Chapter 3 - The request

Videl had spent all of Saturday morning talking to Gohan about the Hyuuga family and his first impressions of them. Between the two of them they came up with a strategy about how to approach Hiashi. At first, after hearing that the younger generation seemed more approachable, she questioned whether it wouldn't be better to ask one of them to teach her the Gentle Fist technique. But Gohan shot that down immediately.

"I'm sure they'd be willing, but I think it would be considered a great offense to the two elders if you go behind their backs," Gohan frowned in thought. "And even I wouldn't want them as enemies."

So Videl had listened to the advice of Chi-Chi and Gohan. Then she had spent the afternoon training on her own and playing with Goten while Gohan dedicated some time to his studies. The Son family were long since accustomed to Videl spending most of the weekend at their home, and Videl even felt comfortable taking a shower in their bathroom after her training.

She and Chi-Chi got ready for dinner together and Videl borrowed one of Chi-Chi's traditional collared dresses after learning how traditional the Hyuuga clan were. Videl hated wearing dresses, but she would put up with a lot to advance her fighting career. At least the dress was red and black, which made her feel more like a fighter. Chi-Chi also managed to somewhat tame Videl's short hair, so she felt very polished. She could not help thinking that Chi-Chi was enjoying playing dress-up far too much. Videl was not some barbie doll for Chi-Chi to use for her daughter-in-law fantasy. But even while Videl scowled, she could not help but feel treasured through Chi-Chi's ministrations. It had been so long since someone had mothered her. Videl bit back the retorts she was thinking of and just endured it with a slight blush on her face.

At 17:58 the little family plus Videl and minus Goten gathered in the lounge. Goku had dropped Goten off at Bulma's because he was considered far too wild to sit through a formal dinner. Goku himself was whining about having to do it when a glare from Chi-Chi stopped him. It did not stop him from scratching at the collar of the shirt he was wearing though. Goku was not hiding his discomfort. While Gohan, on the other hand, was completely at ease in his traditional clothes. They suited him well and Videl could not help but admire him out of the corner of her eye. He sure cleaned up nice.

When Gohan caught sight of Videl in the red dress his eyes widened, and he started stuttering. He looked anywhere but at her. Videl sighed and her face fell at his reaction.

"Okay, I know I don't wear dresses often, but you're only making me more self-conscious, Gohan," she scolded and folded her arms in a huff.

"No, no," Gohan waved his hands wildly, "You look really nice, Videl. Honest."

Gohan's cheeks were pink, but he was determined to keep eye contact with her so that she knew he wasn't lying. Chi-Chi gave him a sly look. Huh, Videl thought hopefully, maybe he likes what he sees.

"Thanks, Gohan," she smirked confidently.

Videl decided to kick her flirting up a notch and when Goku held his hand out for them to grasp, she clutched Gohan's upper arm as though he were her escort. Gohan's back straightened at the contact and his face turned even redder. Videl tried not to laugh at how obviously uncomfortable he was. She reached out for Goku's forearm with her spare hand and they were all transported to Fire Mountain.

Everyone was waiting for them in the dining room, and they seemed much more casual than what Gohan had described to her. Their clothes were still not what you would call comfortable, but at least they were not wearing kimonos. Videl was grateful that she had taken Chi-Chi up on her offer of borrowing a dress. The only one missing was the Ox King, but Videl could hear his heavy footsteps approaching and knew he would join them soon.

Gohan led Videl over to the Hyuugas and greeted them all politely before making the introductions. Videl let go of Gohan's arm so that she could bow to them appropriately. They were much pleasanter than Videl had been expecting. The two elder gentlemen were a bit reserved in their greeting. But that was as expected.

"So, you're Gohan-kun's friend from the city?" Hanabi asked excitedly, subtly sliding over to clutch the arm Videl had just released, staking her claim.

Videl raised an amused eyebrow at Gohan, who turned red with embarrassment and tried to slide out from the girl's grasp before Neji rescued him.

