Chapter XVI – The Inner Storm

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Plans and strategies continued to be made in order to prevent an attack in Konoha.

A month passed and Konoha's shinobis managed to get rid of most of the spies and invaders in the nearby forests, meadows and borders. Nevertheless, the Hidden Village kept the "attention status", increasing the number of sentinels, ANBU and patrollers on its perimeter.

As part of the gathering allies' strategy, Clans' leaders were sent to different Hidden Villages as emissaries. Nara, Aburame, Akimichi and Hyuga Lords traveled the Fire Country and friendly neighbor nations to get reinforcements.

Neji had to divide his time between ANBU, Hyuga regency, the Hokage council and his family. Hinata also had lots of things to do. She had more work at the Hospital than ever; her skills as jounin were frequently requested (since Shino became ANBU and Kiba decided to become a Hunter-nin, Kurenai was her only partner); her children were more than trouble always driving Misa-san to insanity. And as a good wife, she decided to share with Neji the regency responsibilities, taking over when he was away.

But, despite all those menaces, summer came and the shinobis decided to take a day off. The former Team Gai, the (former) rookie 9, Sai and the Hyuga twins decided to enjoy the sun and have a picnic near the river bank.

Naruto, Sasuke, Lee, and Neji were sparring in a clearing. Shikamaru, who pretended to be watching, was sleeping on the grass. Chouji (and his snacks), Shino and Sai were making comments about the fights. Hikaru was paying all attention in the word to the older guys' spar, with his byakugan activated (unlike his sister, he could use the bloodline limit without getting dizzy).

Hinata, Ino and Sakura were sat below a tree, preparing the food and chatting.

Kiba, Akamaru and Tenten were fishing in the river. Hokuto was watching them.

"Hey! Inuzuka! There is a big one near your feet!" – Tenten shouted.

"Where? I can't see it!"

"Don't move! I'm gonna throw a kunai!"

"WHAT? Are you nuts?" – And he moved.

"Idiot! The fish escaped!"

"Here, uncle Kiba! He is here" – Hokuto was close to the river bank, pointing to where she saw the fish.

Suddenly, the little girl lost her balance and was going to fall on the water, but Akamaru bit her kimono, preventing the fall. Unfortunately the dog couldn't save the poor Mr. Sunflower, which fell on the river, being taken by the flow.

Hokuto screamed Mr. Sunflower's name, Kiba tried to catch the doll, Tenten tried to use a harpoon, but Mr. Sunflower's stuffing inflated with the water and the doll dived to the very bottom of the river, still carried by the merciless flow, disappearing forever.

"Sorry, Hokuto-chan. We couldn't save it." – Tenten said picking the little girl from Akamaru's fangs.

"Yeah….Sorry, princess." – Kiba said.

Hokuto was gazing the bad river which took her best friend away, tears formed in her eyes and nothing Kiba or Tenten could say or do stopped the weeping.

"UAWWWWWWW……" – Hokuto cried, still pointing the river.

"There, there. Don't cry. Kunoichis don't cry, baby…" – Tenten said in a sweet voice. But that was useless; Hokuto screamed louder.

Those who already witnessed a young child cry all the sadness in its heart can picture Hokuto's reaction. She was shedding tears, sobbing, screaming and even losing her breathe. It was a gloomy scene.

Kiba and Tenten exchanged worried looks. Akamaru was licking the little girl's foot, in a failed attempt to tickle her.

Hinata heard the cries and got up to see what was wrong, but Neji, the overprotective father, arrived first. After all Hokuto was his Hime-chan.

"What happened here?" – The Hyuga male was menacing than ever.

"Mr. Sunflower fell on the river and we couldn't save it." – Kiba explained the situation.

"Better late than never…" – Neji sighed, but absolutely happy for the loss of that ugly doll.

"NEJI!" – Tenten scolded. He simply raised an eyebrow and shrunk his shoulders.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH…..Daddy!" – The girl stretched her arms in Neji's direction. He picked his little girl from Tenten-'s arms and held her.

"That is Ok, sweetie. Don't worry. That ugly th…I mean Mr. Sunflower is in a better place now."- He said, trying to console his daughter.

"NOOOO! I want it back!" – And she cupped Neji's face with both hands and touched his forehead with hers. – "Please, daddy. I want Mr. Sunflower back…."

