A/N: Just to clear up some confusion on the previous chapter. After allowing Hinata to close his Tenketsu, Gohan struggled to open them in his base form and went Super just for a minute to force them open. He then faded out back to his base form and continued the fight at about 10-12% He did not fight Hinata in SSJ form.
Chapter 5 – The counterstrategy
On Sunday morning Hinata was one of the first to rise. The palace on Fire Mountain was mostly quiet. The only noise came from the kitchens and Hinata made sure to avoid that area. Initially she had been reluctant to stay in her own room and would not have minded sharing with Hanabi. But since the Hyuuga clan was compensating the Ox King generously for their stay, the friendly giant was keen to give them every luxury. Now, Hinata was glad she had her privacy so that she did not disturb Hanabi with her early morning training regimen.
Hinata lay awake the night before feeling a renewed determination to become stronger. It frustrated her that she had been so outmatched when it came to strength and speed. Gohan had mostly spent the fight dodging her and had only landed one blow on her by accident. The only hits she got on him were those he allowed her to land. Well, except for the last attack at the end. She giggled as she thought about it. She knew she could not seriously have hurt Gohan. Out of frustration, Hinata had mostly been interested to see if she could catch him off guard. Unfortunately, the blow had landed mostly due to Gohan's inattentiveness than due to her skill. She had never been a serious opponent to him. He had only wanted a display of the Gentle Fist for Videl's benefit and for his own curiosity. He had not meant to hit her at all, except with a light open palm. His one negligent blow to her stomach had knocked the breath out of her, sent her flying, and certainly would have broken some of her bones if Gohan had not caught her before she hit the tree.
Gohan's strength was unfathomable. Hinata was grateful that he had a warm and honourable personality to go with his monstrous strength. It terrified her to think of how powerless she would be if any of these Saiyans ever decided to go on an attacking spree. With that in mind, Hinata was up before sunrise to go for a run through the mountains. She breathed in the fresh air, ignored the wild animals, avoided the dinosaurs, and made her way to a small clearing with a lake and a waterfall. After using her Byakugan to ensure no one was around, she stripped, and walked onto the middle of the lake. There she practiced controlling her chakra and improving her technique. She could not help feeling that it was pointless. She was never going to be able to match the Saiyans in strength. But she would do what she could to surpass her own limitations, as that was what Naruto would have done.
After a few hours, the sun started to rise behind the mountains and Hinata felt she should return to the palace. The training had helped her to recover her strength, her fluidity, her equilibrium, and her peace of mind. Her thoughts became as clear as the water and she knew what she had to do. Now she just needed a way to speak to Neji alone. The two members of the anti-marriage alliance had not had an opportunity to formulate a counterstrategy yet. But this morning's training had helped Hinata remember that she was strong and decisive and was not going to be forced into anything. It was with this clarity of purpose that Naruto found her, his Sage mode activated.
He dropped out of it as he approached her, his eyes scanning the surroundings and taking in the beauty of the training spot she had chosen. As she spotted him, Hinata let out a grateful sigh that she had gotten dressed.
"Morning Hinata!" Naruto greeted happily, just as she was slipping on her shoes. "You found a nice place. I wish I came here instead of the spot I chose for my morning training."
Hinata smiled inwardly as she realised that Naruto had been up even earlier than her to train. His short spiky hair was glistening with sweat and his face was flushed. No doubt he had been pushing himself much harder than she had. Every time she thought she could try to catch up to him, he only increased the distance between them. But Hinata did not mind. That was just the way he was. The exercise had made his blue eyes bright and Hinata tried to fight her blush as she admired his handsome features and cheery demeanour. The clearing suddenly seemed so much brighter and warmer, and not because the sun was finally rising.
"Good morning, Naruto-kun," she tried to keep eye contact, hoping that he would think her face was pink because of the exercise. "I found this place with my Byakugan. I like to train near water. You're welcome to use this spot too."
He seemed pleased at her invitation. Hinata's stomach fluttered at the idea of training together, just the two of them.
"I think I'll take you up on that, Hinata. Want to head back?" Naruto turned, pointing nonchalantly with his thumb back in the direction of the palace. "I think breakfast should be just about ready."
