Hmm…I suppose I do actually owe everyone a really good mythology lesson after the last chapter. I feel better about it, but there are still many things for me to clear up about it. Ah well, it's not like I'm complaining.
While I'm here' let me apologize for not updating on my normal time. My internet crashed and the german internet people are REALLY slow about getting things fixed. It's a pain in the rear.
Heh. Actually, my marriage pretty much went the same way Naruto's is currently…rationalize first, then freak out. Six years later it's still all good so I must have done something right. Anywho, first it's ramble time, then mythology time…
Is Tenten marrying Neji? I honestly have no clue. She may, she may not, I'll figure that out when I get that far. I really don't plan too much because if I do then when I get there it's all crazy.
The ghoul…the accounting ghoul will pop up kind of as a side story once in a while. She's ok to write once in a while, but she's really a minor nuisance. Hinata actually has more important things to worry about and it's not Hanabi or Naruto…
For the pranks, I wanted to something original but not anything permanent. I mean really, when has Naruto ever done a prank that can't be fixed relatively easy? A prank doesn't necessarily have to make someone laugh. In this case it's supposed to get the point across. For those that didn't get the prank against Neji then it's your loss. I personally like that one better.
For those who ask "when did Naruto learn Genjutsu?" Well…um…the Bunshin would technically be a Genjutsu. From what I understand Genjutsu are mainly illusions and mind affecting abilities. For the reason I say the Kage Bunshin is a Genjutsu, look below. Beyond that, Naruto's had 4 years to learn such things after the Chunin exams…I'm sure he picked up a few. Besides, there are other used for that Genjutsu then pranks.
It was asked how long the story will go…well…um…I have no clue? I can think of ways to end it right after the dinner and I can think of ways to keep it going for quite a while. I'm fairly sure I'll keep it going after the dinner, but for an actual end? Beats me.
Ok, with the rambling done allow me to focus on mythology. Today I'll be covering two creatures from Japanese mythology that also occur in Naruto. Namely the kitsune and the tanuki. A bit more research has uncovered quite a bit more information.
Before I start this allow me to explain something more in depth…the definition of Oni and Spirits. I blame the American translators for people believing that the Kyuubi is an Oni. Kyuubi is not an Oni. Shukaku is not an Oni. None of the tailed beasts are Oni…the tailed beasts are spirits.
The term Oni refers to a being much more like a demon or can also be translated as an Ogre. No not the Shrek type ogre. Depending on the time period Oni were creatures that warded off malignant spirits, guardians of the realm of the dead or dumb brutes that delight in death and destruction. Today they're usually assigned as beings dealing with the dead, the earth, vengeance, anger or pestilence.
Spirits on the other hand are not actually defined by duties. Typically a spirit is quite intelligent. Also, do not make the mistake of believing a spirit to be dead or even having been alive at some point. Spirits can range from the Kitsune of folklore to Mt. Fuji. Tell me something that grand isn't some kind of spirit.
Now that we're on the same page with the Kitsune and the Tanooki being spirits, let's go into the actually legends. With a bit more research I've got a lot more to add. Sadly, I'll have to do a little bit of abbreviating the explanations.
KITSUNE
The Kitsune are beings with long life, magical powers and famed intelligence. Depending on the legends you read around the age of 50 or 100 the Kitsune gain the ability to transform into a beautiful woman, young girl, or an old man. Kitsune seem to avoid transforming into an old woman.
There are technically two type of kitsune. The first are servants of the rice god Inari. These are known as celestial foxes or myobu. The second group is wild foxes or nogitsune. The wild foxes are often, but not always seen as malevolent.
According to legends the kitsune will gain more tails after it has reached the age of 1000. The amount of tails is based on age and wisdom. In folk stories the number of tails seen are 1, 5 or 9 never any other number.
