Hey guys.
I have been totally swamped with work and other stuff, so that left me practically no time to focus on anything else. I am so, so sorry for the wait but I had no choice.
I can't tell you enough how thankful I am for your patience. You all are so good to me.
From now on updates are going to be a bit slow but they will happen.
Let's try to pick up where we left off. Reviews are very much appreciated; thank you for putting up with me it's been rough.
This is not going to be my best work, but at least it's something after a long wait.
Now onwards my dears!
"You'll never be a good leader with that kind of weakness".
"We have no room for runts in this family".
"What are you doing?! Stop acting like that it's for your own good".
"Get up! Get up! Don't stay down that's for the dead".
"You will never be good enough; we should've gotten a better heir".
The voices in her head had been buzzing the entire time she was walking to the confrontation. Suddenly she didn't feel like the person she had worked so hard to be, she was that pathetic little wimp that would give up so easily and cry over how she would not be anything more than a nuisance no matter how much she wanted to be something greater then herself. Sure, the past may have an influence on who we are now but this does not define the future of what we want to become next. No longer was she going to run away, for once Hinata was going to do something for herself because it was her own decision. She wasn't a child anymore and it was time to show how strong she had gotten. A sudden but gentle squeeze on her forearm was all the reassurance that she needed. That's right she wasn't going in there alone.
She had to repress a shudder the room felt so icy cold to her. Just like she remembered it.
Hinata did not even spare a passing glance at the Hyuga council seated in front of her. She would've cowered in the past but she wasn't about to give them the curtsey of something as simple as a look of greeting none of them deserved it.
Gaara took a seat on her right and that left Hanabi on her left. The bluenette huffed quietly under her breath but other than that she didn't think too much of it. She would see how her sister behaved through all of this. Though she did have her doubts about it.
"Lord Hokage, Lord Kazekage we thank you for returning. Hinata-sama, Hanabi-sama it brings us great pleasure to see you both".
Hmm, that was…cute. Hinata didn't expect any welcome home exchanges but then again she was already well aware of the state that her former clan was in. Whatever she said they had no choice but to listen; it was a great sense of cruel irony and for sure as hell she was going to savor it.
"Enough with the formalities let's just get down to business already".
Naruto's impatience almost made her smile. "No fooling around here, we did enough of that last time".
"Yes, yes of course. We intend to fully give you our cooperation".
"I'm assuming that you've upheld your promise about turning over Hyuga Hiashi". Hinata looked over to her husband trying not to show her confusion.
"You have my word Lord Kazekage. We will grant you custody after this meeting".
She was about to ask why, but then refrained from doing do. Whatever, it didn't matter at this point.
"Lady Hinata, since you were once our former heir. It only makes sense that you start things off, tell us what it is that you want".
She could've sworn that she had already mentioned this many times in the past. But she would say it again anyway.
"I respectfully ask that as a former Hyuga we must change all customary laws and traditions that have been practiced. It is not to sound insulting but rather think of it as a necessary preparation in order to give way to a more peaceful future".
"…You are fully aware that what you are asking us is nothing more than a threat".
"So? You're the ones that asked me first. This is my reply".
"But-"
"I will not repeat myself again. You heard me perfectly now are you going to do something or keep stalling for time".
She knew that she sounded completely rude but she couldn't help but feel that rush of adrenaline surging through her body. This was already turning out to be more fun that she had thought. She could say whatever the hell she wanted and the old codgers would have no choice but to keep their traps shut and listen to her. Fuck yeah she was going to play around.
"And how do we proceed with these requests? What steps are you suggesting?"
She scoffed "Don't play dumb. You know perfectly well what I'm asking. Now it's up to you to figure out how to do it".
Hinata was cheering with the joy on the inside as the council looked shocked. They really weren't expecting her to be this aggressive.
"Hinata-sama are you sure that you want to do this?".
"For the longest time the Hyuga have been nothing but a burden to each other. Whatever happens to the clan now is none of my concern. But for the sake of future generations I strongly suggest you take my advice".
"Need you be reminded that you were born with Hyuga blood".
"I don't care about that. I don't care about of my family heritage and whatnot. I already told you that nothing that this stupid clan does is any of my business".
