Author's note: I don't own any of the characters. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto. The original characters belong to me.

Chapter 36: Clans of Honor

In the Hyuuga mansion, the Village Hidden in the Leaves

Minami Hyuuga woke up on her bed. She could notice Riko still sleeping in his own bed, so she didn't bother waking him up. In fact, she didn't get off her bed, only sitting in silence. The young bluenette began reflecting on what had happened yesterday, not just the match between her and Takeda, but also the brief talk she had with her mother.

"Minami…..how could you have done such thing without your grandfather's consent?" she remembered Hinata telling her asking her yesterday. "You and Himawari kept this secret from the rest of us? I don't know what to say" she had also said when she had discovered her daughter's secret training.

As she recalled those words, Minami could only form a slight scowl with her mouth. "I don't get it. Why would I need that old man's consent for developing my Gentle Fist Art? You're the true heiress to the Hyuuga clan, mom. I expected you to at least understand it" Minami thought as she got off her bed to put on a beige sweater with a hood attached to it. The hood was noticeable with the fluffy fur covering around it.

As she had gotten dressed, Riko awoke and walked up to her. Seeing her only partner, made Minami smile and she patted on his head. "Good morning, Riko. Hope you slept well" she said.

As they exited her room and walked in the hallway, Minami could smell something in the kitchen. It made her smile lightly, as she knew that her mom was there cooking breakfast. But as she arrived at the kitchen, her face was filled with dismay.

She could see her mother standing there, but her father was also at the kitchen. He was drinking by the table while reading a newspaper. Akamaru was relaxing beside him. Kiba lowered to newspaper to see who had entered. As his eyes met Minami's, the brown-haired man only glanced at her normally.

"Oh, it's just you" he said and returned his attention to the newspaper.

Hinata turned around to see her daughter standing at the corner with a smile. "Good morning, Minami. I am glad that you are awake" she said and continued her cooking. "You are not to go anywhere today. Your grandfather and aunt want to have a sit-down with you" she revealed to her.

By hearing this, Minami immediately snapped in outrage. But she didn't open her mouth to protest and took a seat by the table. Kiba briefly looked up from the newspaper to see how miserable his daughter was feeling about this. So far, she had only been staring at the table, pretending she didn't hear anything.

"Pfft…brat" Kiba thought in his head while seeing her attitude. He then returned reading the newspaper.

Minami was given something to eat and she did that without even flinching. At the same time, Hinata took her seat beside her husband and began eating her food. As they ate, she noticed how very little talkative her daughter had become, especially since the brief talk they had yesterday. Hinata sighed deeply at this.

"Listen Minami, even though you fought against your twin brother, I don't hold any grudges against you for winning" she told her, trying to make her mood lighten up. She then faced her husband. "You do the same, don't you Kiba?" she asked him.

Kiba didn't even bother looking at her, but he responded while reading. "I don't know, Hinata. You're to think what you want, but I thought all of that was entirely bullshit" he said to her, causing Hinata to show some hint of disdain on her expression.

But Minami heard it clearly and she began facing her father, who still had his face behind the newspaper. Apparently, she did not like the tone he had with her mother. "You better take back what you just said, you hear me?" she told Kiba sternly, but got no response from him. This made her even more irritated and she snatched the newspaper from Kiba and threw it away, much to her mother's shock and her father's outrage.

"What ails you, girl!?" Kiba rudely asked her with gritting teeth. "I am trying to update myself with the news and you just throw away my newspaper? The hell's wrong with you!?" he demanded from her.

Minami only glared at him in return. "You ask what my problem is!? You're the one not listening to what your own daughter tells you!" she hit back, never taking off his gaze at him.

Kiba only leaned back onto his chair and crossed his arms, his eyes never leaving the sight of Minami. "Than what do you expect me do to? You expect me to cuddle you because you won over your brother? Quit thinking so stupid, Minami!" he said, scoffing at her in the process.

"You don't get it! I…..you know what, never mind!" Minami said, realizing that clashing with her father was not in her best interest.

Kiba rose up from his seat and walked towards the door, but not before saying something to Hinata. "I ain't staying here with your dad and sister hanging around. But I am going to visit Takeda and see how he feels. Good luck with dealing with those buttholes" he said and waved at them sarcastically as he exited the compound with Akamaru tagging along.

Hinata began fixing a strict gaze upon Minami, who only faced her with defiance in return. "Why did you behave like that towards him? Your father was not drunk and he was trying to keep himself updated" she scolded her.

