Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Playing the Role of the Byakugan Princess
The Family Affairs Arc
Chapter twenty-nine
So, these two wants to confront me about my future while I'm half-blind and beaten up in a hospital bed?
Such perfect timing.
Not.
Why the hell do they even want to talk about something like that now with me?
My uncle looks over at my father. "I wouldn't say it like that, Hiashi. It sounds like you're about to tell her something bad."
My ears perk up. So, there isn't going to be anything negative spoken?
My father doesn't say anything and continues to stare at me with the same serious expression.
I lift up my pen and scribble in my notepad.
He always like this to make things more intense and dramatic than it is before telling me anything significant. It helps keep up his strict and stern demeanor of his.
My father squints his eyes at me as my uncle cracks a small smirk.
"I already know that about him," my uncle says. "That's why I said what I did."
Wow. Has he always been that theatrical?
My uncle opens his mouth to say something, but my father glares at him. "Not another word."
My uncle clamps his mouth shut, but keeps the smirk on his face.
It is strange to see them acting like normal brother instead of estranged ones. It is also strange to have my uncle so open to chat with me like we've had a normal niece-to-uncle relationship our whole lives. What's going on? What's with the sudden change in attitudes towards one another?
My father clears his throat. "To get back to the topic at hand, we want to discuss with you about your role as the heiress of the Hyūga clan."
Why do you want to discuss about that now? I thought you told me you was going home to rest.
My father nods. "I was until I ran into Hizashi as I was stepping in to check on Neji. We talked and decided to speak to you since you were finally conscious."
So, it sounds like they've been talking about this while I was out.
My uncle steps forward and I notice that he has dropped his smirk and a more neutral look rests on his face. "First, I want to know have you ever thought about the things you would like to do for the clan once you become the Head?" I nod, not knowing if this is a rhetorical question or not. "May I ask what are some of those things?"
I hesitate.
Why do they want to want about my plans for the Hyūga clan? Are they testing me? Are they going to report back everything I say to the Elder? I know he isn't in charge of the clan, but my father sure acts like he does at times. Should I tell them? I find this all very fishy.
Before I answer your question, I want to know why are you asking me this? What is the purpose of talking about my future, anyways? I'm only twelve years old. I don't start my training until I'm a few years older.
"You're father and I have been discussing about some things these past few days," my uncle replies. "We would just like to hear your thoughts before continuing in with everything."
I narrow my eyes in suspicion.
I would prefer to hear what you two have been talking about before I just give you my thoughts.
My uncle shoots a glance at my father and he sighs. "I told you that she would not answer so freely. She is very cautious about every choice she makes, which is a good thing. But, not for me as a parent in situations like these."
My uncle arches an eyebrow. "No offense, but you are her father. Can you not just make her answer?"
My father shakes his head. "I raise my daughters a bit differently than most parents raise their children. While I have raised them to respect and obey me, I have also raised them to become independent thinkers and strong-willed. Hinata and Hanabi have always acted older than their age, especially Hinata. Over time, I just learned to treat like mini adults in most cases and they respond better that way."
Ha. He's referring to the handful of times I would get upset when I was younger and run off in the middle of an argument with him when I thought he was being unfair and unreasonable.
My uncle nods. "Ah, I see."
My father turns back to me and gives me a warm look. "But, Hinata. I really would like for you to answer his question. I promise that we are not here to trick you or betray you in any sort of way."
I do not distrust the two of them. This is just all so random and catching me by surprise. But, my father does appear to be acting truthful. I suppose I can tell them my plans about how I want to change the clan.
This better not come back to bite me in the ass.
I want to change the ways of the Hyūga clan. I want there to be no more Main House or Branch House. I want everybody in the clan to be equal, excluding whoever is Head of course since they are in charge. That means having equal say in things and equal training. The Hyūga clan would be a much stronger clan if everybody was trained the way us Main House members are. I just want everybody to get along and feel like they are part of the Hyūga clan as family, not as a servant or anything negative. I want to get rid of our clan's Cursed Seal and come up with another way to protect the Byakugan without having to wear a demeaning mark on your forehead. The Cursed Seal is a good start, but I believe there are better ways in doing so.
