Chapter XIX – Judging Souls
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The Leader walked slowly, studying the entire battle scenario: from Misa's corpse, to the tied councilmen and his father's dead body. He only stopped in front of Neji, staring blankly at the younger Hyuga's eyes. Removing Hokuto from her father's arms, Hiashi placed her again on the marble table and touched her forehead.
Neji exchanged a worried look with Hinata. What is he doing? Undoing the seal or finishing it?
"Father…are you…." – Hinata tried to ask, but Hiashi only whispered: shhhh.
Kurenai came closer and embraced her two students. Tenten placed Natsume in one bench and leaned on Lee, who embraced her. Gai touched Neji's shoulder, and for the first time the Hyuga man didn't flinch, welcoming the warm and safe sensation of his sensei's hands.
They were all tired.
Hiashi removed his hands.
"She will be fine. The seal drawing will disappear in some weeks. Let's go home." – Hiashi said, holding Hokuto in his arms and resting her head on his shoulders.
"Hiashi-sama, about Hideo-sama…." – Neji started to say.
"Not now, Neji. We will discuss this later, with the entire council."
And removing the dead and wounded, all left that ancient shrine which witnessed the biggest change Hyuga clan had in centuries of its existence.
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The battle against Orochimaru was over few hours after Hideo's death. Jiraya and Tsunade were seriously injured, but Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura finished the fight and kicked Orochimaru's ass for good. The Sound Leader and his henchmen were arrested.
Konoha survived the attacks. And six weeks after, the Hidden Village was finishing count the dead, heal the wounded and rebuild what they could.
Life was returning to its normal.
As for the Hyuga, Hiashi decided to hear all people involved in the Hokuto's abduction incident and he would deliberate with the entire council (Main and Branch).
Accused of Hideos's death, Hinata and Neji weren't allowed to leave the Hyuga State. They would spend their time sparring or teaching the children. Hinata divided her free time between the garden and the library, while Neji meditated (when Hikaru allowed him) and trained (more than he usually does). However, the trial was postponed due to Konoha's situation.
Hiashi only allowed the couple leaves the compound in one particular event.
At the small apartment on the commercial district of the Hyuga compound, Hyuga Neji punched furiously the kitchen's table and walked to the corridor. He knocked on the children's room door.
"Come on, lazy bones! I'm going to be late!" – He shouted impatiently.
As he heard no response from the other side, Neji decided to open the door and go inside the room. Both of his children were still under the blankets, sleeping.
He walked to the widow and opened it, letting the sunlight invade the room. The children protested.
"Aww! Daddy! Close this window!" – said Hikaru.
"Please, I'm sooo tired, daddy!" – spoke a sleepy Hokuto.
"I told you to go to bed early yesterday! It is not my fault that you stayed up till late! Now, get up!" – He pulled the blankets from the two beds. Mentally he cursed Hinata for being so condescended with the children.
Normally, Neji would tickle and play with his children until they decide to get up, but today he was in a hurry, so no plays.
"Come on, get dressed and go have your breakfast!"
He left the room and stopped in front of the bathroom door.
"Hinata! What is going on? You died in there?" – Neji was really pissed. It seems like his family decided to delay him today. – "If you drowned on the sink I won't save you! I need to use the bathroom!"
He heard a sound from inside, something between a 'wait' and a grunt. Turning the door knob, he saw his wife kneeled in front of the toilet, with her face a little green. Hinata stared her husband with a worried expression.
"I-I'm l-leaving the b-bathroom, n-niisan, just wa…" – and she turned to the toilet to throw up again.
"What's wrong?" – He asked, slowly.
"N-Nothing….It is the…cheese I a-ate…." – she was tapping her fingers on the porcelain and avoiding eye contact with him.
"Liar. You are not looking at me; you are lying. Don't tell me you forgot to take the pills again…." – he closed his eyes and flipped his hair over the shoulder, activating the lie detector mode.