"Oh really? Well I wonder why he was so focused on the newspaper that he didn't as much look at either you nor me" Minami hit back.

Despite her daughter's stubbornness, Hinata remained calm, as she never possessed the short-tempered attitude coming from members of the Inuzuka clan. "I want you to think about your actions, Minami. Your grandfather and aunt won't be as merciful as I am. Remember that" she pointed out to him.

The young bluenette only scoffed in return, pretending she was not listening, much to Hinata's disappointment. But the main door suddenly opened and in came Hiashi Hyuuga and Hanabi Hyuuga, her grandfather and aunt respectively. Over time, Hanabi had grown up to become an attractive but headstrong kunoichi, as well as one of the Hyuuga clan's most capable fighters, at the same level of her older sister and their father. But she was no longer the shy girl anymore, as she was now both a strict and caring mother of three at the same time. The relationship between Hanabi and Hinata was still that of two sisters, despite the different personalities they each had. But like their father, Hanabi was vehemently against Hinata's marriage to Kiba, citing his inability to treat his in-laws with respect.

As they stood there, Hinata immediately rose up from her seat and greeted them with respect. "Father, Hanabi, so glad you could come" she said while formally bowing her head.

Hanabi smiled at her in return. "I am honored, sister" she said while nodding at her.

But Hiashi had his eyes narrowed and a deep frown formed as he faced his eldest daughter and Hinata noticed it with concern. "Where is he? Where is that ridiculous husband of yours?" he asked her sternly.

"He has gone off to the hospital to visit Takeda. I can assure you that he has not been to the bar for the last few days" Hinata insisted to him. "But Kiba doesn't need to be involved in this talk. This is a matter only we Hyuugas alone can resolve" she pointed out to him.

"Well said, Hinata" Hanabi complimented her, but Hiashi was still watching her sternly. But the elderly man shifted his attention on Minami, who was still sitting by the table with her arms crossed. Hanabi did that as well and she narrowed her eyes at her niece. "Do not presume that I am clueless, Minami. We know everything, including what my eldest daughter has been teaching you" she told her sternly.

Minami was not responding, only glaring at her aunt in return. But she could notice her grandfather standing beside her with his arms crossed, his strict gaze piercing through her like two arrows. "Foolish girl, having little respect for the values of our clan" he remarked.

This caused Minami to glare at him angrily, her teeth gritting in the process. "Screw you, old geezer! You don't know what the word value even means, considering all that harshness you have brought upon mom!" she hit back.

Hiashi restrained his anger, although subjects such as this were too sensitive for him to hear. But Hinata intervened and stood before him with her arms stretched out while facing her daughter. "Minami, that happened many years ago when I was at your age. Those times are over! The Hyuuga clan has changed!" Hinata reminded her.

"That's bullshit, mom! What about your marriage!? They still disapprove of it!" the young girl hit back and begun pointing her finger towards Hiashi. "He, the other elders, they all backtalk at you the moment you have your back at them!" she pointed out.

Hearing these words made Hiashi lose cool and he gently pushed Hinata aside and grabbed his granddaughter by the collar of her sweater and lifted her up, eventually holding her against the wall. Both Hinata and Hanabi were filled with worry over seeing this.

"Stop this immediately! Please!" Hinata cried out in desperation.

"Father, restrain yourself!" Hanabi strictly demanded.

But the elderly man ignored their pleas or demands and had his eyes solely focused on Minami, who had a defiant look on her face. "Be careful what you wish for, little brat! You may be of my blood, but I can as head of this clan, disown unworthy punks like you!" he warned her, not regretting the tone he was using.

Despite being talked to like this, Minami forced a slight smirk on her face. "You say that I lack understanding of the Hyuuga clan. But guess what? You are wrong" she told him, her defiant eyes never leaving him. However, she did put her hands around Hiashi's wrists. "I know everything about you. Like me, you also had a twin. But unlike you, he was a more honorable shinobi and member of the Hyuuga clan" she pointed out to him.

Hiashi and his daughters snapped at what they heard from her. They knew what she was speaking of. It was Hiashi's twin brother, as well as Hinata and Hanabi's uncle: Hizashi Hyuuga. In addition to that, he was also the father of Neji Hyuuga, a respected member, who perished during the previous world war.

But they all remembered the sacrifices Hizashi had done to preserve not just the legacy of the Hyuuga clan, but the Hidden Leaf Village as well. Manami could see the expression on their faces, and she mused to herself. But she was specifically focused on her grandfather, who was still holding her against the wall.

