Heading to work now. Will write an A/N later... Enjoy and please review :D
Chapter 26
"Hinata," Hiashi's deep voice bellowed through the silence.
Hinata's smile instantly dropped. She turned unhurriedly to the voice behind her. Refusing to speak Hinata locked eyes with the Hyūga patriarch. Two pairs of defining eyes were carefully contemplating the unpredictable body before them. The silence lasted to a point where it was surprising that no one had scampered past them.
"You," Hiashi paused, carefully choosing the words he laid forth, "have grown into quite the shinobi."
Hinata's eyes remained unchanging as she waited for him to continue.
After judging her response he continued. "If I were to be wrong about anything I am glad it was this. You may not have grown into someone your mother would be proud of, but you are the type of daughter that I can be proud of. "
A chill ran through the air.
Turn it off. Hinata shut off the forefront of her emotions. "Pride has always been a weakness of yours, Hiashi." It was not meant as an insult, it was just a statement of facts.
Hiashi clasped his hands behind his back as a smirk formed. "It's fascinating seeing the control you have over your emotions now. In this state are you open to the idea of returning to the Hyūga?"
Realizing his ploy, Hinata had to rein in her emotions further to control her irritation. "Regardless of my state, I always consider every option presented to me."
"I see," Hiashi responded. His smirk was no longer visible, but arrogance could still be heard in his voice.
Not wanting to play his games Hinata didn't speak. She was contemplating turning around and leaving, but if she did that she wouldn't receive any information on what he was planning.
"Being the Head of any clan is difficult," Hiashi began cryptically. "Many hard decisions are needed to be made daily. It is an incredible burden. On top of this there are the intricacies of politics that sustain the Clan's place of power not only within the village, but within the Nation: arranged marriages, pressure of creating a suitable heir-"
"Say what you wish to say," Hinata's voice bit out.
"Is this the type of burden you wish to place on your sister?"
Hinata froze. She brought her head down as she took calming breaths. Breath. In. Out. Breath. In. Out. Another layer of her emotions were shut off. Her eyes raised to peak from behind her bangs, an aura of danger exuding off of her. "We are done here."
Hinata turned to leave.
"Still running away even now?"
Time froze as Hinata disappeared from her position.
The only change in the surroundings was a small flicker from the overhead light.
Hinata appeared right behind the Hyūga. "I assure you," her voice threatened, "I am not someone you would want running this clan." It would be the end of many things within it that you obviously hold so dear.
"Just the image of it. You join and are reinstated as heiress. This will be enough. When I step down, and you become the Head, nothing changes." The Elders and I still remain in power behind the scenes. "You do this and Hanabi has her freedom to choose her path in life. You receive another impressive tack on your resume and don't have to take on any extra work in the process."
After a brief pause Hinata gave her response. "No. Try again. I look forward to hearing your next proposition," she derided.
And with those few words, she disappeared once again.
Hiashi released the breath that was caught in his throat. Chin up high, he walked back to his quarters. She definitely has changed. For the Hyūga, I will do what it takes to having her back within the Clan's grasp.
Reappearing right outside the Hyūga gates, Hinata's mind was in disarray. Various thoughts were flying around, all making her second guess her original plan. She pushed these musings away. She had a plan and she was going to stick to it unless new information or circumstances arrived. Hanabi was strong. She had to have faith in that strength; she hated it when she was underestimated, so she should respect Hanabi the same way.
Hinata made sure to stay along the border of the village as she returned home. She did not want to deal with anything unnecessary at this time. However, she knew it wouldn't be long before she had a reunion with her old classmates. Something that she was unsure how would play out.
It did not take her long to arrive with the brisk pace she was using. In her haste she did not even enjoy the walk, did not take in her scenery, the village she had missed so much and risked her life for so carelessly. Hinata had thought deeply on Kakashi's words. It was 'stupid' of her to use infiltration for a retrieval. She could not regret her decision though. She had made a new family in the process and returned a precious person to one of her precious people. Hinata knew she would give her life to allow for that old friendship between Kakashi and Obito to develop.