When everyone is united as one and the Cursed Seals are destroyed, previous Main House members may fear that the previous Branch House members will try to start a civil war out of revenge for their mistreatment all of these years. However, that is when I would have Neji step in as the voice of reasoning to conquer those fears and to persuade the previous Branch House members that they should not be thinking such ill thoughts, if they even are. I would have him as my right hand man when I become the Head and as a direct voice for those previous Branch members. He knows what it feels like to be one so those people can relate to him and will, hopefully, believe what he says about me wanting to unite everyone for peace and equality.
I would also like for our clan to learn a couple of long-range techniques to better accommodate after Byakugan. While our Gentle Fist fighting style works perfectly fine, we are at a disadvantage when it comes to fighting long distance. What is the use of seeing our enemy from a long distance if we have no way of stopping them? I would like to break away from these traditions because I believe they are restricting our clan. We can still be a prestigious clan, but we will be even more feared if we just become more modern and change.
That's all I have for now.
"So, that's how you really feel?" my father questions, raising his eyebrows.
I nod.
This is it. I've told him everything. All of my cards are on the table now.
"Hinata. Have I ever told you about the history of your clan?"
Huh? I tell him everything and he decides to ask me that?
I shake my head no.
"Then, perhaps I should before continuing this discussion any further."
He's going to tell me about the history of my clan. This should be interesting to hear, though I wonder what this has to do with anything.
"Long before we came to Konoha, the Hyūga clan was settled in their own small establishment right near where our village is built today. It was about the size of a small rural village and it was surrounded by a wall. Like how we live today, two large mansion was build for each House. The Branch House was located towards the front gate to protect the Main House, which was located in the center of the establishment. The rest of the settlement contained shops, farms, a small forest for foraging and hunting, and a fairly large pond. It sounded like a beautiful place to live. Back then, the clan was very reserved and strict about their ways. They hardly allowed anybody to leave or enter their settlement they were so particular about who they met.
"However, just because nobody was really allowed to leave does not mean the Hyūgas did not have anything to do. Many of the Branch members spent their days tending to the farms, working in their own shop, training, or serving the Main members from inside of their mansion. The Main members lived the exact same way, except they never had to serve anybody. One of the main reasons the Branch House acted as servants was to be around the Main House at all times for protection. Other than that, the Branch House did not live much differently. They were hardly mistreated, still receive training and an education, and lived a rather lavish life for a "servant". The two things that always rubbed the Branch members the wrong way was that their was no equality when it came to their training and education and Branch Members were always told to destroy their eyes if they ever come across an enemy alone and things were not looking good for them or risk their lives for the Main House. No questions asked. Now, keep in mind this was during an era before the Cursed Seal was introduced.
"After many generations of living like this, the Branch House was tired of everything and decided to get themselves into a civil war with the Main House. Since the Branch House has always outnumbered the Main, they believed they could win. Alas, they did not due to the advantage the Main House had because of their better training and for knowing how the Branch would fight because the Main House designed their required fighting style for the Branch members. After their loss, the Head of the Hyūga clan at the time created the Cursed Seal and branded each Branch member as punishment. He is the one that made it a clan law that all future generations of the Branch House will be branded with this seal within the first few years of their life. Shorty after this civil war, a few members gathered up to rebel once again. That is when they learned that the seal can destroy the brain cells inside of a person's head when it is activated. This is when the Branch House realized that they are forever under the Main House's will and control and any sort of rebellious behavior will result in a painful punishment. When everything had calmed down, everybody went back to living the way they had been. Except, the Branch House started to developed a hostile attitude towards the Main House. They never showed it in front of a Main House members, but they surely display their opinions about them behind their backs.