"Hime-chan…." – to see the Hyuga Neji's melting heart was really something. Tenten and Kiba were amazed how that little girl could bend that Ice Stone.

Of course, Neji saw the playful smiles on their faces and gave one of his famous murderous glares. Kiba and Tenten giggled.

"Niisan, g-give this t-to her…." – Hinata timidly offered him a pink pacifier.

"Oh, not the damn pacifier, Hinata. It took us a long time to remove this habit from her…" – he said annoyed. Despite her father's negative, Hokuto stretched her arms to catch the pink pacifier from her mom's hands. And ignoring her husband, Hinata handed the item to her daughter. Neji sighed.

Hinata leaned her face on Neji's shoulder so she could be closer to her baby's face. Smiling, she pressed her thumb on Hokuto's temple, pressing a certain tenketsu. And while Hokuto was curling one strand of Neji's hair, her eyelids became heavier, her sobs rare, her body numb, until she relaxed and slept. Hinata gazed at her daughter and then to Neji, who returned a smile.

"Isn't she the cutest thing in the world, niisan?"

"Hai…" – he said smiling and caressing the little girl's hair.

"Sorry to interrupt this adorable family moment, but I think there is an issue that requires your attention, my friend" – Said Lee, with a worried look on his face.

"What's the matter, Lee?" – Tenten asked very interested.

"Annn…..Hikaru-kun….." – Lee was afraid to continue. He knew that Neji was a little harsh with his son's pranks.

"What has he done now?" – Neji asked hissing.

"Niisan….." – Hinata saw the storm cloud taking form over her cousin's head.

"He….challenged Naruto-kun to a fight…..to decide who is the best candidate for Hokage…."

"HE WHAT?" – Neji shouted and handed the sleeping Hokuto to Hinata – "That kid! I told him to avoid problems today……." – and followed by Lee, Tenten and Kiba, he dashed to the clearing where the others were sparring.

Sakura and Ino heard the ruckus and, with Hinata, also ran to the place.

At the clearing, Naruto was facing Hikaru, who had his arms crossed on his chest.

"Hikaru, I don't want to fight you. The next Hokage will be chosen by Granny Tsunade. She can choose anyone! Besides, you are far younger than me…"

"I already know how to use my bloodline limit! I can use Juken! I'll fight you!" – The boy was stubborn.

Sasuke was sat on a rock; the same one Sai was leaned.

"The boy has guts….or he is totally crazy…." – Sasuke said.

"He comes from a strong lineage, thus the guts. But this lineage is known for inbreed for generations, thus the craziness…." – Sai replied. Sasuke tried to reply saying he also came from a lineage used to inbreed, but then he remembered his crazy brother and decided to remain silent.

"Hyuga Hikaru! I demand to know what you are doing!" – Neji coldly asked.

"I told you dad! He is my rival! I will prove that I'm stronger than him!" – Hikaru uncrossed his arms and moved to Juken stance. Naruto looked at Neji, a little concerned.

"H-Hikaru! Y-You are to y-young to f-fight N-Naruto-kun. S-stop this n-now or we a-are g-going h-home!" – That was Hinata's feeble attempt to convince her son. The kid didn't move an inch.

Neji closed his eyes, took a deep breath and said:

"Naruto, I thrust your judgment." – Naruto's mouth dropped, but a second after he returned his friend a smile.

"Neji! No! He can't fight Naruto-kun!" – Hinata was terrified. Sakura and Kiba also protested, but Tenten told them:

"If we forbid this fight, Hikaru-chan will never convince himself of Naruto's abilities. He will challenge him again and again. So better do this now that we are all here to supervise the match."

"So, if you allow, I want to be the referee. " – Lee said. Neji nodded and the Green Beast moved to the center of the clearing, announcing – "Uzumaki Naruto versus Hyuga Hikaru. FIGHT!"

Naruto closed his eyes and cloned himself three times. He and his clones surrounded the boy.

"Byakugan" – hissed Hikaru – "Oh! All have the same amount of chakra! Not fair!"

Naruto's clones grinned and jumped to attack the Hyuga kid. Hinata closed her eyes.

"Watch, Hinata-sama! This might show him that this Hokage dream is madness. He has a role to perform in the Hyuga." – Neji said to Hinata.