When a kitsune reaches nine tails or becomes a Kyubi no Kitsune its fur turns silver, white or gold depending on the legend. (For those not aware, there are a couple ways for gold to become red so it is anyone's guess which the one in Naruto is…but I would guess gold) At this level of power a kitsune gains infinite vision…basically omnipotence. Other powers attributed to the Kyubi no Kitsune aside from shapeshifting are; the ability to manipulate fire and lightning, possession, the ability to manifest in dreams and the ability to make illusions which are indistinguishable from reality. (Hmm…illusions…genjustu…am I plotting? More than likely.)
Kitsune are often portrayed as tricksters. Typically the targets are overly-proud samurai, greedy merchants or boastful peasants. More evil ones will target poor farmers or even monks. Regardless, a Kitsune will always keep it's word and will strive to repay any favors it owes. Sometimes a kitsune will "adopt" a family that it likes and often gives gifts. However, the kitsune do not have the same morality as humans and many of the gifts are often stolen. For this reason a family that has a kitsune attached is often viewed with suspicion.
TANUKI (or Tanooki…I've seen it spelled both ways )
This one gets a little crazy. Tanuki are often thought of as a raccoon or a badger, but in actuality are a type of raccoon dog native to only Japan. The mythical tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absent-minded. Sadly, my previous in the other chapter only refered to the later legends of Tanuki so I am correcting that now.
Tanuki are traditionally male and portrayed with a large belly and rather large…um…er…gimme a sec. looks at the rating Nope, I probably can't actually say it here, but they're frikkin hung. If you're old enough to understand that reference then you'll know what I'm talking about the only other thing I could possible say is "elephantitus" but fewer people would understand that one. Anywho, this um…endowment…meant that Tanuki were known as spirits of fertility and good luck. (If you don't get it now I can't help you.)
In any case, most references to Tanuki in anime portray them on the violent side. However, the older legends refer to them as the brother of the fox. As for historical references, supposedly the tanuki of Shikoku were known for enjoying warfare. There was a tanuki in Ehime prefecture that rounded up a large band of warriors to take Matsuyama Castle. So while the tanuki may have been a symbol of good luck and fertility. It may have been portrayed as mischievous and jolly. It was also something that could bring about quite a bit of violence.
Thus ends this bit of mythology. Hopefully the information was as enlightening to read as it was for me to find. I'll see you after the story!
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The Hyuuga Way
Chapter 10
Practice
Deep breaths.
Right now the deep breaths of meditation were about the only thing keeping Hyuuga Hinata from screaming, hat and the fact that screaming on the top of her lungs was quite unladylike. This was not how she had envisioned the end of her week looking. Admittedly, she hadn't really put too much thought into it, but she was sure that if it had been under her power she would not have let events get to this point.
Now it was time to look at the current situation. Naruto, now her fiancé, was not overly happy with the arrangement, or so she suspected from the faces of Naruto and Neji that morn. Hanabi seemed to be delighting in making the Branch members run about getting things ready for the next week. Normally Hanabi didn't like to deal with the many people. Very strange. Currently, she had the ledgers for both her family and Naruto's. Naruto's…well…it was…interesting. Yes, interesting was the word for those finances. Had she the position there would definitely be words with the accounting lady.
However, her own finances were impeccable as always. Her father and her mother before had ground in an attention to detail that went far beyond the average person, or even the average Hyuuga.
"Hinata-sama…it is time for morning practice." The branch member states from outside her room.
"Very well, I shall be there shortly." Hinata replies before setting the ledgers to the side. There would be time to think later. Now was time for another round of mediocrity.
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Moments later Hinata stands in the practice field. She would have traded just about anything to be able to head inside once more. While knowing that she was not the best helped dearly to keep from being an arrogant member of the family, she could live without the repeated reminders of her ability or lack thereof.
With narrowed eyes, Hyuuga Hiashi watches his eldest daughter. For the last month he'd sensed something off...or rather he had not sensed anything from his eldest daughter and that was certainly more important. Now to test his theory. He motions to Neji to join Hinata in the practice circle.
Hinata's heart drops. There went any hope of doing well for a change. However she would not run, no matter how much she did not wish to be there. How she would love to just fade away from the fight. Her specialty was stealth and information gathering, she had long ago decided she wished nothing to do with hand-to hand-combat. As she settles back into her fighting stance, she quietly activates her Byakugan.
