Hi there readers! It's time for another chapter. Boy did last week fly by; it feels like I just wrote HtV. Also, from yesterday, l started work and it's not going to be easy so I'm just letting you know that if you see me update and it's shorter than the usual, it's really the best I can do. As it is, I'm really stressed and it's just the first day! Anyway, let's get on with it.

Excuse any errors and R&R!!!


Chapter 39: Hinata's Decision

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Two months later Hinata received two summonses.

One from the Hokage and one from the Hyuuga council.

Hinata knew she still had one more month to work at the academy and, as far as she knew, she was doing a good job.

She definitely knew what the council wanted. They wanted to know her decision and according to the letter, they wanted it sometime during the day.

Sasuke was out on a four week mission and was supposed to return that day so she couldn't exactly let him know what she had decided but she hoped he would help her along the way as he had promised.

It was Saturday and she had been marking a test from the day before when the summons came and as soon as she read the message from the Hokage, Hinata left the house, reading the one from the Hyuuga as she went.

From the sound of it, the Hokage wanted to see her as soon as humanly possible and that could only mean a few things: someone she knew was hurt—she hoped with all her heart it wasn't Sasuke— the Hokage had gotten information on the kidnapping somehow, there was a lead to where Hanabi was, or there was a shortage on ninja and she was needed to go on a mission.

When she got to the tower, she was shown right in as though the guards knew she was coming. She walked down the hallways and the corridors and up flights of stairs until she was at the door of the office and knocked lightly.

"Come in," came Tsunade's voice.

Hinata opened the door and saw Tsunade and Shizune, who was holding TonTon, in the office with her.

Hinata gave a short bow. "Ohayou."

Tsunade and the others nodded.

"You summoned me?" asked Hinata.

"Hai," said Tsunade. "I had not expected you to come so early since we're still trying to sort things out but I'm glad nevertheless."

"What is this about?" Hinata asked, her interest more than piqued but not in a good way. She could see the way Tsunade looked, as well as Shizune. Tsunade didn't speak for quite some time, as though trying to figure out the best way to say what is was she had to say.

"Hinata," she began. "I'm sorry to tell you-"

"Is it Sasuke?" Hinata asked, cutting off the Hokage before she could finish.

"Iie," said Tsunade and Hinata gave a deep sigh of relief but she could tell that the news wasn't going to be much better.

"As I was saying," continued the blonde. "I know the arrangement for your staying at the academy was six months because Hitoshi went on a mission for that period of time and it's now five months."

Hinata listened intently, noting the way Tsunade chose her words.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but Hitoshi was killed in action and we've been informed of his unfortunate death last night." said the Hokage. "He, as well as one of his teammates died."

Hinata was silent, her hand covering her mouth. She did not exactly know the man but it was still awful when she thought about the his family, the students, his colleagues and how they would be devastated.

"Have others been notified?" asked Hinata.

"Hai, his family and friends were the first to know," said Tsunade. "I didn't want to worry you last night and I could have probably just told you in the letter but I felt it was better to tell you in person."

"Arigatou," said Hinata. "What of the children at the academy?" she then asked.

"They don't know yet," said the Hokage. "But some of them are the children of his friends and family so I don't know if word will spread."

Hinata nodded in understanding. "And of my job?" Hinata asked.

"That's part of the reason why I called you here," said Tsunade. "I wanted to ask you if you want to just complete the time you were supposed to originally work at the academy or if you would like to continue until you can take the test for jounin next year in… June, I think."

"I'm not sure right now," said Hinata. "I have some issues to deal with concerning my clan and I'm not sure how that will work out."

"Hai. Well let me know as soon as you can if you'll be working until the end of the month or until you take the exam," said Tsunade. "I would prefer if you would let me know before next week is over."

"Hai, wakata desu," said Hinata. "Is there anything else?"

"Hitoshi's funeral is on Thursday at one in the afternoon," said Tsunade. "You may choose whether you want to attend or not."

"I'll come," said Hinata.