"Nothing else happens for a long time until many, many years after the Hyūga clan first settled in Konoha. Your great-grandfather was the Head at the time and he was the most friendliest and kind-hearted leader the Hyūga clan has ever had. He absolutely hated the way the clan was divided and wanted everyone to be united as one. Like you, Hinata, he wished for equality for this clan and wanted to get rid of the Cursed Seal. So, he secretly started to to find some way to remove the Cursed Seal and then wanted to create a new seal that everyone could have branded on their forehead to protect the Byakugan. However, this seal would not be visible to the naked mind nor can it be activated to destroy any brain cells. Your great-grandfather had a close friend who lived in Uzushiogakure who was very gifted in the art of fūinjutsu and planned on having him help with the removal of the Cursed Seal since it was deemed non removable. Before your great-grandfather could go through with any of his plans, his own father caught on to his plans. Shortly after, he mysteriously passed away in his sleep one night. Foul play was not involved, so it was deemed he died of natural causes. Though, one can claim that his death was to coincidental since his father found out what he was planning and then he dies only weeks later. But, only a handful of people really can claim that since only a handful learned about his plans. The clan members was devastated to hear of your great-grandfather's death since he was loved by almost everybody. Then, your grandfather became the new Head of the clan and ran it like any other leader.
"He wasn't a cruel leader, but one might say he blatantly favored one son over the other. Because of the way our clan is ran, many members only try to have one child if they decide to try for one. However, fate gave your grandfather twins. Since I was born first, I was instantly the heir while my brother was casted to the Branch House. Since a situation like this never happened before, one might have allowed my brother and I to be raised in the Main House lifestyle and then compete to see who will become the Head when we come to age. But, your grandfather all but disowned your uncle. While he raised me, Hizashi was raised by the nannies and servants until he was around ten year old age. After that, he was permanently sent off to the Branch House to live. Around that age, I had the same ideas as you and your great-grandfather. I wanted my brother to live the same way that I was. Though, after hearing about your great-grandfather I was to afraid to pursue such ideas and remained obedient and silent until I took over as Head of the clan.
"When you born, I was secretly hoping you would be the change that this clan needs. The change that I was too afraid to pursue myself. But, like I said, it was a secret. As a leader, I had to discourage any rebellious thoughts that you spoke with me about all the while hoping you never swayed. The first time I tried to go against tradition was when you turned three years old. I fought tooth and nail to forbid the sealing of Neji. But, I did not win. When Hanabi was born and your mother died, I did a lot of thinking for a long time. I concluded that I do not want Hanabi to live the life my brother had. I wanted her to grow up with you. So, I went against the tradition and never had her marked. For a long time, I feared you girls would wake up without a father one day because of my actions. But, nothing ever happen. Then, I decided to go against your grandfather and our clan's council some more. I allowed Neji to partake in many training sessions with you, not just in sparring, and I treated him better than any other Branch member has been treated. I allowed you to stay friends with Naruto and I allowed you to grow up to being able to speak your mind and make your own choices. While this doesn't sound like much, it is a good start when it comes to changing the clan."
Wow. So, the Cursed Seal hasn't been around since the beginning of the Hyūga clan. In fact, living as a Branch member within the clan didn't sound so bad at first. But, things still weren't equal and they were still labeled as servants to the Main House. However, it was the Branch House's fought that the Cursed Seal was even created for starting a civil war. Technically, today's generation of Branch House members should be angry at their ancestors, not us current Main House members. Though, it makes sense that they are angry with us because we've never done anything to get rid of the seal. If only everyone knew about my great-grandfather's plans. He sounds like an awesome person and I wish I could've gotten to meet him. But, it does sound like he was killed by someone because his plans were leaked to his father someone. I highly doubt his father just waltzed in on him one day while he was conspiring. I believe someone betrayed my great-grandfather.