"Hanabi-sama, please try to show some decorum," Neji sounded disapproving.

Hanabi stuck her tongue out at him at an angle where her father could not see her. Videl was interrupted from answering Hanabi's question by the arrival of the Ox King.

"Well, hey, Gohan," the Ox King said in pleasant surprise as he noticed Videl, "I'm so glad you brought Videl. When I invited the family for dinner, I had no idea you'd be bringing your girlfriend along. Have you asked her to be family already? That's great news."

Gohan and Videl both flushed bright red and glared at the Ox King equally viciously but for different reasons. Gohan was probably glaring because everyone kept assuming they were a couple and it was making him uncomfortable. Videl, however, glared because every time someone assumed they were a couple, they forced Gohan to deny it so vehemently.

"Grandpa!" Gohan complained, "You're so embarrassing. For the last time, she's not my girlfriend!"

Videl noticed the elder Hyuugas look up at them after Gohan's outburst, wearing unreadable expressions. The Ox King, however, looked confused. He looked towards his son-in-law who was still scratching at his neck and was now pouting unhappily as he noticed Naruto in his mission gear.

"That's not what Goku said."

Gohan's expression became incredulous, and yet he could not help but laugh. Even Videl gave a slight chuckle at the idea that Goku could be trusted to understand romance.

"And you trust my dad to know these things?" Gohan chuckled. "Come on, Grandpa. I would have told you if Videl was my girlfriend."

Goku looked up at his name and caught on to what they were saying.

"She's not?" Goku seemed puzzled, "But then why did you get so angry when I offered to have her kiss Old Kai…?"

Gohan's laughter died in his throat as he shook his head warningly at his father.

"You did WHAT?!" Videl shrieked, stalking towards Goku who backed away with a nervous chuckle.

Gohan quickly stepped between her and his father, trying to placate her. Gohan was always terrified of her temper. They both knew she couldn't really hurt Goku, but Gohan seemed to forget that as he tried to protect his father from her wrath.

"Uh…the dinner's probably getting cold," Gohan intervened, pleading with his grandfather for help.

"You're right, Gohan," the Ox King caught the hint. "Let's sit down."

The Hyuugas and Naruto all followed his lead as they took seats. Goku immediately brightened at the mention of food, but Videl glared at him to let him know that this was not over. Goku was obviously unremorseful, but he put on an expression of false sorrow as Chi-Chi scolded him under her breath. Videl could only hear some of the words, but she approved wholeheartedly of the scolding.

"What were you thinking…our future daughter-in-law…perverted old man…wait until we get home…frying pan."

Gohan chuckled awkwardly and pulled Videl's chair out for her, reminding her quietly to focus on the task at hand. Videl tried not to let the gentlemanly gesture affect her glare and failed. His cautionary words also helped to cool her anger. Videl knew she would have to be on her best behaviour tonight to get what she wanted.

The dinner went well in many ways and was weird in many others. If the Hyuugas were surprised at the sheer amount of food on offer, or at the appetites of the two Saiyans at the table, they did not show it. Videl realised soon enough that Naruto was not one to sit still. He spent most of the dinner joking around with Hanabi and stuffing his face with the delicious food. But Videl noticed that while he looked like he was not paying attention, Naruto was keeping his ears focused on the adult's conversation. Hideki, Hiashi, Chi-Chi and the Ox King were discussing the differences between their civilisations, with the occasional input from Goku. The Hyuugas were mainly interested in those with political influence and those with fighting prowess.

"We should definitely introduce you to Bulma and Vegeta," Chi-Chi was saying proudly, "Bulma is the most prominent scientist in the world, and some would say she has more influence than King Furry."

Goku spoke up from where he was inhaling his food. Hideki looked upon his table manners with disdain; but Hiashi was a bit more tolerant. Videl was always pleased that Gohan had more table manners than his father, even though they ate the same amount. His manners also did not go unnoticed by the Hyuuga elders.