Neji keeps impassive as always. It would not do to show his worry for Hinata. While Hinata was not nearly as bad as he had once thought, the fact remained that fighting family or friends proved very little. This decision by Hiashi was confusing. Still, he would not argue as he settles into his own stance and activates his Byakugan….then blinks and looks at Hinata again.
This couldn't be right!
Chaka coils grew, but he'd never heard of them shrinking. How could anyone actively conceal their chakra from the Byakugan? It wasn't possible, was it? However, here was Hinata, clearly less powerful today than last week…heck, he was pretty sure she was weaker now than she had been at the Chunin exams 4 years ago.
"Are you feeling well today Hinata-sama? You seem a bit off." Neji comments.
Hinata nods her head, "I am fine Neji-san." Hopefully that would assure him. To be honest, she still didn't want to be here. There were many things to prepare for the coming week. Maybe she could sneak a look at Hanabi's preparation list…
Her reverie is interrupted by the sound of Neji's steps. Thinking would have to wait until later. With a twist, she avoids the strike to her abdomen and returns the attack with a strike to the arm.
Let's see, two lines. These seem a bit more meshed than most people, must be because of Neji's more plentiful charka. Ah well, just aim above the smaller line and hope for the best.
Neji suppresses a frown. As always, Hinata's reaction time was slow, too slow for someone who had been practicing as long as the heiress.
Hinata notices the start of Neji's frown. She hated making him worry about her. Still, the results if she made a mistake would be horrible. Really, she wanted to disappear right now.
Neji blinks once more. Hinata's charka was disappearing again. Now he knew something was wrong. With that little charka, Hinata should not look so comfortable with her Bayakugan up. Now would be the time to test her defenses.
Hiashi continues to kneel on the mat to the side, quietly keeping track of the match. Yes, Hinata definitely seemed to be getting better at keeping herself hidden. Her mastery of the Bayakugan had given her insight into how to hide her charka from prying eyes. It would seem that he would need to tell Kurenai about this development. Still, he was not done. He would need to test Hinata's power in one on one combat…thankfully, he knew of a secret that Neji did not.
As Hinata stays on the defense, Neji continues to press the attack. He has known that Hinata preferred defensive move, but this was ridiculous. The amount of flexibility that Hinata was displaying, he didn't think humans could bend like that. Still, it proved that if Hinata wished, she could pull a solid draw, at least for a while.
Hiashi gives a small smirk as he checks the sparring time. Carefully, he waits for the two minute mark. This would be good, "Hinata-chan, I would like to inform you that the head of the Kyokkou family is going to be here for the dinner….they will decide if Uzumaki-san is a proper husband for you."
Time seemed to stand still for Hinata. The Kyokkou family? Why would those bastards be interested in the marriage? Why did they have to be the ones to approve? They'd mess it all up! Everything! Naruto would hate her if he had to meet the Kyokkou family! It wasn't fair!
Neji takes a step back as Hinata's charka almost bursts from her body. What the heck was happening? Chakra grew through practice and waned as it was used, not disappeared and appeared. Beyond that, why in the world did Hinata of all people seem to radiating killing intent?
The moment of hesitation on Neji's part was enough. Hinata shifts forward, her fingers finding one of the tenketsu directly under his left arm. The fierce jab quickly starts to shut down the charka flow even as the arm goes numb.
Regaining his composure, Neji sweeps the next attack away while shaking his left arm to try and regain feeling. That was not a normal thing attributed to the tenketsu of the arm. He'd worry about that later. Sweeping another attack from its intended target he turns to hit the point on her extended arm in an attempt to stop any more such attacks. He could not afford to lose the use of his other arm.
Hiashi raises a tea cup to hide his smile. Now would be the coup de grace for Neji…or so he hoped. "I believe that invitation could be stopped…however, it would require you to defeat Neji-kun…" Poor Neji, the boy would never understand exactly what was about to happen.
