Naruto: A Red Eye Hidden by Shadow

by Tatanka4Life

On the fateful night of the Uchiha Massacre, a girl of Uchiha and Nara blood is spared and left with no memories of her past. Now she must walk on the path left by her family to help her build a new future for herself. Her path will be hard, full of struggles and pain, but as long as she has her friends and family at her side she will keep forging ahead, even if it was a drag.

122. Chapter 121: In the Lion's Den

Chapter 121

In the Lion's Den: A Meeting Between Clan Head's

An invitation from Lord Hiashi Hyūga? Shikamaru internalized a bitter scoff. Yeah. "Invitation." That's what this is. Just a friendly invitation asking 'Risu to limp over to the Hyūga compound for tea so she can speak to Lord Hiashi himself about the weather and shinobi duties like old war buddies.

He was unprepared for the invitation, his mind still reeling from the information about the Crimson Flowers. It jammed up his processing, mental gears grinding roughly to a halt as he refocused onto the immediate problem and personal nature of it. Later, he decided. Later he would process the rest of the information on the Crimson Flowers.

Here, in the moment, he couldn't do anything about that heinous organization. He couldn't investigate or plan any manner of counterstrike or raid to bring their end; they were out of his reach presently.

The invitation from the Hyūga Clan wasn't out of his reach. It took priority.

Once refocused, Shikamaru found that, though he was unprepared, he was ultimately not surprised by the sudden invitation. No one seemed to be. Taken off guard, sure; they hadn't expected this to happen today. But no one was surprised.

They all knew this was inevitable. No amount of kicking and screaming could change it. The ultimate conclusion to 'Risu inheriting the Byakugan eye always ended here, with being summoned by the Head of the Hyūga Clan to confront the issue.

Shikamaru briefly thought back to Neji's reaction to seeing the eye in her possession during the Prelims. The absolute shock on his face—he'd looked like he'd seen a terrible and dark future play out before his eyes where their home and the world burned with unquenchable flames, where the sky was the color of a crimson river and ash fell like snow from the sky.

And he hated the Main Branch, Shikamaru thought. Hated the traditions because of the Curse Seal they branded on him and because of what happened to his dad. He hated them so much, he tried to kill Hinata.

Yet, in that moment, shock twisted into hatred aimed at 'Risu.

If I had to guess, it was a hatred born of two key factors. First off, he had no idea how she came to possess the eye, and automatically assumed she was no different than the Cloud shinobi who tried to steal Hinata's eyes, resulting in the death of his father. Second, she possessed the Byakugan without restrictions. Without the cage he's lived most of his life in.

She was free, in his eyes. While he, an inheritor of the kekkei genkai, was caged by his so-called destiny.

If that was how Neji reacted, Shikamaru could only imagine of how the hardliner elders within his Clan would react to an outsider—and an Uchiha at that—wielding the Byakugan.

It didn't paint a pretty picture. But there was no going back. No evading it.

The dominos had been set up for a long while now, longer than Shikamaru, Mimi and Aoko were cognizant of, waiting for a single nudge, the slightest modicum of pressure to catalyze the inevitable chain reaction.

That catalyst turned out to be a chance encounter during the Invasion.

As the war raged throughout the Leaf, as the summoning Snakes wreaked havoc upon the Village and Leaf shinobi from the Exam stadium to the once peaceful streets battled fiercely in defense of their home, the clashing of blades and cries of terror ringing through the streets, 'Risu, Mimi, Neji, Kiba and Akamaru chased after the two Cloud shinobi who kidnapped Hinata.

When Lord Hiashi arrived and the dust settled, the first domino was knocked over. Maybe.

Looking back through hindsight, examining all the details of the last few years spread out before him like shogi pieces in motion, Shikamaru realized the catalyzing nudge to tumble the dominos originated even further back than that.

Truthfully, the encounter with Lord Hiashi really alerted them to the long spiraling and intricate lines of dominos rapidly cascading towards this moment. It hadn't started it.

This went all the way back to the Forest of Death and Prelims when they first learned of the secrets 'Risu kept from them.

A descendent of the Uchiha Clan. A descendent who wielded the highly coveted Sharingan and the Byakugan, the latter of which was gifted to her by Ryu.

At that time, they were sworn to secrecy by Kakashi, answering directly to the Hokage—and likely expulsion from the shinobi ranks—warned as their punishment for daring to speak of it.

No, Shikamaru corrected himself. It goes back even further than that. It goes back to that day. The day she was found and the Jōnin brought her home.

The dominos were already set. They've been set since the Massacre. But it wasn't until that day that the first domino was knocked over.

They owed this moment to that day. To Kasai's betrayal and destruction of 'Risu's left eye. To Ryu's final gift. Cause and effect. No different than throwing stones into a still lake to create ripples.

Or knocking over the starting domino in a long line.

Ever since she returned it's only been a matter of time. Keeping secrets delayed this meeting. Circumstance, the Invasion and beyond delayed it. But now Lord Hiashi is finished waiting. Now it's time to face the music.

Shikamaru was annoyed at first. In his emotion he asked stupid questions like why now? He was frustrated. 'Risu—no, not just 'Risu, everyone in the Leaf had enough problems to handle and prepare for, and Lord Hiashi was deciding to spring this on them now?

Did it really matter? Honestly?

So what she possessed a Byakugan eye? Wasn't like 'Risu stole Ryu's eye to spite them or gain power.

Couldn't they just let it all go?

But when he thought about it, really thought about it, he realized the genius of the Hyūga Head's gambit. He could have asked for this meeting at any time over the three weeks that had passed since their mission to rescue Sasuke; obviously it was on his mind.

But Lord Hiashi knew, he knew he would be denied an immediate audience with 'Risu. She was injured. Restrained to the hospital and under strict guard on the order of the Hokage.

The likely result: 'Risu's mom and his dad would've scheduled a meeting somewhere down the road. Sometime after 'Risu had fully recovered and was adequately prepared for a meeting with him.

That's why he waited, Shikamaru dissected, drumming his fingers over his thigh. He bided his time, waiting until 'Risu was capable of walking again. He's probably asked Neji and Hinata how her recovery was going, innocently. Like he was just curious about an asset to the Leaf. But he was acquiring information to plot this. His "invitation" to the Hyūga Compound, dictated on his terms.

And that wasn't the end of the genius. No. Like an onion, there were layers to Lord Hiashi's impeccable planning.

For starters, his invitation came while 'Risu was still injured. Weak. It was a total power play. Naturally, he sought to maneuver himself into the position of power, a place where his defensive walls were impregnable to enemy attack—not at all unlike the Rotation 'Risu copied.

From those impregnable pearlescent walls glimmering righteously in the light of the sun he loosed a warning volley of arrows at a vulnerable camp of soldiers meant to be his allies while they licked their wounds after a fierce and bloody battle no one escaped unscathed.

No one except those behind the walls, anyway.

The warning volley hit no one, of course; it even came with warm regards and an invitation for tea tied to its shaft.

But they all understood the volleys true purpose—a reminder of who wielded the power. A total power play so those allied soldiers sat on a razors edge, full of nerves and fear as they were boxed in between enemies and allies alike.

Lord Hiashi saw a vulnerability in 'Risu's armor, and he had every intention of utilizing it. He wanted her nervous. Unprepared. Uncertain of herself.

Or that was Shikamaru's guess, anyway. The evidence at hand seemed to point towards his conclusion.

Lord Hiashi set the battlefield with this invitation, his intention to place 'Risu in a flat-footed defense while he would play a calm, collected and strategic offense.

And, like a veteran shogi player, he executed his move flawlessly.

Sending Hinata was another calculated decision. He could have sent anyone. He could have sent Neji. He could have sent a legitimate emissary for the Hyūga Clan to meet with Kurenai or his dad.

Instead he sent Hinata—his own daughter—straight to the source. Politics, of course, was very similar to shogi with a single exception: unlike the inanimate pieces used in his favorite game, the game of politics used real people to achieve a goal.

It annoyed Shikamaru. Immensely.

Hinata was being used like a shogi piece, by her own father, no less. Specifically for her relationship with 'Risu and Kurenai to portray the meeting as an innocent get-together, a simple "invitation" when it was anything but.

They'd all heard the spoken words—Hinata, too—but they could see through the double-speak. They could see through his perfect scheme.

They were shinobi. Double-speak was their second language.

Calculating jerk, Shikamaru cursed, gritting his teeth. He's placed 'Risu in a position where she only has one real move. She can only accept his invitation. Gratefully. Anything less would be considered an insult to Lord Hiashi and the whole Hyūga Clan. And that'd place her in an even less savory position politically, especially now that she's taking on the role as the Head of the Uchiha Clan.

He wondered if word of that had somehow reached Lord Hiashi yet.

"I'm sorry," Hinata apologized sincerely. She bowed her head, as if she was the one who had somehow caused this. Like she wasn't being used.

"I tried to convince him to wait," she continued, lifting her head. She was visibly sullen, and anxious. "I tried to ask him to give you more time to heal and prepare, but Father kept reassuring me it would be okay. He was certain with the current climate there wouldn't be free time for a meeting in the future. That this was the only time you two could meet."

"It's okay, Hinata," 'Risu reassured calmly.

Hinata shook her head rapidly, wringing her fingers. "But you're still injured. We know… We know what this means, and—"

Kurenai cut her student off by patting her on the head again. To all except 'Risu's surprise, she smiled.

"Don't worry, Hinata. You're right. We do know what this means. We know what Lord Hiashi is after thanks to you. And we've prepared since then."

The shy Hyūga stared up at her teacher with wide eyes. Then looked to 'Risu. Shikamaru, Mimi and Aoko followed her gaze to his cousin.

'Risu smirked slightly. "Like I said, it was only a matter of time. I've been preparing for this since we rescued you from the Cloud shinobi. Compared to the Masked Man and war, Lord Hiashi isn't nearly as scary. Granted, it's still going to be a massive drag. But I'm ready."

"But your eye…"

"Exactly, Hinata. My eye. It isn't Lord Hiashi's to claim. Not anymore," his cousin stated resolutely.

She brought her hand to her left eye, rubbing her fingers along her orbital bone, over the scar.

"This eye belonged to Ryu," she said. "It was his final gift to me. I did not steal it, I never wanted it. I'd give it back in a heartbeat to have Ryu back."

'Risu lowered her hand into her lap. She shook her head.

"But I can't. I can't have him back. All I can do now is fulfill his final wish. Through his own eye I'll help him see a brighter future. A future where we are free."

Shikamaru noticed a change in his cousin's eyes. A familiar one. For a brief moment she glanced off to the side, and though her half-lidded eyes didn't look at any of them directly, he could tell she wasn't in her own home for that brief moment. She was somewhere else, engaged in a battle he couldn't physically take part in any more than he had when it first occurred.

You're thinking about him, Shikamaru analyzed. About Kasai. About your battle and whatever he said to you in it.

Again she brushed her fingers along the scar; he wondered if it was hurting her.

Scanning the room quickly, he saw that the others recognized the familiar signs, too. They all wanted to comfort her, but they never had the chance.