"That's all then," the Hokage said as she took up a teacup filled with sake. "Oh, and Hinata? You're doing a great job. I'm very proud of the progress you've made."

"Arigatou," said Hinata with a wide smile.

Hinata left the tower and made for home immediately after she went to the market to pick up a few things.

She was not looking forward to going to the meeting with the council or her father but she knew she had to go whether she liked it or not.

She sent a quick letter to the council to allow them to know she would be arriving and after she received a letter not too long afterwards letting her know that she could see them, Hinata got something to eat and freshened up before going to the compound.

The guards let her in when she got there and with a deep breath, she entered the main office where meetings were held and was led inside.

Hinata had always disliked the council members. She found that there was really no need for them other than to add to the headache and stress of the leader and that was proven with her father as well as the Hokage.

For as long as she knew, they used their old age to try to say they knew more and had more experience and in turn, it seemed they wanted to run the village or clan through the leader.

If she became leader, she was going to put most if not all of them from the Hyuuga council.

She walked into the room and there they were. All old and wrinkled as they looked down their noses at her and Hinata stared right back.

She was dead scared and felt so nervous she would faint right there, but this is where her teaching would come into place. She would handle this the same way as if she were in a classroom and not let them intimidate her.

She was going to act as though she was the most confident person in the world because the exact opposite was expected of her.

She spared a glance at Hiashi who was scrutinizing her as she walked to the seat provided for her that was facing all the people in the room. She then looked at Neji, who smiled at her for a brief moment and then carefully avoided eye contact unless necessary.

"We have been expecting you to come today so we were already here discussing the matter at hand," said Hiashi. "Now that everyone is here, we shall begin."

Hiashi shuffled a few papers before resuming. "Hyuuga Hinata. Fifteen years of age, first born and daughter of Hyuuga Hiashi, is that correct?" he asked her.

"That is correct," said Hinata, with a nod.

"And so the meeting has been officially opened and scribing shall begin." Hinata glanced to her right to see one of the Branch House members poised to begin writing all that would be said.

"We have summoned you on the question of your name and title as heir to becoming leader of the Hyuuga clan, or if you will sign over all your rights and name to Hyuuga Neji, and your choices on the matter."

"Hai," said Hinata. She hoped they could not see her shaking.

"I understand you know the essence of this meeting and that the choices you make in this room will be permanent," said Hiashi. "Everything you say will be scribed and sealed legally."

"I do."

"I will now ask you some unanswered questions to assist the council in the final decisions and statements you make. Is that okay with you?"

"Hai."

Hiashi took up a paper and started to read.

"Where are you currently living?"

"At the home of Uchiha Sasuke."

"How did it come to be that you are living there?"

"I left the Hyuuga compound due to a disagreement."

"How long have you been living there?"

Hinata paused. "… I'm not sure."

"It was more than a six month period?"

"Hai."

"What is your relation to Uchiha Sasuke?"

"He is…," Hinata could not find the right word to say and said the first thing that came to mind. "My fiancé?"

A hush fell over the members of the council and Hinata then realized what she had said. Fiancé? Well Sasuke did plan to marry her as soon as they legally could so she supposed she was his fiancée. What she had said was already written down anyway and if she changed what she said, it would count against her.

"Is there confirmation of that statement?" asked Hiashi. He certainly looked as shocked as the others in the room, including Neji.

Well of course Hinata didn't have confirmation and she hoped Sasuke would approve. "Hai."

"Is there evidence of such a relationship?"

"Not at the moment," answered Hinata.

"Why not?"

"Sasuke is on a mission right now."

"Did he state his intentions?"

"Hai."

"The council will like to see evidence of such a relation on the return of Uchiha Sasuke within a forty-eight hour period," said Hiashi.

How on earth was she going to convince Sasuke to agree with her?

"I understand."

"This evidence shall be in the form of a ring, certificate, or any other form of visual or verbal agreement the council can accept."

And now he had to buy her a ring or something. "…Hai."