"You will never be someone like Hizashi! You always ramble about yourself being a man of honor, but that is nothing but lies! My mom is someone who deserves to head the Hyuuga clan, not a miserable traditionalist like you! So you can go to hell for all I care, you selfish, old bastard!" Minami spit out venom towards him.

By hearing this, Hiashi readied his palm and to his daughters' shock, was about to physically attack Minami. She was stunned by this and shut her eyes tightly, hoping to withstand the pain. But she felt nothing and it made her open her eyes to see why she wasn't hit.

To her surprise, she could see a 17-year old girl with long, brown hair standing beside her while holding Hiashi's hand. The girl had her hair tied into a ponytail and was dressed in a blue sweater and black pants. Minami couldn't believe her eyes by what she saw.

"Himawari…" she uttered out the name of the girl, who happened to be her eldest cousin, as well as the eldest child of Hanabi.

Hanabi herself was stunned by seeing her daughter blocking Hiashi's attack. "What in the world are you doing here, Himawari?" she demanded an answer from her. "Weren't you supposed to be with Hanzo and Hikari?" she added.

But the teenager was more focused on Hiashi and held back his palm. "Grandfather, there is no need for you to take out your aggression on Manami. She is still family and blood-related to you" she reminded him. "I was involved in her training, so if there is someone you should blame, it would be me" she insisted, hoping to make her grandfather see reason.

Hiashi was only staring at her with disappointment. But he did as she requested and let go of Minami, who landed on the floor with her behind. The elderly man was not in a good mood, yet he managed to remain calm, in light of what he just did to his youngest granddaughter. He faced Hinata with a strict expression.

"There are many things I want you to remind you of, Hinata. The future head of this clan will be Hanabi. Not you. So bear in mind where you stand among us" he told her firmly. "I have had enough of this nonsense! You, your sister and me will have a talk about this later, without that brat skulking around! Is that clear?" he made sure Hinata heard everything.

Despite Minami feeling terrible about this, Hinata only accepted it with a formal bow. "I understand, father" she replied with formality.

"Mom, what the hell are you…." Minami uttered out her words.

"That's enough from you, Minami! No more words from you, understand?" Hinata surprisingly told her in a strict manner.

This forced the young bluenette to back down and she faced the floor in defeat. Riko walked over to her and tried his best to comfort her.

"I am going to rest" Hiashi said and disappeared from the kitchen.

As he was gone, Hinata quickly embraced her daughter in a tight hug and the young bluenette sobbed in return, as she had actually never felt so threatened by her grandfather before. Hinata did her best to comfort her and Minami never let go of her.

Once they were done hugging, Minami faced her mother with tears streaming from her eyes. "Mom…..I'm sorry" she said to her, only for Hinata to stroke her hair in return.

"I am just happy that you are okay" she replied with a motherly smile. She then turned around to face Himawari. "Thank you so much for intervening. I was lost about what to do" she thanked her.

The teenager only replied with a formal bow and smiled kindly at her aunt. "Anything for you, Aunt Hinata" she said and suddenly began facing her mother. Her face was that of worry. "Do you see now, mother? Despite the enmities between the Main House and Branch House long gone, grandfather is still stuck in the past" she pointed out to her.

But Hanabi only stared at her sternly in return. "He is actually a loving man on the inside, Himawari. You have no idea about the responsibilities a clan head has" she told her in return.

Hearing this made Himawari stare at her outrageous. "And you think that gives him the excuse to treat Minami, Takeda and Kiba the way he does!?" she countered with outrage at her mother, but quickly calmed herself. "Sure, Kiba is a silly drunk and all, but what about the twins? You saw what he was about to do to Minami!" she pointed out.

"I have heard enough! As your mother, I request that you return to your siblings at once!" Hanabi commanded her. She quickly stormed off in anger and Hanabi sighed deeply. "I must go have a talk with her, Hinata. But until then…refrain from seeking conflicts. And I am telling this as a sister" she told her as if she felt sorry for them, which was actually unusual for Hinata's more serious sister.

As Hanabi exited to kitchen to follow her daughter, Hinata and Manami were alone, with the young girl quickly sought comfort in her mother's arms.

Inside the Nara Clan Forest, on the outskirts of the Village Hidden in the Leaves

This forest was known to be owned by the Nara clan and only members of that clan could enter. Outsiders could also, but only if given permission to do so. Few outsiders had dared to enter it, only to be attacked by the deer that inhabited the forest. These majestic animals were treated with respect by members of the Nara clan and it would often seek help in attaining medicine via their antlers.