But, I still don't understand why my father is telling me all of this? Is he trying to persuade me to not go through with my ideas in fear of being randomly killed one day because of it? It sounds like that is what my father feared if he had totally went against tradition. But, I think it would be pretty hard to kill the Head of the Hyūga clan, especially my father. He's a very strong person. Does he know who would kill him and he know that person can out fight him or is he staying fearful and cautious for a "just in case" type thing? To me, it sounds like somebody from the council would come and kill him, but everybody on the council is just a bunch of old, retired Hyūga fucks.
But, age doesn't determine a Shinobi's strength.
I glance over at my uncle and there is an intense expression resting on his face.
I guess he didn't enjoy hearing how his side of the family keeps getting screwed over by his brother's side.
So, are you warning me that if I try to change the Hyūga clan that I may face terrible consequences? Because, if so, I really don't care. I will always want to change this clan and I will try my best to succeed. I'll just continue what you and my great-grandfather couldn't and I couldn't care less about what the Elder and the Hyūga council thinks.
My uncle and father both look at each other and then turn back to me, smiling.
Okay. It seems like I said something right.
"We knew you would say that," my father admits.
We?
My uncle nods. "I always figured you had a different mindset about the Hyūga clan than others. You have always been close to my son, despite this status, and you are so kind-hearted, selfless, and caring of others." He flickers his eyes over at his brother. "I just admit, despite thinking these things about you, I still have instilled negatively towards the Main House to Neji here and there over the years. Over the past month, I even pushed negative thoughts into Neji's head about you when he told me that you two would be facing off during the Finals. I just always that he deserved to be in your spot over you, especially when he informed me that he taught himself Eight Trigrams: Sixty-Four Palms and Rotation by merely watching Hiashi performing it a few times while you were struggling to learn those two techniques. Since he has two those mastered, I taught him the Eight Trigrams: Air Palm and help trained him to defeat you.
"After you won your match, I saw that look on your face. You didn't look happy with beating Neji nor did you gloat or berate him because you had won. Instead, you still cared about his well being and spoke kindly to him before he was sent off. That is when I got up to go talk to him and tell him how the way I've been acting lately was wrong, but then your father came in during the middle of our talk. From him, I learned about his and your suspected intentions about the Hyūga clan and he realized during the match that Neji should not be feeling the way he does and it needs to stop. After that, my son admitted that you had asked him to help you with your goal to change the clan, but that you've never went into much detail about it.
"I know I have not been the best uncle to you. I've always kept myself distance towards you despite your kind personality and being close with Neji. I just always assumed those traits and your relationship would fizzle away over the years one you started getting more involved with our clan's politics. I didn't want to get my hopes over about you, but it looks like I assumed too quickly about you." He bows. "For that, Hinata-sama, I apologize deeply for the ways I've acted towards you, directly and indirectly, and for causing mistrust and unnecessary friction between you and Neji."
I blink.
Never in a million years did I think Hizashi thought of me so highly nor would he ever apologize to me. Nor did I thought my father would go out of his ways to make things good thing between him and his brother.
Am I really having this much of an influence on people?
Please do not call me Hinata-sama. Just call me Hinata-chan, Hinata-san, or simply Hinata. I'm not all for that formal stuff when it comes to my close family and friends.
My uncle straightens up and chuckles. "I remember Neji telling me that you said something similar to him before when you two were just toddlers."
I guess that proves I am always able to stand by my beliefs and never change them.
"Which is a quality that all leaders should have if those beliefs are able to benefit their people," my father tells me. "Like we stated before, we wanted to talk with you about your future with the Hyūga clan because we've always had an idea about how you felt. We just wanted you to prove us wrong or right before we proceeded. While I told you the history of our clan with the intent of warning you about what could happen if you go against traditions, I want to tell you that we fully support you and are here to help you meet your goals."
I suck in a gasp.
You are?
