Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters mentioned in this story.
It was October now. Hinata and Naruto had been together for 3 months now. Naruto's 20th birthday would be approaching soon so Hinata finds herself on her day off, shopping with Hanabi looking for the perfect gift.
"What about this one?" Hanabi asks, pointing to a fancy Kunai in a store's display window.
" I don't know," Hinata says, examining the ornate Kunai.
" Hinata-neechan, you're so picky just grab something, I don't want to spend my one day free from clan meetings shopping for your boyfriend," Hanabi complained rolling her eyes.
"Sorry. How are the meetings going? Do you feel prepared to lead the clan?" Hinata asked, looking at the other weapons in the display.
" Father is teaching me all he can. The politics, clan laws, clan Jutsu but," Hanabi started.
Noticing her sister's apprehension, Hinata turned to her sister.
"Hanabi. What's wrong?" she asked.
"Hinata-neechan. I'm worried. The elders have been acting strange, and secretive." Hanabi said.
" I think they are going to brand you with the cage bird seal."
Hinata's eyes went wide at that.
Hanabi and Hinata were like night and day. It was that reason that made her father and the elders decide to replace Hinata with Hanabi. Where Hinata was, shy, gentle, and weak. Hanabi was strong, confident, and prideful. While Hinata had the soft features of their mother, Hanabi inherited their father's sharp features. At first glance, you wouldn't think that they were sisters.
But they were and Hanabi right now resembled Hinata.
Hanabi stood in front of her sister with her head down and tears trailing down her cheeks, twiddling her fingers.
Hinata reached for her sister and pulled her into a hug, taking one hand and stroking her sister's head.
" Shhh. It's alright Hanabi." Hinata tried to soothe the girl.
"It's not alright. It's not fair." Hanabi said as she clung to her sister.
" Hanabi you are the heir now. It was only a matter of time before this was brought up, but we can't talk about this here." She whispered in her sister's ear and she continued to stroke Hanabi's hair.
Hanabi froze. How could she forget her guard.
As the future clan head, she needed to be accompanied by a guard at all times. She was supposed to get Ko, Hinata's guard. She knew Ko and she trusted him. However, the elders managed to switch her guard.
The woman that followed them made the hair on Hanabi's hair stand up. She was cold, always watching. Hanabi couldn't help but feel that her guard was reporting her every move to the council.
Hinata felt her sister put her mask on. She let go and allowed Hanabi to fix herself. She watched as Hanabi held her head up high and a cheerful smile on her face.
" Whatever you get Naruto, I'm sure he will love it," Hanabi said, changing the subject.
Nodding Hinata said, " Let's go,".
The two girls walked hand in hand looking at various stores.
" Hanabi-sama it is time to head back to the compound." Rinagi, Hanabi's guard said.
" Actually Hanabi will be having dinner with Naruto-kun and I.," Hinata said firmly.
Hanabi looked at her sister like she had grown two heads. They were supposed to not look suspicious and her sister was being suspicious.
" The elders have-" Rinagi started.
" To my knowledge, you were employed as my sister's guard by our father Lord Hiashi." Hinata interrupted
"Yes but I was recommended - "
" Regardless of who you were recommended by, Lord Hiashi is your superior and that is who you should be taking your orders from.
Now Rinagi-san would you please report to our father that Hanabi will be having dinner with Naruto-kun and me?" Hinata said, plastering a smile on her face before grabbing Hanabi's hand and walking away.
Rinagi stood there for a minute before heading to the Hyuga compound to report to the elders and Lord Hiashi.
" Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" Hanabi asked.
Hinata released a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Hanabi please," Hinata said, trying to calm her nerves.
Nodding, Hanabi stood quiet.
They made their way to the training ground Naruto used for his wind-Rasengan training.
Seeing Naruto in the clearing next to the waterfall Hinata waved.
Frowning Naruto waved.
"I hope he's not upset that I brought Hanabi," Hinata thought.
"What's wrong?" Naruto asked as he motioned for them to sit down on the blanket.