Suddenly 'Risu was back, eyes slightly narrowed at no one in the room but her voice was reinforced by steel.

"The power Ryu's eye now wields, the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan, is my birthright. My bloodline, my kekkei genkai. Lord Hiashi or his Elders have no claim to that. They cannot brand me with a Curse Seal."

'Risu lowered her hand. Her features softened as she smiled at Hinata. "So don't worry. It'll be okay. I'll be okay. Besides…"

His cousin rose from the couch, equipped her cane and started towards Hinata.

"He won't be dealing with a child. He's dealing with the Head of the Uchiha Clan now."

'Risu reached Hinata and wrapped her in a gentle hug. After a moment she relinquished her hold and placed her hands on her shoulders. The Hyūga girl was blushing.

"Don't apologize. Don't feel guilty. I appreciate all you've done to help me," his cousin said. "You've known my secret longer than most, and instead of telling anyone in your Clan you went to my mom first to ask questions and learn the truth. Afterwards you still kept my secret.

"So thank you. Thank you for protecting me all this time. Thank you for trusting me with Ryu's eye. And I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

"You haven't caused me trouble," Hinata refuted.

"Sure I have. I've worried you. But there's nothing to fear. Everything will work itself out. Trust me."

"I do. I just…I wanted to do more. To help, I mean."

"You've done enough. Now it's my turn to handle the consequences of my heritage and my secrets. When does he want to meet? Today?"

"No. He knew it would likely be inconvenient this afternoon. He hoped to meet tomorrow."

"Oh sure," Mimi muttered. "Tomorrow. Much more convenient. Prick."

Aoko growled lowly.

"Stole the words from my mouth, Aoko. I hate political schemes."

Shikamaru maintained respectful, and agreeing, silence.

"Tomorrow it is, then. Let him know I'll be there. Would you like to stay? Like Mom said, you're always welcome here. Or do you have to return immediately?"

"I should return with your response as soon as I can," Hinata admitted. "Father is probably waiting for me."

"Okay." 'Risu hugged her one last time. "See you tomorrow, Hinata."

Kurenai offered her student a smile and ruffled her hair. "Take care, Hinata."

"Later, Hinata," Shikamaru lifted his hand in farewell.

"See you at training," Mimi said. Aoko yipped what the Nara assumed was goodbye.

Hinata bid farewell to each of them, bowed one last time at the door and left.

"Well, tomorrow is going to be troublesome," 'Risu said as she caned her way back to her seat. "Can't be helped, though. This is just another step on my journey."

"Fair warning: Lord Hiashi is a major power player in Konoha's political scene for a reason," Mimi warned. "Aunty Tsume says he's a master of the game. After the massacre of the Uchiha Clan, the Hyūga Clan became the strongest Clan in the whole of the Leaf. That isn't just their arrogance, though they've got plenty of that. Sir Superiority has shown it in spades.

"But they wield influence, respect and power. Lots of power. They're contributions through the years made their Curse Seal acceptable. Remember that."

"I will."

Kurenai took a seat beside her daughter.

Although Shikamaru still didn't like the situation, he could tell 'Risu was confident she could handle the Hyūga Head. Who was he to doubt her or Kurenai's and his dad's preparations?

"Dad has always said any meeting with Lord Hiashi is like playing shogi against a master. Says they're a drag," he offered as a warning.

His cousin giggled. "I know. He told me that, too."

After she exhaled a long sigh, 'Risu consciously tilted over until she lay her head in her mother's lap.

"My first political meeting as Clan Head is with Lord Hiashi," she groaned. "I should've known it'd end up as a trial by fire; that's the Team Seven way. What a pain."

"You're ready, little one." Kurenai rubbed her arm. "Lord Hiashi may wield political power in the Leaf, but he doesn't wield power over you if you do not allow him to. Control yourself. Do not play his game."

"Right."

"You'll be fine, 'Risu," Shikamaru said. "You've come out of worse scrapes than a political talk with Lord Hiashi."

"I could always travel through space and time, grab Yukiko Igarashi, bring her here and tell her to give you a big wet kiss to spur your confidence." Mimi grinned. "Or tell her to finish up where you two left off last time. Intimacy releases all sorts of feel-good hormones."

"Mimiiiii!" 'Risu shrieked in embarrassment, face flushing red.

"Just a medical recommendation," she snickered. "It's a natural stress reliever is all I'm saying."

"Seriously, Mimi?" Shikamaru groaned. "We're going here again?"

Mischief flashed in her sapphire eyes. At that moment, the Nara knew he'd made the ultimate mistake.

"Feeling left out, Slacker? I can always send for Temari, too. Who knows, maybe she'll loosen up if you help deepen the bond between our Nations."

Sputtering in embarrassment, Shikamaru felt the heat of the desert sun rush to his cheeks.

Kurenai, to 'Risu's and Shikamaru's horror, laughed heartily at their expense.

"Mom!" 'Risu whined, betrayal clear in her voice.

The Nara boy buried his face in his hands and groaned.

And now Asuma-sensei is going to learn about this stupid joke.

Which meant he'd never hear the end of it, from Asuma, Mimi or Chōji when his best friend learned about it.

Uggghhh. What a pain.

---

As the afternoon sun steadily transformed into an evening glow, Amari busied herself with the physical therapy stretches and mobility exercises Shizune taught her to strengthen her ankle while strategizing for the meeting with Lord Hiashi.

The unfortunate truth: Mimi was right. Lord Hiashi, and the Hyūga Clan itself, wielded considerable political power and influence within the Leaf. Becoming his enemy was the equivalent of political suicide.

However, she couldn't kowtow to him. She had to stand her ground. She had to stand by her principals and nindo. Anything less meant becoming someone he could simply walk over, a spineless and subservient pawn he could make dance to his own tune.

Sitting on the edge of the couch, Amari gently traced the alphabet with her big toe.

As the Head of the Uchiha Clan she couldn't afford to screw this meeting up. There was no second chance to a first impression. And, another unfortunate truth, the future of the Clan depended on this meeting going well.

With his power and influence he could make rebuilding our Clan a greater challenge than it will already be. Or make it utterly impossible.

Power. Influence. Respect. The Hyūga Clan had all the non-violent tools at their disposal to make rebuilding the Uchiha Clan as grueling as a war.

Going into this meeting I'm already at a disadvantage, Amari analyzed objectively. I wield the least power. The least influence. I'm building a reputation, but in the overall political field of the Leaf I am non-existent.

And, much as I hate to admit it, I need him to support the rebuilding of the Uchiha Clan, or at least accept and respect my desire to rebuild it. I can't have him be a staunch enemy because of my own personal quarrel with the Hyūga Clan's practices or how he treated Hinata.

The Foundation leader would doubtlessly oppose the rebuilding of the Uchiha Clan. He'd throw his full political weight behind preventing its rebirth, she believed. Already he wielded considerable influence, evident by his continued existence within their Village and the political system despite the assassination attempts, the massacre and all the other dirty games he played in his search for more power.

There was also the potential for the Councilors to sympathize with his opinions. Or worse, actively aid him in his objectives. Alone the three of them were a considerable blockade between Amari and her goal.

Were Lord Hiashi to share the same opinion, Amari wondered how many hoops and barricades they would construct. What did Lord Hiashi have to gain from the rebirth of the Uchiha Clan, after all?

The Hyūga Clan were the strongest in all of the Leaf now. The Uchiha Clan could be seen as inconvenient to their new found influence, or a threat if their beliefs aligned with the Foundation leader.

Of course they couldn't stop her. At least not without assassins, which the Foundation leader was clearly not above using. After all, she already possessed the Hokage's support, the support of the Nara Clan, and through them the Akimichi and Yamanaka Clan's.

Furthermore, since returning to the Leaf, graduating from the Academy and taking on missions, she had built up considerable good faith with elite and respected Jōnin of the Leaf.

Objectively speaking, the Uchiha Clan possessed all the support it needed to rebuild. She did not necessarily need Lord Hiashi's approval or support, or the Councilors for that matter.

But with his support she could add another powerful ally to their board, and in doing so eliminate any potential and unnecessary blockades to their plans.

It'll be tough. But this is the path I've chosen. I won't seize up like I did last time I was stuck in the same room as him. I won't be afraid of him. This time he's not dealing with a child. He's dealing with the Head of the Uchiha Clan.

The kunoichi sighed heavily.

But it's still such a drag. I can't wait until I'm back on regular missions. Politics are so troublesome.

Later, after she finished the rest of her stretches and mobility exercises, the Yūhi household was joined by Asuma, dressed down in casual clothes rather than his shinobi gear.

Amari was fervent in her demands for him to take her mother out for a romantic night.

"You two have been out on missions more often than not, and that's not going to change anytime soon. You have to take these moments when you can. Be a little selfish. I'll be okay on my own. I can get up and down the stairs without help now.

"So go out together. Have fun. Be romantic. One or both of you may have to leave on a mission tomorrow for all you know. Then you'll have to wait even longer to spend time together."

Despite their blushing faces, they appreciated the coaxing and accepted it. Her mother went to her room to quickly changed into more appropriate attire for the cold evening they were set to have, returned and checked then double-checked that Amari would be okay while they were out.

After plenty more reassurances, the couple headed for the door. But not without Amari piping up one last time.

"Don't be afraid to be intimate!" she called to them from the couch. "I heard it releases all sorts of feel-good hormones!"

She was certain she saw steam rising from Asuma's head. She couldn't see her mother's reaction, but the kunoichi could vividly imagine the blush when she heard her scolding,

"Little one!"

The Nara girl giggled madly. The door shut abruptly behind them.

Vengeance was too sweet.

---

The sight of the sturdy walls of the Hyūga Compound was a natural alternative to caffeine the next morning. The crisp air, too; it brushed gently against her face, threading through her wild hair, which was restrained in a high ponytail by her purple bandana.

Her left eye was kept warm and hidden behind her forehead protector. Amari balanced her cane against her leg and abdomen, freeing her chilled hands to rub them together in search of warmth.

"Did it have to be so cold today? How troublesome," she muttered.

Standing outside of the Hyūga Compound, attired in a formal lapis blue kimono and a bright haori colored like the sunset, Amari began to wish she had her oversized flak jacket to hide inside of, and a personal heat lantern. A heat lantern would be perfect.

At least I have my haori. It's keeping the rest of me warm.

It was the silver lining in wearing this formal outfit.

Dressing up is such a drag.

"Could be worse. Could be snowing," Sasuke offered dryly. "Then Lord Hiashi would want to have a picnic with you just to see if you would show weakness by shivering."

The Nara girl snorted, then giggled. "I suppose."

How Sasuke had learned of her meeting with Lord Hiashi was unknown to the kunoichi, though she safely assumed it was either through Shikamaru or Mimi. He had come to the Yūhi household while she was still preparing attired in a grey zip-up hoodie, his black long sleeve and white shorts, calm and ready to escort her to and from the Hyūga Compound.

When asked by Amari why he had taken on the duty, he cocked an eyebrow and replied,

"I'm your advisor, aren't I?"