My father nods. "It might make more sense for me to try to change things myself since I am the current leader, but I think more things will get done in the long run if we work from behind the scenes and have everything unfold when you become the Head. I have already testing the waters here and there with the smaller things so I do not want to press my luck any further. Instead, I'm going to help out by preventing anyone from getting the Cursed Seal until you become of age and your uncle and I will start researching ways on how to remove the seal and to come up with a better one. Unfortunately, your great-grandfather findings and work has been either destroyed or stored in a secret spot. It is a shame that the Uzumaki clan is not around anymore to lend us a helping hand."
A lightbulb goes off in my head.
What if I can persuade Naruto into learning fūinjutsu? If I recall, Jiraiya is an expert when it comes to seals. Maybe Jiraiya could train him!
Maybe I could pull some strings with a certain Uzumaki I know.
My father arches an eyebrow. "Does he have experience with fūinjutsu?"
I shake my head.
No, but he could learn. It runs in his blood so he should pick up on the art fairly quick.
My father sighs. "Fūinjutsu is not an easy thing to learn, Hinata. But, we can come back to that later. Anyways, I cannot express to you enough how important it is to keep everything that was said in this room during this conversation today disclosed. The three of us and Neji are the only ones who knows about this. You are very goal driven and serious when it comes to things like this so I can count on you to take this serious and not let any of us down. We already putting a lot on the line for you, especially your uncle and Neji, to help you change the ways of this clan. However, don't get too excited and carried away and expect immediate results. Like I mentioned, we are basically just working behind the scenes as of now and gathering anything research and information we can. Nothing can really unfold until you become the Head and we have successfully found a way to remove the Cursed Seal and to come up with a better way to protect the Byakugan."
"We probably could have had this talk with you when you were better, but we didn't want to risk someone overhearing us at the compound," my uncle explain. "Since we were both at the hospital today, we thought we might as well go ahead and have it with you."
This is all going so great right now. I am so happy that these two are on my side. I always thought Neji and I would have to go at this alone and then just drop all of these changes on everybody once I become the Head. I am glad they had this talk with me because now I am starting to realize that it is going to be harder than I thought to change the ways of the Hyūga, especially since I have learned that one Head has already potentially gotten killed for trying to pursue what I want to do.
Thank you. I truly appreciate what you two are doing for me. I promise you that I will keep this all a secret, take it seriously, and will not let any of you down. I intend on going through with my plans and will try my hardest to gather all the information I can.
My father and uncle nod at me and then my uncle turns to look at his brother. "Well, I am going to head back now. I have not slept much these past three days and I suggest you do the same, Hiashi."
As much as I enjoyed this talk, I am kind of glad they are wanting to leave. I have been writing non stop for awhile now and my hand is starting to cramp up.
"Since it is getting late now, Hinata, I am going to just visit you with Hanabi tomorrow," my father tells me. "She is not going to like hearing about the delay, but at she will be fine. She just misses you a lot and has been worried sick over you."
Tell Hanabi that I love her very much and I cannot wait to see her tomorrow.
"I will." He walks over to the door and then pauses. "Actually, toss me your notepad. I do not want anybody seeing what you had wrote during this conversation. I promise to bring you another one tomorrow."
I throw him my notepad and the two of them finally leave and I lay down in my bed, shutting my eye.
I instantly fall asleep before getting the chance to recap about our talk.
I learn that I am supposed to be bedridden for two weeks because that is how long it is going to take for my eye to heal. Well, at least it should heal. The hospital staff does not want me to walk around half-blind. My arm should also be healed completely by then. Typically a broken arm only takes a few days to heal, but Sakon snapped the bones in my arm right in half so it is taking a little longer.
Over the next few days, I feel very popular because I have a lot of visitors to come see me. Though, Asuma still hasn't came to see me. On the fourth day of being in the hospital, besides my family and friends, Ebisu heard that I was finally conscious and came to visit me. He only just popped in long enough to wish me better and to tell me how proud he was of me for winning against Neji since he was very busy. Even though the rest of my matches was cancelled due to the invasion, he assured me that I still did well enough in my fight with Neji to catch some people's eyes. After hearing that, I try not to let it get to me because I am still unsure if I still want to become a Chunin or not if they offer me a promotion.
