that Mr Uzumaki will ask father formally to court you and then he shall no longer pester you over your love life- or lack thereof.
"Now onto a more cheerful subject: Have you heard of the famous novelist Jiraiya has moved to London? No-one knows why. Isn't it exciting? Especially considering the books he writes. All the old biddies will be outraged!"
Hinata went red, a stark difference to Hanabi's victorious smile.
"B-but he writes" her voice dropped to a whisper "adult books."
The brunette widened her smile.
"Exactly. They'll think it's scandalous and get their knickers in a twist!"
"Hanabi! You shouldn't be happy about such things!"
She tried, but the youngest Hyuuga could not suppress her laughter. Her elder sister was dear to her indeed. Even though they were not as alike as one would think. Perhaps that was why. It was why she had to tease her so, that was for certain.
But- Hanabi mused- I wouldn't have it any other way.