For Hinata, it was like an escape from the clutches of the servants of Emma-O. Defeating Neji or have to deal with the vile liars of the Kyokkou family? Her mind was definitely made up. Still, she would need to do more more than she could currently do. Neji's ability to defend as well as attack was well known. She did have that jutsu though…
Hinata whispers, "Naruto-kun…" Without adding any charka to the attack, Hinata snakes a hand forward and pushes at Neji, giving herself a small bit of room as Neji regains his balance.
Hinata's hands quickly flash through symbols before her soft voice intones, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."
No poof elicits. No flash to signal that a clone has arrived. Quite simply, as the jutsu ends Neji blinks and suddenly there are two Hinata's in front of him.
The Hinata on the left returns to her battle stance, "I am sorry Neji-kun…but I will not allow the Kyokkou family in this house if it can be avoided."
The second shifts into a matching battle stance, "Unfortunately that means I can no longer hold back…forgive me Neji-.kun."
Neji frowns, the Heavenly Spin could feasibly work here, but it would be an indefinite hold out. The two Hinata's in front of him both looked to have the same amount of power…and neither looked like they were playing. Still, a few good hits on the clone would send it away. This fight wasn't over.
Hinata runs forward, striking at Neji with the speed borne of one who wished to end the fight quickly.
Of course! Hinata didn't have the endurance to be in a drag out fight! Neji mentally kicks himself for not remembering that. All he had to do was wear out Hinata. For that, he'd need…"Eight Trigram Palms Heavenly Spin."
The spin tosses the first Hinata away from the barrier, the body hitting the wall roughly, but not disappearing. That confirmed that it had been the real Hinata attacking first. Now he had the clone singled out. As the spin stops, he is met with the second Hinata. Carefully, Neji waits, leading the clone's arms in a way that would give him an opening. There it was! Neji's right arm moves forward to hit the charka point that should disrupt it nicely. At the last moment, the clone shifts, getting only a glancing blow before retaliating.
The original Hinata lifts herself from the ground and charges forward. Would wonders never cease? He wouldn't think Hinata would wish to move so soon after being thrown so roughly.
It wouldn't matter now. The clone left another opening. His hands move forward, quickly jabbing the tenketsu. It would be then that he felt two jabs at his abdomen, one from each Hinata. The clone had sacrificed itself in order to give a final hit…ug…he really didn't feel good after that last hit. Something was messed up and it wasn't his tenketsu.
The original Hinata looks up and smiles softly, "My apologies Neji-kun…" Then shifts into the next strike, letting it hit full force. Neji blinks. What was going on? The momentary distraction from the Hinata that crumpled over his hand takes his mind from the second Hinata.
She doubted her father would admit that she had won if it was anything less than a full victory. Thus she had little choice. Using the other Hinata as a step, she gets the height to grab onto Neji's shoulders with ease. For a split second Hinata is on a handstand with Neji's shoulders as the base the next moment Hinata is behind Neji and Neji is airborne. The crumpled Hinata choughs and looks up, "It's over…" then disappears...the clone having fooled Neji into making the wrong assumption. A trick, yes, but victory in a fight was not always to be haid by being fair.
Hinata looks over at the fallen Neji. His pride might be hurt, but otherwise Neji would be just fine by the end of the day. With a dark look in her eyes Hinata turns to her father, "Stop that messenger father! I will not have the Kyokkou family in this house!"
Hiashi lifts the cup to his lips, "The Kyokkou family? I must have slipped…I meant to say that they would be unable to come. The Tentou family has graciously accepted the offer. I believe they said Daisho-ojisan would be attending as well."
Hinata blinks. What? What had just happened and why did it have to happen in front of Neji? Normally, she would have blamed herself, but this time…just this time she was willing to blame someone else, the Kyokkou family.
Hinata gives a sharp bow, "Thank you father." She then storms out of the room. That name always left a bad taste in her mouth, at least until she realized something very important. She had managed to pull off the jutsu! So many conflicting emotions, was this how Naruto would feel when he found out about the betrothal? She needed a break away from the mansion.
But first a bath.
