Reminder: This runs concurrently with You Must Believe in Spring. This is set alongside chapters 7 and 8 of that story.

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Bonfire Nights
Chapter Three

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Neji
*The Objection*

Wednesday, March 25th 11:15 AM KST
Konoha, ANBU Base

Neji Hyūga was livid

One minute he was proctoring Sakura's ANBU combat trials, the next the arena was being locked down, and a split second after that, he was displaced to Observation Room 7 with Kakashi and Sai, and the person responsible was standing in his place behind Sakura.

"Uchiha," he seethed, glaring at the man who had yet to be noticed by anyone other than Gaara. Tempted as he was to force his way back into the arena, he knew better than to attempt it as long as the lockdown barrier was in place. He watched the fight with clenched fist and jaw, his keen intellect and sharp eyes following every move. His relief at Uchiha saving Sakura was quickly replaced with ire.

"What is he thinking?" he spat.

"I do not think this was strictly a tactical decision," Sai ventured, following the chaos. "Although you would not have been fast enough to save her as he did, just then."

"I wouldn't have left her side in the first place," Neji snapped. "A lesson you'd thought he would have learned by now."

Sai might have winced, but all conversation stopped. As soon as the summons was gone, and the barrier was lifted, Neji strode to the door.

"Tell him what I said," he flicked a glance to Kakashi before locking eyes with Sai, ice in his glare and words. "Remind him that he isn't needed."

With that, he left the room.

He made it part way to the training arena when he was met with his cousin's teammates.

"Where is Hinata?"

"Master Sarutobi's medic came to get her," Kiba jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "They are going to go help Sakura and Lady Tsunade."

"And Tenten?"

"She must've left the holding area as soon as she knew something was up," Kiba rubbed the back of his neck. "She wasn't in the room with us for the fight. Probably went to Genma or something. We're on our way to help Yamato round up the prisoners – she's supposed to help us."

Neji gave a sharp nod, mentally cursing his teammate as impetuous.

"Then I will head to the infirmary to be there if Hinata needs me. Lee reported to Gai, I take it?"

"Almost immediately," Shino intoned. "Why? That is because,-"

"Ah, Neji – I hoped I'd catch up with you. Sorry to interrupt, Shino," Genma held up a hand, "but I sent Tenten ahead to Ibiki, and I want Neji here to be down there as well to check out some of the mercenaries. You two will be acting as representatives of the Hyūga and Aburame clans, respectively."

Neji could do little more than glower his assent, a fell into step behind Genma.

"So, Genma," Kiba called over Neji's head. "How long would you say that fight was?"

"I'd have to look at the footage for an accurate time. Why?"

"No reason," Kiba shrugged innocently.

Genma turned with a sly grin.

"You have a bet going, don't you?"

Kiba shrugged again.

"I sense Tenten's hand in all of this," Genma reached for his key-card and slipped it into a reader on the wall. "Am I right?"

Kiba's grin was slow and predatory. "You wouldn't be wrong."

"I'll see what I can find out," Genma punched in a code and ushered them into the secured area. "Kotetsu and Izumo will take you back to the others," he motioned to the waiting Chūnin. "I'll catch up with you when I'm done chatting with Ibiki."

The three men nodded and followed after their guides.

"Neji," Kiba bumped his arm and murmured. "What's that place that you guys like? The one with the dumplings?"

"Do you mean Ming's?" Neji frowned, confused by the shift in topic.

"Yeah, that's it," Kiba snapped his fingers. "Ming's! That's Tenten's favorite, isn't it?"

"I suppose," Neji was even more confused. "Why?"

"Because," Kiba grinned. "One of our bets involved dinner."

Their conversation didn't have anywhere else to go, as they were in the detention area. Yūgao was busy signing some papers on a clipboard while another medic stood to the side

Genma nodded to the bodies covered in white sheets.

"Those two didn't make it?"

"One was dead before he got here," Yūgao said, handing the clipboard back to one of Ibiki's Chūnin. "Both were severely injured before arriving."

"Let us know what you find out," Genma said easily. "Any clues could help us bring the rest of Anko's team home."

Yūgao nodded, and she and the other medic left quietly to return to the morgue.

Neji completed his tasks as asked, his eyes seeking out every clock he could find. They were finally brought down to a deep interrogation room, where Tenten stepped out in the hall.

"Ibiki is working," she said grimly. "You don't want to go in there."

"You okay?" Kiba asked with a frown. "You look off balance."

"I'm alright."

Kiba peered at her more closely. "They throw up barriers?"

Neji noticed how Tenten was favoring her arm and did a quick scan with his Byakugan.