"Yeah, and Vegeta is the prince of all Saiyans," Goku was saying with his mouth full. "He's really strong. But sometimes I think he's got a stick up his butt."

Videl almost spat her food out at the casual way Goku was speaking to these dignified elders. Gohan tapped her lightly on her back as she choked slightly from trying not to laugh.

The discussion dissolved into talk about the strength and fighting styles of the different martial artists they knew. Naruto was perking up at the conversation, asking questions consecutively and barely waiting for answers before he launched into more questions. Videl thought that this would be a good point to make her request, but after a quick glance at Chi-Chi shaking her head, she knew it would be better to wait.

Instead, she and Gohan spent most of the evening in conversation with Hinata and Neji. Videl was doing the most talking here because she was considered the most knowledgeable. They seemed really nice, but between Hinata's quiet demeanour, Gohan's awkward shyness, and Neji's stoicism, Videl was the only one keeping the conversation flowing. Hinata was fascinated by the concept of universities while Neji was more impressed by her description of technology. On the rare occasion when Hanabi and Naruto joined in, her questions were more directed towards fashion and his were mostly about geography and military strength. Videl narrowed her eyes at Naruto's odd questions. She recognised an interrogation when she saw one, having instigated many of her own over the years. But Gohan didn't seem to mind Naruto's curiosity and was able to take over for her from there. Gohan's descriptions of the previous wars and villains that he had known would always be far better than hers. He had lived through the history after all.

Soon enough, dinner was over and most of them excused themselves. It was at this point that Gohan asked if he and Videl could have an audience with Hiashi. The man looked surprised and curious but he agreed.

Naruto was escorting Hinata and Hanabi to their rooms. Goku and Chi-Chi had disappeared, knowing that Gohan would find his own way home. Ko and Ichika were still in deep discussions with the Ox King. But as Gohan led them off to a side-room, Videl was surprised to find Hideki and Neji following them.

The room Gohan led them to was small and only contained three armchairs with a coffee table. Hiashi and Hideki took seats next to each other while Neji remained outside the door, acting as a protector. Gohan indicated for Videl to take the third seat while he remained standing. She did so and tried to project an image of grace and dignity.

"How may I help you, Gohan-kun," Hiashi began, with an inviting wave of his hand.

"Actually, Videl was the one who wanted an audience with you, Hiashi-sama." Gohan said seriously, and they all looked to Videl, who cleared her throat nervously.

"Hiashi-sama, I'm not sure if you are aware of the culture of martial arts on this continent," Videl started, gaining confidence as she went on. "Every few years, the World Martial Arts Tournament is held, and all the best fighters compete in it. Gohan and I have both competed before. I've been training for the next one, but I haven't been able to find a fighting style that would work to my advantage."

Hiashi was politely interested so far. Hideki's white eyes had widened at the mention of the tournament, and Videl would bet anything that they would be interested in attending the next one. It was certainly a good place for them to get a grasp of the best fighters on this continent – even if the strongest fighters were no longer interested in the title.

"Even on this continent we have heard tales of the Hyuuga fighting style – the Gentle Fist. I believe that my career could greatly benefit from mastering such a technique. I wanted to meet with you to ask if you would consider accepting me as your student," Videl finished earnestly with a respectful dip of her head.

Gohan was standing beside her chair with his fists clenched tensely. He was not close enough to touch her, but she knew that if it would not have come across as weak, he would have had a hand on her shoulder in encouragement. Instead, Videl felt his calm presence and was grateful for it.

The Hyuuga clan head looked contemplative as he considered her request. Hideki, however, wore an expression that made Videl certain that he was pleased by this turn of events. What made Videl uncomfortable was that she could have sworn the old man was not looking at her, but at Gohan. Though, to be fair, it was difficult to tell. His eyes were milky white and she could not even make out the pupil.