"It's nothing. Do you mind if Hanabi joins us for dinner?" Hinata asked.
" No, it's fine."
Naruto opened up the bag of food he brought and served Hinata, Hanabi, and himself.
" Let's get this picnic started then," Naruto said.
They started to eat, and both Hanabi and Naruto gagged.
" This tastes like shit," Hanabi said, spitting the food out of her mouth.
"Hanabi!" Hinata chided. Yes, the food tasted awful but she didn't want her sister making Naruto feel bad at his attempt at cooking.
" It's alright. This is really bad. Don't eat that." Naruto said, blushing from embarrassment.
" Naruto Uzumaki, I should 64- palm your ass to a tree for making my sister eat that," Hanabi said.
" It's not all my fault. I burned it the first time and then Sakura helped the second." Naruto said as he started running from Hanabi.
Hinata laughed. She was glad they got along. She loved them both. Watching Hanabi try to hit Naruto with her clan's technique, she got lost in thought.
Noticing the faraway look on Hinata's face as he dodged another attack, Naruto jogged over to her and sat down.
"Hinata. I know you said nothing was wrong but you look upset." Naruto said.
Hanabi joined them on the blanket and watched as her sister tried to think of something to tell Naruto.
" The elders may be plotting to place the cage bird seal on Hinata-neechan."
"Hanabi!" Hinata said.
"He should know, he's going to be the next Hokage so maybe he can help." Hanabi lectured. She knew Hinata wouldn't want to use Naruto like that but Hanabi would do anything to keep her older sister safe and happy.
" Hinata," Naruto said.
Hinata looked at Naruto and all traces of playfulness were gone.
" Why didn't you say anything?" Naruto asked.
" Hanabi is suspicious but there isn't anything to do and I didn't wanna burden you with our clan's problem," Hinata said
" It's not a suspicion. I heard two of them talking before a meeting." Hanabi said.
" Hanabi. There has never been someone unsealed at my age. If it doesn't happen now, it'll happen later. Either way, I've known that I wouldn't be unsealed forever." Hinata said touching the spot on her forehead where the seal would be.
" Dammit Hinata. Let somebody protect you for once." Naruto said, slamming his hand on the blanket.
"I love you too much to sit here and let you get branded like some animal all because of people who don't understand the kind of strength you have" Naruto ranted.
Everything paused upon hearing Naruto's confession.
"You love me?" Hinata asked, her eyes wide.
" I knew it," Hanabi said.
" well yeah," Naruto said bashfully scratching his cheek with his bandaged finger.
" I'll give you guys a moment of privacy," Hanabi said as she got up and went to explore the top of the waterfall.
Naruto took a deep breath and looked Hinata in the eyes.
" I was planning to tell you today. Shikamaru suggested a nighttime picnic cause there was supposed to be a comet passing through tonight.." Naruto started rambling
" Choji unsurprisingly is a good cook, when I told him that I was going to try and make you dinner he gave me a backup dinner just in case what I made didn't taste good."
"Naruto-kun," Hinata said, her eyes already watering.
" I love you Hinata." Naruto declared.
" You are the most amazing person I've ever met."
You are so kind and caring to everyone. Every time I think of you my stomach does this weird twisty thing.
You have the most adorable giggle but when you really laugh, I could listen to you forever.
You have so much compassion, fuck." Naruto ranted.
Hinata you go on and on about how much I inspire you but, Hinata you are my hero.
When you fought Neji, you got up every single time. You saved my life twice. Every single time I needed anyone the most, you showed up.
There isn't anyone else I'd choose to love than you."
Naruto said.
Hinata's eyes were wide.
" I love you too Naruto-kun" Hinata breathed out.
Grabbing her face, Naruto planted a dozen kisses on it.
Giggling Hinata basked in his affection.
" I love you," Naruto said as he placed the last kiss on her lips.
Hanabi activated her byakugan to see if Naruto and Hinata were done talking and smiled.
"Those two are made for each other." Hanabi thought as she started making her way back to them.