"Your chakra looks like you were pulled through a barrier," he said, surprised. "And your chakra flow in your arm is disrupted."

"We had someone get a little rowdy, that's all," she shook her head and took a half-step back, leaving Neji to lower his hand and wonder why she would reject his help before he even offered it.

"Well, the good news is I owe you dinner," Kiba offered. "Bet you could use a drink after today. Ming's?" Kiba raised his eyebrows.

Tenten's grin was slow. "That could work."

Genma appeared down the hall and signaled for Tenten to join him and she lifted one hand in acknowledgement.

"Duty calls." She turned to Neji. "I'll turn my half of the report in to Genma. Make sure you touch base with Yamato." Neji gave a single nod, and she turned to the other two. "Nice job today, Shino," she said much to his surprise. "I'll be tapping you for modifications to that equipment to make that stunt harder to pull."

"I shall help where I can."

Tenten sized up Kiba. "Meet you at Ming's?"

"Six-thirty?"

"If we get out of here?" she shrugged. "Sure."

"Six-thirty it is."

Tenten gave a final smile and strode down the hall to Genma, disappearing around the corner.

Neji frowned before turning on Kiba. "Why did you ask about a barrier?"

"The barriers down here leave a faint scent when crossed; it helps us to track people if we need to."

"But why would she have had to cross a barrier down here?"

"If one of Ibiki's guests got rowdy like she said, they have defensive shields they can throw up and pull one of ours through. Or one of us can cross into it to get someone or something out. Sometimes there are barriers around people being interrogated by Ibiki. If it happened fast and she had to help subdue someone, one of ours might've put up a mini containment barrier; she'd have to cross it to get out."

Neji nodded absently, deciding that it made sense. Yamato appeared moments later to speak with them, and he replied automatically, even as the sense of something not being right tugged at his subconscious. Whether it was the barrier or Tenten meeting Kiba at Ming's, he could not say.

The feeling followed him as he outlined his notes for his morning meeting with his Uncle and Genma. His team and Hinata's would be serving as extra security for both of Hanabi's parties, and he wanted to touch base with them all about the dinner on Friday.

His phone buzzed next to him.

'Eternal Rival! I cannot reach Tenten. Are you both alright?'

Neji considered the question. Tenten had, as Kiba observed, seemed 'off,' but she was unconcerned. She had left with Genma, and if she wasn't replying to Lee, she must be busy. If Neji mentioned his concerns, he might worrying Lee unnecessarily, which would irritate her to the nth degree.

With a sigh, he tapped out:

'We are both fine.'

He hadn't even put his phone down before the reply came.

'Excellent! I was inspired by the find display of youth today; shall we train tomorrow morning?'

Neji smiled to himself.

'I will be there.'

Neji waited until his phone buzzed at least five more times before reading all of Lee's responses: one affirmative and multiple declarations of youth.

"At least one of my teammates is predictable," he thought, shaking his head.

His phone buzzed one more time.

'Tell me you didn't agree we would all train with an overly enthusiastic Lee tomorrow morning.'

It was Tenten.

'Why?' He smirked. 'Planning on a late night?'

'No - I was planning on not engaging Lee for at least 24 hours. Do you remember the last time he was this excited?'

Neji paused. The last time they'd trained with Lee when he was this inspired...

'You're remembering right now, aren't you. Lucky for you I suggested he and Gai do one of their ridiculous celebrations - I am betting 500 laps around city proper on their hands. You're welcome.'

'Fair enough. Coffee is on me tomorrow.'

She sent back a 'thumbs up,' and he tucked the phone away. "Guess neither of us can afford a long night," he sighed, eyeing his paperwork. He returned to work, ignoring the fraction of his being that was lighter knowing Tenten would never make the mistake of staying out too late before dealing with an overenthusiastic Lee.

Konohamaru
*The VIP*

12:27 PM KST
Konoha, ANBU Base

Konohamaru started the morning excited to see some quality exercises in the training arena. Granted, a large part of that excitement came from knowing Uchiha was going to have to watch his ex be insanely awesome. Dr. Haruno did not disappoint, but even in his wildest dreams, Konohamaru wouldn't have pictured her being the Kazekage's teammate.

Once the arena was released from lockdown, everyone mobilized. He hadn't been directly called into action, so he sent a text to Genma and Tenten.

"Guessing Security Meeting is postponed?"

It was Genma that finally messaged back.

"Go ahead to the meeting room and relieve the current agent. Wait for further instruction."

"Relieve current agent?" he mumbled to himself as he tucked his phone away. "What's that supposed to mean?"

