It has been about a few weeks since Hinata met that strange boy that saved her from those bullies. Although, she couldn't really leave the main compound often, she made sure to go to that same place where she had met him every few days or so.
After much time stalk--*cough, cough*--observing the boy, she figured out three things about him:
1. Many adults and kids don't like him very much
2. He doesn't seem to have any parents; and
3. He's a strange boy
Few weeks ago, she overheard how many people called him 'unpure' and other things like that. She didn't really understand. However, the look of anger on the adults whenever they talk about him is sure to make her feel afraid too. In fact, she sometimes feel guilty for not being brave enough to say anything back and simply hid and stayed quiet.
However, there's also another weird thing about this boy. Since few weeks ago, the boy seems to actively looked for the bullies. 'Was he crazy?!' Hinata thought to herself at first, but she then noticed that everytime the boy was about to get beat up, he would take an odd stance and say "Tekkai!"
She couldn't believe it at first, but it seems like the boy was using the bullies for... some kind of training? What kind of training, she didn't know... and that's exactly why he was weird.
She kept sta--observing him though, and three days ago, another strange thing has happened. Just as the boy was getting beat up by the bullies, one of the bully suddenly screamed in pain while clutching his fist. He said it felt like he was punching a wall. The boy started laughing, "HAH! I FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT!! C'MON, HIT ME, BRO!! HIT ME!!"
The bullies kept trying to punch him, but they instead yelled out in pain after punching him. The bullies eventually gave up and called him names before running away.
At that moment, all Hinata could think about was how cool the boy was to have endured weeks worth of beatings to achieve his goals.
I-if... If she trains hard... would she get closer to him too...? She wondered. Well, Hinata could only hope so.
However, her challenge has only just begun. Standing before her was her father, the clan head. He folded his arm and sent her cold stoic gaze.
"I hope you have been practicing as I have told you a month ago, daughter."
"Y-Yes, father."
"Hmm..." Hiashi closed his eyes and his next words struck fear into Hinata's heart, "I wonder if the rumors I have heard that you have been neglecting your training to sneak out of the main compound to the branch compound is not true then."
Hinata was stunned silent at that. An overwhelming sense of shame wash over her as her father looked at her in disappointment.
"Did you honestly think you could sneak out every few days or so without me noticing? I thought that I have taught you lessons in discipline and integrity. You disappoint me."
Hinata knelt on the ground and cried, "I-I am deeply regretful of--"
"If you are really regretful, then you will not mind being punished with more training, will you?"
Hinata's heart sank at that, "Y-Yes, father."
"Hmph. Then we will postpone the chakra training for now. You will now begin training in our clan's Jūken. And your opponent will be..." as Hinata looked up, she was shocked to see a familiar face, "...Your cousin, Neji."
Neji gave a cold look at Hinata, "Please treat me well, Cousin Hinata."