But that was not all. It was also in that forest where the clan's current head: Shikamaru Nara buried the deadly Akatsuki member: Kakuzu. By doing so, his spirit was trapped inside the forest for all eternity. But despite being a graveyard for a criminal, it was a place for the Naras to come and seek tranquility and peace from all the stress happening in the village. After all, Naras were lazy but intelligent shinobis.

In the forests depths, Shikamaru was taking his son for a trip. But right now, they were playing shogi as the deer wandered around them, minding their usual businesses. While Shikaien had gained interest in the game, he was getting tired of losing not only to his teacher, but to his father as well. The dark blonde-haired boy muttered angrily.

"Give me a freaking break! How come I suck at something I'm interested in!?" he wondered aloud, but the nearby deer didn't seem to mind his outburst. Shikaien sighed in disappointment. "I am beginning to have second thoughts about this" he admitted to his father.

But Shikamaru only smirked at him in return. "Don't be so whoopy about it, boy. In time, you will learn how the game can function as your training, just you wait" he assured him. But he suddenly fixed a serious expression on his face. "But listen. I didn't drag you out here just so we could play shogi. I thought it would also be a perfect place for us to have a conversation as father and son" he told Shikaien.

The young boy only cooked an eyebrow at this. "What is there to talk about? Is it about my match with that crazy hag yesterday?" Shikaien asked and suddenly chuckled cockily. "Come on, dad. You saw the entire match. I completely nailed her" he added while reminding him.

Shikamaru only stared at him with a slump, but sucked up and got serious. "I know you did. However, you were almost a goner in that match. If Bunko had managed to hit her Chidori on you…then the results would look messed up and I ain't kidding" he tried to explain to his son like a father would.

Being told this made Shikaien reflect on it. He knew that his father spoke the truth. "But hey, I managed to use that jutsu you taught me. I know it wouldn't do much damage, but she spent all her chakra and energy on that lightning of hers" he told him in return.

Shikamaru sighed by hearing his son's explanation. "You really are optimistic, I'll give you that much" he remarked. But all of a sudden, he smiled smugly at Shikaien. "But you did more that really got my attention. The way you used your kunais to create winds, very impressive" he pointed out.

The punkish boy sighed by hearing this. "It was something I knew I could rely on. Normally I wouldn't rely too much on the techniques mom taught me, but I gave it a shot and it worked perfectly" he said.

"You think you could've mastered using a giant fan, like those your mother use?" Shikamaru suddenly asked him out in the open.

Shikiaien stared at him with a dumbfounded look. "What? Hell no! Carrying a big-ass fan on my back seems kind of…different for my taste" he immediately replied.

Shikamaru chuckled by seeing his son's reaction. "Okay, I was just teasing ya" he said before moving on to more pressing matters, especially the finals. "But think about this: if you almost had your ass handed to you by Bunko, then it is a possibility that you won't win your match in the finals" he explained while trying to sound realistic.

"Tch, unless I'm willing to practice my skills, that is" Shikaien said in return.

"Yeah, but relying on just raw strength won't help you. You do know that in a match, you also have to act tactical" Shikamaru pointed out and suddenly fixed a smug smile as he recalled something. "I actually learned that when I fought in the finals at your age" he recalled his time at the finals.

His son stared at him lazily and yawned to sound bored. "I've heard that story many times. It was at that time you and mom fell for each other in a swoop" he remarked with sarcasm, much to his father's outrage.

"Hey, that did NOT happen between us at that time and that's final!" Shikamaru countered while sweating. But he cleared his throat before continuing. "Anyway, do you understand the concept? That and coupled with the fact that you won't know who you're up against just makes this tricky" he explained to his son.

"Hey dad" Shikaien asked his father who raised an eyebrow. "I can read on your face that you want to reveal my first opponent in the final, correct?" he asked him smugly, causing Shikamaru's eyes to widen in surprise. Shikaien fixed a mischievous grin. "Well that explains why you dragged me all the way to this forest, where only members of the Nara clan could enter. But I tell you now: don't spoil the surprise! If you do that, I'm gonna whoop your ass" he told his father in a determined way.

After hearing this, Shikamaru immediately gave his son a smug look, indicating that he was proud of him. "Well said, son. Those are the exact words I wanted to hear from you" he admitted and stood up, picking up the board while he did that. Shikaien did the same thing. "Let's head back home. I think we had a great time hanging in our clan's personal hangout" he said while facing his son with a smile.