Hinata nodded shyly and walked beside him, as she had wanted to do for so long. Naruto was grinning widely, walking with his hands behind his head, seeming to enjoy her company. He did most of the talking as they walked back. He told her about his new training regimen, about how nice it was to get a change of scenery, and about how he wanted to visit the cities here to see if they made good ramen. Hinata mostly nodded and smiled along with him, adding a few words of agreement here and there to encourage him to keep talking. She liked the sound of his voice, especially when he was eager and rambling.
"Looks like we're all going to a place called West City today to meet some scientist lady and her Saiyan husband," Naruto was saying now as they reached the palace grounds. "I hope the old man doesn't challenge me to a fight. For crying out loud, all these Saiyans want to do is fight. I wish they'd challenge Neji instead of me, but old man Hiashi says Neji's staying here today to train Videl."
Hinata looked up at that. So Neji was going to be the only one remaining behind today. She frowned. No doubt her father and Hideki wanted to leave Neji and Videl alone together as often as possible. They were being quite subtle in their approach, but she could see through their intentions easily. They were obviously hoping for Neji and Videl to develop an attachment, and for herself and Gohan to become closer too. The best way to counteract the plan of the elders would be for Hinata to remain behind today as well. That way she could speak to Neji about their counterstrategy, and she could be an obstacle between Neji and Videl. But the elders probably had plans for Hinata today. The only way she would get away with remaining behind would be if she could convince them that Gohan would be joining them here as well. She hoped Gohan was not supposed to be joining them in West City, as that would ruin her lie.
Naruto seemed disappointed when they sat down for breakfast and Hanabi immediately demanded her attention. Hinata wondered if he was feeling lonely amongst all the Hyuuga. She thought, with some pleasure, that he seemed to yearn for her company. He stayed quiet throughout breakfast and stuck close to her side as they were getting ready to leave.
Hinata was just about to put her plan into action when she heard a whooshing sound and Videl landed on the grass outside the palace with Gohan right behind her. Naruto stiffened beside her and drew even closer to her side as Videl and Gohan approached. Hinata could not figure out why he was behaving this way. Did Naruto not like the two of them? He was acting rather odd. Hinata thought Gohan and Videl were both lovely.
Videl was like a different person now that she no longer had a dress on. She was calmer and more confident in her black shorts, pink t-shirt, and white vest. Gohan, on the other hand, looked a bit preoccupied and he was carrying a bag that looked incredibly heavy. Hinata was conflicted about Gohan's arrival. She was happy that she no longer needed to lie, but she was frustrated by the obvious pleasure of her father and Hideki. Suddenly they were the ones insisting that she remain behind.
"Ah, Gohan-kun. So, you've come to observe Videl-san's training?" Hideki announced. "Hinata, you should stay and keep Gohan-kun company."
Hinata could not make out whether Hideki was irritated that Gohan was ruining the plan he had for Neji and Videl; or whether he was happy that Gohan's presence meant that all four of them could be forced together. Either way, Hinata bowed her head obediently, sighing inwardly as her father nodded at her in encouragement. She and Neji truly were nothing but pawns in their game of Shogi.
"No, no. Really, you don't have to do that," Gohan tried to wave them off. "I'm just curious to see the training. But I brought my books along so I could catch up on my studies. Really, Hinata doesn't have to keep me company if you all have plans."
Nice try, Hinata thought. But there was no way the elders would miss this golden opportunity to force their four playthings together. Their manipulation was subtle, but effective.
"It's no bother. We don't have need of Hinata today," her father added. "We would have come to you anyway, so you are saving us a trip, Gohan-kun. Now that you are here, it is the perfect opportunity for you and Hinata to go over the current schedule of events."
As Gohan shrugged in agreement, the news of the four of them remaining behind was met with different reactions. Hanabi obviously wanted to stay behind too now that her crush was here, but there was no way the elders would allow her to jeopardise their plan to force the four teenagers together. Neji, meanwhile, exchanged a glance with Hinata and she could see that they were on the same page. While Videl seemed nonchalant about the entire thing and only offered the Ox King one of her bigger jetcopters so that they could all get to West City faster and in more comfort than in the Ox King's car. Of course, this offer was met with general astonishment when Videl threw her capsule on the grass and the jetcopter appeared in a puff of smoke. The eyes of all the shinobi widened as they approached the flying machine. Even Hanabi had nothing to say as she stared in wonder.
"You know how to pilot it, right?" Videl asked the Ox King, who agreed and joyfully thanked her.
Neither of them seemed to notice how fascinated the shinobi were by the technology. Neji could not help himself and launched into questioning Videl about the capsule technology, causing Hideki to look pleased at their interactions.