Once she reached the blanket, she sat down and asked, " So what's the plan."
Hinata sighed.
" It's not just about you Hinata. I promised Neji I would protect you and that I would change the Hyuga." Naruto said rubbing circles on the back of Hinata's hands.
" Exactly," Hanabi said, not understanding why her sister wasn't fighting for her own freedom.
"This is exactly why you both cannot do anything." Hinata started.
" I will be the last Hyuga to have the cage bird seal. My own future children, Hanabi's future children and the future children of my clan will never know the burden of being branded."
"Hinata-" Naruto started.
" Naruto-kun, you aren't Hokage yet, and even so the Hokage cannot get involved in clan affairs as it stands. You have to change that." Hinata said squeezing his hand.
" Hanabi, you should know our clan laws better than anyone if you are going to be the heir.
But Hinata-neechan-"
" You both can do the greatest good and change the Hyuga when you both are in the position to do so. So if they try, promise me you'll stay silent. If they know your intentions for the clan then I'm afraid to find out what they'll do to stop you." Hinata said.
" I promise," Hanabi said, reaching over to hug her sister.
"Don't make me promise that" Naruto begged.
" This is the best solution, they have contacts within the Feudal Lord's circle, I don't want to see your dream get taken from you, besides there is no one better than you to be our Seventh Hokage," Hinata said
" Fine." Naruto relented seeing that it was really their best solution.
"Do you guys want to eat the food Choji gave me? Naruto asked
Nodding both girls waited for Naruto to serve the now cold food. They all ate together in silence.
"What time was that comet supposed to appear?" Hinata asked.
" Around 10 pm," Naruto replied.
" So soon then?" Hinata said.
" I guess so," Naruto said as he laid down on the blanket.
Hinata put her head on Naruto's stomach and let Hanabi put her head on her own as she raked her hand through her sister's brown hair.
"Naruto," Hanabi said
"Yeah?" Naruto replied, picking his head up to look at the younger Hyuga.
" I guess you're an okay brother to have." Hanabi huffed out. Enjoying the feel of her sister's hands.
The smile on Naruto's face was blinding.
Hinata didn't care what the elders tried to do to her, because as long as she had her precious people, she knew she would be okay.
Two weeks later, Hinata was wrapping up her shift at the hospital when she got the summons.
" Lady Hinata, The elders have requested your presence immediately," Rinagi said.
" Hai" Hinata said, she gathered the rest of her things and made her way to the Hyuga compound.
Once she got home she headed towards the meeting room. Pausing outside the door she took a deep breath and held her head high. She was no longer that frightened little girl that the elders or her father could belittle and bully. While her relationship with her father has improved, Hinata doubted that would be enough to save her from her fate.
She opened the door and entered, covering her surprise at the Sixth's Hokage and Naruto's attendance.
Her father sat at the front of the room with Hanabi on his right, the empty spot on his left was her place.
Next to Hanabi, sat four elders.
Hinata took her place on her father's left and sat next to the other four elders.
At the end sat Lord Sixth, with Naruto on his right.
"Now that everyone is here we can begin." Aranoru the senior elder said.
" Forgive me for asking Lord Sixth but why is Naruto Uzumaki in attendance?" Atomi, a female elder asked.
" Well, seeing how Naruto is my chosen successor I figured that this would be a good learning opportunity to learn about the clans in his village and the Hokage's role within them.
"That won't be a problem will it?" Kakashi said, raising an eyebrow.
" No, not at all. Right Lord Hiashi?" Aranoru asked.
" The boy is fine. Continue." Hiashi assured.
" Well, we are here to discuss the future of the Hyuga." Nirise, another female elder started.
Several people raised their eyebrows in confusion.
" We would like to reinstate Hinata Hyuga as clan heir," Aranoru stated.
Hinata's eyes went wide.
"I'm not being branded?" Hinata thought to herself.