"I…uh…w-well…in the h-hospital….I t-took o-other medication…." – she was tapping more rhythmically the fingers. That look in his eyes always made her nervous…
"You forgot." – He said, rolling his eyes impatiently. And Hinata bowed her head and whispered:
"I'm s-sorry…."
For a few seconds, an awkward silence reigned between them. And Neji finally spoke:
"So, we need a larger apartment…." – he was considering the monetary and practical aspects of another child in their already confused lives.
"Niisan…." – Hinata was feeling guilty.
"What it will be this time? Triplets?" – He asked, smirking.
Hinata opened her eyes wide and raising her hands, she waved her head in denial.
"NO! NO! Not triplets, please! One! Just one baby!" – She was clearly scared about the possibility of having triplets.
"I hope so too. Are you feeling Ok?" – He said smiling, amused by her reaction.
"I am. I'll be ready soon, niisan!" – She washed her face and stared at the mirror, and noticing something she called him back – "Neji…"
"Hum?"
"…I….I n-need a new b-bird for my necklace……" – she was blushing and smiling.
"I'll buy one as soon as I can!" – He smirked and kissed her lips. - "I'll serve breakfast to the children."
He was leaving the bathroom, when turned again and said:
"About the baby…let's keep it a secret for a while, Ok."
Hinata nodded, even though she didn't understand why the secret.
Few minutes later, with the permission of the Leader and followed by some Hyuga sentinels, Neji, Hinata and the kids walked to the Hokage's office.
In front of the building several Konoha citizens and low rank shinobi were waiting the ceremony.
Today would be the Rokudaime's nomination. And, obviously, the name was Uzumaki Naruto.
Carrying Hokuto and holding Hikaru's hands, Hinata found her way through the crowd, walking to where Kiba, Kurenai and the other jounin were. Kiba smiled at his friend sight. He was thinner than before and a little pale, still recovering from the deadly wounds. Akamaru was by his side, barking. The kids ran when saw the big white dog.
"Hinata-chan! Your Father allowed you to leave the compound!" – Kiba asked.
"Yes, Father made an exception because niisan is part of the Hokage's council; he has to be in the nomination ceremony!"
"What about the trial, Hinata?" – Kurenai asked. All jounin were concerned about that judgment that could end Hinata and Neji's career as shinobi forever.
"Father doesn't say anything. He only announced the date: two weeks from today. I'm so s-scared, sensei…." – and Hinata had all the reasons to be, especially now that she was with child.
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Neji practically flew over the stairs leading to the Hokage's office. He was ten minutes late and that, for Hyuga Neji, was unforgivable!
On the office, Jiraya, Shikamaru, Danzou, Iruka, Tsunade, Shizune, Sakura, Sasuke and a nervous to death Naruto were waiting.
Blushing, Neji entered the room.
"I'm sorry, I'm late…." – he said, avoiding look the others.
"Nah….We are still waiting for Kakashi….." – Shikamaru said without opening his eyes.
"Damn Kakashi sensei is always late! I want to start soon!" – Naruto was biting his nails.
"Yeah! Kakashi sensei has no sense of responsibility! Naruto, I think you should expel him from the council!" – Sakura was more nervous than Naruto; tapping the table surface (her fingers were already marking the wood). Danzou agreed with her.
"What's the rush? We have all the time in the world…." – Jiraya said while pouring another cup of sake.
"Old idiot!" – Tsunade slapped the other Sannin's head – "You are under medication! You can't drink!"
"Look who is talking? This sake bottle is the one I found on your desk!" – Jiraya protested.
"Tsunade-sama!" – Shizune yelled at the lady, who had a "oops" expression on her face.
"Hey. Hey! Calm down…." – Iruka was trying to pacify those crazy people, thinking how those two could be the Legendary Sannin…..
"WHERE IS KAKASHI SENSEI?" – Naruto was shouting, walking through the room, jumping and stretching his arms and legs.
"I'll search for him. I can't stand these noise people." – Sasuke said, getting up.
But it was no longer necessary because Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke, smiling (behind that mask) and waving to the others.
"Yo…."