She acknowledged his valid point and thanked him for the company.

"Are you ready?" Sasuke asked while they waited for formal permission to enter. Before she could reply, he eyed her with a meaningful expression. "Once you go in there, there's no turning back. The knowledge of your lineage and your placement as Head of the Clan will become known throughout the Leaf. Lord Hiashi may respectfully limit how quickly it spreads, but it will eventually reach the ears of allies and enemies alike."

"Trying to talk me out of it?" she asked with a slight smile.

Sasuke snorted. "I'm not an idiot. I know I can't move a mountain with my bare hands."

The kunoichi giggled.

"As your clan-brother and advisor it's my duty to make sure you're ready," he said after a moment. "And to let you know this is the point of no return. We can always walk away and dictate the next meeting on our terms."

"I think you just want to see Lord Hiashi twitching with annoyance."

"Maybe," he chuckled.

"I'm ready, Sasuke," Amari said, determined and confident. "When I reunited with Shisui, Itachi and Aimi in the Hero World, the path I was meant to walk began to reveal itself to me.

"I was finally certain in what I wanted to do, what I needed to do," she emphasized. "To be a Guardian, to bring Itachi and Aimi home, to embody the symbol I inadvertently created in that world; I could see my path forward with perfect clarity. I had this feeling of peace after it. This…intimate understanding of who I was and who I wanted to become.

"My meeting with Kasai and Madara, or whoever he is, briefly obscured my path in my dark emotions around Kasai and my fear of the Masked Man…"

She met his gaze with a heartfelt smile. "But you—all of you—brought me back to my senses. Even though I was nervous, your confidence in me put me back on the right track. It reminded me of that moment of the clarity I felt in the Hero World."

Looking back to the Hyūga Compound, she inhaled a calm breath.

"I am Amaririsu Yūhi and Haya Uchiha," she said. "I am the Head of the Uchiha Clan and a future Guardian of the Leaf. This is our path forward. This is where my heart and eyes have led me.

"Lord Hiashi doesn't have to trust me on my words alone; we'll prove who we are and what we stand for as we move forward, as we rebuild and reform our Clan and protect what we hold precious. And I'll keep reaching out, seeking peace and alliances, seeking a way to change this world just like my cousin and parents did before me. Just like Madara Uchiha did before he was twisted by the darkness of despair."

"You're ready," Sasuke said, nodding.

Shortly after they were formally greeted and ushered in by Kō Hyūga, who Amari's Shadow Clone had met after handling the two Cloud shinobi during the Invasion. Kō had short brown hair stylized to spike backwards and a well-defined broad nose. Average height for a man, his slim and athletically built frame was hidden beneath the layers of his casual robe.

He greeted them with a kind smile and polite small talk, maintaining a slow gait as they walked the path towards the main house to not force the recovering kunoichi to push herself too hard.

The compound was constructed with a traditional design in mind. Regal, wealthy and intimidating were the words that came to mind as Amari walked deeper into the compound, deeper into the lion's den. It was a home fit for a wealthy Feudal Lord.

Or an influential Clan of considerable size and power.

Inside the courtyard they found Neji, sweaty, pale skin flushed by exercise and breathing heavily; he was in the midst of practicing his Gentle Fist with an adult Hyūga kunoichi—another familiar face for Amari.

She couldn't remember when exactly they had met, but she remembered the stranger approaching her suddenly to express gratitude over her part in rescuing Hinata. It seemed like years ago now.

The kunoichi was calm, collected and in complete control.

Just short of six feet, with gingerbread brown hair that reached her waist, the lithe woman was attired in a plum-colored shirt, a mesh long sleeve and black shinobi pants.

Observing the training session from her seat at the top of the small set of stairs leading to the wooden deck enclosing the courtyard was Hinata, nervously tapping the tips of her fingers together and bouncing her knee at rapid intervals.

At the sight of them, she shot to her feet and prepared to run across the courtyard, but paused, resting her hand on the vertical wooden beam beside the stairs, an act which kept her from breaking formal traditions no doubt.

Kō gestured them to pause as the practice spar reached its conclusion.

Amari didn't mind. Sasuke didn't seem bothered, either. He kept his hands inside his sweater pockets and watched with interest.

After a brief stare down, feet gracefully carrying them in a small circle around the courtyard, Neji dashed in first.

The flurry of Gentle Fist attacks he unleashed was met by perfectly timed blocks, palms clapping together at times while other times the Hyūga kunoichi disarmed his attacks by parrying and diverting his blows at the wrist with precise palms.

She wasted no energy. Prior to witnessing her elegant dance of footwork and defense, Amari had only ever seen the Gentle Fist utilized by Neji and Hinata.

They're good, she analyzed, but this kunoichi is on a different level. This is what years of experience and training looks like, what they're aiming for. What they'll fight like when we're older.

I'll have to stay on my toes.

Neji, believing he had forced an opening, thrusted his palm for the finishing blow. His eagerness brought about his end.

In a series of quick strikes, which took no more than a handful of seconds to complete, the kunoichi struck a powerful palm to his forearm, redirecting his arm so his palm was facing the sky. Then with nimble and precise strikes, hitting with the speed of a viper, her fingers jabbed down the length of the disarmed limb, fortunately without chakra for Neji's sake.

No one needed the Byakugan to know she was hitting his chakra points with one hundred percent accuracy.

In the midst of her swift attack Neji tried to bring his opposite palm up, yet the kunoichi was already prepared. As one set of fingers jabbed the inside of his bicep, her other hand switched from the Gentle Fist's deadly finger jabs to an open palm. The strike was short, controlled, but it slammed harshly against Neji's chest, knocking the breath from his lungs and stumbling him.

By the time his palm finishing rising, another palm struck him, this time in the sternum. Before he could gasp his other wrist was captured and wrenched by the kunoichi, and her free hand struck the final blow.

The strike itself did nothing. But the landing point, two fingers jabbing at his heart, was the death blow. Neji heaved heavy breaths, almost choking for air. His Byakugan activated eyes were wide.

"Damn," Sasuke muttered.

"Remind me not to get on her bad side," Amari whispered.

"You enabled fatigue and the aches of your recovery to cloud your judgement," the kunoichi said. "You became too eager to end the fight. In life, whether it is a battle or a war, you must always control your emotions.

"Eagerness, fear, pain, stress and exhaustion will hasten your end if they control your decision making. Always remain calm, Neji." She turned her head to look at Hinata, releasing Neji. The younger kunoichi straightened her posture beneath her gaze. "You must heed this lesson as well, Lady Hinata."

"I will, Kimiko," Hinata replied.

She nodded. Then turned back to Neji.

"Rest, Neji. When you are truly ready, we will begin again."

"All right."

Kō gestured them to follow again. As they crossed the courtyard, the Hyūga kunoichi—Kimiko—turned towards and welcomed the pair with a respectful dip her head.

"Greetings, Amaririsu Yūhi and Sasuke Uchiha. I am pleased to see your injuries from Orochimaru's latest scheme are healing well."

"Thanks. But I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage," Sasuke replied politely.

"I am Kimiko Hyūga." She flicked her lavender eyes over to Amari. "Although I believe I failed to introduce myself when first we met, Amaririsu. Forgive my rudeness."

"You weren't rude in the slightest, Miss Kimiko," she waved off the apology. "I was probably a bit skittish when you approached me. I still haven't gotten used to strangers knowing me by name since the Exams and Invasion, to be honest."

"Mm." She glanced to Kō, then met Amari's gaze again. "Lord Hiashi is waiting for you, so I will not delay you any longer. However, permit me the opportunity to extend my gratitude to both of you.

"Without your bravery, Sasuke, many innocent lives may have been lost at the hands of these Sound shinobi. And without your space-time ninjutsu, Amaririsu, Neji may have perished.

"This is the second time you have aided the rescue of one of my clansmen, Amaririsu, and the second time you both played pivotal roles in the defense of our Village." The kunoichi bowed her head. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank us," replied Amari. "Neji and Hinata are our comrades and friends. We'd go to hell and back if it meant bringing them home safely, and we know they'd do the same for us. Or, rather, that they have done the same for us."

"Just don't actually get stuck in hell," Sasuke drawled dryly, glancing from Neji to Hinata. "We'll pull you out. But you're going to owe us one."

Hinata giggled warmly at the declaration and the joke. Neji huffed, smirking at the Uchiha. "Remind me again: Which of us here was trapped inside a coffin in need of rescuing?"

Taken by surprise by the comment, Hinata sputtered.

"Ne- Neji, you shouldn't say such things!" Hinata tried to scold. It came out as a plea more than a scolding.

Sasuke cocked an eyebrow, ignoring Hinata's plea. "Which of us here nearly let a Spider kill him?"

"Hmph," Neji huffed, turning his head away.

"Boys, behave," Amari drawled, walking towards Hinata with Kō. "The only one here who wasn't on the brink of death when we came home was Hinata. If anyone has room to gloat, it's her. So go ahead, Hinata. Gloat to your hearts content. Remind these boys how tough you are."

Again the shy kunoichi sputtered as all attention was drawn to her. Neji glowered harmlessly at Amari's back. Sasuke shrugged it off and followed her to the stairs. Kimiko and Kō wore expressions of restrained amusement.

"I- I don't— Amaririsu, I—"

Amari climbed the steps, paused beside Hinata then poked her in the forehead. She smiled. Hinata dipped her head down, cheeks flushing vibrant pink as she tried to hide her smile.

"How many times, Hinata?"

"One last time, I promise. But…as a guest of ours I have to—"

Another poke.

"Formality between friends, guests or not, is too troublesome."

"But—"

Another poke. Hinata giggled and placed her hands over the offended area.

"Do I need to demand as your guest that you call me Amari? Is that a thing? Can I make demands?" Sudden thoughts of mischief cause the Nara's eyes to widen. "Ohhhh, can I demand Neji to call me Queen Amaririsu?"

The curious question coaxed a wide smile out of Kō. Hinata hid her smile behind her hand as she giggled.

Neji scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Neji, you're to call me Queen Amaririsu from this point forward."

"Absolutely not."

"As your guest, I demand it."

"Your demand is unreasonable. Therefore I am not required to call you anything. Except, perhaps, a fool."

Amari feigned a long and offended gasp.

"Is this the famed Hyūga hospitality? Name calling? For shame, Neji. For shame."

"Are you quite finished?"

"Lord Hiashi is waiting," Kō reminded politely, but also in an intonation that decided the matter for them.

Amari turned to Sasuke, who stood at the bottom of the stairs. He nodded to her.

"You've got this."

"Thank you. I'll see you whenever the meeting finishes."

"I'll be waiting here."

She offered Hinata a final smile then followed Kō into the compound. He guided her through the quiet halls to the lion's den itself, where the lion was patiently waiting for her, she sensed.

Kō stopped outside of the room and announced her arrival.

"Lord Hiashi, Amaririsu Yūhi is here for you."

More like summoned here by him, she thought wryly.

"Thank you, Kō. Send her in."

Kō slid open the shoji door, decorated with the Hyūga Clan symbol, and gestured her to enter.

