Happy Monday, everyone! I was going to upload a new chapter last week, but I thought we need something to start this week. I hope everyone is doing okay!

For most people, a birthday party was a happy family event where everyone relaxed and gathered to discuss the latest rumors in Konoha. For those who weren't most people, their birthday was a dull event filled with the clan's allies and friends and unwanted but necessary guests such as a lord from Kaze no Kuni who everyone knew had an illicit business somewhere.

Much to her great disappointment, Hinata was not most people. On the bright side that also meant better gifts. "Chibi, I know that you want to see your presents and you may, just don't be too obvious," but that didn't count when she was not allowed to even glance at the general direction of the increasingly larger pile of colorful boxes and bags.

"Yes, Hahaue," she deflated. Moments later she corrected her posture and shook her head. Hahaue was smart. She knew what she was doing.

"Ah, you must be Hinata-sama," another person greeted with a smile a bit too wide, reminding her of the branch cadet's expressions when she asked about their conversation. At her mother's nudge she nodded and took a step behind the matriarch's formal attire. "Congratulations, I'm sure you'll make a great matriarch one day…"

She flinched away from the raspy voice. When she dared look back up, she froze as his beady stared right into eyes, unlike the rest of her clan.

It didn't matter. A chill ran down her spine as she felt that gaze still upon her. The tight security somehow didn't ease the sense of perturbation, but if all those branch cadets were present then surely it wouldn't be too hard to find Hizashi and Neji among them.

"Hahaue," she tugged on her sleeve after another introduction. "Can we see my friend?"

Tsubaki glanced at a clock before taking Hinata's hand and leading her away. "Let's make it quick, they'll grill me if they find out you're talking to Hizashi's son."

"What's wrong with that? I promise that he's really nice, Neji-san even lets me watch him train!"

"The council is filled with elitist bastards, that's all." As an afterthought, Tsubaki muttered with downturned lips, "Hizashi being the main house's sacrifice doesn't help either."

Hinata remained silent as they searched the crowd. Tsubaki's frown did not disappear and she dared not ask more. None of the branch cadets on duty were Hizashi and they were forced to give up their search with Hiashi's arrival.

Following Hiashi were his lookalike and Neji. Now that she had the chance to see them side by side, she was able to see how similar her father and Hizashi were. Even their gait made her think that they were the same person, but the wrappings around Hizashi's forehead were a dead giveaway.

With a nudge from his father, Neji stepped forward and pulled out a small bag. "Happy birthday, Hinata-sama."

"Thank you," she beamed at the pair. No wonder she couldn't find them, they must've been talking to her father.

Hizashi nodded and turned to Hiashi with a grave expression. Neji left with her father and Hinata did not see him again for the rest of the night.

After another uncomfortable while of greeting strangers with weird eyes, she raised her hand to cover her yawn.

"Sleepy?"

"No, Hahaue," she replied curtly.

"You're a horrible liar," she sighed. "I suppose it's alright for you to leave now. Hiashi and I will entertain the guests for you."

Hinata nodded with a small smile.

Tsubaki returned the smile and picked up Hinata. "Want to check out your presents first?"

"Tomorrow," she mumbled after a yawn. "Can I open all of them tomorrow?"

"Yes, Chibi," the woman chuckled as she slid open the screen door.

As soon as Tsubaki tucked her in and left, she reached out for her plush dinosaur and her eyes fell closed. The Uchihas couldn't come, maybe she should ask her mother to call them over so they can open the gifts together. Neji, too. Her grandfather had said that he wouldn't be feeling well, maybe he would enjoy meeting them.

In the distance there was a small thud and a metallic scent filled her nose. Before she could open her eyes, a large hand shot out from the darkness and muffled any screams.