Chapter 11
Hyuga Hinata
I remember that day because it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders.
Night had come blanketing the village. Its darkness mixed with the cold air showed the true harshness of nature. But at that moment, it didn't matter to me. After talking to Shino about all my worries, fears, and concerns, I finally felt my mind start to become at ease.
We exchanged goodbyes and I started my journey home. Shino had offered to walk with me, but I explained that I would be alright and just needed some time to think.
Although my feelings still needed to be put in order, I felt like it would be more manageable now. With that in mind, I thought my future would be brighter.
"Thank you so much, Shino," I smiled, putting my hand against my heart, "I am finally sure I can face my family and my future." With each step I took, I felt confidence run through my veins. Truly, all the doubt about my worth and existence was gone from my mind.
As I was making my way home, I felt a presence coming towards me. "Byukagan!" I shouted. I started to search where the feeling was coming from, and instantly, I recognized who it was, "Neji-san?!"
Before I could even take another breath, Neji was in front of me. He stopped only a few feet away from me. As he looked over at me (his face, serious like always), I noticed a swollen bruise around his chin. I couldn't help but ask, "Nii-san! What...happened to you?"
Ignoring my question, Neji gave a sigh, "I have been asked by Hanabi-sama to come and bring you home." The words cut through me like a knife, and all the confidence I had flew out my open mouth.
"Hanabi-sama? Why would she care where I am?" I questioned, not really expecting an answer.
"Hinata-sama, I was instructed to bring you straight home." Neji spoke again with a certain admonition in his voice. "I am glad to see that you are not hurt." He added.
"I was just heading back to the estate, Neji-san. But before we go back, please tell me what happened to your face..." I said softly, trying my best not to make eye contact.
"That isn't your concern. You should only care about yourself, and your own well being." Neji said as he started to walk back towards the Hyuga Estate. With those final words, I decided to drop the topic altogether.
Neji walked in front of me, reminding me of how a husband and wife would. I tried to turn my thoughts away from that image and again started to wonder what happened to his face. It was black and swollen; making it to look like a small plum was attached to his face. It wasn't like Neji-san to just have an accident, or get into a fight.
"Neji-san," I said.
"Yes, Hinata-sama?" Neji answered without turning around.
I took a deep breath, "Did you get into a fight?" Neji stopped. His posture changed: his head hung low, and his hands were red as his fists began to shake. Slowly, he turned around to face me, revealing the purple lump once more. His eyes were piercing and his lips were pursed together tightly.
Upon seeing this, I felt as if I had asked the most horrible of questions. I lowered my head and started to pay attention to my wiggling fingers. "Hinata-sama; I had told you that it isn't your concern. I would rather not discuss these matters!" Neji barked, making it clear he wanted no further discussion.
"But…it is my concern," I swallowed hard and started to speak again, "You're my family! And as your upcoming Heiress, it my job to…to…worry about all my family." My confidence had started to rekindle. I put my hands to my sides and looked straight into his eyes.
Within seconds, I found myself pressed up against a tree and Neji's hand gripping my shoulders. "You feel that strongly about the clan?" He asked pressing his weight harder against my shoulders. "Do you really think you could have the drive to change the clan? Or will it be your sister?"
I felt tears start to coat my eyes. His strength made me feel weak, and my whole body started to ache. "Neji-san…" I whimpered, unable to do anything else.
"You want to know what this is from?" He said, meaning his chin. I opened my mouth but no sound came out. "I got it from a fight—a fight with your teammate, Kiba." My body started to shake. "I asked Kiba if you were with him and when he said 'no', I took my leave to continue my search. He asked me why I was out looking for you. When I didn't answer his request, and advised him that this was a family matter, this was the outcome."
I didn't understand what happened to change Neji-san so suddenly. Only hours earlier, he confessed that he was sorry for the way he treated me. Now, he had me pinned to a tree.
"I will...never be strong enough for you, Hinata-sama." Neji cried. Tears started to run down his face, "No one will truly ever respect me. And no one, not you, nor I, can change that. No matter what I say or do, my place as a Branch member will only cause pain to you."
"I don't know..." My words died off as I dropped from Neji's grip. "I saw how strongly Kiba feels about you. His concern and worry only emphasize my point. I am sure Shino feels the same way as well. He is just more reserved." Neji said softly, "They care for you and want the best for you…" Neji paused. For the first time, I looked deep into his eyes, "But in this clan, the great and powerful Hyuga Clan, all that will be there for you is hardship. Hinata-sama, please, I want you to marry outside this family." With those words, I finally realized all that Neji wanted for me was true happiness.