"YOU ARE LATE!" – Everybody said in unison.
"Uh….I guess I am……." – he said.
"Geez…Let's start the ceremony…"- quickly said Tsunade, avoiding Shizune's furious glare.
All councilmen positioned at the Godaime's sides. Tsunade was wearing the Hokage cloak and hat. Naruto was standing up in front of all those people.
Tsunade sighed and walked towards Naruto, who trembled in nervousness.
"Uzumaki Naruto" – said the Godaime with her thunder voice – "You were chosen to be the next protector of Konoha: the Sixth."
Naruto swallowed, still staring at the woman in front of him.
"Are you aware of the responsibility that the Hokage position will place on your shoulders?"
He nodded.
"Are you aware that the life of every citizen and every shinobi of this village is in your hands?"
He nodded again, sweating.
"That you will carry every victory and every failure forever in you heart?" – Tsunade stepped closer to him.
Naruto could feel Tsunade's breath, so close they were.
"That the responsibility for every soldier killed in battle is yours and only yours; because you are the one guiding their lives?"
Naruto closed his eyes at this last statement, feeling its weight. He opened the eyes again and looked at all people in that room: his friends, his lover, his sensei…..Would he be able to bear the loss of them? Would he be able to put up with the blame?
Tsunade worried as she felt the young man's hesitation.
Naruto was staring at his feet, sad.
Sakura grabbed Sasuke's arm and gave her friend a desperate look. Sasuke waved his head and smirked, whispering: He can do it.
After a breathtaking moment, Naruto raised his head, and smiling to the Hokage he said:
"I know all this. And I promise that when I become Hokage, I'll protect everybody! No enemy shall harm my friends or Konoha's people! Because that is my ninja way!"
Tsunade smiled and removed the hat of her head, placing it on Naruto's head. Proudly she announced:
"May luck lead your way, and under your guidance may Konoha reach prosperity, Rokudaime!"
Naruto slowly touched the hat, as if it could dissolve anytime. But, as his hands traveled the hat, he finally believed that his dream became true. He was the Hokage.
All councilmen applauded and smiled at the childish attitude of the Rokudaime. Sakura and Sasuke hugged each other.
Naruto jumped and embraced Tsunade.
"Thanks Granny! Thanks for believing in me!"
"Hey! Hey! Calm down, Naruto!" – Tsunade was trying to act tough, but her cheeks were covered in tears.
Jiraya stretched his arms and sighed, relieved.
Iruka was really proud of his former student. He was the only person who believed in Naruto's dream all way long. That boy was like the son he didn't have.
Neji exchanged an amused look with Shikamaru:
"This means we will have a lot of problems from now on…."
"Troublesome……But it will be fun, don't you think?"
"Feh…."
Kakashi stared at the Yondaime's picture on the wall. I did it, sensei. The boy is ready to take control of his life, he doesn't need protection anymore. My job is over and so is the promise I made to you…..
"Naruto, you have to greet your people…" – Tsunade said.
Shizune opened the office's door and let in all the clan leaders.
Naruto was restless: kneeled in front of him were Akimichi Choza, Hyuga Hiashi, Inuzuka Tsume, Nara Shikaku, Aburame Shino and other leaders. All those people pledged loyalty to the new Hokage.
But one last person walked inside the room, after the clan leaders: the Kazekage.
Sabaku no Gaara slowly moved to Naruto's direction.
Stopping before the Rokudaime, Gaara lifted his right hand and rehearsed a smile. Naruto smiled back and took the hand the Kazekage was offering.
"I'm glad that the Sand Village has such a noble ally. And I have such a good friend." – said the red haired man.
"Man, the pleasure is all mine. And, Gaara, cut the formality, we are friends, Ok!" – Naruto replied, smirking.
"If you say so…." - Gaara was amused and proud of his friend
"Naruto, you have other people to see…" – Shizune reminded the Hokage again.
They left the office and walked to the large balcony on the Hokage's building.
On the last corridor, all jounin, chunnin and gennin were positioned at its sides, waiting for the new Hokage.