However, Naruto seemed just as reluctant to leave as Hanabi. He stepped even closer to Hinata so that there was barely an inch between their arms. He hovered protectively while shooting a narrow-eyed glare at Gohan, which the other boy did not even seem to notice. Now Hinata was even more confused by Naruto's behaviour. Was this because of their bout the night before? Was Naruto worried about her safety around Gohan's strength? That must be it. Naruto took his missions seriously after all, and he was assigned to protect the head family.
"It's okay, Naruto-kun," She whispered to him and smiled in encouragement. "You can't protect all of us if we split up. Neji nii-san will be here, so I'll be safe. You don't need to worry."
Naruto looked at her like she was crazy. But then his expression cleared as he seemed to understand what she was saying. His expression brightened.
"I'll leave a Shadow Clone," Naruto nodded to himself.
"There's no need for that, Naruto-kun," Hideki countered, in a manner that brokered no argument. Of course not, Hinata thought. Wouldn't want anyone getting in the way of his four playthings. "Come along or we'll be late for our appointment with Mrs Briefs."
Naruto looked back at her with a doubtful expression, but Hinata nodded her agreement that she would be fine. When the jetcopter eventually took off, a saddened Hanabi and a scowling Naruto waved down at the four of them.
Now that they were alone, there was a bit of tension and awkwardness coming from Neji and Hinata, but the other two did not seem to sense it. With a quick glance Hinata and Neji reached an understanding that they would wait for Gohan and Videl to leave before discussing their anti-marriage strategy. Neji led them to the inner courtyard of the palace, where he and Videl got ready for their training. Gohan led Hinata over to one of the corridors with a window overlooking the courtyard. He left to fetch a table and a pair of stools and set them up upon his return.
Gohan cast a longing glance at his bookbag, before turning his attention to Hinata. She stifled a giggle at the conflict between his obvious desire to study and his determination to remain polite. Hinata took pity on him.
"Gohan-kun," she started, and he looked up with questioning eyebrows. "I know we're supposed to go over the schedule, but would you mind if I excused myself? I wanted to speak to Ko about something."
Hinata's carefully neutral facial expression nearly faltered as she saw the blatant relief in Gohan's face. Honestly, Gohan would make the most terrible shinobi. He was so easy to read.
"Of course not, Hinata. Don't mind me. I brought my books along after all," he replied with a broad smile. His fingers were already inching towards his bag.
Hinata tried to keep a straight face as she thanked him and walked away. She did not go far. She had no need to speak to Ko, and she truly did not mind Gohan's company, but she felt she was already causing enough of a disruption in his routine, and besides, she wanted to be alone with her thoughts.
Hinata stayed out of sight. She moved to a spot where she was closer to Neji and Videl but could still see Gohan, whose nose was already in a book. No doubt he could sense her here if he wanted to, but he seemed absorbed in his studies.
"So, what's the plan?" Videl was asking Neji.
Neji was staring impassively at the eager girl as he activated his Byakugan. Videl twitched a little under his examination but held her ground. The two stood facing each other.
"For today, I want to get a grasp of your skill and your current technique," Neji told her, with his arms folded. "We users of the Gentle Fist can send chakra out from anywhere on our bodies. I believe your ki works the same way. That seems to be how you fly and shoot energy blasts. Your stamina is much greater, but we have greater control over chakra form and nature. Still, our abilities are similar, so you should be able to gain the same amount of control that will allow you achieve the change in chakra form. Theoretically, this will allow you to manipulate your ki into a thinner, sharper, and more accurate form. Instead of a ki-blast, you will accumulate your ki in your fingertips and your palms to form needles of ki that you will push into your opponent's body. I think it is best to focus on your hands for now, even though most of us can incorporate the Gentle Fist into all areas of our bodies."
Videl frowned, seemingly at being given the lighter version of the training, but she nodded along with Neji's words. Hinata could see Videl's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and boundless energy.
"Since you don't have the Byakugan, I'm going to show you generally where the Tenketsu are. But they are miniscule, and you might not be able to close them even with practice. I believe that if I train you extensively to target the Tenketsu, your muscle memory will allow you to find some of them when you face your opponent. But first, let us spar using your usual fighting style so that I can get an idea of your fighting ability. Hopefully, it will give me some ideas on how to adapt the Gentle Fist into your style."