"Careful, Hyuga Neji, or you will cage your son too. Hikaru has the right to choose whatever path he wants to follow." – Shino whispered next to Neji.

"………….You are right. No more caged birds in this family." – The young man told, lowering his eyelids, wondering how much he hated the Main Family and how he was acting so similar to them. Hinata is right. I'm always the confused one.

Hikaru dodged all the clones. Proving he was a genius' son, he used his low height to aim the leg tenketsu, cutting the chakra flow and unbalancing the Narutos. The real Naruto felt the attack and retreated, feeling his legs numb. Great! Now I can't run from him. The boy is really something.

Noticing Naruto kneeled; Hikaru ran towards him and applied his Gentle Fist on the man's stomach. Unfortunately, Naruto already knew Gentle Fist well and he had years of practice and experience ahead the little boy: that attack hurt, but not that much.

Hikaru was expecting a scream of pain from his adversary and received a mischievous grin. He was so startled that couldn't avoid the wind based attack Naruto used; throwing him away.

Hinata moved to help her son – the mother and medic inside her were desperate. Neji stretched his arms to retain her. Observing his former teammate sign, Lee announced:

"Winner: Uzumaki Naruto!"

Neji walked to where his son was sat, holding his knees and crying low.

"I hope you learned a lesson from this. You are never ready to fight."

"What do you mean, daddy?" – The boy was trying to hide the tears, cleaning them with his dirty hand.

"It doesn't matter how strong, skilled, smart you are. You can't face adversaries with overconfidence or you are fated to lose. You are young and have a long path to walk, son. Take your time. If you want to be Hokage one day, train hard, prepare yourself. Naruto prepared for this his whole life. Take him as your model, not your rival." – Neji offered a hand to Hikaru, who accepted and embraced his father's knees and cried.

Naruto rested a hand on his friends shoulder.

"So…It seems I don't have to worry about Hyuga anymore, heh?"

Suddenly, an explosion sound came from the village. All shinobi became alert.

Appearing in a puff of smoke, Shiranui Genma ran to where they were.

"Guys, we have problems. The enemy started the showdown from inside the Leaf. Better hurry!"

"From inside! How could they?" – Naruto was startled.

"Actually, they are shinobi just like us, so we couldn't avoid their best spies…." – Shikamaru explained.

"So, you were expecting something like this, Shikamaru?" – Chouji asked.

"Hum….that was the third possibility I thought…..heh….they were clever…." – and those who knew the Shadow Master could see how much he was enjoying that game.

"What do we do, Shikamaru?" – Neji asked.

"Huh? Man, I'm only the tactician. You are the captain!...troublesome…."

Neji threw an intimidating glare at Shikamaru and started to give the orders:

"Genma, send all jounin and chunnin to the battle!"

"You said, boss!" – Genma spoke.

"Ino, go find Iruka-sensei and evacuate all civilians to the Mountains' hideout."

"I'm on my way!" – Ino performed some hand seals and vanished in the air.

"Sai, Shino; ANBU and Root forces must protect the Hokage and the Konoha's borders. It is most likely they will try to open our gates to let others inside."

"Understood" – Shino said without any emotion.

"Fine" – Sai smiled and disappeared after Shino.

"Lee and Tenten, can I count on you as always?"

"My friend, let's show our enemies the power of Konoha's youth!"

"Come on, Neji! No need to ask!" – Tenten smirked.

Neji smiled. He always could count on Lee and Tenten to do the job. As a team, they had the most offensive power of Konoha. As friends, they shared power, eyes, ears, and arms – one for all and all for one!

"Kiba, I want the Hunter nin following all fugitives and hidden enemies. Bring them alive,….if possible."

"Heh! Consider it done!" – Kiba spoke and Akamaru barked in response.

"Chouji, Akimichi are famous for its individual power. Please, ask your clansmen to fight in the front lines."

"It will be an honor!"

"Team 7…..whatever I tell you to do, you are going to do the opposite. So just….do something, Ok."

"Hah! I gonna kick those bastards ass!" – Naruto grinned.

"Not as much as I will, dope." – Sasuke taunted.

"Bastard!"

"Moron!"

"Stop, you two! Let's find Kakashi sensei and do our job!" – Sakura always tried to end that eternal conflict between Naruto and Sasuke.