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Hyuuga Neji had lost. Admittedly he hadn't expected such a violent reaction out of Hinata for the mention of one family name and especially not the name of one of the main branches of the extended Hyuuga family. Neji moves to pick himself up, but once on his knees, his stomach pains him, causing him to drop back down unceremoniously. Instead, Neji was content to flip over on his back and lay on the floor.
Hiashi stands, moving over to where Neji lays, "I believe you told me that you did not think Hinata-chan had the power to pull off the jutsu."
Neji shakes his head, "I did not say that…I said I did not think she could learn a jutsu so fast."
Hiashi shakes his head and smiles, "Remember two things from this fight…Hinata-chan has more power than she likes to show….and she loathes the Kyokkou family. In fact, she will not allow them here. I have known that since she was 10. The Kyokkou are merchants. Hinata-chan has a long standing grudge against them that she does not divulge, but suffice to say that after her example today I am content with not allowing them to visit."
Neji gives a nod, "Understood….Hyuuga-sama. The Kyokkou are not to set foot on these grounds…" He then gives a groan as his stomach is wracked in pain, "I did not think Hinata-sama knew such a technique…"
Hiashi kneels, looking Neji over, "There is actually little interference with your tenketsu now…how is your arm?"
Neji shakes his head, "Still numb Hyuuga-sama."
"Go and get Hitohada." Hiashi commands one of the nearby Branch members. The member disappears quickly, not wishing to bring about Hiashi's ire.
Hiashi turns back to Neji, "We will have you healed soon. I was not aware Hinata was having this trouble or I would have trained her for it. It makes sense however."
Neji grumbles, trying to hold down his breakfast, "If you do not mind Hyuuga-sama…what makes sense?"
Hiashi raises a brow, "Neji-kun, you can see the tenketzu, a truly advanced ability and one that makes you the most powerful combatant in Konohagakure. Hinata-chan's power is slightly different. Chakra flows through all areas of your body. Along with that are areas that naturally heal your body despite charka disruption. I believe that Hinata-chan can see where the flow of natural healing is and cut it off temporarily, however many of the areas that are easy to access tend to have many nerves nearby. In your arm, she stopped the flow the healing and disrupted the nerves, not a complex technique, but effective. I would guess that she has disrupted the muscles in your stomach as well and that requires a bit of skill. Be thankful that she did not hit all six points."
Neji groans in reply, he was indeed quite thankful.
The door opens to allow the medic-nin into the room.
Hiashi smiles, "Do not worry, I very much doubt that there is any permanent damage."
With that Hyuuga Hiashi leaves the room feeling quite pleased with himself. He could prank as well…his were just hidden a lot better than the blond haired boy that would be his son-in-law.
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As a bonus "hey cool look at what I found!" for those who do not know, here is the definition of most of the Hyuuga Main Family names
Hiashi: position of the sun
Hinata: in the sun
Hanabi: Fireworks
Hizashi: sunlight, rays of the sun
Then if we just want sheer entertainment let's examine Neji and Naruto…
Naruto: whirlpool, or those little swirly fishcakes in ramen
Neji: Spiral or helix
The merchant family name is a bit of a joke for me. Kyokkou means "rays of the rising sun" but when I read it my mind also thinks Koku which is a measurement of rice. If one remembers my earlier history lessons, rice was a way of measuring wealth in Japan for quite a while. Am I weird? Yeah, but I have fun.
Then you have the samurai section of the family. The main family name for them is Tentou. Again, this is another semi-joke on my part. Of course, this means you have to actually know what the word means and being the brat I am, I say look it up! Them compare the definition to Bushido, squint a little and put it all together in a comedic way and you'll understand. If you don't…well…I'll at least give you the parts and let you put it all together after the next chapter.
My humor is very weird, but then I'm the type of person that will take similar words and screw up the definitions for 10 minutes to eventually get to a joke. Something like Kyubi becomes Cube-y which becomes Q-bert for example…and a nine nosed Q-bert sealed inside Naruto would be really weird if you ask me, but the mental image gives me fits of giggles.
Naruto: Q-bert! I want you to lend me your power!
Q-bert: #)&!$(