That was what Videl was waiting for. She did not like sitting still and listening, even though she did so respectfully. Her feet were itching to get moving. Hinata felt a smile pulling at her face as she watched. While Gohan and Goku seemed to have the same carefree and warm presence as Naruto; Videl was the one who emulated Naruto's intensity and determination.
"Well, okay," Videl answered with a smug smile. "Just remember you asked for it."
As the two of them slid into their fighting stances, something caught Hinata's eye. She noticed Gohan looking up from his studies and towards Videl. He wore a fond smile as she voiced her confidence. But that was not what gave Hinata pause. It was the look in Gohan's eyes as he looked at Videl. Hinata recognised the look almost immediately. It was the way Asuma had looked at Kurenai. It was the way Temari sometimes looked at Shikamaru. It was the way she had always hoped Naruto would look at her. Hinata's heart grew lighter as she watched Gohan. A suspicion was crawling into her mind, and she crept closer to Gohan so she could observe him better.
Hinata ignored the sounds emanating from Videl and Neji as they attacked each other, focusing her attention on Gohan. As the fight progressed between Videl and Neji, she noticed Gohan looking up from his studies more often. Occasionally he would realise that he was getting distracted and he would shake his head, burying his nose back in his book. But before long, his eyes would return to Videl once more, as though he were hypnotised. Videl's fighting forms were not as elegant as those of the Hyuuga and her moves were not quite as fluid. But looking at Gohan's expression it was hard to believe that Videl was not the most graceful fighter in the world. Her every smirk, her every grunt of effort, her every step seemed to be a dance performed to an audience of one. Hinata could not help letting out a small gasp of realisation.
He was in love with her. It was as clear as day. Her small gasp seemed to alert Gohan to her presence. He instinctively looked up and saw her watching him. Gohan flushed a bright red at being caught staring at Videl and he turned his nose back to his books. Since he had managed to spot her, Hinata felt the need to come out of hiding and join him. As she took a seat, Gohan looked like he wanted to say something. But when he spotted the understanding look on her face, Gohan faltered and lifted his book a bit higher to cover his face. It did nothing to hide how red his ears were. Hinata smiled sadly to herself in comradery. Yes, she knew how he felt. To love someone from a distance and be too shy to make one's feelings known. It was something she was all too familiar with.
They sat together in silence, with Hinata staring at the two fighters in the courtyard and Gohan hiding behind his book. Eventually Hinata's quiet presence seemed to soothe him enough so that he lowered his book and continued studying for real this time. Some time after that he felt comfortable enough with Hinata to resume his occasional glances at Videl. His eyes, which were already kind and warm, became that much softer as he watched Videl attacking Neji.
"I really need to study. I have a test tomorrow. But I wanted to make sure her first training session went okay," Gohan spoke softly while keeping his eyes on the fighting pair. "Neji seems to know what he's doing."
Hinata nodded in agreement. She understood perfectly without Gohan needing to elaborate. Gohan was smart enough to know that her father and Hideki had an agenda. He came to make sure that Neji did not have one too.
"Neji nii-san is the most honourable and patient trainer Videl-san could ask for," Hinata reassured him quietly, knowing his true worries. "I would never have improved half as much if he had not helped me. Videl-san is in good hands."
Gohan smiled at her gratefully and she was glad she could relieve his doubts. Hinata felt such a kinship with him. In many ways it was like looking in the mirror.
"You'll be in good hands too, Hinata," Gohan spoke seriously. "I'll try my best not to embarrass you in public when we attend events together. And I'll try to guide you as much as I can. But you're probably more experienced at that sort of thing than me. I'm afraid I'll be asking more advice than I give."
Hinata smiled at his candour. They had much in common, and his personality was earnest enough to set her at ease. She felt they could become good friends. She already felt as comfortable around him as she felt around Kiba and Shino.
"I'm sorry that you're being forced into going with me, Gohan-kun," Hinata tried for seriousness. "But I'm thankful that you'll be with me. I think we get along well, and maybe it might even be fun. The schedule of events will get updated after every meeting my father attends, but I'll try to ensure we don't interrupt your studies. The first event is a charity ball in West City on Tuesday evening. I know you might not be the right person to ask, but I'm not sure I brought the proper attire."
Gohan smiled broadly at her sincerity; but then his face fell as he seemed to be dreading something.
