"You know, you sounded a lot like Naruto-kun in there," Hinata commented to Neji as they sat outside the Main House compound. Hanabi had come by to let them know Hiashi would be stuck in the meeting for another two hours or so. Their punishment would be held off until then.
"Did I?" Neji replied with a grin, "I better watch myself. There's only enough room in Konoha for one Naruto." Hinata nodded absently, a blush beginning to form on her face. Neji couldn't resist teasing her.
"And apparently, there's only enough room for one girl to like him. Sasuke better return quickly before Sakura starts to get closer to Naruto, huh?" Hinata turned a brilliant shade of crimson and began to twiddle her index fingers together. Neji laughed for a moment, and then patted Hinata on the shoulder.
"You made a good choice," he said, smiling gently, "He's a good person."
"I know," she said camly, "But I think my father made an even better choice when he decided you would become the new heir. With your power--"
"My power?" Neji interrupted with a scoff, "Power is meaningless without direction. How venerable and respected would our clan be if we had the power to behave like Orochimaru? How much good did all the power of Itachi do for the Uchiha clan? How much prosperity did the Kyuubi attain with all its power? You, Hinata-sama have always had less power than me. Yet, you have possessed more strength than I could ever hope to gain." The sound of the front entrance doors sliding open interrupted their conversation. Voices and footfalls announced the departing House members as the meeting had finally finished.
"I may be the Head of this clan someday, Hinata-sama," Neji said as he helped her stand up, "But you will always be its soul. Without a soul, the body is useless."
"Things are going to change, Neji-niisan," Hinata said solemnly, "I promise you."
"I know," he said with a smile, "Because you don't go back on your word."
"It's my ninja way," she finished with a grin. An actual smile. The first one Neji had seen on her face in nearly 11 years. Neji replied with a grin of his own, and together, the two of them turned to meet the approaching wave of House members, confidence brimming on both their faces.
Hiashi walked with the council members towards the two, taking note of the strength emanating from them both. Directing his eyes skyward, he smiled.
It seems our children succeeded where we failed, Hizashi. I bet you had the whole thing planned from the start. You always were the clever one.
The Head of the Hyuuga clan brought his eyes down from the sky and back on the people in front of him, reflecting on the work that was to come. For the first time in his life, Hiashi looked forward to it.