Hiashi looked quite smug as though he knew Hinata was making up her choices and answers as she went but Hinata just looked at him passively, trying not to let slip that none of this was prepared or thought of before hand. She thought she had had it all down but it was not the case now.

"What is your current occupation?" Hiashi asked, restarting his queries.

"Kunoichi."

"What rank are you?"

"Chuunin. I'll be taking the Jounin exam in the hopes of achieving a higher rank," Hinata answered.

Hiashi looked downright flabbergasted and Hinata could tell that he had been hoping she was still a genin so he could look down on her even more.

"I see," he said. "What is the occupation of Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Shinobi."

"And his rank?"

"Chuunin. He'll be taking the Jounin exam as well next year."

"If you should accept to rightfully and fully become heir, would you say he would be able to provide and protect you while contributing to the clan?"

What kind of question was that? To Hinata, it sounded like the council was challenging Sasuke. It sounded as though they wanted some of whatever money he had for themselves as well as services.

"I believe Sasuke will be able to support me in everything I do, as well as provide and protect me—if I choose to become heir. He; however is not rich despite the beliefs around the village and therefore he will be providing for me as well as our family to come, nothing more."

Hinata watched each members faces closely to see their reactions to her statement. She made sure not to give them many hope of seeing a cent of Sasuke's money while not letting them know her decision.

Hiashi conversed with the persons nearest him, all of them stretching across the table to give their own personal views. Finally about five minutes later, they apparently came up with a solution to try to go around what she had said.

"If you decide to take up full responsibility as heir, you will be required to live here in the compound," said Hiashi. "It is not wise or recommended that you travel to and fro between two homes."

He paused to allow Hinata the opportunity to see where he was going. "Therefore, unless Uchiha Sasuke has an objection, he will also be living here as well."

Sasuke would not like that, Hinata was sure.

"As such, as every member of this clan has to do, he will be required to contribute a small donation to the clan's finance."

Hinata was quick to find fault.

"Sasuke is not a Hyuuga," she said. "Why should he have to pay anything towards a clan that is not his own?"

"He will be living here," Hiashi answered.

"He is not Hyuuga," Hinata pressed.

"He is the fiancé of a Hyuuga," Hiashi countered. "A Hyuuga who might be the heir to becoming the leader of the clan."

"Are you forgetting when we marry, I shall no longer be Hyuuga, but Uchiha?" asked Hinata. "I will not be keeping the name Hyuuga."

It seemed that had slipped all of their minds. She had thought about it, discussed it more than once and she knew for a fact they would not be happy knowing that the leader of the clan would not be Hyuuga by name if she choose to be leader.

"Before anymore questions are asked," said Hiashi, obviously displeased. It seemed he had hoped she would be the shy, easily intimidated girl he once knew. "I must ask the one that is crucial to how the meeting will continue."

Hinata nodded.

"What is your decision?" asked Hiashi. "Will you accept the title as rightful heir to becoming leader of the Hyuuga clan or will you hand it over to Hyuuga Neji who is next in line due to circumstances of Hyuuga Hanabi no longer being with us; therefore removing yourself from the Hyuuga?"

Hinata already knew her answer, but even as it came from her mouth, it was unreal. She had planned so hard to go the opposite way and just give up, give in to what they were hoping to gain.

"I accept the title as heir under certain circumstances."

She could see Neji sigh visibly while the council members winced. They had been counting on the fact that she wanted nothing to do with the clan and had hoped to milk Hiashi's time until Neji would be leader but Hinata was having none of that.

She was going to be leader for as long as she needed to get the clan out of the council and Hiashi's hands, give the title to Neji, and then work on having her own clan with Sasuke.

Hiashi cleared his throat. "Seeing as you have accepted everything that preceded this decision, including the proof of engagement, your living arrangements and such, we can only say welcome back to the clan."

To Hinata, it sounded like he was saying welcome back to hell.