Stepping through her barrier she saw that much damage still remained from the fight that had occurred earlier between brothers. One of the brothers, Itachi, she could sense somewhere within her tiny cabin. Hinata slowly creaked open the front door. Remembering her encounter with Kakashi, when she snuck into his apartment, Hinata let her presence be known.
Closing the door behind her, she noticed Itachi was on the black couch to her right. Light feet barely tapped as she approached him. Peering over she saw him lying down with his eyes closed. "You can take the room, Itachi."
Itachi opened one eye and took in the sight that was greeting him. He sat up without comment. His hair was pulled from its normal ponytail, falling freely over his shoulders. His Akatsuki Cloak was discarded, folded neatly beside him on the floor.
Hinata walked ahead of him towards her bedroom, intent on retrieving some of her belongings for the night. A few steps into her bedroom, Hinata sighed and turned around to meet Itachi's inquisitive eyes.
A conversation held through this eye contact.
After a few passing moments, Itachi's eyes beaconed her as he turned around and led the way. Hinata followed, slightly reluctant. His path lead through the back door and to the outside. His steps stopped short of where Hinata guessed him to be going. Instead he took a seat on the wooden stairs.
Hinata remain standing before he beaconed her to sit with a single flicker of eye contact. Side by side they stared up at the stars. Hinata could feel her walls melting at the tranquil scene.
Crickets chirped in the night while black met white once again.
Itachi's eyes asked for permission. Once he received the tiniest of nods, black shifted to red. The memories of one passed to the other, the feelings of anger, sorrow, and regret, passing along with them. Red shifted to black before both parties stared back into the abyss of space.
Itachi had felt what Hinata felt through every moment. Right now, however, he knew the emotions he felt were his own. He knew the intricacies of Clan politics and the lengths they were willing to go. He had accepted this with himself and the Uchiha. It felt different with Hinata. He did not want her to have to go anywhere near the lengths he had to go to achieve peace; not even peace, just to prevent war, unnecessary pain.
"It's true." Hinata's voice was barely a whisper.
Itachi remained silent, allowing Hinata the opportunity to continue. From what he knew about Hinata, he knew to what she was referring.
"She was such a kind person. The idea of hurting someone would hurt her." Hinata bit her bottom lip. "I've hurt so many people. She would never be all right with that." Closing her eyes, she twisted at an awkward angle to rest the front of her forehead on Itachi's shoulder.
The world stilled. No sounds were made from the insects that roamed the surrounding forest. The wind didn't whistle in its playful delight. Only the stars light gazed down on them, infringing upon a private moment.
"From what I know," Itachi's deep voice broke the silence, "your mother was a very understanding woman. I have no doubt that she would understand your actions and in result be proud of them. It is… necessary for some of us to take on larger burdens than others, she would be proud of your strength. And above all of this, she would be proud of the kindness within you that still remains after so much suffering. You may have hurt many, but you have help many as well." Itachi looked downwards to the head resting so fearlessly on his shoulder. The moonlight shinned off of Hinata's midnight blue hair. "I was one of the people that you helped. Sasuke. Kakashi. Tsunade-sama. Jiraiya-sama. Many others."
Hinata's hand reached up to clench the fabric of the shirt that she rested her head on. Her posture relaxed before she straightened herself and gave a smile that was mixed with many contrasting emotions. "You're right. I shouldn't have questioned her so easily. I just wonder some times - what she would think of me."
Itachi gave a nod of understanding, for he truly did understand from his own past. "You should go to sleep. You haven't gotten much lately."
Hinata had to agree with that, she didn't get too many hours last night due to today's early meeting. Releasing her grip on Itachi's shirt, Hinata stood gracefully. Taking one last glance at the stars she turned to leave. However, acting on impulse, she turned back and placed a delicate kiss on the top of Itachi's head. "Thank you, Itachi. Have a good night."
%%%%%
Hinata peeled back her lids as the morning Sun peeked in from her bedroom window. Bedroom? Her last memory before exhaustion claimed her was laying down on her comfortable couch.
Realizing that Itachi was probably the culprit, but also realizing she really needed a shower, Hinata postponed her line of questions to refresh herself.