"Thank you," she thanked before walking in.

The door silently slid shut behind her. She almost didn't hear it.

Hiashi Hyūga was alone. He sat on his knees at a small wooden table with traditional tea cups and tea pot set neatly on top of it, awaiting use by two—and only two—occupants of the room. He, like Amari, had dressed in formal attire for their meeting; a brown haori and white kimono robe, to be exact.

He did not greet her with a polite smile, or a smile of any king. He merely nodded in greeting.

"Amaririsu, I am pleased you could join me. Please, sit."

"Thank you for the invitation, Lord Hiashi," she replied, bowing respectfully before walking across the smooth but firm tatami mats to the table. She mirrored his seating arrangement, kneeling down onto the cushion placed out for her.

They met each other's gaze, his unreadable and hers determined and confident.

The game had begun.

---

"Nervous?"

Asuma's question came as Kurenai was checking the newest batch of fruits and vegetables while grocery shopping. She hummed.

"I'm her mother. I always worry about her. But…"

"But?"

"Amari is ready for him," she stated after picking a batch of oranges. "Of course I would have liked to walk her there, or sit with her through their meeting. You know my feelings on Lord Hiashi. And how protective I am when it comes to Amari."

Asuma acknowledged the truth with a deep hum.

"However, Lord Hiashi won't take her seriously if Shikaku, Yoshino, Kakashi, you or I are there holding her hand, shielding her from his questions. He won't see Amari as a strong individual or a respectable Clan Head then. He'll see her as a little girl in need of protection."

"Good point. Plus I'm sure Atsuko or Osamu are monitoring the meeting," he added with a smile.

"Of that I have no doubt," Kurenai chuckled.

After a moment, she began again in a serious voice.

"I'm not nervous, Asuma. I'm proud. I'm proud of the person and shinobi my daughter is growing into. She's become so strong, and she'll only continue to grow stronger.

"There's a part of my heart that will always want to freeze frame this time, that yearns to stop her from growing up. Maybe for a year or two. Just a few more years," she wished, "of childhood before she matures into a woman. Before she grows tall enough to look me in the eyes. Before she becomes an adult, falls in love and settles down.

"That part of me yearns to keep her small. To freeze time to savor her childhood as long as I can. Because she's growing up so quickly. Too quickly. With a few exceptions, there hasn't been a week or a month since she graduated—and even before—where she hasn't grown in some manner. And in my heart I know it'll only continue this way. That I am witnessing the final days, weeks and months of her precious childhood."

And there would be no going back. No turning back the clock or freezing time to keep her little one little.

"At the same time," Kurenai continued, "although there's that part of me which wishes to freeze her here, as her mother I am also so excited to see her grow. She amazes me. There is so much passion and drive in her. So much spirit. And love. More love than I could have ever known. I cannot wait to see where she goes from here and how she changes this world."

She looked away from the food stand to Asuma. And smiled. The sight of her smile brought a warm grin to Asuma's face.

"If Lord Hiashi thinks Amari is the same girl his presence frightened in the hospital, he'll learn firsthand why you should never underestimate my daughter."

---

Amari gently held her cup of tea, from which small ribbons of steam rose. The scent of jasmine was pleasant. The massage of warmth from the cup against her freezing hands was absolutely wonderful. Welcoming. It contrasted the tranquil and yet stern presence Lord Hiashi cloaked himself in.

Thus far they had exchanged little more than formal pleasantries. He displayed his preparation by informing her that Shikaku mentioned she preferred jasmine tea while he poured her a cup. She graciously accepted the tea and thanked him again for hosting her on short notice, given all his responsibilities and the state of the Leaf. All as sincerely and as graciously as she could.

From there she asked polite inquiries regarding the Hyūga Clan itself and his daughter Hanabi. She didn't bother to ask about Neji or Hinata, already knowing how her comrades were; it would needlessly insult them both to feign ignorance.

He answered with equal politeness. The Hyūga Clan was well. Hanabi, too.

The strategic question had the desired effect of shifting the topic to one of Lord Hiashi's points for planning this conversation.

"On the subject of the Hyūga Clan," he began, setting his tea cup down onto the table, "there are two matters I wish to speak to you on regarding my Clan."

Here we go.

"My use of the Hyūga Clan Rotation is one of those, as I recall," she replied, cupping her tea cup for the warmth rather than the tea itself.

"Indeed," Lord Hiashi nodded. "For someone outside of our Clan, a stranger to the majority of my Clansmen, to use the Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation has caused quite the stir within our Houses. Confusion is prominent. Anger, as well, I must inform you."

She dipped her chin in acknowledgement. She expected as much. Though if Amari were to be fatally honest, thus sinking any chance of an amiable discussion, she might have mentioned that she didn't really care they were angry.

They hadn't been the ones about to be crushed and drilled by Mimi Inuzuka's Water Dragons and Fang over Fang. Did they realize how bad that would hurt?

Probably not.

"For an outsider," Hiashi continued, "to have the talent and the gall to copy one of our secret techniques, and then perform an incomplete variation of it in front of such a large audience has not endeared you to our Clan."

That's a polite way of saying I've pissed off your Elders, and you, doubtlessly, thought the Nara, maintaining a blank expression. Internally, a light and slightly mocking smile formed. The gall of me, an outsider and an Uchiha on top of that, to perform your secret technique must have those Elders gripping their robes and clenching their jaws while your ancestors spin in their graves, she thought. Or should I say "Rotate" in their graves.

"I see," she said instead. "I meant no offense. In the heat of battle, I remembered Neji's use of the Rotation, how it protected him entirely from Naruto's attacks. It was the only thing I could think of to protect myself from Mimi's Water Dragons, and as you said it was incomplete at the time. And still is."

"Mm. Traditionally, the Rotation is performed solely by the Head of the Clan and their heir. Neji has also broken this tradition, perhaps even more starkly since he was aware of these traditions, while you were ignorant of them. It is a testament to both of your talents that, with no formal teachings, you could perform them at all.

"However, I have also ended this tradition. I believe you are aware I train with Neji now."

"I am," she confirmed.

"And I believe you witnessed Kimiko training him today." She nodded politely, though it was unnecessary. He knew she would've seen the pair together on her way in.

"Kimiko is also of the Main House," said Hiashi. As if the lack of a the Curse Seal on her forehead wasn't noticeable. "The traditional separation of the Main and Branch houses, along with the embroiled emotions these practices have caused, is something I am currently working to undo."

Amari blew gently on her tea cup, carefully considering her words and what Lord Hiashi had said. Also what he hadn't said.

"But I am not of the Hyūga Clan," she concluded after a moment. "I am an outsider who, in the heat of battle in a desperate attempt to prevent defeat, had the gall to perform your Clan's secret technique.

"Were an outsider to perform a Nara Clan jutsu, for example, with no formal training or relation to our Clan, this would also cause a stir of confusion. Questions would be asked. The individual would be observed and researched to learn how and why they learned to perform our secret ninjutsu. Which happened when I first returned to the Leaf."

"Indeed."

After taking a small testing sip of her tea—still too hot to drink—the kunoichi lowered her cup.

"From this conclusion," she began, "there are at minimum two options presented to us. First, you can demand I never perform the technique again under a penalty of some manner, protecting your Clan's traditions and secrets. Which I would understand and accept if that is the path we take, given that it is considered a secret technique of your Clan.

"Second, you can permit me use of the technique since it could aid me and my comrades in the coming war. Since we both know this technique is incredibly difficult to perform, and my ability to perform an incomplete variation was a mixture of skill and luck, we also know I cannot go around teaching others to use it. Though, to be fair, there is a difference between this technique and the Nara Clan jutsus."

Hiashi's stony features shifted. He cocked an intrigued eyebrow up.

"Oh? How so?"

"The Nara Clan jutsus are not a kekkei genkai, as you know. So, in theory, anyone could perform it if they learn the secrets of the techniques. All it takes is knowledge. In this way, it is similar to the Rotation.

"However, they differ considerably in how they are performed. Shadow techniques require an understanding of the special chakra required to use the techniques. To oversimplify, it's like learning a new Nature or learning to wield your natural affinity. The Rotation merely requires chakra on its own. There is no Nature to it. It is pure chakra which is rotating at high speeds, gaining said speed by the movement of our body.

"In this way, the Rotation requires little more than supreme chakra control and physical speed. The Byakugan, your kekkei genkai, isn't required to perform it; it simply amplifies your awareness of enemy movements. Your Gentle Fist style also isn't necessarily required to perform the technique, though it does aid the wielder by refining your chakra control.

"Just as Neji and I proved, someone can learn it just by observing it. The 'secret' isn't much a secret for a studious shinobi. All it takes is careful examination, as Neji proved."

"Are you implying the Nara Clan jutsus are more difficult to learn, thus are more worthy of protection?" he asked calmly.

"Not at all," she disarmed his accusation. "They are both uniquely difficult for differing reasons. And they are both secret ninjutsus of our respective Clans. While my use of the Rotation was desperate in the heat of battle, it was performed out of ignorance of your traditions; I had no idea it was a secret ninjutsu or that it was only known by the Clan Head and its heir."

Amari gently blew on her tea again. So far, so good. He followed her exactly where she wanted him to.

When she met his gaze again, she maintained a civil and emotionless expression.

"But allow me to ask you this, Lord Hiashi: In all the years you have witnessed the Nara Clan jutsus, which you are certain to have seen while serving proudly alongside the Nara Clan in the defense of our Village, have you or anyone you've known ever deciphered how they are performed on sight alone?"

"No," he admitted.

An answer she learned from her uncle previously.

"While it isn't wholly impossible the secrets of our ninjutsu have made it into enemy hands in the past," Shikaku had explained, "especially with the likes of Orochimaru and the Foundation working together, there is no record of a Leaf shinobi beyond the Nara Clan utilizing our techniques. Not until you appeared again, anyway.

"It caused quite the stir at the time. But you were never an outsider. You were a Nara, and your mother's daughter through and through. Sense of humor included," he added with a knowing smirk. "Shikamaru, I've heard, is learning that the hard way."

"You should've seen his face, Uncle Shikaku. It was priceless!"

"Heh," her uncle chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck and shaking his head. "Yeah. You're her daughter all right. Your peers have no idea what they're in for."

Amari wasn't sure she knew the full extent, either. But by his reaction she safely assumed her sense of humor was going to be the cause of giggling fits for years to come. And possibly killing Mimi along the way.

Lord Hiashi continued.

"The additional necessity of understanding what Chakra Nature to manipulate and how has protected the Nara Clan's secret techniques from lesser minds deciphering its secrets. Nevertheless, while I concede to this individual point, this does not mean I will allow my Clan's techniques to be abused by all outsiders because they can be learned through observation."

"Nor would I expect any Clan Head to simply accept that."

After a careful sip of jasmine tea, the kunoichi spoke again.

"However, although you have every right to demand me to never use the Rotation again, and I would accept your reasons for this decision, I cannot unlearn the technique itself. Nor can I promise that, in a life or death situation, I wouldn't use it to defend myself, my teammates or any comrade of the Leaf. Especially with a war on the horizon."