"Shikamaru, let's go to the Godaime's office…" – Neji turned to leave the place.

"Niisan! What about me?" – Hinata called his attention.

"You are going home! Take the children and protect yourself!"

"I-I'm jounin! I c-can fight! I c-can also h-heal the i-injured!"

"Go home! Remember the agreement with the council? Your father is away and I'm on the frontlines. You are in charge of the Clan."

"B-But…"

"Hinata-sama! I'll not discuss this any further! Now, leave!" – He was angry with her stubbornness.

Kiba was still in the area and said:

"I'll go with you, Hinata-chan." – the Inuzuka man always hated the way Neji imposed his opinions to Hinata. She had changed a lot, gained overconfidence; but Kiba knew how much Neji's opinions could have a bad effect on Hinata. Deep inside, he never accepted that marriage and never trusted that man who once tried to kill his beloved friend.

"No, Kiba-kun. I can do it myself!" – Hinata a resolute expression – "Hikaru, hop on my back. Let's go. Good Luck to you all"

Hinata gathered chakra on her feet and dashed to the Hyuga compound.

"You should give her a change, Hyuga. She is a great fighter…" – Kiba spoke, showing his fangs to Neji.

"I know. But I want to protect her and my children. Besides, it is her chance to prove the council she is worth the title of leader."

"This council shit is meaningless…."

"No, it is not. Hinata has to be the next leader, Inuzuka. She has to, or we are doomed." – And saying that, Neji vanished from the clearing with Shikamaru.

Kiba remained a few minutes there, wondering if he would understand the Hyuga clan one day. Inuzuka and the other clans were so different. It seems that Hyuga was not a clan of individuals, but a living being and its clansmen were its organs. If one fails, all die. Somehow, that dreadful council saw Hinata as a cancer….

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Hinata arrived at the Hyuga State and delivered her children to Misa's care. She ran to the council, calling for a meeting to explain the current situation.

All the councilmen stared the Heiress in front to them.

"So, The Leaf is under attack." – Said Minoru, her grandfather's young brother.

"Too bad. Hiashi-sama is away. The Regent is helping the Hokage…"

"Humgf. The Regent should be here, protecting the Heiress and the Hyuga." – Hideo spoke.

"The Hokage trusts my husband, honorable grandfather. It should be an honor for this clan that one of its children has such reputation in Konoha." – Hinata calmly said, measuring her words, taking care to not stutter.

But inside, she was afraid; that would be her first time facing the council without her father or husband. If those elders could sense her fear, she didn't know.

"What are your orders, my Lady?

"Close the front gates. Send some patrollers to the forest and river areas. Our ANBU, jounin and chunnin must help in the battle. As for the elders, women and children, move them to the Hyuga Library, which is the easiest place to defend." – There, she did it. Now let's wait for the council response…

The councilmen remained silent, staring Hinata. She was restless, biting her lower lip and trying her best to avoid poking her fingers.

"As you wish, my Lady." – And after the council agreement, their spokesman deployed the orders.

Hinata got up even though her legs couldn't stop shaking, sighing in relief. But before she could leave the place, her grandfather spoke:

"Heiress, what will happen if the Leader and the Regent perish in this conflict?"

Hinata's mouth went dry; there was no force in her legs to keep her upright. She kneeled again, and faced Hideo. It was not the death of her father and cousin that scared her, it were the consequences of it. Interrupting her thoughts, Hideo spoke again.

"Are you aware that Hiashi-sama has not nominated his Heir yet? Nor he, neither Neji has taken any measures regarding this matter. Do you know what Hyuga laws says about this?"

She was hyperventilating, tiny sweat drops forming on her forehead. Of course she knew the law: if the Leader dies without naming his successor, the council will name the Leader's first child. If the Leader has no children, his closest relative will be named. If the Leader's child is underage, the council will rule until its full legal age. In that particular circumstance, the council has unlimited power.

Hinata would be 20 in eight months. If the worst happens, she will be in those elders' hands for a long time. Not only her, but her children too; and no one would be able to protect her daughter. Even if she refuses to speak the secret about the twins' birth, the council would still have power to nominate any of her children as Main House member, marking the other and sending it to the Branch House.