"Yeah, I don't know a thing about fashion. But I know someone who does. I'm just warning you now, she can tend to go a bit overboard. I can have my grandpa bring you to Satan City after school tomorrow and we can both go shopping to find something appropriate. How does that sound?"
Hinata laughed at how obvious his reluctance was to go shopping. But she agreed to his plan. They smiled at each other and then settled into a more companionable silence. Gohan continued with his studies, and Hinata merely enjoyed the scratching sound of his pen. After a while she watched Neji compliment Videl on all the aspects of her fighting style that would make it easy for her to learn the Gentle Fist. Videl had an excellent speed and a good flow to her movement, which would adapt easily to the footwork of the Gentle Fist.
"I believe that's all for today. Let me take the day to think about how to incorporate your training," Neji announced about an hour after they had started.
"Aww man, we're done already?" Videl pouted, and Neji gave a rare smile at her enthusiasm.
"Yes. There's no point in training further today until I create a training schedule. Besides, I have something to discuss with Hinata-sama. Let us continue this tomorrow."
Videl grumbled slightly as she cooled down and they both made their way over to where Hinata and Gohan were sitting.
"Done already?" Gohan asked innocently, and Hinata was not sure if he was teasing Videl or not.
"Yeah," Videl muttered, narrowing her eyes at Neji. "Maybe I can still hit my dad's gym to work off all this excess energy."
"I think you're forgetting about our test tomorrow," Gohan teased, and Videl groaned even louder at the reminder. Gohan chuckled. "Cheer up, Videl. I still think you're getting the better deal. Hinata and I have to go shopping with Erasa tomorrow."
That brought a smile to Videl's face. She looked at Hinata with something close to sympathy. Bu,t as she noticed Gohan's increasing discomfort, amusement seemed to be the emotion that won out in the end.
"I can't believe you'd sign yourself up for that!" Videl's head was nearly thrown back with the force of her laughter. She turned to Gohan with tears in her eyes. "And worse, since you're volunteering to go, you're freeing me from my promise to protect you!"
Hinata found herself giggling at the obvious pleasure Videl took in taunting Gohan's predicament. She noticed how, even though Gohan was pouting, his eyes were still soft, as though he did not mind being the object of Videl's amusement. His love for Videl was so blatant. How had Hinata not seen it before? How could Videl not see it? Hinata hoped she did not look at Naruto like that. Her face heated up at the thought.
Then Videl calmed down enough to turn to Neji with apologetic eyes.
"Shopping with Erasa is more of a punishment than pleasure, but it still beats being stuck here on Fire Mountain just because you have to train me. I kinda feel bad. Maybe we should change up our training locations so you can see more of our continent," she started and stroked her chin thoughtfully. "You know, if Hinata's coming to the city tomorrow anyway, then why don't you come with her? We can train at Satan City Park after school. That way you might still be able to see a bit of the city."
Neji did not often show emotions besides distaste, disapproval, and sometimes slight amusement, but Hinata knew him well enough to know he was excited. Neji was so eager to see the technology used in this continent that she knew he would have hated being stuck here on Fire Mountain every day. He agreed to their plans eagerly. Not long after that Videl and Gohan took to the sky and headed back to their respective homes. Now Hinata and Neji had the rest of the day to have a frank discussion.
After Hinata went in search of some tea, Ichika all but chased her out of the kitchen, insisting that she would bring them a pot. Hinata disliked it when Ichika and Ko kept such a respectful distance from her. It usually only made the Hyuuga estate feel lonelier, and it now brought the same kind of loneliness to Fire Mountain.
She and Neji retired to the small side room where Videl had requested her Gentle Fist lessons. They spoke about Videl's training while they waited for Ichika to bring the tea, as they both knew they could not have an open discussion until then. Neji was considering varying Videl's training every day to include aspects of meditation, chakra control, movement, and targeting of the Tenketsu. He believed that Videl was quite talented and that was quite a compliment coming from Neji. He believed that if Videl had been born with the Byakugan or had benefited from the superior genetics of the Saiyans, she would have been a force to be reckoned with.
Eventually Ichika brought them their tea and left. Now they were free to create their counterstrategy.
"It's quite clear that Videl-san and Gohan-kun are being targeted as our potential matches," Hinata began. "I do not yet know whether they have any matches in mind for Hanabi. But she is only twelve, Neji nii-san. Even if I must be the one who agrees to an arranged marriage, I will not let them force her into anything."