Rolling out of bed, Hinata grabbed a few of her old clothes from her dresser. The same outfit she was usually dressed in when within the village: her violet ankle length skirt and thin baggy sweater that was an ivory white at the collar and cascaded into a matching violet. It only took a few steps to reach the adorning bathroom.
Hinata took a quick shower, not truly enjoying the steamy water against her skin, knowing that Neji would be arriving any minute.
Hairbrush in hand, Hinata stepped out of her bedroom. As she walked those few steps, she ran her brush through her wet navy locks. Turning the corner she leaned against the wall, taking in the odd sight waiting for her.
"Cooking?" Hinata quarried, a disbelieving inflection armed her words.
Itachi turned his head, his eyes subtly taking in Hinata's appearance. She did not notice for her eyes were on the frying eggs.
Hinata smiled. I should have known he knew how to cook… "Is there anything you can't do?"
"Not that I am aware of," Itachi retorted dryly while looking back to the stove.
Hinata's mouth opened slightly in surprise. Was that a joke? She recomposed herself quickly and walked closer, still brushing her hair, to get a better view of the sizzling food. "You never cooked at the base."
Itachi smiled.
Hinata's eyes darted down to the rare anomaly.
"I would not want the others pestering me," Itachi explained.
Hinata pouted at the 'Like they did with you' that went unsaid after his statement. Choosing not to comment, Hinata moved on; besides she didn't mind the 'pestering.' "How did I end up in my bed?"
"I moved you."
Hinata almost facepalm'd at the obvious statement.
Itachi's smile morphed into a playful smirk. "We slept in the same room for many months. It is normal for your body to become accustomed to my chakra signature and not perceive it as a threat. I would not worry."
Hinata furrowed her brows in thought. I never thought of that. It makes sense though.
In their attempts to convince the Akatsuki of their romantic relationship, they shared the same room whenever they were both off of missions.
This time Hinata's expression turned into a grimace of irritation. "You insisted on sleeping on the floor then as well. You should get the bed now."
"No."
Hinata's shoulders slumped. Mustering her stubborn will, she stood tall and held her head high as she tried to come as close to 'eye to eye' as she could with their height difference. "Yes. It is my house and I insist."
Itachi didn't respond, his attention fully on the eggs.
After a strong minute Hinata pursed her lips before turning around. If he wanted to play this way then fine, they would play. Maintaining the silence, Hinata went to sit at the kitchen table, patiently awaiting breakfast.
That lasted about a minute.
Hinata placed her brush down while standing. Not liking the feeling of not doing anything, she made her way back to the kitchen to make some tea. Grabbing the kettle from its home on the counter, Hinata filled it with some water from the tap and set it back on its base to be heated. Remembering where she normally kept the tea, Hinata opened her cupboard. She internally sighed when she saw the box of tealeaves on the top shelf. It was undoubtedly placed there by the same person that had kept her kitchen stocked for her return: Kakashi. However, Hinata knew better. He more than likely did not do it out of the kindness of his heart, but to guilt trip her. It worked you manipulative jerk - the idea of him taking the time every couple weeks brought a sadness to her heart. He knew she didn't place anything that high up, simply because she could not reach it with her feet planted. This is my partner… My partner of how many years now?
Hinata bent her knees slightly, preparing for a small jump - she wanted to preserve some dignity by not climbing atop the countertops.
Stopped by an arm reaching above her head, Hinata straightened her legs.
Itachi placed the small box into Hinata's hand.
Restraining one comment and instead mumbling out an embarrassed "Thank you" Hinata continued on with her task.
"Your partner has an odd sense of humour," Itachi mussed, easing Hinata's embarrassment. One I can understand. His eyes lingered on her flushed cheeks.
Hinata's blush reduced with Itachi's words. "How strong do you like your tea?" She changed the subject.
"Not very."
Hinata nodded.
Both finishing at around the same time, they made their way to sit opposite to each other at the table. As they ate and sipped, each of their eyes would periodically switch from their food, to their drink, to the person across from them.
"This is good. Thank you, Itachi-san."
"Hn."
"…Hn."