" I'm confused. Wasn't it this council's decision to take away her birthright and give it to Hanabi Hyuga, who by your clan's laws, should have been sealed since Hinata is the eldest." Kakashi voiced.
" Yes, well the circumstances that resulted in the original decision have changed," Nirise said snottily
" Circumstances my ass" Naruto muttered.
Several Hyuga glared at him but Naruto didn't care.
Hinata was strong and they were morons for not believing in her.
Hanabi was worried. This isn't what she overheard. What was going to happen to her? She thought.
Hiashi was quiet.
"What circumstances might those be?" Kakashi questioned.
"Lady Hinata has proven herself to be a capable ninja as well as being skilled enough to become of the Fifth Hokage. Soon she might be able to master the Strength of a Hundred Seal similar to Tsunade's other student, Sakura Haruno" another elder said.
" Yes, not to mention her assistance to Naruto Uzumaki during the Pein attack, but also during the war. Several people witnessed that without Lady Hinata's help Uzumaki-san would've been captured." Aranoru said.
It was the way they phrased and tried to play up her skills. Like they didn't really care about what Hinata could do, that is what made Hinata doubt the original purpose of this meeting. Then the way they tried to make it seem like Naruto owed her for saving him.
There was more going on than the council was letting on.
This had nothing to do with Hinata and everything to do with her growing relationship with Naruto, the future Hokage.
" Lady Hanabi lacks the field experience to lead and defend the clan," Atomi said.
" Hinata what do you think of this," Hiashi asked.
Hinata contained her surprise at her father's voice.
" I'm afraid that the council is misinformed. I was not studying under Lady Tsunade personally, I was studying under Sakura." Hinata said.
" Well, what does that matter child, you learned the same thing that she did, did you not?" Atomi sneered.
" Sakura taught me medical ninjutsu, none of what I learned can be used for combat. Secondly, I am unable to learn the Strength of a Hundred Seal, Ninja Art Creation Rebirth, or chakra enhanced strength." Hinata explained.
" So you failed to learn anything useful?" another elder questioned.
Frowning, Hinata said, " Those techniques are incompatible with the byakugan. I am unable to store chakra the way that Sakura and Lady Tsunade are because I need chakra to fuel our clan's techniques and to activate my byakugan, I don't have chakra reserves to spare. We tried but that resulted in putting me in the hospital for chakra exhaustion." Hinata explained.
" Here we thought that you've finally proven yourself to be heir and you sit in front of your father and the Hokage making excuses for your failure," Aranoru said
Hinata wasn't surprised. She had dealt with this all her life. They didn't want her to be the heir.
Naruto was livid. How dare they talk about Hinata like that.
" I didn't see any of you during the Pein attack or during the war," Naruto said.
"Excuse you?" Nirise asked.
" I didn't see any of you during the Pein attack or during the war, I fought side by side with Hinata, Neji, Hiashi, and even some other members of your clan, but none of you. So I don't think you have the right to sit here on your asses insulting Hinata's skills as a ninja when you all were just talking about how you want her to be the clan head again." Naruto said
" Uzumaki-san you are here as a courtesy, do not be so bold as to presume that you have any authority in this meeting, I suggest you sit still and be quiet or you will be removed," Atomi said, glaring at the blonde.
" Hanabi is the best choice as the next clan head. She is skilled and more capable than I, she will make the clan proud." Hinata said trying to get the meeting back on track.
" Hinata-neechan" Hanabi said. She knew what the clan was doing, they wanted to get nice with Hinata so that they could have the Hokage's ear and in doing so Hanabi would be branded and she knew her sister wouldn't allow her or Naruto to be manipulated by the clan.
" I do not want to be the clan heir father," Hinata said firmly.
"Well, then she has to have the cage bird seal placed upon her," Aranoru stated.
Several voices were heard around the room expressing their agreement.
" Is that really necessary?" Kakashi asked.
" Kakashi-san remember, your place, you cannot interfere in clan affairs, but we must keep you informed on all decisions," Atomi said.
