Hinata stood like a statue in front of the daunting presence of her father, her cheek still marked by light discoloration. He was angry, dissatisfied with her decision not to immediately return home. She had hoped to avoid any contact for the time being. Continuing to address both outer threats and the obstacles presented by her dual alliances was beginning to take its toll. Neji stood next to the two, not being so bold as to physically stand between them. It wasn't his fight, his only purpose was to serve his obligation to the Hyuga clan and protect the rightful heir, even if she was continually breaking the rules. The small portion of the retail district that had been rebuilt was quiet, all eyes on the three Hyuga. They were one of the few prominent families left, and even they seemed to be struggling to maintain order. Sakura and Nartuo stood outside the small ramen shop with team ten in tow, watching intently.
"You will make yourself available for our clan meeting tonight." Hiashi instructed, paying no mind to the drama hungry onlookers that waited with bated breath for an explosion.
"I have other obligations." She informed him. "Perhaps another time."
"It is not a request; it is a demand." Hiashi clarified. "You are the future leader of this clan; your absence will no longer be tolerated."
"I have other obligations." Hinata repeated, her eyes holding his steadily and without fear.
"There is no obligation more pressing than those to your clan." His frustration grew, but as always, he managed to maintain his composure. "It is time you stop playing house with the Uchiha scum and learn to lead as a proper shinobi."
"I am not playing house." Hinata retorted, taking half a step closer to her father. Neji tensed. Nartuo and Sakura looked on in surprise. The quiet shy girl, who could barely muster a hello, was standing tall against her father. "I am trying to help clean up a mess that is generations old. I am leading."
"Leading what?" Hiashi scoffed. "A group of misfits and outcasts who are incapable of self-definition." The young girl paid no mind to her father's question; instead, she turned on her heels, facing the small group of her peers. The remaining Konoha eleven would be joining them soon and there was no time to waste.
"Nii-san?" She asked, glancing back at her cousin.
"Lady Hinata." The brown-haired boy nodded, falling in step with her as the pair walked to meet their peers. There would no doubt be consequences for his decision to align himself with her, but he was willing to accept them. The Hyuga elders couldn't see it, but Hinata's growth was exceptional, and she was fulfilling her duties to lead and protect. As the pair walked into their small group of comrades and friends Sakura grabbed Hinata's hand, pulling her close. Hinata nodded to her friend, offering a reassuring squeeze before pulling her hand away.
"Hi Hinata." Naruto beamed, resting his hand on the back of his head. "What's so urgent?" The dark-haired girl's cheeks flushed briefly as she looked into his bright blue eyes. She quickly dropped her gaze. Naruto's never wavering kindness caused her heart to ache, a reaction that wasn't quick to fade. The reaction did not go unnoticed. Hiashi watched the altercation; the warmth the jinchuriki gave to the heiress and the immediate evaporation of confidence that caused her to drop her chin when only moments prior she was teaming with tenacity.
"Is it Sasuke?" Sakura asked. Ino was positioned directly behind the pink-haired girl, their pinkies linked subtly by Sakura's thigh. Shikamaru and Choji stood on either side of Naruto, waiting for an explanation as to why they were missing training to be at a ramen shop.
"It isn't just about him." Hinata answered, moving to look at the pink-haired girl. "It's about all of us now."
…
Sakura followed Hinata down the path leading to the old Uchiha compound. They walked in silence, the Hyuga seemed anxious. Her pace was quicker than average, making her companion nervous.
"Are you sure Sasuke will be okay with this?" The pink-haired girl asked.
"He'll say it is." Hinata stated, barely sparing her a look. Her attention was somewhere else.
"Of course, he'll say it is." Sakura muttered. "He'll say anything is okay if it makes you happy. But will it actually be okay?"
"Sakura." Hinata stopped, turning to face her estranged best friend. Things had been tense between them since team Taka had arrived at the village, but the two were slowly finding their way again. It was just the two of them, alone. Hinata's eyes filled with tears and she took her head slowly. "I can't worry about if it's okay for you to stay at the compound because I am too busy worrying about if Sasuke will even be there." The tears spilled over, rushing down her cheeks. Sakura grabbed her friend, pulling her into a tight embrace. Hinata returned the hug, resting her cheek against Sakura's shoulder.
"You were amazing today. A force to be reckoned with." The medical ninja assured her friend. "It's okay now. It's just us."
"Everything is crashing down around us." Hinata whispered. "These problems are bigger than us so why is no one helping us?"
"My mother says our generation is weak." Sakura answered. "Babies of peace time, incapable of handling the harsh realities of war."
"What if Sasuke isn't there?" The dark haired girl asked.
"Jugo would have found you."
"Jugo and Suigetsu went with him." Hinata corrected.
"You can do this Hinata." Sakura whispered. "You have shown the world a strength they couldn't recognize in you. You can do this." The two fell into a heavy silence. After a few moments the sound of footsteps against the dry dirt approached. The two separated quickly and each swiped the moisture from their cheeks. Karin emerged from farther down the trail. Hinata's eyes widened as she noticed the red stains that decorated Karin's pale skin.
"He's asking for you." Karin announced, realizing the panic she must have caused with her appearance. "Good, you brought the doctor." Hinata moved past the redhead, her pace quicker than before as she made her way down the path.
"Is he okay?" Sakura asked, falling in step with Karin as the girls made their way towards the compound.
"His injuries were severe." Karin admitted, glad Hinata had moved out of earshot. "I can't help them all by myself."
…
Sasuke laid in the center of his bed, draped by a black comforter from the waist down. Hinata crawled into bed next to him, resting against the headboard. Sasuke held his eyes closed but his hand moved to rest on her shin. Hinata took the clean white cloth out of the bowl of warm water Karin had brought for them.
"How did your rally for support go?" Sasuke asked, his tone as cool as ever.
"Fine." Hinata smiled, ringing the cloth out. "How did your errands go?"
"I won." Sasuke smirked. Hinata gave a quick and unamused laugh.
"Yeah I guess you did." She draped the damp cloth over his eyes and brushed stray hair out of his face. "I am starting to believe these eyes of yours aren't so superior." She slid down on the bed, curling up against him.
"Nothing wrong with my eyes." He sighed, running his fingers through her hair. "Did you tell them everything?"
"I did." She nodded, resting her head carefully on his chest. "Can Sakura stay here…just for a little while?"
"She's already here." Sasuke remarked. Hinata bit her lower lip and nodded. "Yes." He held her close, kissing her forehead.