Itachi's eyebrow twitched at Hinata's mocking impression.
Clangs of metal on ceramic was the only sound that could be heard in the quaint home.
Hinata took a final glug of her tea when she felt Neji enter her barrier. Taking on a serious tone Hinata made a strong eye contact with Itachi. "If you don't want to get involved go into my room." With no further words, Hinata stood and made her way outside.
Hinata tousled her slightly wet hair and brushed her bangs down with her fingers. "Hello, Neji-san," Hinata gave a bright smile.
Giving a bow, Neji apologized. "I am sorry for my tardiness."
Hinata waved him off. "Don't worry so much. I just finished eating." Motioning to the back of the house, Hinata continued, "Shall we get started."
Giving a stern nod of understanding and acceptance, Neji followed Hinata.
Hinata took a seat and gestured for Neji to do the same.
Remembering Hanabi's position from yesterday, Neji sat crossed legged with his back to Hinata.
"How many signs does it take for you to activate the Byakugan currently?" Hinata asked calmly.
"One sign."
Hinata gave a single nod. "Good. This shouldn't be too difficult for you then." Hinata shifted to a higher up position on her knees due to Neji's height. "Okay. Close your eyes and focus on your chakra."
Neji did just that. He knew better than to question someone of Hinata's rank, as Hanabi so innocently did yesterday.
Following the same steps that she used with Hanabi yesterday, Hinata activated her Byakugan. Slowly, she began to integrate her chakra.
Hinata took a barely noticeable inhale. Surging a large amount of chakra through their connection, Hinata overwhelmed Neji's senses. Using the temporary sensory blindness, Hinata pressed an acute pressure point on his neck. He fell backwards onto Hinata's waiting shoulder.
With a few awkward motions Hinata managed to get his broad body sturdy on her tiny shoulder. "Are you sure you want to get involved?" She turned to see Itachi standing in the backdoor way. His eyes may have been glued to Neji, but there was no sense of worry within them. Hinata's eyes were hard, she did not want Itachi to become wrapped up in another battle among another cursed clan. "Itachi-"
"What is your reasoning?"
Knowing she had limited time, Hinata began to walked awkwardly with the large frame that folded over her. "One: I can not allow someone who can be manipulated within my ward. Two: I left the Hyūga. Neji-san was forced to stay, he knows better than I, what needs to be done within the clan."
Itachi stepped to the side and followed behind Hinata. He had a strong guess on what Hinata was going to accomplish, there was no doubt in his mind that she would succeed. If she could remove the Caged Bird Seal from herself, she should be able to do it for another. Politics is undoubtedly what has prevented her in the past from freeing others from the Seal… " Why do you try to make it seem that you are doing this for your own gain instead of your compassion?"
Hinata stopped at the couch and flipped Neji onto it none too softly. "Because compassion can be manipulated."
"You think I would use it against you?" It was a very personal question, but the tone made it seem like a business exchange of information.
Hinata mulled over the looming question. She knew he could manipulate her with it, but… "No." Hinata smiled, sitting down on the carpeted floor of the living room by Neji's head. She summoned her paintbrush and ink. "I know that the people I care about will see right through me and those that I don't will be persuaded to stay away."
Itachi's stoic face did not change. He continued to observe, hoping to confirm his prediction.
Hinata put on a look of concentration. It would only take one mistake for Neji to permanently lose his Byakugan. The Seal disappears once it serves it's purpose of destroying the Byakugan after the owner's death. This is the only way for the Seal to vanish completely. However, Hinata found a way to cheat the immaculate design through great creativity.
It took multiple steps that were all vital to the desired end result.
Step One:
Hinata took a calming breath before shutting of any disconcerting feelings of fear and self-doubt. Picturing the design in her minds-eye, she began painting an array of tiny symbols that sat patiently around each of Neji's round eyes. Hinata then added an essential symbol atop each closed lid. The symbol was relatively simple; one large square was the starting point, then another slightly smaller square was drawn within it, repeating onwards in the same way. She then quickly drew contacting lines that bridged from each corner of each outer square to the surrounding markings.