All those feelings rushed in her mind in a fraction of seconds. Brainstorming, Hinata tried to find a solution, an answer that satisfies the council and put an end to that painful issue…for the time being. What would Neji say? He is a genius; he would never hesitate in such situation. What would Naruto say? And, suddenly, she gave her best grin and said:

"My beloved grandfather, the council's ignorance regarding this matter doesn't mean the Leader or the Regent didn't take any measures. If my father and consort die in this war, we must ask the Hokage about the succession."

"Child, you know the Hokage has no power in Hyuga succession." – One elder said.

"I do know. But the Hokage is the keeper of Konoha's shinobi last will, their testaments. And I know my father and husband well enough to say that one of them instructed the Hokage about this matter." – She took a deep breath to regain a calm expression.

"Are you sure about this, Hinata-sama?" – Another elder asked.

"Yes. " – She had a confidant expression that none of the councilmen had seen before.

"Very well. This meeting is over." – Hideo announced.

Hinata made a high bet. If there were no such testament, she would be in those councilmen hands. But now, she had to think in more urgent matters. Running to the Library, she found several Main and Branch members already camping among the bookshelves. Women cried, worried about their sons and daughters in the battlefield. Hinata tried to calm them down; inside she knew that feeling, she felt it this afternoon when Hikaru fought Naruto.

Hikaru and Hokuto were sleeping with Misa-san in the fourth floor. Hinata watched her children in their sleep: so peaceful, so cute. She wondered why Neji didn't want another child. She asked him quite a few times about having another baby, but he said twins are enough trouble, thank you. After four years of marriage and a lifetime knowing that man, she knew the real reason: he was afraid to fail in protecting Hokuto from the Main Family; he would never consider having another child while couldn't be sure about his daughter's safety.

Trying to find more space to settle Hyuga people, Hinata opened a door leading to the attic. Several old scrolls were piled there; some as old as the Hyuga itself. She rearranged the space, heaping up them in one wall of the place. Two Brach House ladies helped her cleaning the attic. Hinata wanted to move people there, but elders from Branch said she should use it as her headquarter. Hinata protested, but finally agreed that the attic was the best place to have a full view of Konoha.

Unfortunately, the landscape was not that good. She could see smoke, fire, buildings falling apart. She could hear the screams, and prayed that none were from her friends.

It was almost midnight when the conflict in the village seemed to decrease. Hinata was tired of giving orders to patrollers, settling Main and Branch families in the Library space in a way they wouldn't kill each other.

She dined with her children. Hokuto was clearly scared with the explosions and cried the whole time. Hikaru had a worried expression, always asking about Neji. When they finally slept, she decided to explore those old scrolls in the attic to forget about the war outside. A particular old one caught her attention. It was really ancient, written in blood – or it seems so.

Studying that scroll, Hinata fell asleep.

Hinata woke up with the noise of the attic door opening; a familiar silhouette appeared in the door frame. She raised her head to better focus her eyesight.

"Niisan?" – she asked rubbing her eyes.

He kneeled in from of her, and pressing a hand on her chest he said:

"Don't ask." – he leaned forward, kissing her.

His weight was pressing her against the floor. She returned his kisses, unsure of what they meant. Quickly, he opened her jacket and touched her chest and breasts. With the same speed, he removed her pants and underwear. And before she could protest, both were naked, his hips swinging next to hers. His fingers interlaced with hers and he moved her arms to the top of her head. He was moving fast, without giving her the chance to follow his pace.

"Niisan…." – she tried to start a connection.

"Shhh…." – he whispered.

For Hinata that behavior was not entirely strange. She knew that every time Neji touched her that way meant he was troubled somehow. Hyuga Neji would never ask for a friendly shoulder to cry his fears out. He would never admit he needed help. But, by possessing her, he would find some peace in his mind, because she never complained or made questions. She simply returned love and comprehension.

When finally climaxed, he released her arms, relaxed his body and rested his head on her chest, panting. Hinata wrapped her left arm around his shoulders and with her right hand caressed his long hair. Neji's hands touched her shoulders and he was fidgeting on her on her skin. She felt his eyes close, and warm tears wet her breasts.

"W-Will you tell me w-what happened or I h-have to wait for the m-morning messenger?"

"……………."

"Y-You don't need to t-tell me r-right now…."

"They found the mountain's hideout."

"Hum?"