"Hanabi-sama what is your opinion?".
"I ask the same. It's time the Hyuga reformed all systems".
"Yes, we understand but-".
"But what?! Every last one of you knows that the failed laws have gotten us to this point. What good will it do to try and keep them going. After all look at the position that it put every last one of you in".
Hanabi wasn't sure if Hinata cutting in like that was some kind of defense; but whatever it was Hanabi was proud of her sister's actions.
"Your superior act doesn't impress me. You're all talk and no action, just whispering hurtful words into the youth's ears and forcing them to learn by your rules figures that a bunch of old people just waiting around to die wouldn't understand the first thing about reformation".
"If I may interject I would also like to add to my sister's words by referring to the reasons I left Konoha to live in Suna".
Hinata clenched her fists. What the hell was Hanabi trying to pull? Did she seriously intend to screw everything up.
"Hanabi…" Hinata's low warning didn't seem to affect her at all. "Hanabi-sama I assure you that we all know why you had to leave".
Pearl eyes didn't look the slightest bit convinced "Oh really? Then tell me, why do you think I left".
On the inside Hinata didn't know whether to scream or to strangle Hanabi right then and there. She had absolutely no idea what her damn sister was doing and she was afraid that she'd ruin it. Why did she bring her along again? She should've just left her in Suna.
There were a few moments of hesitation. Something that gave Hinata the immediate impression that the truth had been covered up once again.
"We were told at the time. That for whatever reason you had decided it would be best to gain knowledge from an outside source in order to sharpen your senses. At least that's what we were under the impression of".
"Oh? Is that right". Hanabi was fighting back the urge to destroy everything in her sight. Man, the elders of her clan were about as sharp as a buttered knife.
"Where the hell were all of you when brains were being passed out! Seems as though you failed to recognize that a member of your own clan was suffering before your eyes".
Hanabi pulled down her top a little to reveal her scarred shoulder "This is proof of the reasons why I left. Your own mighty ruler Hiashi was torturing me! He decided that since he couldn't take his anger out on Hinata he went for the next best thing which was me. This scar is only just the beginning I have plenty more on my body".
Hanabi's face was now red with anger "I endured every moment of it. I had to brush it off like nothing happened, no matter what I tried I couldn't let go of my pain. Where the fuck were all of you when I was screaming for help! Where was anyone when I begged him to stop! Nobody did anything when I was bleeding why do think I was so glad to finally be out of this hellhole!".
"Hanabi that's enough". The Kazekage had firm eyes "This is all the more reason that are requests be met".
The council did not have the most pleasant expressions. In fact most of them looked very upset about Hanabi's sudden outburst.
"Don't look so surprised, this all should've been mentioned a long time ago. Perhaps the Hyuga are in more dire trouble then I originally thought".
"Is there anything else that Hiashi has done that we're not aware of Lord Kazekage?".
"Why not ask Hiashi himself. There's only so much that I know, who's to say that he's not hiding more from you as of right now".
A smug smile "I guess it's true what they say that the darkest part of the candle is underneath it. I must admit I'm impressed that Hiashi managed to make it this far with the lies and deception. But everyone knows that sooner or later what goes around comes around".
"I must apologize once again for this horrific behavior that our clan leader has shamed us for Lord Kazekage. We will uphold Hinata-sama's request".
"Ugh! Stop it already. Can we just get to the meat of the problem now".
"What do you plan on doing with Hiashi?".
"That has already been taking care of Lord Hokage. We have already seen to it that he has been punished by our laws and as promised we will hand him over to Lord Kazekage. Whatever he decides to do is none of our business".
"Pff! Still sounds fishy to me".
"Where is he?"
"Pardon?"
"Where is my father? I want proof that his actions have been punished".
"Hinata-sama please believe us when we say that he has been judged by our clan laws. If you are still not convinced have a look for yourself".
A few minutes later and the doors opened to show a beaten down man. Hinata would be lying in she said that she wasn't somewhat alarmed by her father's figure. In all her years of knowing him it never once crossed her mind that her seemingly strong father could look like this. It wasn't so much the multiple bruises and blood stains; mostly likely from excessive force as it was the fact that a curse mark that was only received by the branch family was now on his forehead and his eyes had been covered with a cloth.