Surprisingly, Shikaien smiled as well and walked beside his father as they made way for the forest's exit. As they walked through, the dark blonde-haired boy could notice all the deer staring at them as they left. It was perhaps to the fact that they were seen as father and son.

"Hmmm…..I'll admit that I enjoy coming here sometimes" Shikaien remarked, this time not being sarcastic.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes in return. "I know you do, there's no need to deny it" he said smugly.

But someone was standing before Shikamaru and his son, but the man with goatee only smiled at what he saw. It was an elderly lady, but not just any ordinary lady. She had wrinkles and had some grey straws in her brown hair. She faced the father and son while crossing her arms. This was Shikamaru's strict mother: Yoshino Nara. The widower of Shikaku Nara, Yoshino had been a terrific grandmother to Shikaien, even though she could be grouchy at times.

"Hey there, mom. Fancy seeing you in this forest" Shikamaru remarked as their eyes met.

Yoshino stared at him sternly. "I AM a member of the Nara clan, Shikamaru. Don't forget that" she said strictly, but suddenly smiled. "As for your sentence, I was worried about where you two slackers had run off to. But at least you're in Nara territory where I can keep a good eye on you" she added with humor.

Shikamaru chuckled nervously by hearing this. "Come on, mom! I'm not a lousy teenager anymore" he countered while patting his son's head. "You can actually say that to Shikaien" he insisted to her.

Yoshino only smirked and faced her grandson, who was for some reason, not happy to see her. The elderly woman grinned cunningly. "Hey kid, you still haven't cleaned up the mess in your bedroom. Your mother sent me here to bring your lazy butt back" she told him while crossing her arms in a gruff manner.

"What a drag!" Shikaien remarked with annoyance. "Grandma is just as strict as mom is. I seriously hope not to marry someone like them in the future" he hoped inside of him, noticing the similarities between Temari and his grandmother.

Inside the village's hospital

Kiba had just asked to see his son, but was surprised when the nurse told him that someone was already visiting Takeda's hospital room. When the brown-haired man entered, he was surprised to find someone very close to him standing there. It was his mother and older sister: Tsume Inuzuka and Hana Inuzuka respectively. But joining them were Hana's youngest boy, Kenta, who was also one of Kiba's nephews.

"Mom…..Hana…." Kiba uttered out words in surprise, although he did not necessarily seem that surprised.

His mother only smirked when seeing her son standing there. "Not what you expected, right?" Tsume asked him while grinning. "Well, here we are standing" she added.

The brown-haired man only scoffed at what his mother said. "Tch…showoffs" he said in return.

Young Kenta smiled once he saw his uncle approaching and he immediately ran up to him, hugging him tightly around his legs. "Uncle Kiba, you came to visit!" he exclaimed happily.

Kiba patted his nephew's head while facing his mother. Since the end of the war, Tsume had retained her serious demeanor, while at the same time been given wrinkles and straws of grey hair. But despite this, Tsume was still as strong as she was in your younger days. Meanwhile, Hana had grown to be an attractive woman, who was worthy of becoming the next head of the Inuzuka clan, considering her calm demeanor in contrast to Kiba's impulsiveness.

The brown-haired man faced them with a slight smile. "I take it you have also been told of what happened inside the Hokage Monument" he said. Hana nodded her head as a yes. Kiba closed his eyes. "I just hope that Takeshi is….." he paused as he heard the voice of his son calling to him.

"Hey dad, I AM awake, just so you know" the brown-haired boy said as he was sitting on his bed facing. Tsume and Hana stepped sideways, so that he could be given a clear view of his father. The moment their eyes met, Kiba was filled with surprise, but he immediately smiled and walked over to his son's side. Akamaru tagged along and began licking Takeda's face as he stood by the bedside. "Eh….Akamaru….really?" he asked in awkward as he was beginning to grow tired of him licking. Arata was now resting, but he only took a brief glance at his owner getting licked by Akamaru.

Kiba smiled lightly at this son. "Hey Takeda" he called out his son's name and the brown-haired boy faced his father with wondering eyes. "Yesterday, you and Arata really impressed me with your teamwork and cooperation against Minami and Riko. I'm proud of your efforts" he commended Takeda, who was still facing him with question.