"The Gentle Fist can only be fully utilised by someone in possession of the Byakugan eye," Hiashi replied, sitting as still as a statue, with an expression just as frozen. Videl had no idea what he was thinking. "You can learn the forms, and even perfect the style of the technique. But without being able to see your opponent's Tenketsu, the Gentle Fist will only be a quarter as effective."

"Will I be able to stop my opponent from using his ki with an imperfect Gentle Fist?" Videl asked eagerly, glad to know that Hiashi was not totally opposed to her idea. "If I can manipulate his ki, even if only temporarily, it may give me an opening to exploit."

For the first time Videl was able to see an emotion cross Hiashi's face. He seemed curious, as though he too would like to know the answer to her question.

"There's certainly the possibility that if you perfect the forms, you might be able to close your opponent's Tenketsu through a well-struck estimation…" Hiashi mused but was interrupted by Hideki.

"Hiashi-sama, the Gentle Fist is unique to our clan. Many of our brethren would consider it a gross violation to teach the technique to an outsider, Videl-san. Some might approve since you are not a shinobi aligned to a village and because you will mostly be using the technique for recreational purposes. But I'm afraid we will need some token of good faith to reassure the rest of the clan that you will not betray the Hyuuga secrets."

This was what they had expected and prepared for. Chi-Chi and Gohan had both warned her that she might need to pull a few strings or do a few political favours for the Hyuuga in exchange for her training.

"What would you have me do, Hideki-sama?" Videl asked warily.

Both Hideki and Hiashi looked at Gohan in a way that made the half-Saiyan shuffle his feet. Videl felt his discomfort and resisted the urge to look up at him.

"There are two things with which you can help us in exchange for your lessons," Hideki replied, "Firstly, we have heard from the Ox King that you are the daughter of a man of some influence. We would like for you to set a meeting with your father with your assurance that he will have a favourable attitude towards introducing us to others of influence in the region."

Videl frowned as she considered the request. No matter how she tried to look at it, it seemed reasonable. Her father would probably jump at the opportunity to use his influence and gain more. And there was nothing he would not do for Videl. Perhaps this would not be so bad. Videl nodded her agreement.

"Good. And secondly…" Hideki looked towards the clan leader, who did not miss a beat in replying.

"Over the course of the next two months we will be attending several meetings and formal events in order to make political alliances," Hiashi chimed in, seeming to follow Hideki's train of thought. "While Hideki-sama and myself will attend the meetings; my daughter will need to handle the public appearances. If Gohan-kun would publicly escort Hinata to these events and help her navigate the customs of this realm, it might lead to further alliances that will benefit the Hyuuga."

Now she could not help but look up at Gohan. He looked as surprised by the request as she did. It did not seem an unreasonable request, but the way the elders were looking at Gohan scared her. She felt a slight anger rising inside her. Gohan was right. These men were after something. She should be the one they tried to manipulate. Not Gohan. Videl's cheeks warmed in chagrin. She felt the sudden urge to protect her friend. She turned back to Hiashi.

"With all due respect Hiashi-sama, I'm the one asking to be trained. I don't want to involve Gohan unnecessarily."

Despite her words, she could feel the resolve emanating from the older men.

"That is admirable, of course," Hiashi agreed, "But I'm afraid we must insist on both conditions."

Videl felt her stubbornness take hold and she was ready to resort to scolding these old men with all sense of politeness and decorum forgotten. But Gohan stopped her with a calming hand on her shoulder. He was always quick to read her moods and know when she was about to lose her temper. He gave her a quick squeeze of encouragement. She looked up at him with her eyes narrowed in displeasure, but his dark eyes were determined.

"So, let me get this straight," Gohan started. His eyebrows were turned down in the serious expression she rarely saw outside of fights, "In return for teaching Videl the Gentle Fist, you want her to introduce you to Hercule, and you want me to accompany Hinata to a few formal events? And if we don't do both, you won't teach her?"