Step Two:
Bringing the ink brush to her own skin, Hinata drew the same square symbol on her right palm. Without question or hesitation she removed her covering shirt to receive better access to her skin. She continued, meticulously drawing small black kanji up her arm, across her shoulder, down her chest, and to the centre of her abdomen, where her chakra originates.
Step Three:
Hinata placed her hand over Neji's eyes and began the jutsu. Glowing in a light green, the seals that were on Neji began to rise starting with the centre squares, a translucent wall rose with them. Two pyramids covered each eye before they were drawn together by the now 3-D box on Hinata's palm. The three points connected as one.
Step Four:
Hinata placed her left hand over Neji's rapidly beating heart.
This was the difficult part.
Hinata's left hand engulfed in what would normally be a healing chakra. This time it would be used for the opposite reason.
She swallowed. All she needed was a second.
Hinata used her chakra to slow Neji's heartbeat.
Thump…
Thump…
Thump…
The racing pulse slithered to a stop.
Step Five:
The instant Neji's heart stopped beating Hinata could feel the damned Caged Bird Seal jump into action. At the same instant Hinata's left hand helped Neji's heartbeat again. Once she felt the tell tail thump, she focused solely on her right.
The destructive Seal attacked, aiming for Neji's eyes, but was thwarted by Hinata's own powerful seals. Instead it raced upwards, following the path she created for it. As it reached Hinata's hand it burned her with it's intense chakra. The black seals on her arm turned into a fire red. The flames danced towards Hinata's core. Less than a second before it reach her centre, Hinata's majestic blue chakra darted out.
A battle between red and blue ensued, seconds turning into minutes.
The red eventually died out, Hinata's vast reserves of chakra beating out over time. As the last of the red dimmed, blue took its place, flowing along that once flaring path. Finally reaching back down to Neji, the seals on both of them shattered, with them, the symbolic one on Neji's forehead.
Done.
Hinata exhaled through a quivering chest. "Done," she reiterated to the outside presences. Hinata moved her eyes off of Neji's forehead to stare at Itachi who was now joined by a serious Jiraiya. Modesty reviving she quickly placed her shirt back on.
"Bout time," Jiraiya admitted, staring at Neji himself before meeting Hinata's eyes. He may have been a pervert, but he would never make a woman he cared about uncomfortable when she was forced to appear in a revealing state. "Glad I got to see that," he referred to the removal of the seal. "Anyways, should've known you would've started already when Hiashi came around this morning."
Hinata grinned, glad to know she read his moves correctly.
Jiraiya lost his serious disposition when he saw Hinata's reaction. He flashed a mischievous grin of his own. "He showed up a little while ago. He's probably still there."
Hinata nodded and stood. "Do you want to come?" She cocked her head to the side and looked to Itachi. Hinata's eyes peered deep, she gave another nod of understanding. She effortlessly created a shadow clone, even after such a taxing ordeal. "Allow yourself to be seen this time." She then looked to her copy. "You can leave once you arrive and let the guard know it is alright for Itachi to enter."
Itachi and the clone nodded.
The four bodies made to exit, leaving the unconscious Neji alone on the couch. He would not be waking for awhile.
The group split into two. Two heading towards the Hokage Tower and the other two towards the hospital where Sasuke was staying.
Hinata and Jiraiya took the fastest route to the Tower, both curious to hear what Hiashi was saying and also not wanting to leave Tsunade alone to deal with him. They both kept their presences hidden as to not be stopped by any onlookers. There were not many out as the day was still young. Only store owners, famers, and varying levels of shinobi - or shinobi to be.
With Hinata's insistence they both used the front door of the red looming building instead of the clear windows. Much like the last time she walked this path, she could sense eyes upon her; this time with her name officially cleared and her wrists unbound.
Unfortunately, Hinata didn't win the next battle as Jiraiya waltz into the occupied office without so much as a knock. And, with their presences still hidden it came as even more of a shock to the occupants.
Tsunade shot them both a glare, which Hinata disarmed with a small bow of apology. Jiraiya, used to such a temperament, sauntered in without a care to stand beside Tsunade, placing a hand on the back of her chair.