Naruto's smile grew larger when he identified his friends: Kiba with Akamaru, Chouji, Hinata, Lee, Ino and Tenten.
All shinobi saluted:
"Long life to the Rokudaime!"
Naruto could no longer hold the tears. His dream was real. His friends were all there. He was the new Hokage.
Followed by all his friends to the balcony, the Rokudaime waved to the tows folks gathered in front of the building.
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Rokudaime's first weeks were busy; rebuilding Konoha and managing the mission requests with the few shinobi available. But one particular problem was taking Naruto's sleep: the situation inside the Hyuga State.
He tried to interfere in the trial, but Neji said that it was a problem of the Hyuga and he couldn't do anything. The only thing Neji asked the Sixth was to protect their children if the worse happens; but mentally Naruto promised himself that he would interfere if something bad happens. He wanted to change the Hyuga and he would do that!
Since the kids were not told about the judgment, Hikaru and Hokuto would spend the following days in the Inuzuka compound with Kiba.
In the eve of the Hyuga trial, Hinata and Neji were dinning quietly with the children. They were trying their best to remain calm, but she was displaying all sorts of nervous habits in the last days. Neji scolded her a thousand times, but it didn't work.
And right now, she had just broken a dish.
"I I'm s-s-sorry!"
"Kids, go watch TV while I help mom clean this mess…." – Neji said, staring Hinata who was still looking hopelessly at the dish's pieces.
Although the children could feel something was wrong, they didn't ask or argue; they simply obeyed. Besides, tomorrow they would stay at uncle Kiba's house and it would be so much fun that they sat in the old couch making plans.
Back in the kitchen, Neji collected all the broken pieces and finished cleaning the place. Hinata was sat by the table, holding her head, crying low.
"Go to our room. You can't cry here, they may see." – he said in his cold way.
"S-Sorry…." – she cleaned the tears with her wrists – "What do you think w-will happen t-tomorrow, Neji-niisan?"
"I don't know. Your father and the Council already heard the testimonies of all non-Hyuga involved. Lee told me."
"Neji….what are we going to do?" – She was desperate.
"Go to the bedroom. I'll put the 'angels' to sleep" – he walked away from the kitchen.
Hinata heard the protests of her children (they hated to sleep early), and also heard Neji's shouts, then the quickly small steps to the bathroom and to the bedroom, all filled with giggles and laughs (and Neji's scolds). That family's every night ritual….
To think that it could be the last time she would hear this…..
Hinata gave a goodnight kiss on her children and walked to the bedroom. Neji was already there, in his pajama pants, brushing his hair. How could he remain so calm and stoic in such situation? She dressed her large shirt and lay on her side of the bed.
Resting her head on the pillow, Hinata observed his meticulous brushing movements, and how marvelous his hair was. She prayed during her previous pregnancy to the children inherit that hair and thankfully her prayers were listened: both kids had Neji's hair. Hinata caressed her still flat belly and wondered about the baby she was carrying. Suddenly she felt the cold metal of his wedding ring in her hands and saw his hand touching hers, also caressing the belly.
Hinata looked at his face, the same cold and stoic expression. That man was always the same: never showed his emotions. But she knew he had a burning passion inside.
"Don't worry. Everything will be all right." – He said.
"How can I be calm?" – Tears were falling again. – "We killed the former Leader. I killed grandfather Hideo, Neji…."
"He deserved that." – He removed his hands from hers and sat on the bed, staring the wall. Hideo's memories haunted Neji; his anger was not vanquished with the old man's death.
"Niisan?" – She leaned on her elbows to read his face, but couldn't because his hair covered it.
"Hinata, I want you to promise me one thing."
"What?" – She was still trying to read his expression, even now that he was looking at her.
"Tomorrow, during the judgment, I will claim the fault for Hideo's death."
"I was the one who killed him, Neji!" – Hinata was also sat, staring him – "Besides, all the six elders who helped him saw the entire thing!"