"Now the issue at hand," said Hiashi. "Uchiha Sasuke is just that, an Uchiha. It is known that the Uchiha traits are dominant and over power other traits. This being said, in the event that you should bear offspring, it is not yet decided if they would be considered a member of the Hyuuga clan."

"I have no problem with that," said Hinata. "As I have said before, when I am legally able to marry Sasuke, I will no longer be a Hyuuga,; therefore neither will my children. You do not need to worry about calling them a part of the clan, or Sasuke for that matter."

Hiashi took note of what Hinata said even though the scribe was doing it for him.

"When is Sasuke to return from his mission?" asked Hiashi.

"Today," answered Hinata.

"We will need to speak with him," said Hiashi. "To make sure he agrees with everything you have stated here today."

"Hai," agreed Hinata. She just hoped he could sway him to her thinking before the council tried to run him.

Hiashi shuffled and flipped over a few papers, looking for what he had planned to say next. "Any questions?" he asked as he did so.

Hinata thought for awhile. "Will Neji still be under training when I become heir and leader of the clan?" she asked.

""There would be no need for that," said Hiashi. "Since he is at the age where he can attend meetings, he will, but training will not be needed after the basics have been completed."

"I beg to differ," Hinata cut in. "As much as we would love to predict the future, we can't. I do not know what will happen when I become leader. You yourself do not know what will happen to you in the near future. I have been trained the basics as a child, but if you died from natural causes tonight, where would I be?"

"The council would have to run the clan until I am trained. How long will that take?"

"Two years," said Hiashi. "That is how long it will take to finalize everything, training, politics, and the works."

"I therefore ask that Neji be trained alongside me," said Hinata.

"Is this the 'circumstance' you spoke of?" asked one of the council members.

"Hai," said Hinata. "There are others as well but I won't speak of everything since it can't all be done today. After all I have to train for a whole two years to sit behind a desk."

The council members' eyes widened, some of them whispering amongst themselves. Hiashi looked furious, his job belittled by his scorned daughter. Neji was just happy Hinata was standing up for herself and making her place known in the early; she could see it on his face.

"I will make another request," said Hinata, over the talking. "I would like that two year period to be cut down to one year, possibly six months."

"That is not possible," said Hiashi. "The amount of things you must learn-"

"Are no longer needed in this more modern age," Hinata finished. "Of course you do not have to agree with what I am saying. Me accepting the title does not mean you have to as well, as it is, you want to wait to see Sasuke."

"That is correct," said Hiashi. "There are many things that we have to consider now that we have some definite answers from you."

"I would hate to think I was summoned here to be rejected," said Hinata, and that was the truth. She had put a lot of effort into standing in front of all the council and her father, being brave enough to state what she wanted.

"You won't be rejected," said Hiashi. "The requests you are asking will be looked into; however. We cannot guarantee you will be given what you ask."

That was their opinion. If they granted her even a year in training, she would be able to get all of what she wanted in the next two years and be scotch free with the benefits she and Neji deserved.

"The council will summon you tomorrow," said Hiashi, looking around the room to make sure everyone agreed by nods of their heads. "Both you and Uchiha Sasuke will be seen separately of course."

"I have no problem with that," said Hinata.

"Good, well since all of that is in order. You are free to go."

With a nod to the council, her father, and to Neji she was out the door and the Hyuuga compound.

She stood on the threshold of her home, knees shaking, and palms sweaty. She had done a great job and she was damned proud of herself.

When she got inside, Sasuke was waiting for her.

"Where have you been?" asked Sasuke. "Did you go to the academy?"

"Iie," said Hinata. "I went to the Hyuuga compound and gave them my decision ."

And that's it people. I'm SO very sorry for the late update. I actually finished last night but I didn't have the time to reread so I had to leave that for today since I needed some rest to function at work today. I did make up by giving you a slightly longer chapter, however. I really hope you liked it.

If you have not read Hinata the Vamp, A Happy Ending (now a completed fic), Hina hime, or Following the Sun (A new SasuNaru fic) please do.

Until next update…

Ja ne!

Please review, I love it when you do!