But the young boy soon realized what those words meant and he began reflecting on what had happened. He chuckled lowly. "Thanks dad" he said and refocused his attention on his father. "Hey, I know that Shunsuke won his match, but what about Nashiko?" he suddenly asked him with interest.

The brown-haired man sighed deeply before answering his son. "Nashiko was up against Chouta….she won and has made it to the finals" he revealed to him lowly.

Hearing this made Takeda smile with satisfaction and Kiba and the others could tell that he was actually happy to know about it. He was happy on behalf of his comrades. "Nashiko…..Shunsuke….well done" he mused to himself and began facing everyone. "I guess me and Arata will be rooting for them in the finals" he suggested to himself and stroked Arata's fur.

Hana stepped beside her younger brother and faced her nephew with a sweet smile. "The winners were given seven days to get ready for the finals. As of now only day has passed" she told him.

"Seven days, huh? I see" Takeshi remarked after hearing this. "In that case, Nashiko and Shunsuke are probably figuring out how to prepare themselves for the finals" he added.

Kiba respected the fact that he had faith in his comrades, even though he was on bad terms with Naruto and Sasuke respectively. But ever since his brief altercation with Minami back at the mansion, there was something that had begun to bug him. He felt like sharing this with his son.

"I'm glad that you're not in the mansion today. Your mother is having your bright-eyed aunt and maternal grandfather over for a visit" he told him and Takeda looked at his father with surprise. "I left before they came so I honestly have no clue of what they'll be speaking of. But it had something to do with Manami and her new skills" he further told him.

By hearing this, Tsume began gritting her teeth in irritation. "Hyuugas…still as arrogant since the day this village was founded" she remarked with distaste. "That clan is still tainted by its own pride, all thanks to that idiot Hiashi" she added.

"Mom, not all Hyuugas are as bad as he is" Hana countered her mother's statement. "What about Hinata? And Hanabi and her children?" she asked, trying to make her mother see reason.

Tsume only eyed her daughter sternly, crossing her arms in the process. "I never said anything about my Hinata. I am proud of the fact that someone like her is my daughter-in-law. But Hanabi will just become the same as Hiashi once she inherits the leadership of the Hyuuga clan and so will her children" she pointed out to Hana.

"But grandma, Hikari is my classmate" Kenta suddenly spoke of his classmate while facing her with a smile. "Even though she is from the Hyuuga clan, Hikari is a nice girl" he insisted to her.

The elderly woman only stared him with her feral eyes, thus intimidating her youngest grandson. But Hana was glad that Kenta stood up for himself and tried to make her mother stop giving him that look. "Well I am glad that you and Hikari are friendly with each other, Kenta. In case you didn't know, your eldest brother Masajun is good friend with Hikari's sister Himawari" she pointed out. Both Kiba and Tsume only grumbled upon seeing Hana saying this and the young brown-haired woman only sighed deeply by noticing it. "Look, I understand your distaste for the Hyuuga clan, but they are much as valuable as our clan" she tried to convince her mother and younger brother.

"Well, at least I care more about Hinata's well-being than what her family does!" Kiba hit back.

By hearing this, Hana glared at him with dispassion. "But how come you always spend your time at the bars rather than supporting her?" she asked him. "Until now, you've always been so out of touch with your family" she pointed out.

Hearing this made Kiba angry by the minute. "Well excuse me for not being so damn charismatic like that backstabbing asshole, Naruto!" he spat.

"Mind your language, Kiba!" Tsume demanded calmly. "Not in front of little Kenta" she added while facing the young boy, who had his ears covered by Hana's hand, as she did not want him to hear those nasty words.

Takeda watched with worry as he could feel a conflict brewing between his father and his aunt. He really hoped that Kiba would not make a fool out of himself while in the hospital. Fortunately, he had not been drinking for a few days, so an event like that seemed avoidable.

"When are you gonna put your grudge against Naruto aside for once?" Hana asked her younger brother. "He had absolutely nothing to do with….." she was interrupted by Kiba's rude tone.

"Hey sis, why the fuck are you siding with that blonde-haired faggot over me, your own brother?" he asked as if he was offended, while Hana was still trying to cover her son's ears.

"Kiba just shut your mouth!" Tsume demanded once again from him, although with a less gentle voice than what she did previously. She sighed in irritation. "Look, I know that you lost your dream, but don't be stuck in the past. Why don't you try doing something big for someone other than yourself? Just look at the situation Hinata is in" she suggested to her son, trying to convince him in the process.