"Not really, Lee and Tenten knocked their heads pretty well. I will say that Hideo was already dead when you threw the kunai."
"That is stupid! It is a lie and Father won't buy it! Moreover, we don't know what Shino and the others said in their testimonies!"
"Ok, you have a point. But promise that you will let me tell the story! I will tell our version of the kidnapping. This time, let me do the talking, Hinata!" – And he was making reference to their previous meeting with the council, when the arranged marriage was decided.
"Neji….you can't claim the blame all to yourself! You know what they will do with you! Grandfather was from the Royal Family, and you are from the Branch House. Attempting against his life is high treason punished with death!" – She was crying again.
"I know all this! But you can't be charged too, Hinata!" – He was talking close to her face, cold and hard.
"Neji, they will kill you! If I am to be blamed, they will only put the Seal on me!"
"Hinata, understand. I have to prove your innocence. You can't be punished." – She was waving her head and crying. Neji held her wrists and said – "Listen, you are carrying another child. My child. This is the primary reason to stay uncharged. The second reason is that you have to be named Hiashi's successor! You can't receive the Seal."
"I don't care about this clan's succession! I care about my family: you and the children!" – Hinata was trembling, sobbing. Deep inside she knew what would be his conclusion.
"Woman, we saved Hokuto once. But there are no guarantees that she will remain unmarked. For that, you have to be next Head. Only you can do that! Let me receive the punishment."
"I want you by my side! You promised that you would help me change the Hyuga! You promised!"
"That is what I'm doing! Hinata, after all these years, I finally understood my father's sacrifice. I don't mind losing my life if it is to save you and the kids. I'm sure that it was his thought at that time. If you are considered guilty, you will receive the Cursed Seal and be removed from the Succession Line. You have to be the next Leader. Promise me that!"
Hinata closed her eyes and cried even more. He was right, she had to be next Leader in order to change the Hyuga and protect their children. He tightened the grip in her wrists.
"Promise!" – Neji had the same hard expression of that fateful Chunnin Exam.
"I….I…..I promise….." – And she hugged his neck and cried all the tears she could.
"Everything will be fine. Naruto is the Hokage, he will protect you. He will help you change this clan. You have always been the strongest, Hinata."
Neji held her tight and rested both bodies in the bed, sharing the same pillow. Sleep came from pure exhaustion.
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Kiba came to get the children early in that morning. Before leaving the compound, the Inuzuka man said that he and the other would be in standby, in case they need some help.
Neji and Hinata were leaned in the corridor wall, waiting for the end of Natsume's testimony. Neji's mother left the room and touched her son's shoulder.
"You know what to do, son. Don't forget your pride." – and without looking back, she continued her way trough the corridor.
Following the protocol, Hinata walked first and Neji came after her. Both sat in the middle of the room. Hiashi was right in front of them, at one side were sat the elders from the Main House, and the other the elders from Branch House. There were exactly 54 pairs of white eyes staring the young Hyuga couple.
"I don't need to explain why you are here, do I?" – spoke Hiashi. Both nodded.
"According to the facts and testimonies, Hyuga Hokuto was abducted by Hyuga Hideo and other seven people during the fight with the Sound Village. At this day, Hyuga Hideo, Hyuga Sanae and Hyuga Misa were found dead. Sanae was killed by someone from the Main House, but Hideo and Misa were killed by kunais, one threw by the kunoichi Tenten and the other, supposedly thrown by Hyuga Hinata. Do you confirm this?" – said one elder.
Hinata exchanged a worried look with Neji, and he gave back an imperceptible nod.
"If I may speak, Hiashi-sama and honorable Council, these are the facts, but the reasons for the assassination of Misa-san and Hideo-sama are incorrect."
"Explain yourself." – ordered Hiashi.
Hinata could feel her body tremble; she was fisting and opening her hands to control the nervousness. Neji, on the other hand, was calm and cold, not to mention a bit arrogant.