" Hinata is a liability unsealed. We know that she and Uzumaki are in a relationship, should someone try and get to him through her the village hidden in the leaves would be compromised. " one of the elders agreed.
" Their relationship shouldn't have been allowed in the first place, it's against clan laws for intermingling outside of the Hyuga, that is a liability in itself," Nirise stated.
Naruto couldn't keep up. First, they wanted Hinata as heir, now they want to seal her, stop him from dating her and use him as a reason to brand her?
"Humans will always be fools" Kurama sneered inside of Naruto.
" I don't understand, why are they doing this to her?" Naruto thought
" Hinata must be sealed for the sake of the clan and to protect the leaf," Aomi said.
"ENOUGH!" Hiashi was livid.
" Hinata will not be burdened with the cage bird seal," Hiashi said.
"But Lord Hiashi, it will look like favoritism, to all the children who had the seal placed upon them on Hinata's third birthday," Aranoru stated.
" Agreed. This is a disrespect to Neji's legacy." Nirise said, outrage shown on her face.
" Do not be so bold as to tell me about my nephew's legacy, Nirise." Hiashi said.
For too many years he was blinded by his own views, and complicit to the council of elders. No more.
" Neji died protecting his cousin, whom he loved and his friend. Any attack against them is disrespect of his final act in this world." Hiashi said.
" My apology, Lord Hiashi," Nirise said.
" For too many years I was complicit in this council's actions. I allowed you to disrespect my eldest and allowed you to work my youngest to the ground. I even did the same. That ends." Hiashi said as he looked at his two daughters.
" I want to apologize for my actions, I haven't been the best father to either of you," he said, bowing his head touching the floor.
Hanabi and Hinata were shocked. Their father was a prideful man and here he was bowed in front of a room full of people.
" Father, it's alright, please get up," Hanabi said.
Sitting up Hiashi continued.
" I have sat here today and watched you, disrespect Hinata, the Hokage, and Naruto."
"Today I was summoned by the council, whose role is to advise the clan head, not give orders. I learned that someone in this room has been paying Hanabi's guard to spy on her and report directly to this council."
" I am ashamed," Hiashi said.
" Lord Hiashi, you misunderstand," Atomi said, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Oh, do I?" Hiashi asked.
" A number of you have called Hinata, and Lord sixth by their given names as if you are so well acquainted that you do not have to address them by their titles."
" Kakashi Hatake is the Sixth Hokage, he may be addressed as Lord Sixth or Rokudaime Hokage," Hiashi stated.
" While Hinata is not the heiress, she still must be addressed by her title. You will call her Lady Hinata at all times, do you understand?" He asked.
" Yes, Lord Hiashi." the council said.
" While Naruto Uzumaki currently holds no title of prestige he however has saved this village numerous times and deserves the courtesy of being given respect, especially from this council, since we will be under his leadership one day," Hiashi said as he nodded to Naruto.
" As for Hinata's relationship with him. That is neither the business of this council nor is it mine. The clan laws specifically forbid the marriage of a Hyuga and a non-Hyuga and unless Naruto is going to tell me right now that he is marrying my daughter, the clan cannot interfere in their affairs." Hiashi said.
Hinata had to stop herself from smiling, her father was taking her side and indirectly telling her that he was okay with their relationship.
" This council is dismissed," Hiashi said.
The council members ran out of the room.
"Well Naruto Uzumaki, are you going to marry my daughter now?" Hiashi asked.
Naruto did not know how to answer that question.
" umm, no?" Naruto said.
" Good. While I have no problem with your relationship with my daughter, there is a problem if you both want to marry, and if you don't mind I would rather not deal with that right now." Hiashi said as he smiled at the nervous young man.
" oh thank the Sage of Six Paths," Naruto said.
" Hiashi, are you sure that was wise?" Kakashi asked taking the attention off of Naruto.
" I'm getting old and they are already too old to keep playing these games with me. Whether it was wise I'm not sure, but all I can do now is keep them in their place until Hanabi is ready." Hiashi said as he patted Hanabi's head affectionately.