Lord Hiashi hummed. He could see her point, she sensed. Whether he conceded to it was a whole different matter altogether.

He lifted his tea cup to his lips and sipped it, then set the cup down, returning to silence. He appeared to be mulling over his thoughts and her words.

Amari said nothing. She cradled her warm cup, waiting attentively for him to speak.

"Under normal circumstances," he began after a lengthy silence. Then paused.

"Well," he restarted after a brief moment, "under normal circumstances this discussion wouldn't have occurred; you are an outlier, a first time anomaly who has done what no other Leaf shinobi outside of the Hyūga Clan has ever attempted, whether out of respect for our traditions or because they lacked the skill entirely to perform one of our techniques.

"I said before your use of our technique has not endeared you to many of my Clansmen—which is the truth. However, it would be unwise and closed-minded to look at this situation from inside of a cage. It would mean thinking only of your use of the Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation and the response it incurred while blatantly ignoring your other acts of bravery and heroism following the end of the Exams.

"Acts which consist of you rescuing my daughter Hinata from an opportunistic kidnapping attempt orchestrated by two Cloud shinobi, and then defending my nephew Neji from the same shinobi. Acts that include your aid evacuating and defending Leaf shinobi during the Invasion, stopping the Sand's ultimate weapon, and disobeying orders in order to return your comrades to the Leaf, thus saving my nephew's life again."

"I didn't do any of that alone," Amari replied humbly.

"No, you did not. We of the Leaf never fight alone. But your role in those events, specifically protecting my daughter and nephew, has endeared you to a majority of my Clansmen. You have my gratitude as well. Enough to overlook your use of the Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation. So long as you master it, that is."

His gaze hardened. "I will not accept an incomplete variation of the Rotation to be flaunted to our enemies so they may underestimate or look down on the Hyūga Clan."

"Thank you for your permission," she thanked, bowing her head. "And I'll do my best to master it, Lord Hiashi."

"See that you do."

Amari quietly sipped again from her tea cup before setting it down. So far the discussion was going well. Almost amiable. Yet the Nara knew better than to lower her guard.

The Rotation was a minor issue, even if it was a secret technique. Obviously he had already made his decision to permit her access to it; their discussion on the matter was a broader test, she suspected, on how she conducted herself while under his gaze as the offender of his Clan's traditions.

Hopefully he now understood she wasn't a delicate flower he could snap at the stem with the slightest of pressure.

What came next, though, was the true test. She couldn't whither and let him walk over her.

But she also couldn't risk being too aggressive at the risk of causing offense and burning down any bridges for future cooperation. For the other matter related to the Hyūga Clan for them to speak on could only be what was hidden behind her forehead protector.

The Byakugan eye gifted to her. The eye which now wielded the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

The power of the Amenominakanushi.

Settling her hands gently onto her legs, the kunoichi awaited the next topic without trepidation. He couldn't steal the eye or brand her. Whether he approved or not, Ryu's eye was hers now, a gift she wouldn't relinquish because a few old men wanted to horde their power.

Besides, it was mutated by her bloodline to wield power that the Hyūga Clan had no claim to.

She was ready for the coming storm.

"On the subject of your bravery," Lord Hiashi started in a passive intonation, "I was made aware that when three members of the Akatsuki infiltrated our Village after the Invasion, it was you who jumped in to hold them back until reinforcements arrived when Kakashi Hatake was disabled by Itachi Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan genjutsu."

She blinked. The abrupt switch of subjects towards the Akatsuki Incident caught Amari off guard, briefly.

"Oh. Well, that is partially true. I was discovered by the third Akatsuki member while I watched Kakashi-sensei, Asuma-sensei and my mom battle Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki. I knew where their real target was, so I became valuable.

"Prior to that I sent Atsuko to find Guy-sensei and any other reinforcements she could, and before that I sent a Shadow Clone to race Osamu—another Crow—to the doctors for immediate aid. He'd been injured by Itachi's rogue Crows.

"Since I'd inadvertently made myself a target through a rookie mistake, the only choice then was to fight as long as I possibly could. I was able to bring my Sensei out of Itachi's genjutsu, but the damage had been done. And my mom and Asuma-sensei couldn't fight since their eyes had to remain closed.

"Technically, I disobeyed their orders to fight. But I couldn't leave them there to die. My hope was to distract the Akatsuki. Keep them busy long enough for reinforcements to reach us.

"It worked, mostly," she shrugged.

Mostly was also a generous use of the word.

"Asuma-sensei and my mom ended up fighting despite the risk of the genjutsu," she recounted. "Kakashi-sensei showed his resilience and offered what aid he could in his deteriorating state. Then Hana Inuzuka and the Haimaru brothers, Guy-sensei and Mimi Inuzuka and Aoko arrived with Atsuko when we were all at the ends of our rope. I was still captured. But I'd known that was the inevitable consequence to my actions."

Reckless as it had been, the resulting domino effect it had caused, from regaining her memories of Shisui and seeing him again to learning the truth from Itachi, was totally worth it.

But I was lucky Itachi and Aimi were my opponents instead of any other Akatsuki member. They're the only reason I survived the encounter.

Amari pursed her lips internally. But you didn't bring this up to hear me recount the details. You already know what happened. Just as I knew no Leaf shinobi outside of the Nara Clan has used our Shadow techniques, you know detail for detail how the Akatsuki Incident went down. Even though I didn't mention Aimi by name, you know it was her.

I thought you'd jump from the Rotation to Ryu's eye, but you're jumping straight to Amenominakanushi, aren't you?

She hadn't anticipated that. Perhaps she should have.

"Look at the power you already wield with the Mangekyō Sharingan," Madara's unwelcome voice interrupted her thoughts. "The Susanoo and the Amenominakanushi are raw power—you are raw power. And it will continue to grow as you do. They will act pleasantly to your face, but beneath those masks is fear. Fear of the power they cannot control any more than they can control natural disasters."

Power. Was that what Hiashi was after? Or did he simply not trust her to wield it?

Would she trust anyone with its power?

"Mmhm. Quite brave of you, and reckless. But in the end no lives were lost and you were recovered from the enemy. That is a victory." He sipped from his tea, then spoke. "As someone at the site of the battle, perhaps you could shed light on the rumors around the tremendous explosion that is said to have taken place."

In response to his question, there was a part of Amari that wanted to frustrate the Hyūga Head. To play the fool and ask for a more apt description of this explosion, as there were collisions of powerful jutsus between elite Leaf shinobi and S-rank rogues.

It all happened so fast, she wanted to say. Could you be more specific? The battle was incredibly intense.

Because he damn well knew what the explosion was. He knew she was responsible for it. He knew because the Amenominakanushi was the same power her father wielded, and he had doubtlessly utilized it at one point or another through the wars and in defense of the Leaf.

But he asked anyway, feigning ignorance in what was likely an effort to test her honesty. Amari would've enjoyed feigning her own ignorance to draw out a reaction. To test his patience and demand him to drop his act for harsh honesty.

Unfortunately, annoying Hiashi Hyūga wasn't a part of her strategy today.

Maybe another day.

"The rumors are true. There was a tremendous explosion at the conclusion of the battle. I know this because I'm the one responsible for it," she replied honestly. He signaled her to continue with a curious frown. "As my uncle has told you, memories of my past life before the Leaf shinobi recovered me are locked behind a specially crafted genjutsu.

"When Itachi was through entertaining my fruitless attempts to delay them, he triggered the genjutsu by saying the name of my cousin. His intention was to disable me. It might have worked, too. But the memories of my cousin were…special."

"How so?"

"I witnessed his death. Or an incomplete version of it, I should say. Because of how many memories we shared, forcing the door open to those memories opened the floodgates, and I was swept away in the tsunami. Memories flashed before me, within reach and yet almost entirely incomprehensible. I was overwhelmed by past emotions. Even the small glimpses I could grasp pierced my heart."

She hadn't even fully unwrapped all of those memories. Too many extravagant bedtime stories, too many warm grins and troublesome teases, too many hugs and serious talks knitted and woven together with equal amounts of joy and grief for her to tackle at once.

And a selfish part of her wanted to take her time remembering. To savor all his bedtime stories again, his grins, his teasing, his hugs and serious talks one at a time for as long as it took.

When she uncovered those memories it was like she was living through the moment again, like Shisui was still alive and she could reach out and hug him. One day, though, she would no longer have new memories to uncover, and no new memories could be created.

One day she would reach an end, and Amari wasn't ready for it yet.

For now, she had to continue handling Lord Hiashi. He was leading her somewhere, just as she had led him before.

"And through my grief and hurt and anger and hatred at witnessing the death of someone so precious to me," Amari continued, "I unlocked the Mangekyō Sharingan. It kept me conscious and unlocked something even more precious, something my Mama left behind for me."

"I see. What was this precious gift your mother left behind?"

"I'm sorry," she shook her head. "But I'd rather not go into detail; it's really personal. To put it simply, her gift was one of knowledge, love, hope and pain."

And quite frankly, it's none of your business. Nor have I begun to trust you enough to explain what I learned, she internalized.

Lord Hiashi squinted his eyes, puzzled by her words.

"Pain?" he repeated.

"We cannot love without eventually experiencing pain. Pain and grief is the price we pay to know warmth and joy and love."

Hiashi hummed. His stony features were betrayed by a flash of understanding in his eyes.

"Indeed. So, like your father before you, you now wield the Mangekyō Sharingan. Not only this, but you wield the power he called the Amenominakanushi. A destructive power of immense scale, which resembles an exploding star incinerating and devastating all caught in its epicenter."

"Yes. I do," she confirmed with a single nod. "But I understand what its power is capable of now. I have no intention of using the Mangekyō Sharingan as a crutch. I won't be flaunting its power recklessly when I know the consequences to my vision and the devastation that power can cause. I won't endanger my comrades or friends with it.

"This power is a last resort, for when my skills alone are not enough to bring everyone home alive. That's the promise I made. I won't break it."

"While your words are admirable, and they resemble your father's, you must understand what the Amenominakanushi represents," he replied how a Sensei might speak to an inexperienced Academy student.

"I know what it represents," responded Amari firmly, staring him in his unflinching lavender gaze. "It is raw power. Raw, devastating power that doesn't discriminate."

"Yes. But it is also raw power wielded by a child."

Amari struggled not to frown. She failed.

"Consider the perception of it, Amaririsu Yūhi," Lord Hiashi continued calmly. "The Amenominakanushi is a technique—no," he corrected himself with a slight shake of his head, "a weapon of unparalleled power. Raw. Volatile. The only control you or your father possess over it is determining the location of its epicenter and the power which you unleash.

"Of the three levels, you've only witnessed its first, and already you understand how devastating the power is. Imagine, if you would, the extensive devastation the second and third levels of this technique will cause."

She had imagined it. More than once. Those vivid images led to another silent promise to never allow anyone she didn't trust explicitly to come into possession of its power.

Even if it meant destroying the eye herself.