"Tenten's action was to save Hinata-sama for certain death in Misa-san's hands. I'm sure this information was confirmed by the witnesses." – he paused and analyzed Hiashi's expression. Neji noticed that he had the Leader's full attention and continued – "But Hinata-sama only threw that kunai to end Hideo-sama's suffering. I was the only one with killing intent towards Hideo-sama."
Several Main House councilmen protested; others from Branch defended Neji. Hiashi raised one hand to stop the noise, and then he spoke:
"So you say that Hinata's action was merciful?" – Neji confirmed with his head.
"I don't see mercy in killing your ancestor!" – One elder from Main shouted.
"We saw no mercy when Hideo-sama killed Sanae-san for no apparent reason! But this trial is not even judging this!" – An elder lady from Branch replied.
Another wave of accusations and protests irrupted on that room.
"SILENCE" – Hiashi yelled – "Hyuga Neji, answer again: you wanted to kill Hideo-sama that night?"
"I wanted." – Neji answered without changing his expression. – "Hinata-sama has nothing to do with his death."
Hinata was staring the tatami, fighting the tears and urge to scream in pain and exasperation. But her father's voice called her back from the nightmare world:
"Hyuga Hinata, do you confirm what was just said by your husband?" – She was staring her father open mouthed, eyes wide open and breathing heavily.
Hinata could see Neji's anxious expression from the corner of her eyes. The more she hesitated to answer, angrier Neji became. Her only wish was to run away from that room, from that people, from those white eyes scrutinizing her. Hiashi spoke once again:
"Hinata?"
"I….I…" – Neji whispered something to hurry her up behind his teeth; she had a finger touching her lower lip. Man, she was hesitating too much and all the people in that room were getting restless.
A shadow of doubt appeared in Hiashi's face, and he moved a little to speak something with one of the elders. But before he could say something, Hinata broke the silence with her weak and feeble voice:
"Y-You talk about m-mercy…I w-wonder how merciful g-grandfather was when he k-kidnapped my child to mark her w-with the Caged Bird Seal? How he t-took advantage of t-the situation to l-lure me and b-betray my c-confidence? I may be weak but I'm not a fool." – She took a deep breath. Staring Neji, she saw him close his eyes in absolute fury – "I have followed all the rules and traditions of this Clan. Not only me, but N-Neji too. We accepted t-this arranged m-marriage, accomplished all the t-tasks you imposed us, Father. The only oasis of happiness we had in these four years have been our children. You know why, Father?"
Hiashi swallowed embarrassed and asked:
"Why?"
"Because we finally had a family. A real family with love and trust. Different from the Hyuga, where dreams are crushed and molded according the Clan; where bloodline relatives deceive and hurt each other for personal gain. And what is worse, all in the name of Tradition."
"Nobody here is judging why Hideo-sama kidnapped my child; nobody is questioning Misa-san's betrayal. You are simply trying to find a culprit for Hideo's death. So, not because I want or is the right thing to do, but since I know that there is no other way I shall once more follow the rules and confirm my husband's words: my actions were moved by mercy. I had no killing intentions towards my grandfather. Even though I'm sure he didn't feel the same for me or my daughter."
After saying those words, Hinata embraced herself, and cried low. She didn't care that those elders and her Father would think she is weak; right now she wanted to cry.
And the room fell silent, except for her sobs.
Neji was wondering what effect Hinata's words would have. He was pretty sure that she just screwed up the plan. Damn, Hinata! It was no time for moral speeches.
Hiashi broke the silence:
"I have my decision. Elders, please give me you considerations."
A member from each House delivered Hiashi a piece of paper, which the Leader read.
Closing his eyes and scratching his chin, Hiashi assumed a thoughtful expression.
It was only few minutes, but it seemed an eternity when he finally talked again:
"Hyuga Hinata and Hyuga Neji." – both youngsters stiffened at his calling – "This council and I decided that you are guilty for Hyuga Hideo's death."
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A/N: sorry for the late update, my PC broke down. This is just a filler chapter, preparing for the next (and last) chapter. I liked Narutos's nomination scene. I hope you liked too! Please read and review.