On the fifth day, Rock Lee shocks me by paying me an afternoon visit after finishing his third training session of the day with Guy. They both went to check on Neji and then Lee decided to come visit me alone.
Hello, Lee.
Lee blinks in surprise. "You still cannot talk?"
If I could, I wouldn't be greeting you with a piece of paper.
"Ah, obviously," Lee says in mild embarrassment. He straightens and clears his throat. "I bet you are wondering why I am here since we do not have the best of relationships."
You're making it sound like we are dislike each other.
"Well, we did start off on the wrong foot."
Nah. It has been totally one-sided on your part.
Lee lowers his eyes. "I… I realize that. I just came here to apologize to you for the way I have been acting towards you. I have been very rude and disrespectful and you have done nothing to me to deserve such horrible treatment." He bows. "Please accept my apology!"
He wants to apologize?
I start to scribble on my notepad and Lee hears and raises his head to see what I just wrote.
Why are you deciding now to apologize?
"Huh? Oh, well Guy-sensei told me what you said to Gaara when you were standing off with him," Lee replies.
"I don't know what you mean," I begin. "But, I'll always get in your way if you try to kill my friends and family! I mean, this is your third time trying and I'm not gonna allow you to do so!" I look at Guy and feel to add the next part in. "Yeah, I'm not close to all of these people, but they are still my comrades and I will put my life on the line for any of them!"
"And," Lee continues. "He also told me that my bones would have been shattered by Gaara's wave of sand if you had not interfered with the match. For that, I am grateful. I have been misjudging you this whole time. I thought you were just another Neji, but I was wrong. You have never looked down on me and you care deeply for your comrades."
Oh, well that makes sense. I suppose I can forgive him. I don't have a grudge on the kid and it takes a lot to apologize to someone. I know that I suck at doing such a thing.
I give Lee a reassuring smile.
I accept your apology, Lee. I never intended on coming across as a snob or trying to sabotage your match. I was really worried for your wellbeing.
Suddenly, Lee bursts into tears!
"I… sniff… I do not deserve such kindness from you!" Lee sobs.
I roll my eye.
Oh, boy.
I snap my fingers at him to get his attention.
Please stop crying.
Lee nods and quickly dries up his tears.
Damn, he's such an emotional and sensitive person.
"I also came to congratulate you for defeating Neji," Lee tells me. "You did a great job."
Thank you.
Lee flashes me a "nice guy" grin. "You are most certainly welcome! However, it just eats me up knowing that you were the one who was able to defeat my rival, Neji, before I was able to!"
I blink.
W-what?
I'm… sorry?
Lee shakes his head. "No! Do not be sorry! I know now that I must work even harder now to be able to defeat someone like you after getting strong enough to take on Neji."
What do you mean by "defeating someone like me"?
Lee clasps his hands together. "I mean that, from this day forward, you are my Eternal Rival #3, Hyūga Hinata!"
…. He wants me to become his rival? You've got to be kidding me!
Wait, why am I considered Eternal Rival #3? You have another rival besides Neji and I?
Lee nods. "Yes. It is Naruto. I was planning on making you Eternal Rival #2, but you have been in the hospital so I came across Naruto before seeing you."
Naruto defeated Gaara, something that Lee couldn't do. Of course Naruto is one of Lee's rivals now.
Isn't there some kind of unspoken rule that you can only have one rival?
"Nope! Guy-sensei says I can have as much rivals as I want as long as the other person knows about it!"
Are you sure he wasn't giving you relationship advice about Sakura?
"And, now that you know you are my rival, can I be your rival?"
God, this is such a weird conversation.
But, I guess having a rival would be kind of cool. Almost every Shinobi has one, one-sided or not, so I want to join the club!