"It is insurmountable," Hiashi stated resolutely. "And this power is presently in your possession. You, Amaririsu. A child. You may have achieved the rank of Chūnin, but you are still young. Still reckless at times. Were you to, in the heat of battle, to unleash this technique in a desperate attempt to achieve victory, who is to say you wouldn't inadvertently severely injure or even kill your comrades?"

"I wouldn't," Amari declared, struggling to hide her disdain at his accusation.

"Can you promise that?" he asked patiently. "We've only recently discussed your use of the Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation, which you unleashed in a similar circumstance. You also unleashed the Amenominakanushi while Kurenai, Asuma and Kakashi were within your vicinity."

Amari bit her tongue. He was baiting her. Perfectly, too. She'd nearly fallen into his trap and lost herself in an emotional argument over his thinly veiled accusations.

I won't play your game. Say whatever is on your mind so I can make my next move.

"This is a power that can potentially devastate the Leaf if used recklessly. Or, worse, if it ever falls into the hands of an enemy." His stern gaze sharpened to resemble a blade of lightning. "Or if you ever follow your fellow Uchiha into darkness."

She struggled not to narrow her eyes. She failed again. But she let him continue on and state his case.

"As I said, the potential for devastation the Amenominakanushi possesses goes beyond what you have seen. There are those in the Leaf who would feel more comfortable if it were wielded by someone older, more mature and not prone to reckless behavior. There are also those who would rather see it destroyed entirely."

"I'm sure there are."

Amari picked her tea cup and drank from it, the jasmine tea combating her annoyance and yearning to tell him that 'those people' could shove it.

"I can understand how the power can unsettle people," she said diplomatically as she set her tea cup down. "I can also understand why those people you mentioned would rather it be in more mature hands, or destroyed entirely. It is a frightening power. But so are a great deal of jutsus and techniques.

"There are Lightning techniques that can use the weather to unleash greater devastation than the Amenominakanushi, Water jutsus which could destroy a small fishing Village, Fire techniques which could set fire to vast expanses of land. Not to mention literal environment changing Earth techniques and powerful Wind jutsus that can tear a home off its foundations.

"And that doesn't even scratch other kekkei genkais, fūinjutsu or the damage Curse Seals can cause."

The mention of Curse Seals happened to annoy Lord Hiashi, as was its intention.

"Those individuals are entitled to their opinion," Amari said.

"However, those people you mentioned also need to understand that my eye isn't theirs to claim, Seal or destroy. My power, destructive as it may be, is my kekkei genkai. My birthright. Just as those outside of the Hyūga Clan cannot see a child within your Clan and believe them to be too immature to wield the power of the Byakugan, those outside of the Uchiha Clan also cannot decide I am not responsible enough to wield my kekkei genkai.

"If such a thing were possible, those of us born with transferable kekkei genkais would lose our freedom entirely. It would set a terrible and irreversible precedent for the future generations. We would be at the mercy to outsiders. To power seekers jockeying themselves into influential and power wielding positions.

"These people would decide our fates for us," she explained patiently. "They would decide who is allowed to wield power and who is not. Who is worthy to wield kekkei genkais, and who should have their birthrights stolen from them for 'the betterment of the Village' or other pretty phrases used to conceal the hunger for power.

"Imagine, if you would, the inevitable conclusion of this precedent," she respectfully parroted his words. "The truth is you don't actually need to imagine it. We need only look at history, to the kekkei genkai purges in the Land of Water. Except rather than in fear of our power, we would be hunted by those meant to be our comrades, our friends, our family to claim the powers we wield.

"And those at the head of the charge would be future tyrants, dictators and warmongers.

"In this scenario, people would begin hoarding all sorts of transferable kekkei genkais, or being stealing secret techniques of other Clan's, which is no different than the Cloud shinobi and their obsession with collecting power."

Hiashi didn't flinch at the comparison. He stared at her with his intense lavender eyes.

Amari didn't flinch.

"As for my allegiances, I am insulted by anyone who believes I would ever turn this power against my home. I had no hand in the massacre. I am not beholden to the paths of those who made the choices which have led my Clan to nearly complete destruction.

"I love this Village. I love my home," she emphasized. "When I had no idea who I was or where I was from or where I could go, Lord Third and Kurenai Yūhi opened their arms to me. They gave me a home, reunited me with the Nara side of my family, sheltered me, loved me. I owe my mom a debt I can never repay for taking a chance and opening her doors and arms to an unknown orphan girl whose entire world had just crumbled around her.

"If anyone thinks I would ever betray the love I've been given, then, quite frankly, their opinion means less than nothing to me. This is my home. I may be young, but I have bled and fought to defend it and my comrades. And I will continue to do so regardless of what those people you mentioned think of me."

And they can go to hell, too, she added silently.

"Your word alone will not satisfy these individuals."

"My word is all I can give anyone in the present moment. It's all any of us can give. Then we must back up our words with actions, which I have done and will continue to do," she replied with conviction, onyx eye sharp as a kunai.

"Not for their sake. Not because I live and breathe in search of their acceptance. I walk this path because it is the path I choose to walk. It is the path I chose on a mist covered bridge when I was forced to battle a kindred spirit, and I witnessed in excruciating detail where my path would lead if I abandoned my heart to become a tool to be discarded at the whims of another. It is the path my family entrusted to me."

"Should we all simply trust your family's belief that you, a child, will always walk a righteous path and wield this power wisely?" Hiashi asked. "How can we? They cannot tell us why they believe in you. Their sacrifice speaks volume of their love for you, but it confirms nothing beyond that. What parent wouldn't make such a sacrifice for their beloved child?

"Tell me, Amaririsu, why should anyone trust they are right about you? Why should anyone have faith you will follow in their footsteps? Why should we trust a child to wield the power of the Amenominakanushi?"

Amari's jaw tightened. She had had enough. Enough of the leading questions and the Hyūga's game. Enough of the doubt. Enough of the thinly veiled condescension in his tone. He'd crossed one line too far by questioning her family's sacrifice.

It was time to switch tactics.

"Lord Hiashi will likely seek to provoke you, 'Risu. Don't let him," she recalled her uncle's words. "Don't leap at the bait he dangles out for you. Do not allow your anger, annoyance or frustration to cloud your judgement. Do not allow the conversation to devolve into a venomous argument. You will lose face and respect. And claiming 'he started it' won't help your case."

"But what if he does start it?"

"'Risu," Shikaku scolded.

"Fine."

"Remember, you have more to lose than Lord Hiashi. Instead, wait until he has pushed your buttons more than once; this will place you into a position of leverage where he cannot claim you are out of line. Politics is a strategic game of words.

"The more aggressive you are, the more your opponent withstands your insults, the more righteous they are for mounting an offensive maneuver. When that time comes, and it will, switch from diplomatic graciousness to a respectful offense."

He wagged his finger. "This does not mean you should respond to an insult with an insult. Merely plant your feet, stand your ground and push back by reminding him you are not just some child, respectfully."

It was time to retaliate. She'd withstood his aggressive maneuvers long enough, and now it was time to dig her heels in and push back. They wouldn't be playing his game any longer.

"With respect, Lord Hiashi, I am not just some child," she began in a calm but firm voice. "I am the Head of the Uchiha Clan now, recently appointed by Lady Fifth herself in the aftermath of the recent mission."

The gratification of witnessing Lord Hiashi's eyes widened slightly at the news was nearly as sweet as an ice cream stuffed sugar cookie.

The kunoichi wasn't quite finished yet.

"I understand and accept that asking you to trust me on words alone is impossible. But my family sacrificed their lives and entrusted the future of the Uchiha Clan and their hopes, dreams and all of their love to me. You may doubt me for as long as it satisfies you. But I will not stand for anyone casting doubt on the sacrifices my family made, or their faith in me.

"They dedicated themselves and their whole beings to this Village. They loved it just as much as I suspect you do. And in their final act, they sacrificed their lives fighting against an enemy shadow while ferrying me away so I could live. So I could rebuild our Clan and stand as a guardian for this Village we love.

"That is the burden I carry. The burden of the hopes and dreams and love of the people I held most precious are on my shoulders. So do not insinuate I am just a child, like I am somehow ignorant of responsibility and the weight of a life. I am acutely aware of it."

Her onyx eye was sharp enough to sever the mountains with a single glance. It embodied the Wills of her family.

"So allow me to be perfectly clear: The Amenominakanushi is no one's to claim. It will stay with me, in my protection. Those individuals you mentioned may not trust me with its power. That's fine. The feeling is mutual. I do not trust them with it any more than I would trust a monkey to wield a knife properly.

"Because I understand what this power is capable, more than you or anyone else does," she said sharply, gesturing absently as she spoke. "Anyone who believes they can wield it the right way automatically has no right to wield it. This power is devastation itself. And it will only ever cause devastation.

"At this moment, the number of people I'd entrust this power to in my final moments of life can be counted on one hand. And none of them are among those individuals you mentioned. And were I to be dying or certain I'd die in battle without any of the people I trust most around, I would rip it out and destroy it myself."

Hiashi grimaced almost imperceptibly at the imagery she provided. He knew she meant it. He could see the conviction in her eye, hear the steel in her voice. There was not a single doubt in his mind that she wouldn't hesitate to perform the self-mutilation in order to prevent enemies from capturing the eye.

After all, it was well-known among her peers and the elite shinobi that Amari wasn't above harming herself in order to win a fight. She'd done it in the Forest of Death against the Sound shinobi by jamming her thumb into her injured shoulder before plunging a kunai into her injured thigh in search of adrenaline. She'd done it against Hisashi in their preliminary match to slow the poison spreading through her body.

She would do it to protect her eyes, if the situation called for it.

The silence was deafening, for a moment. Lord Hiashi equipped the tea kettle and proceeded to pour warm tea into both of their cups.

"I wasn't aware you had ascended to Head of the Uchiha Clan," he said diplomatically.

The shift of tone was noticeable, and dramatic.

"It isn't widely known, yet. And it's only a recent development, as I said," Amari with equal diplomacy. "Thank you for the tea."

"You're welcome." He set the kettle down and rested his hands gently on his lap. "You said your plans are to rebuild and reform your Clan. May I ask how?"

"You may. We'll have to look beyond our Clan to non-Uchiha's to rebuild. To increase our numbers we'll be inducting these non-Uchiha's into our Clan, and anyone who is willing to give birth to Uchiha children or raise them will have the option. But that'll be voluntary, and done through medical treatments. Sasuke and I are too young to be parents."

"Indeed. So, you will look to the civilian population of the Leaf, then?"

"Yes, but not them alone. My arms are open to anyone who is searching for a place to belong. And if other Clan's wish to cooperate with us and help us rebuild, I'll accept them, too. As long as it isn't about power, influence or gaining the Sharingan, that is." She scratched lightly at her cheek. "I guess you could say the Uchiha Clan I seek to build is meant to resemble the family I lost and the family I found, if that makes sense."

Hiashi nodded once. "I see. It is an admirable goal you have, Amaririsu Yūhi. Admirable and ambitious."

"I have a habit of aiming high. Apparently it makes me troublesome, if you ask my cousin, anyway" she added with a chuckle.