Neji sipped at his tea carefully and nodded, agreeing with her words. They both would do everything in their power to spare Hanabi this manipulation.
"The first night we came here I overheard Hideki-sama and Hiashi-sama talking," Neji admitted. "They were not saying anything explicitly, but I understood more than they thought I would. Hideki-sama has very little respect for you Hinata-sama. He is pushing for Hanabi to take over as clan head and he at first targeted Gohan as a match for her since Gohan is also heir to Fire Mountain. But once Hiashi-sama saw that you and Gohan had similar temperaments he convinced Hideki-sama to support a match between the two of you instead."
Hinata frowned at the news. She hoped that her father's reluctance to match Gohan with Hanabi also had something to do with how young her sister was. She would be so disappointed in her father if he did not protect Hanabi. It did not matter that Hideki had no respect for her. She was accustomed to that. But if he refused to leave Hanabi alone, she would find a way to make him respect her.
"Then, they might not yet have a match in mind for Hanabi," Hinata mused, and then her heart sank. "Which means that if they think nothing will come about between me and Gohan-kun, they will likely want him for Hanabi again."
Hinata was intensely relieved that she knew about Gohan's feelings for Videl. It meant that he would be just as reluctant to go along with the wishes of the elders as she was. She was also happy that she knew Gohan well enough to know that he would never agree to marry Hanabi, even if they waited a few years before the engagement. Gohan saw her as a child, which was more than Hinata could say for her own father. Hinata would need to speak to Hanabi about downplaying the blatant crush her sister had on Gohan. Better to not make things too easy for the elders.
"Then we must make them think that their plan is working," Neji replied with a fierce expression. "This continent is vastly different from ours. Usually, the elders would have used money and power to convince Chi-Chi and the Ox King to accept a match on Gohan's behalf. But they have no way to force Gohan into doing anything. They can't force Videl either, but she is not as much of a priority as Gohan. Her father is extremely rich and has immense influence and she has a lot of strength and fighting talent which would strengthen future generations of the Byakugan. But what they really want is the Saiyan bloodline limit. I believe they are trying to force the four of us together in the hopes that a genuine attachment forms. And if that doesn't work, they will most likely increase the subtle pressure around Gohan until he is so caught up in indebtedness to them that he will be honour-bound to do as they say. However, if we make them believe that a genuine attachment is forming, they will decrease the pressure they intend to place on Gohan and Videl. When it is time for us to return home, we simply pretend that the attachments have fallen apart. The elders will have no influence to force a marriage, and no time to secure any other matches on this continent."
Hinata could not help but frown at this counterstrategy. Her first selfish thought was that she did not want Naruto to think that she cared for Gohan. Her second, more benevolent, thought was that she did want to jeopardise the burgeoning love that Gohan felt for Videl. Her third thought was for her sister. If they played along for the next two months, they might be able to return home without any arranged marriages hanging around their necks. But what of afterwards?
"I agree with you, Neji nii-san. But I'm afraid that this will only be a temporary solution. The elders will not stop trying to arrange beneficial marriages for us. And if we completely refuse, it might lead to a civil war among the remaining clan members."
Hinata was not sure that would be such a bad thing. Things needed to change within the Hyuuga clan. Would it be so bad if the younger generation all refused to follow her father as clan head and instead exiled all the elders? She allowed herself this pipedream before remembering that this path would most likely lead to bloodshed.
"I do not believe that your father will allow things to go that far, Hinata-sama," Neji's eyes were kind and understanding. "He has changed since the war, and I believe we are only beginning to see the impact of that change. Let us do what we can to prevent an arranged marriage on this continent. And then we can take the rest as it comes when we return home."
Hinata sighed in agreement. She supposed that was all they could do. Take things one day at a time. But she did not want to sabotage Gohan's feelings with this charade. It was the one compensation she could give him for the way her clan was trying to influence his life.
"Alright, Neji nii-san. I agree to your plan but on one condition," Hinata said. "We can pretend to form attachments with Gohan-kun and Videl-san, but we need to tell them what is going on. There's no point in us being the only ones to fake interest and they need to know what we are doing if they are to act naturally. I also want them to be aware of any manipulation so that they don't make any careless promises that could ruin the entire plan."
"Then that is what we will do, Hinata-sama," Neji smiled in agreement and poured them both another cup of tea. "Here's to the expansion of the anti-marriage alliance."
They clinked their cups together and they both immediately felt more in control of their destinies.