"As you can see, Hiashi is no longer of use to us. We have taking every precaution to make sure that his wretchedness has been dealt with".
Hinata noticed that Hanabi was actually smiling away. Perhaps she felt giddy at the fact that Hiashi had finally gotten what he deserved for all the torture that he put her through. True, the man wasn't dead yet but to who's to say that a death sentence wasn't around the corner.
Gaara had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. He wasn't impressed, if the Hyuga were trying to make themselves feel better than this certainly wasn't going to help. At the very least Hiashi had been stripped of his powers at least relatively speaking. But that didn't mean he still did not have a trick or two up his sleeves. The fact that they even brought him here to begin with didn't sit well with him.
"My Lord Kazekage, this man is yours to do whatever you wish".
The red head nodded "Fine then".
When Hiashi was taken away, that's when the atmosphere started to feel a bit awkward. People were kind of just lost in their own state of mind. Hanabi was looking as giddy as ever so much that Hinata was considering smacking her to snap her out of it.
"Kazekage-sama is there anything else that you ask of us?".
"Yes, I wish to have an investigation done concerning my personal life. If Hiashi has any outside recourses that I'm not aware of then I feel as though it would be best to look into it".
"Don't think for a minute that this puts the Hyuga in a good position. Since I still don't know if there are others like Hiashi that are plotting anything to do with Suna, it's only fair that until my nerves are at ease that the Hyuga be monitored".
"Lord Hokage-".
"I'm not calling anyone out. I'm just being honest".
"Yes, I completely agree, who's to say that there isn't another Hiashi among us".
Hanabi didn't seem to have any restraint on her mouth, but for once Hinata wasn't going to be bothered by it. She really did agree with her sister and Naruto. The Hyuga would never stoop down to the level that the Uchiha had once but that didn't mean that precautions shouldn't already be in place. True, the council would think otherwise but they wouldn't refuse, not unless history wanted to repeat itself.
"Kazekage-sama we'll carry out your demand, but we ask that you help us in the same manner that we're helping you".
Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow "How so?".
"Since you clearly don't trust our opinions about reforming the Hyuga then why don't you guide us by what you want to see".
The fuck were they talking about? Did they really think they could insult him so bluntly?
"Well I-"
"How dare you!" Gaara was startled by his wife's tone. Her face was beet red "How dare all you say that to him. Who do you think you are!".
"Hinata-".
"None of you have any right whatsoever to say such shit! It's because of your poor decision making that my life has been a giant mess. Well you know what-fuck you! Fuck you all! I wish that the Huyga had never ended up the way it did to begin with. You bastards can just go to hell, go rot in the deepest blackest pits and never cease suffering. Fuck you all for hurting my sister and for hurting my husband, just go die already. Go and die like the scum you all are!".
Everyone was completely shocked by Hinata's outburst. Gaara especially wasn't sure what to do; he had never seen his wife like this before.
"Hinata calm down". He said gently.
"Get out of my sight. I hate all of you!". Standing up she picked up the cushion that she had been sitting on and chucked it at the still shocked council.
"Fuck you-you bitches!".
Hinata picked up another cushion and chucked at the council again.
"Hinata please stop this". Gaara grabbed her wrists but she struggled against him "Let go of me, I hate them I'll kill them all like the roaches they are!".
"Hinata stop". Gaara's voice was a bit firmer but his words weren't having any effect on her, all she did was continue to try and break her wrists free so that she could inflict the deadly blow. Surprisingly Hanabi was watching her sister with eyes filled with concern. Perhaps she understood the rage that Hinata felt but was choosing not to let it take over her. Hanabi didn't make an attempt to stop her older sister, she wasn't sure if that was a good idea. The last thing she wanted was to fan the flames. Best to let others handle her.
"Let go of me!" she screamed.
"Hinata you need to settle down, you're too angry right now".
Naruto stood up and walked over to his friend grasping her shoulders. "Hinata listen to what Gaara is saying. I know that you're mad and believe me I feel the same but this isn't the right thing to be doing".