Hiashi hummed in amusement. "Shikaku often said the same of your mother."

"I'm sure while complaining about her unique sense of humor," she giggled.

"Indeed." Hiashi shut his eyes in thought. "As of now, the rumors of the Amenominakanushi are just that—rumors. The cause for concern is that it was unleashed within our walls, where it could devastate our already recovering Village and its populace. Surely you can understand that."

"I can," she agreed with a small nod. "But the Mangekyō Sharingan didn't come with an instruction manual when I unlocked it."

Hiashi snorted at that.

"I didn't know what the Amenominakanushi was, or what it could do. If I had, I wouldn't have used it," she said, delicately moving her hand from left to right in a slow, slashing gesture.

"I nearly incinerated both myself and Itachi in the blast. We both survived because he recognized the ability and redirected it. As I said before, the Mangekyō Sharingan is my final resort. It is something I'll only use if my skills alone cannot protect my life, my comrades lives or the lives of those I am sworn to protect."

"That is the promise you made, yes?"

"It is. I made it to my most precious person." She shook her head. "I won't break it. I won't recklessly flaunt this power."

After a long breath, Hiashi Hyūga gave a short nod. "I will hold you to that promise, then. Out of respect for your parents, whom I held in high regard, I will trust their judgement. Furthermore, for your safety and the Leaf's I will ensure the rumors remain as unconfirmed rumors among my Clan. On my word as the Head of the Hyūga Clan, none will know you wield the Mangekyō Sharingan or the Amenominakanushi unless you personally reveal this secret."

Taken by surprise, Amari nearly forgot to bow her head as she offered her gratitude.

"Thank you, Lord Hiashi. I truly appreciate it. I'll keep working hard to prove I am worthy of trust."

"You resemble your parents, more than you know," said Hiashi, voice no longer rigid.

Confused, Amari raised her head to meet Hiashi's softer gaze.

"Shikaku was right. The best of your family lives on in you. I can see their Wills within you. I am intrigued to see where your path takes you, Amaririsu Yūhi, and I can see why Hinata and Neji look to you for inspiration. You wear your convictions well. The fate of the Uchiha Clan is in the proper hands."

Again the kunoichi bowed her head graciously, caught off guard by the sudden change of tone in their conversation. But she was waiting for the other sandal to drop. Ryu's eye hadn't been spoken of, and she refused to believe he had simply forgotten about it.

"You are kind to say that," she replied. "I meant what I said before. I hope our Clans, and the other Clans of the Leaf, can cooperate more. Not just in rebuilding my Clan; that's not required for us to cooperate."

"In the future, when you are more accustomed to your role as Clan Head and have a greater foundation beneath you, we will discuss this matter more. For now, your focus is required elsewhere." He gestured to her ankle. "Such as recovering fully from this injury.

The kunoichi pursed her lips, nodding slowly. She'd been ignoring the slight ache in it for a while now.

"True."

"Before we conclude this meeting, there is the final matter regarding the Hyūga Clan I wish to speak to you on."

Here it comes.

"I am aware you wield a Byakugan eye beneath that forehead protector," Hiashi stated plainly. "I am also aware of how it came into your possession. Wait." The Hyūga Head raised his hand when she opened her mouth to speak. "What I am uncertain of is how a member of my Clan came to live at an orphanage outside of our Village."

"And you think they would've accepted Ryu or I with open arms? Ryu would've been forced into the Side Branch, subjugated, branded and imprisoned by their ridiculous beliefs! He was left at the orphanage to escape that fate!"

"I saved Ryu from that fate!"

The kunoichi lowered her head. "Ryu…didn't know. I don't know the truth, either. Kasai claimed he was a member of the Side Branch, or would've been forced into it. He said he was left at the orphanage to escape that fate."

"The boy who injured my daughter said this?"

Amari winced at the reminder.

"Yes," she confirmed. "But he was twisting truths when I fought him about my heritage, too. I wouldn't trust his word if my life depended on it."

But I also know that what he said is one of the few conclusions there are, and it's one that actually makes sense.

How else would Ryu escape the notice of the Hyūga? How else would he end up at an orphanage beyond the walls of the Leaf and Hyūga Compound?

How else could they explain the lack of a Curse Seal on his forehead?

The Hyūga Clan was obsessive over protecting the Byakugan. The whole Side Branch and the Curse Seal they were branded with proved they wouldn't have just let someone waltz out of the Leaf with their child and returned without Ryu; they would've investigated it. They would've searched for him.

And no one in the Main Branch would have a reason to secretly ferry Ryu to an orphanage.

It could only be the Side Branch, if Kasai was right. If he wasn't twisting the truth to suit his own twisted purposes.

"There's always a chance a Hyūga member of the Main Branch or Side Branch could have conceived a child while out on a mission without knowing it," she offered. "And then a tragedy caused him to end up at that orphanage."

It wasn't impossible. But…her bias prevented her from believing it.

Were she to mother a child in the Hyūga Clan as a member of the Side Branch, would she force the child to be branded and subjugated? Or would she try to find some way for them to be free?

"Mm. Either conclusion is possible," Hiashi said thoughtfully.

"…Had Kasai destroyed or taken Hinata's eye, I would have given her Ryu's without second thought," she admitted, unsure if she should even say it. Or if he would believe it.

"I know. That is why I will grant you my blessing to continue wielding it."

Amari's head snapped up, onyx eye wide.

"Just as the Uchiha Clan is in proper hands, the Byakugan gifted to you is as well. Hinata made it clear to me how the Byakugan came into your possession, detailing how you have protected it since and the promise you made to our clansmen in his final moments. I trust you'll use it to bring this Kasai boy to justice?"

"O- of course, Lord Hiashi."

"Then we can consider this matter resolved," he said with a resolute nod. "Hinata has placed a great deal of faith and trust in you, Amaririsu. As I told you before, she holds you in the highest regard, second only to Kurenai. See to it that you never betray that faith and trust."

"I won't, Lord Hiashi," she bowed her head.

"Good. Now, allow me to escort you out."

---

A thin layer of dust hung within the courtyard of the Hyūga Compound. The sound of shinobi sandals grinding across the dirt, shifting the earth and kicking up the dust, was chorused by grunts, heaving exhausted breaths and the collision of open palms slapping against flesh.

Despite that, Sasuke wasn't bothered.

Seated on the middle step, the Uchiha watched the spar between Neji and Kimiko from a lounged position, resting his elbows on the step above him. He was impressed by the Hyūga kunoichi, by the grace of her movements and precision strikes. He'd never seen a full display of the Gentle Fist, nor one at Kimiko's level.

Before this moment he'd missed at least three opportunities to see it. First, that time when Kakashi dragged Amari into his strange rivalry with Might Guy, forcing her to fight against Neji, Mimi, Aoko, Lee and Tenten. Second was the Prelims. His match was first on the card, after which he was quickly transported out to handle his Curse Mark. And in the Finals he missed out on Neji's and Naruto's fight.

Seeing it now, even without the use of chakra, he could see why it was respected and feared. The fluidity and power of the fighting style made engaging a Hyūga in close-quarters combat ill-advised.

Frankly, he preferred to fight someone like Rock Lee to the Gentle Fist. He could handle taking a punch or a kick. Disabling his Chakra Network or targeting his internal organs almost seemed dirty.

Against Kimiko, Neji was out of his league. It didn't help the boy that his recent injuries—and recovery—was slowing down his reaction time and mitigating his power. Sasuke sensed the mounting frustration.

He empathized. He and Amari still hadn't been cleared for rigorous training, let alone sparring of any kind. Shizune strictly forbade it. Though neither Uchiha was pleased, they listened, knowing the consequences for disobeying did not only risk delaying their recovery on top of being lectured by the Hokage's assistant, but also included the threat of encountering an infuriated Yoshino Nara again.

None of which Amari or Sasuke wanted. Once was enough for him.

Soon enough, though, they would experience the same annoyances Neji was presently experiencing. Slower reaction times, less strength, quicker fatiguing. It'd be severely annoying.

But that was later. For now, Sasuke was satisfied to sit back, relax and watch. He had nowhere else to be. No other responsibilities to fulfill. Not while he was off-duty, anyway.

So he settled in on the stairs and waited, at ease despite the dust and noise of battle. At ease despite Amari's persistent absence.

Beneath the sounds of battle there was another sound, hidden beyond the ears of the two sparring shinobi. Almost imperceptible even to his ears despite being so close to it.

Directly behind him, nearly silent, was the sound of light footsteps pacing nervously back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth with anxious stubbornness that was admirable, if not utterly pointless.

Shutting his eyes, Sasuke exhaled a short, amused chuckle before rolling his head back to see Hinata twiddling her fingers, anxiousness prevalent on her scarred face. She just kept pacing, failing to notice his gaze.

"You're stressing yourself out for no reason, you know," he said.

Hinata stiffened, nearly tripping on her own feet. She squeaked in surprise. Sasuke raised his eyebrow. Did she forget I was here? The embarrassed flush of her cheeks was answer enough.

Who knew the combination of stress and his silence was all that was necessary to escape the penetrating sight of the Byakugan?

"Oh, Sasuke, I'm sorry," she apologized, fingers resuming their twiddling. Her eyes fell to the wooden floor. "I didn't realize I… Sorry. I've probably been a nuisance."

"Pace or don't, it doesn't bother me." Sasuke shrugged. "I was trying to save you the extra trouble and stress."

"…I wish I could be as calm as you. You don't seem concerned in the slightest."

"I'm not."

"But, with everything…" Hinata clasped her hands together in a tight, anxious bundle. "And they've been gone for some time now. I tried to help. But what if it wasn't enough? What if I made things worse? Or Father refuses to listen to her?"

"If he refuses to listen, Amari will either get louder or resort to bludgeoning your father until he does listen. Actually," he chuckled, "she might just bludgeon him for the hell of it."

"How can you make jokes about that?" asked Hinata, perplexed.

"Because I know there's nothing to worry about."

"How do you know, though? How can you be certain she'll be okay?"

"I trust her," he said simply.

"I do, too… But this is different."

"Maybe," he conceded. "But Amari has a clear vision. She can see the path ahead of her, and what she needs to do to walk it. That's all she ever needs to succeed."

He sat forward, taking the weight off his arms—his shoulder began to ache—to lean forward onto his knees. Kimiko was maintaining a strict defense. Neji was beginning to lose focus again. His strikes were losing what little precision and strength he still possessed in his current state.

"Honestly, it wasn't until recently that I understood how that felt," he admitted. "To see clearer than I ever have before without the fog of vengeance, grief and lies clouding my path. I owe that to Amari. Even Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi-sensei, Kurenai-sensei and Shikamaru in their own ways."

They'd all helped him in some capacity. They stubbornly reached out to him. They stood by his side even when he was cold and distant. Scolded him when he lost sight, or outright threatened him for screwing up. He owed his new and clear vision to them.

Because without them, without Amari's scarred hand clutching onto him and refusing to let go, he'd still be blindly following the lies towards whatever darkness it led him to.