I would love to be your Eternal Rival #3!
Lee beams at me. "Awesome! Our first sparring match will be one month from today! Good-bye!"
Wait! Wait! What?! He is already forcing me to spar with him?! That little sneak. Running off like that!
Ugh, Lee has me all worked up now. Plus, I'm tiring of doing nothing but laying in this bed. I think I may pay Neji a visit. I'm sure he is still up since Lee and Guy just visited him.
I carefully climb out of my bed and open the door leading into the hallway. I make sure the coast is clear before I leave my room and head over towards Neji's room. When I approach his room, I see through the door that he is meditating and I tiptoe in. I silently close the door behind me and his eyes suddenly snap open, causing me to jump a little.
Neji arches an eyebrow. "Hinata? What are you doing out of your room? You are suppose to be on bedrest."
I shrug and walk over to sit at the foot of his bed.
I missed your face so I came to see it.
Neji rolls his eyes. "If you get caught, I am not catching any of the blame."
No way! I will tell the nurse that you dragged me in here against my will.
Neji just stares at me. "Please don't do that."
Okay, so how are you feeling?
"I am feeling as good as I can for somebody who was struck multiple times by sharp needles and arrows."
You don't sound bitter at all.
Neji rolls his eyes. "How are you feeling, Hinata?"
I am feeling okay for somebody who had their eye ripped out, their throat crushed, and their arm broken.
Neji blinks. "I can't tell if you're being serious or just trying to make me feel bad."
The second choice.
"Of course you are."
Guess what?
"What?"
You and I are rival siblings.
"I beg your pardon?"
Lee came by to visit me, we chatted a little bit, and then he declared me his Eternal Rival #3.
Neji rubs his face. "Not you, too."
Yeah. He's already scheduled our first sparring date together.
Neji smirks. "You two are moving a little too fast. When's the wedding?"
At that beach that Guy and Lee always creates when they are having an emotional moment together.
"You have experienced that? I wonder how they do that?"
By using the Power of Youth.
Neji points at the door. "Leave."
Hey! I'm kidding! Sheesh.
Neji chuckles and then his face grows serious. "So, I heard that both of our fathers spoke to you about a certain something the other day."
I only nod. I am trying to avoid writing about it just in case someone stumbles across my notepad.
"I know they really do not want us talking about this without them present, but I just want to assure you that I am all on board with this whole thing," Neji tells me.
Thank you.
He gives me a gentle look. "And, I do not bear a grudge against your father anymore. He has explained to me why he had to activate my Curse Seal that day, despite not wanting to do so. I am kind your father and I can rekindle their brotherhood again and I hope you and I can go back to the way we were before I acted like a jerk."
I smile at him and nod.
"Great."
Just then, I notice a nurse heading towards Neji's room and I jump up from Neji's bed to rush over to the door.
"Let me guess: there is a nurse coming?" Neji asks with a smirk.
I nod and quickly gave him a wave before dashing back to my room.
Damn. I can't enjoy nothing! I don't want to go back to my room.
As I approach my room, I notice that Sasuke is standing in there and he is frantically whipping his head around.
What is he doing here and what's wrong with him?
I open the door and Sasuke spins around.
"Hinata!" He hurries over to me and grabs my arm. "Where have you been… nevermind that! Has Naruto stopped by?!"
I shake my head no.
"Damn it!" Sasuke curses. He drops my arm and dashes past me.
What the..? Why is he wondering where Naruto is? Is there something…
Wait!
I know why he is wondering about Naruto.
Itachi is back in the village.
But, I just have one question, what the hell is he doing here if the Hokage isn't dead?
I turn around and chase after Sasuke.
Author's Note: Hey, guys! I know that I just posed a chapter less than 24 hours ago, but I was off of work today so I decided to spend my day writing another chapter and to post it today! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and enjoying learning about some of the history of the Hyūga clan. Hint: OC Hinata still has much to learn about this clan of hers.