Hiashi barely blinked as he raised his face to look at Gohan.

"That is correct."

Videl narrowed her eyes at the man. However, Gohan beside her shrugged. In his eyes, this was probably the best scenario that he could have hoped for. He obviously did not mind doing his part. Videl doubted that Hinata would be a pain to escort. She was polite and kind and did not seem the type to make a nuisance of herself. Still, Videl did not like how it felt like she was playing right into their hands. And she could not help the feeling that this was only the beginning of their plans for Gohan. But the decision was taken out of her hands, as Gohan nodded.

"Then we'll do it," he confirmed, with a naïve smile in her direction.

Videl tried to smile back at him and managed a little twitch, which seemed to confuse him. Now that negotiations were out of the way the two elders made themselves a little more comfortable in their armchairs.

"Of course, this is all assuming that it would be possible for you to train in the Gentle Fist," Hiashi added, his curiosity returning. He called out for his nephew on the opposite side of the door, "Neji?"

Videl had almost forgotten that Neji was standing guard outside the room. It seemed that even though he was family, his role in the Hyuuga clan was more of a protector than a negotiator for political alliances. That appeared to be Hinata's role. After a few polite seconds, the stoic Neji entered the room, showing absolutely no emotion. Videl wondered if he had heard everything they were talking about. It was impossible to know.

"You were listening?" Hiashi asked, seeming to be on the same wavelength as Videl.

"Yes, Hiashi-sama."

Videl was amazed at the relationship between the younger and elder Hyuugas. While Neji was still formal with his cousins, he was somewhat more relaxed with them, seeming to take pleasure in their company. With the elders, however, he maintained a haughty but obedient distance, as though he were nothing more than a servant. It gritted on Videl's teeth, but it was not her place to change the customs of these old clans.

"What do you make of the girl?"

Videl was astounded when the long-haired ninja turned towards her, performing a complicated pattern of seals with his hands. As Neji stared at her the veins around his eyes started to bulge. Videl looked to Gohan, who shrugged. So, this must be the famous Byakugan eye.

"Try moulding some chakra," Neji instructed her. When he noticed her confusion, he elaborated. "We call it chakra. You may call it something else. The energy you use to increase your strength."

"We call it ki manipulation," Gohan added helpfully. Then he looked at Videl, "Maybe you should try floating for a start?"

Videl nodded and tried to ignore the curious glances from the elders as she stood up and smoothed down the folds in her dress. Gohan made some room for her beside him, smiling at her in that way he always did when he was reminded of how quickly she had mastered flying. Videl tried not to melt at the proud look in his eye. She focused her ki beneath her feet and floated a few inches off the ground. Sometimes she could not believe that a few months ago she had been unable to do this. All three Hyuugas looked impressed by the ability.

Neji made no move to approach her. He held the seal as he looked her up and down. Videl felt herself flushing under his scrutiny. She felt she was being stripped bare under a spotlight. Gohan looked up at her anxiously, seeming to sense her discomfort. Videl gave him a tight smile to reassure him. It seemed to take forever for Neji to finish his examination before he nodded to her. She slowly sank back to the ground, feeling relieved as Neji's eye turned towards Hiashi. Gohan smiled at her, and she smirked back in return.

"She has a tremendous talent in chakra control," Neji reported to his uncle. "I would put it as close to Sakura's. Physically, she's stronger than me. If she had the Byakugan, she would grasp the technique easily. But we'll have to see if she can adapt some of the Gentle Fist into her training. She will never be able to master it. But since she only needs it to temporarily incapacitate her opponent, I'm sure she will find it useful."

Hiashi nodded, completely trusting his nephew's opinion. Neji allowed the Byakugan to fade away. Gohan was looking at Neji's eyes with interest. Videl was merely glad that he was no longer looking at her.

"Good. You will train her then," Hiashi announced.