Hinata, to his surprise, finally sat down, settling on the step beside him. Her knee persisted in bouncing. Her fingers fidgeted together. But she was sitting instead of pacing; it was a minor improvement.

"Amaririsu has helped us all in some way," Hinata said softly. "She's always reaching out to us, to everyone in need of help. Even when we don't ask for it. Even when we're blind to the pain or insecurity's we feel, she can see it. And she helps us unbundle it. She guides us, leads us. And with something as simple as a smile or a few words, she gives us hope and inspires us to be better.

"It's one of her special powers, I think."

Sasuke glanced at the kunoichi from the corner of his eye. Her gaze wasn't on the spar, but the ground beneath her bouncing feet.

"But…she doesn't ever ask for our help," Hinata continued, a hint of distress in her quiet voice. "She tries to bear so much on her own. Although Amaririsu reaches out to all of us, at times she acts as an island in a storm. Isolated. Asking us to watch rather than stand by her side through it. It's why…I wanted to help. Even a little. This once I actually had a chance to do something for her instead.

"But my Clan… Because of our traditions, the situation is delicate. I'm worried I didn't do enough. Or worse, I aggravated the situation by standing my ground and pushing the issue when I was questioned why she should be given leniency.

"It's the first time I… The first time I ever raised my voice to my father," Hinata admitted, voice quieter as if speaking it any louder would bring her more shame. "His questions, I understand them. I do. I know as the leader of our Clan he must weigh the risks of all his decisions. Perception is everything, inside and outside of our Compound.

"And though he is working to undo the traditions that have separated our Houses, there are those who oppose it. Those who believe in maintaining the tradition. Even something like an outsider using the Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation is sacrilegious to them. Father said they demanded punishments. It is a secret technique of our Clan, known only by the Clan Head and his heir.

"Why, then, should she be given leniency, he asked me, when she has not only copied a secret technique, but also withheld a…secret that directly involves our Clan. What perception will it create of our Clan to allow an outsider to continue using an incomplete version of the Rotation? It is one matter for Neji to use it. It is another for Amaririsu, an outsider who possesses a secret which an entire House of our Clan have been forced to bear a Curse Seal for, like caged birds.

"Why should she be shown leniency when our own Clansmen have not been given such a gift?" Hinata repeated the question asked to her. "Why should she be given preferential treatment over our own flesh and blood? When she possesses—perhaps has stolen—something which does not belong to her?"

Hinata's fingers curled into her pants.

"But that isn't—" Hinata flinched at her own passionate voice suddenly raising.

Kimiko glanced away from Neji to the girl, briefly. But even then he made no progress through her defenses.

"But," she continued far more subdued, "that isn't what happened. I know she didn't steal it. I understand his questions. His points. But he's wrong. Our traditions are wrong. And it does belong to Amaririsu. It was a gift. A gift which was given to her with the blessing of our Clansmen, on the promise she would use it to not only stop his murderer, but to see a future for him.

"I tried so hard to get him to understand. I was so…frustrated. Amaririsu has done so much for me—for all of us. I wanted to convince Father to see her the way we all do. I wanted him to believe in her, just like I do. And I wanted to return the favor even though she told me I had done enough. Even though she said it was her burden. I wanted…to help."

Hinata clutched her pants tighter. "She already has so much to carry. This felt like something I could do for her. But now… Now I don't know."

"You're not wrong," Sasuke said after a thoughtful pause. "Amari has never been one to ask for help. It isn't her nature. There are some things only Kakashi-sensei and Kurenai-sensei were aware of for a while. Naruto, Sakura and I didn't even notice it, and we're meant to be her teammates. We were so caught up in ourselves, relying on Amari to be our balancing point while never really questioning if she was okay.

"We were fools," Sasuke said with a shake of his head. "Caught up in our egos, in our personal issues and insecurities. But that was before the Sound shinobi. Before she promised to be more honest with what she was feeling, and the three of us swore to one another never to be so blind and foolish again.

"But Amari isn't an isolated island. That isn't to say she isn't twice as stubborn as an old mule. She is, trust me," he added with a chuckle. Hinata exhaled a soft giggle. "But she isn't isolated. I know isolation. It was all I sought in the aftermath of the Massacre.

"Amari has no interest in isolation. She wants nothing to do with it. That's why she always reaches out to us and anyone who needs her. We give her strength, whether we realize it or not. Our Wills and our bonds drive her forward against what seems like impossibility.

"And the same can be said for us." Unconsciously, Sasuke placed his hand over the Curse Mark on his shoulder, hidden beneath his layers of clothing. "When we need strength to keep fighting, to overcome what seems to be impossibility, Amari's Will and strength is always there to drive us forward. She supports us, and we support her."

He looked over to Hinata. "You've proven that."

Hinata fidgeted shyly. "I…I guess so."

"You're strikes are sloppy, Neji. Focus. Breathe," Kimiko chastised calmly, interrupting the conversation and drawing their attention back to the spar. She was evading her body around his strikes with simple footwork.

"Easy to say when you've spent all this time dodging around the courtyard like a coward!" Neji retorted through heavy breaths, jaw visibly tight.

Kimiko gracefully side-stepped another palm. She retreated two steps. Neji chased her.

No, Sasuke corrected himself instantly, eyes observing how the woman's stance had changed in those two steps. That wasn't a retreat. She used those two steps to switch from evasion and defense into offense.

Whether Neji had noticed the change of stance mattered little when his body was already committed to a reckless advance. There was no chance for evasion. No chance for counter against a woman who's skill easily outmatched all the Genin present in the courtyard.

Neji led with his left palm. Kimiko parried the blow away from her body, forcing the offending arm to cross over her opponent's chest, which caused the slightest of twists to Neji's upper body, thus turning him away from her and opening him up for a retaliatory strike with zero risk for a counter.

The kunoichi's leg was next to move. Graceful and precise, she swept the boy's wobbly and weak legs out from beneath him. She was quick to shift again, stepping in and drawing her palm back. Then striking it into his abdomen as he floated in the air.

Neji crashed against the stiff earth, air knocked from his lungs with the harsh landing, a thin veil of dust floating around him. When his vision refocused, he found Kimiko kneeling beside him with her palm pressed against his chest.

The spar was over in an instant. A blink.

"My words weren't meant to provoke," Kimiko lectured without malice. "They were to refocus your efforts. You were weary, sore, aggravated. These emotions in battle will lead only to death, Neji. You must learn to control yourself. I was evading because you continued to attack. Had you paused, slowed down and caught your breath, you may have noticed the opening I was providing you."

Rising, the kunoichi dusted her knee off. "We're finished for today. Rest and think on what I've said."

"Right," Neji conceded in defeated and exhausted voice.

"Lady Hinata," Kimiko turned her attention towards them. Hinata sat up straighter beneath her tranquil lavender gaze. "It's your turn now."

"Yes Ma'am."

Hinata rose, unzipping and stripping off her sweater preemptively; a blue t-shirt and mesh long-sleeve were beneath. She folded up her sweater and laid it to the side of the top step, out of the way.

Before she could enter the courtyard for her training, the steady thump-thump-thump of Amari's cane on the wooden walkway acquired their attention. Sasuke casually looked over his shoulder. Hinata nearly tore a hole through time and space with how quickly she whipped around towards the approaching noise.

Amari, attired in the colors of the sunset sky and lapis, walked side by side with the seemingly always taciturn Hiashi Hyūga. The consistent serious expression reminded Sasuke of his own father, strangely enough.

Nothing was amiss. Not the slightest hint of tension or annoyance revealed itself on his clan-sister's face. And, as he expected, her eyes were still where they were meant to be.

"Amaririsu, Father," Hinata greeted, shocked by their sudden appearance. And likely the lack of any ill fate befalling Amari.

"Lord Hiashi," Sasuke dipped his head in a respectful bow.

"Did you already forget what I said, Hinata?" Amari teased.

"N- No! It's not that! I—"

"Lady Hinata," Kimiko called. "It is time to train."

"Uh, ri- right! Sorry, Kimiko! Um, Amaririsu, I—"

At the stairs, Amari poked her fellow kunoichi in the forehead and smiled.

"It's okay. Go train. We'll see each other later."

"O- okay," Hinata smiled. "Have a safe trip home."

"I will. At least as long as Sasuke doesn't trip me or steal my cane," she said, shooting him a teasing one-eyed glare.

Sasuke snorted, rising to his feet. "Yes. Beware. I am notoriously known for my delinquent behavior and pranks," he drawled dryly.

The two girls shared a giggle.

"Do your best, Hinata."

"I will."

"Sasuke and I will see you both later. It was nice to meet you, Miss Kimiko."

Bidding their farewells, Sasuke and Amari were escorted to the entrance by Lord Hiashi, where one final formal farewell and well wishes were shared between the two Clan Heads. Afterwards, the two Uchiha set off.

It wasn't until they were out of visual sight of the Hyūga Compound that Sasuke asked,

"How'd it go?"

"We're enemies now. Our Clan's will go to war with one another one day."

"Ha. Ha."

"Okay, okay," Amari giggled. "It was nothing that bad. I've been given permission to continue using the Rotation as long as I master it. I was given Lord Hiashi's blessing to wield Ryu's eye. And I made it clear my eyes, and their power, were no one else's to wield except me. Also planted the seeds for future cooperation between our Clans."

"Did you steal some silverware on your way out, too?"

"No," she chuckled. "Lord Hiashi gained what he wanted: information. About me, about my plans, my convictions, about our Clan and its future. He was testing me. In his own way, he was preparing me for what's ahead of us."

His clan-sister exhaled a deep and long sigh.

"I still have a lot to learn, a lot to build. But that meeting went as well as it could. I owe Hinata tremendously for believing and trusting so much in me. I think she really eased Lord Hiashi's concerns."

"We have a lot to learn and build," he corrected.

"Right. Sorry. I don't mean to say it like that," she apologized sincerely.

"It's fine. So, what now, Queen Amari?"

After a short fit of giggles, Amari cleared her throat and took on a serious demeanor.

"First, I will go home and rid myself of these formal garments for far more comfortable clothes. Then I will treat myself to a delicious bowl of victory ice cream. And you will join me. Thus are the orders of your Queen."

"Let it be written. Let it be done," Sasuke said dryly. "Who am I to disobey the Queen of the Uchiha Clan?"

His clan-sister nearly giggled to the point of tears, resulting in a minor delay so she could bend over and clutch her sides in a fit of laughter. Sasuke smirked.

No. She won't be isolated. Of that, no one needs to ever worry.

Because he would stand by her side, always.

---

A/N: Sorry for the delay! Time slipped away from me yesterday. Hope everyone enjoys the newest update!

Review Response to Guest: Thank you! I'm happy to hear that this story has you looking forward to Fridays when new updates occur, though I apologize again for the lack of an update yesterday. I ran out of time and wanted to make sure the quality of the chapter lived up to my expectations. Anyway, I appreciate hearing how much you've enjoyed the growth of the characters and the recent spotlight given to Mei, Zabuza and the Mist shinobi. Hope you enjoy the new chapter!

Thank you for the review!