"We hid all civilians, women, elders and children in the Mountain's Hideout. But some of their spies managed to sneak into and slaughtered several townsfolk…"

"Niisan…."

"Ino, Iruka and some other chunnin were there, but it was a surprise attack and the people got scared, running and screaming…..they couldn't protect everyone. When we arrived there, we managed to save most of the civilians and kill those bastards. But it was too late for many villagers…."

"It is not your fault, Neji. It is a war…."

"There….." – he paused, swallowing his words, feeling their bitter taste – " There were children the same age as ours….all covered in blood….."

"Neji, it is not your fault…."

He lifted his head and stared her face. Neji had a painful expression, his wet eyes with so much sorrow.

"It could have been Hikaru and Hokuto, Hinata. Our children could be there, dead."

"We will protect them, niisan. Both of us." – she was crying too.

"Promise me one thing."

"….?"

"If things get worse, forget about Hyuga, forget about me, and just get away with them. Give up on being a shinobi, go to another country, and get yourself a new name. but stay alive and protect our children."

"I can't do that. I will never runaway again, Neji, I made this promise. I will fight until the end. That is my ninja way!"

"Idiot! The kids' lives are more important than our childish promises!"

"…..Maybe you are right, but I will never forget you nor change my name. I'm Hyuga Hinata, and I'm proud of it!"

"Stubborn woman….Just promise you will protect them…"

"We are both going to protect Hikaru and Hokuto, Neji. Both, alive and together!" – she was cupping his face in her hands, staring directly his eyes, showing a new gained confidence.

"……You are getting more and more like Naruto….It is fine, as long as you don't start talking loud and eating ramen…." – he gave a sad smile. She giggled.

"Niisan, the council keeps asking me about my successor. What should I do?"

"Don't say anything. Your father is returning to Konoha; soon he will take over again the leadership of Hyuga".

"T-That is g-good. I can't lure them any longer. I fear that someday I will end up telling that Hikaru is the first…."

"Shhh!" – He placed his hand over her mouth – "Don't ever say that again. Never. Be careful, especially in this particular moment!"

"S-Sorry…."

"I'm tired. Let me sleep a few hours. Can you wake me up before dawn?"

"Sure. Sleep well, my love."

He rested his head on her chest again. Embraced, they fell asleep.

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Moments later in that same night.

A shadow went down the stairs to the third floor. Waited in front of the closed Librarian's office door. Took a deep breath and knocked, four times- the password.

"Come in" – said a low voice inside.

The figure stepped inside the office. they were using it as their den during the war. Several bottles of sake were piled up on one corner. A young girl from the Branch House was sleeping in fetal position on one side of the room. Her clothes here torn up; she had bruises on her wrists, neck, lips, breasts and inner thighs. Her Caged Bird seal was throbbing from the recent activation; her eyes had tears.

She gazed upon the miserable figure of that young lady, thinking how many times it happened to her. You must endure the pain and humiliation, sister. That is the only way to survive in this family.

"What do you want?" – his voice sounded menacing and lustful.

"I c-confirmed the information, sir."

"So….The boy is the first born…." – he scratched his chin, grinning – "Good. The girl seemed too weak to take over the Hyuga."

"Hideo-sama, what are we going to do?" – another elder asked, while sipping a cup of sake.

"Wait for the right moment. Hyuga Law must not be broken, in any circumstance!"

"A-Another thing, sir…." – the Branch member spoke again.

"What?"

"He is back. Neji-sama is sleeping with Hinata-sama right now. He told her to flee in case the war gets worse...Take the children and leave the Hyuga Clan…."

Hideo made a furious expression and threw his sake bottle on the wall, breaking it and awaking the sleeping girl.

"He is going too far! Weak or not, Hinata is the Heiress. She cannot leave this Clan!"

"I told you, we have to deal with him definitively….."

"We can't do this. He is the Hokage advisor and also a powerful warrior who always bring honor and pride for the Hyuga clan. We cannot dispose of him that simple!"

"Companions, let's focus on the most urgent matter: assure the lineage, by naming the rightful heir. We will deal with Hyuga Neji later."

"What should I do, my Lord?" – she asked.

"Standby and wait for new instructions."

"Right!" – she bowed and turned to leave, but Hideo called her back.

"Misa…..Well done!"

She bowed again and moved to sleep next the children in the fourth floor.