Videl was shocked. She was under the impression that Hiashi would be teaching her himself. In hindsight that was a silly thought. The man was far too busy. Still, Videl noted Neji's reaction to this news. His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.

"Me? Surely Hinata-sama…"

"Hinata is needed elsewhere, and we all know she does not possess near your amount of talent," Hideki said in a no-nonsense voice. "If anyone can teach the Gentle Fist to someone without the Byakugan it would be you, Neji."

Neji's facial expression cleared, but his body was tense. It was clear to Videl that something else was going on here. Neji bowed stiffly to his elders.

"Yes, Hideki-sama."

Videl had to step in at this point, since it was clear that Neji was very much against this plan. She was not sure what the problem was, but it was making her uncomfortable to see Neji forced into doing something against his will. She was reconsidering whether it was worth it to learn this technique. She and Gohan seemed to have escaped with very little indebtedness to their clan. But she had not expected anyone else to have to bear the consequences of her request.

"I really wouldn't want to impose on anyone …" Videl interrupted with a bit of an edge so that they could sense her disapproval.

Gohan stiffened beside her, a warning to maintain her temper. She felt like glaring at him. So what if she never got to learn to Gentle Fist? She did not like the way they were manipulating Neji and ordering him around.

"It's fine," Neji said quietly from beside her. His mannerisms were still subservient, but there was sincerity in his eyes. "I don't mind teaching you. I'm curious to see how you adapt to the style. I may learn something from it as well."

Videl swallowed the protests she was about to voice at the look in his eyes. She exchanged a glance with Gohan, who nodded at her.

"Well, alright," she grumbled. "If you really don't mind."

"Good. Now that's settled. How about a demonstration?" Hideki asked, with his head pointed to Videl. She still could not see where his eyes were pointing. "I suppose you will want to see the Gentle Fist in action. And we are keen to see Gohan-kun's talents as well. I'm sure we will all learn a few things from a match between Gohan-kun and Hinata."

"Uh…sure," Gohan looked surprised that he was suddenly being drafted into sparring with Hinata.

Videl was in two minds. She did want to see a demonstration of the Gentle Fist to reassure herself that it was worth all this trouble. But, again, they were dragging Gohan into things unnecessarily. They were focused on him, and she did not like it. Neji looked unhappy as well.

"Hideki-sama, I would be happy to provide a demonstration…" Neji started.

"No. You will not be able to explain the technique to Videl-san if you are the one fighting. Fetch Hinata," Hideki was dismissive.

For a minute Neji looked like he was going to argue. He seemed just as unhappy at Hinata's involvement as Videl was at Gohan's. What was going on here? Neji was being extremely protective of Hinata. What exactly was he afraid of? But eventually he bowed to his elders.

"Yes, Hideki-sama," Neji said, and vanished suddenly.

Videl looked at the spot where Neji had disappeared, thinking that she had never thought he was more ninja-like. Gohan, however, seemed to have followed Neji with his eyes. He smiled down at her confidently.

"Well, I guess I'll be fighting Hinata," Gohan's chuckle sounded confused. "I'd better check if my dad left a spare gi in mom's old room."

Videl shook her head at how carefree he was. He did not seem worried at all. Meanwhile Videl was wondering whether all this had not been a bad idea after all.

A/N: And so the plot begins to thicken. Chapter 4 is nearly done and takes place in the same night as chapter 3, so you won't have to wait too long for it. I had to split the chapter since it was too long.

Also, I didn't think there's a need to explain global-level events since I think the only one that would impact both worlds would be the destruction of the earth in the Buu saga. But in canon they used the dragon balls to wish away memories of Buu so the shninobis wouldn't remember dying. And I decided not to bring this up in conversation because the Z warriors would not go around advertising Shenrons power to warriors that are still a bit unknown. If this doesn't make sense, just ignore it. Nobody's perfect. I'm sure I won't be able to cater to every inconsistency when doing a crossover. Please R&R.