Hearing this made Kiba think and there was some truth in what Tsume just told him. He faced her with an assuring grin. "Who ever said of me giving up on Hinata? I for sure have no plans of doing so" he told her. But the brown-haired man formed a frown on his face. "However, despite my best efforts, I can't help but to loathe Naruto" he added when commending about his former friend.

Hana sighed deeply in return. "Well that is something you really have to work on, little brother. But at least Takeda is very helpful to his comrades, despite him not being much of a socializer" she remarked and looked over her shoulder to see her long-haired nephew watching her in confusion.

"What in the world is she talking about?" Takeda wondered in his head.

In another hospital room, Saburou was having visit from his mother Umeko Aburame and his older sister Susume Aburame. But they were not the only ones present in the room. Joining them was Saburou's paternal grandfather, as well as the head of the Aburame clan: Shibi Aburame. Umeko had long blonde hair and wore sunglasses, while dressed in a dark green jacket. It was from her that Saburou had inherited the color of his hair. Susume was dressed in golden jacket while wearing a silver scarf around her neck. Like other members of the Aburame clan, she wore sunglasses although they looked more girly. But despite her reserved personality, Susume was considered to be a beautiful woman, especially given her brown, shoulder length hair. Right now, they were visiting Saburou to see how he was feeling.

"I am glad to see you alive and well, my son" Umeko told her son. "Your sister and I are sorry for not being able to witness your efforts" she added to her explanation.

Saburou smiled by seeing his mother and sister standing by his side. "There is no need to be so ashamed. In the end, I lost the match, despite the many times I managed to outmaneuver my opponent" he told them. But he began looking beyond them for someone. "By the way, where is Yasu and father?" he added with a question.

"Yasu is at the Academy so she had a reason for not coming. But father did not feel like waste his time with more hospital visits, so he sent grandfather in his stead" Susume answered while pointing her hand at the elderly man in sunglasses and Saburou made eye contact with him.

Shibi only watched this while leaning against the wall. Since becoming a grandfather, the head of the Aburame clan had changed over the years. His hair had become grey as had his facial hair. Unlike many other adults at his age, he didn't possess so many wrinkles. But even so, nothing had changed Shibi in terms of personality and strength. He was still a wise, stoic leader and possessed cunning beyond his elderly years.

"You let your guard down quickly, Saburou" he lowly spoke up, never taking off his gaze at his grandson. "If you had not let pride guide you, you would have succeeded in your fight" he said to him.

The blonde-haired boy was taken aback by Shibi's words and frowned deeply. "What exactly are you trying to make me see, grandfather?" he asked him in return.

Susume faced her younger brother with a frown of her own. "Grandfather believes that you fought your fight without showing humility. Your way of planning things were similar to that of Hyuugas and Inuzukas" she interpreted what Shibi just said.

"Are you comparing me to Minami Inuzuka?" Saburou demanded an answer from his grandfather.

Shibi merely scoffed at his accusation while adjusting his sunglasses. "Only a fool would do something like that, my grandson. What your sister just told you have a half truth in it" he spoke up.

Before things could escalate further, Umeko stood up to her father-in-law with a respective bow. "Master Shibi, I beg of your forgiveness, but now is not the time to scold Saburou. His father, my husband has already done that" she pointed out, trying to make him lighten up.

But the elderly man was still staring at her with a deep frown forming across his face. "I am not scolding him, my dear daughter-in-law. Unlike my son, I am only stating what went wrong with Saburou's way of planning" he told her.

The young blonde-haired man only stared at Shibi with a raised eyebrow. But he was not alone. Even Susume and Umeko had always difficulties in understanding Shibi's serious and stoic persona. In their opinion, only Shino and surprisingly Yasu could understand him. And Yasu was the youngest of them all.

The elderly man suddenly turned his back at his family and looked over his shoulder to see them. "Saburou, even though you lost, I commend your hard efforts" Shibi said and began walking towards the door. "But if you wish to know more about us Aburames, seek out either me or your father. You decide what to do" he said before opening the door and exiting the room.

As he was alone with his mother and sister, Saburou could not help but to reflect on what his grandfather had just told him. For some reason, it made him smile lightly. "I think I am beginning to see the meaning of your words, grandfather" he thought in his head.

Near the local candy store, Village Hidden in the Leaves

Having just recovered from her not so serious injuries, Chouta was now sitting outside a candy store, eating some potato chips. While at the hospital, she had been visited by both her parents and younger brother. While saddened about her loss, they were proud of her reaching so far as to the third phase. And rest assured, they held no grudges against Nashiko and her family. In fact, Chouji was actually happy to see Chouta being alive and well and not in a critical condition.