" A sentiment we share," Kakashi said as he looked over at Naruto who moved to sit next to Hinata now that the room was empty.
" You did well Hanabi, keep this up and the elders will think that you are an ally when in reality you are an enemy." Hiashi lectured.
" Yes, father. Naruto and I have a plan but we need the help of Lord Sixth and you." Hanabi said.
" Of course," Hiashi and Kakashi said in Unison.
" Naruto-kun I asked you not to say anything," Hinata chided as her boyfriend.
" I kept my promise. I didn't say anything about them branding you, but I wasn't about to sit here and let them call you a failure when you aren't dattebayo." Naruto said.
October 17. Naruto turned 20 years old today. The blonde sat at a now remodeled Ichiraku Ramen. All his precious people showed up. They drank, ate, and laughed. All through the night, Hinata was by Naruto's side holding his hand. This was by far the best birthday that he's ever had and they hadn't even gotten to the gifts yet.
Sasuke gave him a sword similar to his own. " It's made from the same stuff as Asuma-sensei's chakra blades so you should be able to channel wind through it." He said offhandedly.
Ino had heard from Hinata that he liked to grow plants in his apartment, and gave him a rare flower hybrid that she grew herself.
He had to be restrained by Shikamaru's shadow possession when he opened Sai's gift.
" How to pleasure a woman using your hands: A Guide" Naruto read the cover aloud.
" I figured since you were dickless, doe-eyes shouldn't suffer for your deformity," Sai said cheerfully.
Once the commotion was over Naruto opened more of his gifts. The last two unopened were from Konohamaru and Hinata.
" A scarf?" Naruto asked as he held the green scarf with white stripes in his hand.
" I found a whole bunch of your parent's stuff in Grandpa Sarutobi's house. This one was in a box full of children's clothes, It looks like your mom made it for you." Konohamaru said.
" wow. There's more stuff?" Naruto asked, putting the scarf around his neck eagerly.
"Yeah, we can go through it tomorrow," Konohamaru assured.
"Last but not least, it's Hinata's turn." Sakura cheered.
Hinata handed him her gift nervously.
" I hope you like it, Naruto-kun," she said, sitting next to him.
Opening the box Naruto was stunned into silence.
"What is it?" Iruka asked.
Naruto pulled out the garment, " My father's haori?" he questioned.
" Not quite but similar, this one is yours," Hinata explained.
Naruto held it out completely. It was a short white cape, that had a similar flame pattern around the hem like his fathers did. The front was held together by a red rope. When he turned it over, his eyes almost fell out of his head.
The Kanji for Seventh Hokage was written in bright red down the back.
"Hinata, that's beautiful," Tenten said, admiring the garment as Naruto put it on.
" Oh, what beautiful springtime of youth this is." Rock Lee and Gai said as they cried together in a corner.
" yes, yes. Very nice, I'm not retired yet you know," Kakashi said, smiling under his mask.
After trying on the cape he put it back gently in the box and immediately grabbed Hinata spinning her in the air.
" I love you. I love it. Now kiss the birthday boy." Naruto said as stopped spinning her.
" I love you too," She said, kissing him deeply while their friends cheered.
"Yeah, this was the best birthday ever." Naruto thought as he kissed Hinata again.
Author's Note: Only two chapters left. It sucks how we don't really see how Naruto changes the Hyuga, ( Hiashi just says he did but not how) or how Hanabi is as clan head so this was an idea I was tinkering around with. I thought about having Naruto, Hinata, Kiba, Akamaru, and Shino look for the bikochu beetle again but I liked this better.
I got a couple of suggestions for them to have a sleepover. Maybe in chapter 9, I don't think I'm going to write straight lemons. I haven't figured it out yet.
So far I've been trying to name the chapter titles in relation to the content of the chapter. Apparently Hinata's name means The Place in the Sun or sunny place, I thought that was cute instead of just naming the chapter after her like I planned.
Thank You for reading and leaving reviews.
For my next fic, How do you guys like Gaara?