Not even Naruto was able to get through to her. It was like her mind had blocked out all the voices of reason and responsibility. Sensing that this wasn't going to work Gaara decided that it was best to take Hinata away for the time being. Naruto would have to handle this for the moment, at least until he came back. He could trust his dearest friend to make this right.
Ignoring her threats he hoisted his enraged wife over his shoulder ignoring her struggles. He quickly gave the Hyuga council a go-fuck-yourself look before he walked out of the room with Hinata. It wasn't until they were well away from the fray that he finally put her down. The whole while she had protested and he had, had enough of her tantrum.
"Hinata stop it". She didn't and he tightened his grip on her wrists, he was angry at the fact that those savages in the other room had made Hinata this upset and he promised that he would give them a piece of his mind once he calmed her down.
"Hinata stop this right now". His grip tightened again so much that Hinata winced a bit but that still didn't stop her struggling.
Gaara shook his head slightly. Had he known that his wife would get this mad he would've made some precautions.
He tried several times to talk her out of her enraged state but it wasn't doing justice. It got to a point where Hinata looked so hysterical that Gaara in a state of desperation raised his hand and smacked her across the face. That seemed to have done the trick because Hinata stopped fighting against him and her body went still.
"Hinata, enough of this".
That was when reality caught up with her and she suddenly realized how badly she had acted. The tears started to come down hard and she covered her face with her hands in a poor attempt to hide herself. The stinging on her cheek didn't help to remind her of what she had done, Hinata felt truly ashamed.
"Gaara-dana…I'm sorry". Her voice sounded so pitiful.
She expected him to scold her but he surprised her by wrapping his arms around her shaking body in a comforting embrace.
"Hinata it's alright" he rubbed her back "I'm the one that should be apologizing I should've handled it better".
"But I-".
"Don't say anything. I know that you were angry, you couldn't help yourself".
She still felt awful about the whole thing. She was a grown woman for god's sake not some bratty misbehaving child. Her recent actions could argue otherwise. Hinata was deeply embarrassed and angry mainly at herself but also for the council bringing out this side of her. Damn it, why did she have to act like a spoiled brat, all of this could've been easily avoided had she not lost her fucking mind.
"Hinata do not feel sorry for yourself".
How could she not? She knew that her husband would already know what she was thinking. Still that wasn't going to bring her out of her sorrow.
Gaara gave a sympathetic sigh as he tried to comfort his sobbing wife. True her sudden outburst was unexpected but in all honestly he was impressed that Hinata had finally said what was long overdue in her heart. He didn't want to hear any of her self doubts or pity. He just needed to get her to realize that while her actions had been a little extreme by her standards it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes feelings needed to be expressed no matter how the method they were brought out.
Of course earlier, Hanabi had acted in a similar manner. But was it wasn't nearly as bad as Hinata's. Both sisters hadn't been able to contain their anger which was totally understandable. It only made Gaara feel even more upset for his wife.
He thought for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to move forward. Hinata probably wouldn't want to go back lest the same thing happen twice. That was alright, he didn't want her anywhere near those dicks to begin with. She was still very uneasy.
"I have to go back and settle things".
He felt her shuffle closer "I don't want you to leave me".
Gaara risked giving her a small smile "I promise I won't be long. I simply need to say a few more things".
He wiped her tear-soaked cheeks "Just for a little while let me take care of the rest".
She didn't feel like arguing so she meekly nodded. Gaara kissed her forehead before he watched as she walked off with her head down, he could hear her crying again and as much as he wanted to follow her he forced himself not to. He would have to talk with her later; Naruto would be expecting him to come back. Never did he feel so reluctant to keep his wife waiting as he did right now. Resisting the urge to run after her he just rubbed his temples in irritating as he walked back. This was so not the kind of drama that was needed for anyone right now.
Then again this was the Hyuga that he was dealing with. So what was he expecting? He could get away from the madness and be with his wife later, after he finished business in the den of fire.
Poor Hinata.
I really hope this chapter was decent. I know that it's been a while been I'm trying to move the plot forward.
The next chapter I'm not certain when it will come but like I mentioned before it will happen no matter how long it takes.
Please, please leave some reviews is you can. I will do my best to satisfy.
Till next time everyone! Bye.