Hinata walked off to the opposite side of Tsunade's desk, the trio providing a unified front against Hiashi and the Hyūga Elders.
Tsunade struck her usual pose, placing her elbows atop her wooden desk that was lined with papers, she clasped her hands together and rested her chin on top of them. She flashed a winning smirk as her eyes toyed with each opposing member's. "Are we done here?" Her tone was light, playful.
Hiashi's eyes switched into a glare as they shot to Hinata's void form. "You've offended your mother greatly with such a move," he spat, his voice resolute.
Hinata eyes burned with unrestrained fire, the rest of her person remaining unchanging. "You insult her with such lack of faith. She was both strong and kind. She would never want me to fall to your schemes nor want me to be alone without her. The only person I've offended is you." She had Itachi to thank for the current strength in her words.
It was now Jiraiya's turn to grin. "I'd watch where you step, Hiashi. You're insulting more than one with those words of yours."
Hiashi refrained from speaking. Instead he turned on his heal to leave abruptly. The Elders following without hesitance.
All three simultaneously released a sigh when the door closed with a click.
Tsunade glanced at Hinata. "You were right."
"Of course she was. She's our student after all." Jiraiya boasted proudly.
Tsunade scoffed.
"Regardless, I wouldn't have been successful without your help. Thank you." Hinata's eyes poured her immense gratitude.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "When will you stop with all that -" She waved her hands at Hinata, at a loss for the right word. Switching back to her playful smirk, she taunted, "Ey, daughter of mine. There's no need for thanks."
Hinata blushed, adverting her eyes to stare out the window.
Within the law of the Leaf there is a statute in place for the benefit of all clans; one that is barely used and, therefore, barely known. It allows for the complete control of those who were born into the line of the Clan. There is a specific clause that stated the Clan maintained the authority of those disowned only in regard to reinstatement. Meaning, that it is within the Clan Head's authority to reinstate someone who was once a member, but is not one any longer; even if this very member is not willing. It has gone untouched for such a vast period of time due to the basic human right of freedom of choice that it violates.
Fortunately, there was a loop hole that Hinata found through various research. In a separate statue it states that those adopted by a legal citizen of the Leaf are under protection and care of that citizen. Regardless of past upbringings or connections, these duties will fall solely to the newly recognized parent. This law was created to protect children that had escaped abusive homes, ensuring that they would be safe despite the strength, power, or wealth of the family they were escaping from. Unfortunately, such occurrences still take place due to the mental illnesses that arise from the life of a shinobi.
Hinata devised her plan from this point.
The Hyūga were a very powerful and intimidating Clan. Hinata did not want an innocent civilian family becoming involved in such manipulative games. She originally contemplated asking Kakashi, but she realized that would just be incredibly weird. Tsunade eventually offered once she made the same deduction that Hinata had made.
Hinata would have been silly to decline. Tsunade was the Hokage, a Sanin, and simply a woman no one would wan to mess with; she would not fall prey to the Hyūga. It did not take much time for the legal work to be completed, and Tsunade was then known as Hinata's adopted mother.
Hinata used a hand to push her hair over her shoulder. As she spoke she brushed her fingers through her grown out hair. I need a haircut. "I think I owe you a drink."
Tsunade lifted a plucked brow. "Isn't it a little early?"
Hinata wasn't fazed. Purposely, she moved her eyes slowly towards the right side of Tsunade's desk.
The lifted blonde brow twitched. Tsunade groaned. Mumbling beneath her breath she reached over to the locked desk drawer. Tsunade pulled out an pre-opened bottle of Saké and three glasses. One of which still had a few telling droplets falling along the side.
Jiraiya chuckled throatily while Hinata pulled up a chair to sit in front of the desk. Jiraiya grabbed a seat of his own and plopped down. He grinned and boisterously reached over to pour three glasses. Without a care for the important documents that lined the desk, he slammed down a shot glass in front of each of the ladies, some of the glasses contents flinging over the top.
Without pause Hinata reached for her own cup and poured the lukewarm liquid down her throat.
Tsunade smiled broadly as she tossed back her own. "Ahh," she relished in that familiar burning sensation. "That's my girl."