"I wonder how Inojin and Shikaien will prepare themselves for the finals" she wondering while chewing. Since hearing about Shikaien's victory in his match, Chouta was proud to consider herself his and Itachi's teammate. "But I also wish there was something I could at least do" she added to her thoughts

"Hey there Chouta!" a very familiar and loud voice called out to her. As she turned looked to her left side, she could see her own grandfather walking towards her with a gentle smile. The young girl returned the favor with a one of her own. "Your parents told me that you were released from the hospital, so I decided to see how you were doing" he told her and took her seat.

Chouza Akimichi was a stout and tall man, but had begun showing signs of being a grandfather. While still the head of the Akimichi clan, Chouza knew that his retirement was nearing him, and that he needed to hand over the helm to Chouji. He still had red hair, but had begun showing wrinkles across his face. Nevertheless, he was still an endurable shinobi and strong in his elderly prime. As a grandfather, Chouza loved his grandchildren as much as he loved Chouji. In fact, he was happy to know that Chouji's successor would be a girl.

The big, old man walked slowly to the bench and took a seat. Due to his large weight, a cracking sound came from the bench, but neither he nor Chouta seemed to care. Chouza faced her with a smile like a normal grandfather would.

"I'm surprised that you got out of hospital so early. You are lucky to not have been up against a deadly foe" he spoke up.

She nodded her head before swallowing her chips. "Yup, the injuries I received weren't that critical so I was allowed to come out earlier. And besides, it's not like I'm gonna fight more opponents. I am out of the Chuunin Exams as of now" she told her in return.

The elderly man showed understanding to her words. "I understand. But believe me, Chouta, you have absolutely no reason to be ashamed of yourself. I bet you impressed everyone inside the Hokage Monument, including your team" he told her Hearing this made the chubby girl giggle with embarrassment, as her cheeks began reddening. But she suddenly began thinking about something else, something related to her teammates. Chouza could notice the concern on her expression. "What troubles you, young girl?" he asked supportively.

Chouta let out a deep sigh before answering. "There's something I've been wondering about since I got out of the hospital, grandpa. It's about my teammates: Inojin and Shikaien" she said while facing Chouza. "A part of me tells me to assist them with preparing for the finals, but another part of me tells me to not interfere with their training. I am not certain about which are the right thing to do" she explained.

The elderly man put a large hand on her left shoulder, trying to ease her concerns. "The truth is: neither of them is correct" he told her, causing Chouta to stare at him with widened eyes. Chouza nodded with a smile. "That's right, instead of focusing on just one of them, you should rather seek a balance between them" he insisted to her.

"Grandpa…..what are you saying?" Chouta asked him, still clouded with uncertainty.

Chouza began looking up to the skies, still smiling as usual. "When I was at your age, I learned the true happiness of gaining comrades, comrades who you could trust, comrades who you could bond with" he recalled his younger days.

This made the young girl snap in realization. "Oh, I almost forgot! You were teammates with Shikaien's paternal grandfather and Inojin's maternal grandfather! You told me stories about them once" she exclaimed with admiration of Chouza.

The elderly man chuckled lightly in return. "Yeah, my teammates were Shikaku Nara and Inoichi Yamanaka. When we worked together, all our adversaries considered us worthy opponents. That is what defined our Ino-Shika-Cho team" he explained and turned his head to face his chubby granddaughter. "But what held us together were our abilities to develop on our own, as well as seek counsel from one another. That is what helped us become the proud shinobis. Even though Shikaku and Inoichi are no longer with us, I can feel their spirits walking beside me, as they did when they did when they were alive" he told them in a very personal tone.

By hearing this, Chouta immediately hugged her grandfather tightly and Chouza returned the favor. She then began facing him with a determined look on her face. "Thanks for sharing this with me, grandpa. I will do my best to help my teammates, but not involve myself too much. And I do that as a member of the new Ino-Shika-Cho team!" she said with determination and ran quickly across the streets.

By seeing her running, Chouza could not help but to smile. "That's the spirit girl" he thought in his head. "You have made a wonderful family, Chouji. I'm proud of you" he added to his thoughts.

To be continued…

Author's note: This chapter introduced us to grandfathers, aunts and grandmothers. The next chapter will be focused on the end of the first day and onto the second day. I will also go into the details, especially about Takeda and Minami's relatives.