It all fell into place when he arrived to find Master Sarutobi sitting placidly and reviewing a file.

"Ah," he looked up with amusement. "Here you are."

"Hey, Gramps," he looked around the room. "Where's Yori?"

"Escorting Lady Huyga back to the infirmary."

"I'm surprised Ebisu isn't here looming over you like a hawk."

"I am not quite as feeble as everyone appears to think," his eyes twinkled merrily. "I managed to relocate undetected. And since there isn't much for us to do until Genma arrives," he pulled out a pipe and set it to the side. "We might as well catch up."

"Well there's one good thing," Konohamaru moved to the side table. "Genma always manages to have food for meetings."

"Yes. The rumor was that he won a bet with someone in catering."

"He has a way of doing that," Konohamaru chuckled. "Winning bets, I mean."

"Genma is excellent at weighing odds and outcomes against one another. He says that being in security so long means he knows people."

"Guess that makes sense," he pulled out a chair and sat next to his Grandfather and put a plate of food between them. "So what did you do to get pulled into this assignment?"

"You mean other than being one of the longest serving members of the ASF and ANBU?" He quirked an eyebrow.

"Yeah. Other than that."

"I am one of the few people who is familiar enough with both the Uchiha and Huyga to be of help – especially when discussing how their dōjutsu can be targeted and protected."

"I remember Lady Hyūga coming to visit you when I was little," Konohamaru plucked out a couple of grapes. "I was usually sent to the other end of the compound, but I remember."

"Yes, she would visit," Master Sarutobi sighed wistfully. "She was a kind woman and a good friend – to both your Grandmother and me. Hinata – the current Lady Hyūga often accompanied her. When she took over as Clan Mother, she made a point to bring me the teas and tobaccos that her mother used to bring."

"Wow," Konohamaru breathed. "So you know Lady Hinata pretty well?"

"I do."

"What about Hanabi?"

"Hanabi," the corners of his mouth tipped with the same mischief that had helped his Grandson make quite a name for himself as a child. "I wondered when that would come up. I've been told you are my 'plus one' for the Hyūga events. Shall I bring my cane and lean on it heavily to help you keep your cover?"

"Only if you use it to trip Ebisu like you did at that dinner two years ago."

"That was purely an accident," he reached for his tea. "However, I should probably fill you in on a few key players of the Hyūga Family – especially Elder Hyūga."

Konohamaru wince. "I might have heard a few things about him."

"I can imagine," he said dryly. "Elder Hyūga doesn't often bother himself with the youth of Konoha – and by that he means anyone younger than his son Hiashi, or not one of his three grandchildren. As my grandson you might pass relatively unnoticed."

"And that is…. good?"

"That is less work for you and everyone trying to maintain your cover. But it will require strategy."

Konohamaru sighed heavily.

"I'm going to have to behave, aren't I?"

His Grandfather's eyes twinkled.

"Only within reason."

"So… if I can sneak you extra dessert without Yori or Lady Tsunade knowing, you'll trip Ebisu and maybe help cover for me."

"Now you are asking the important questions," His grandfather's grin was a mirror for his own. "Let's talk 'Hyūga.'"

Tenten
*The Dinner*

6:47 pm KST
Konoha, Ming Flower Restaurant

"How's the lo mein?" Kiba asked, nodding to Tenten's dinner.

"Great. How is your beef?"

"Really good. I can see why you like this place."

"Best food in Konoha," she grinned. "Want a sesame dumpling? They are my absolute favorite."

Kiba reached out and took a dumpling with his chopsticks and then popped the whole thing into his mouth.

"Vif if rerry gud," he said. At her look of confusion, he hurriedly swallowed his mouthful and tried again. "Sorry. Manners. That was 'This is really good.'"

Tenten pushed her plate toward him. "Have another; I always order extra."

Akamaru crossed to Tenten's side of the table and sat expectantly. Tenten hesitated and looked to Kiba, but at his nod, she was quick put two dumplings on a plate. "There you go, big guy," she smiled, placing the treats in front of Akamaru with a fond pat to his head. He leaned into her before daintily nibbling on the first dumpling. She looked up to Kiba with a big smile. "I know we aren't supposed to spoil your dogs, but Akamaru is pretty amazing."

Akamaru looked up at her and thumped his tail on the floor happily.

"Looks like the feeling is mutual," Kiba reached for his drink. "Akamaru always was a great judge of character."

"Thanks," she said easily. "You aren't so bad yourself."

"Can't say much for my luck betting against you, though," he leaned back in his seat. "How am I going to redeem myself? Perhaps another bet?"

"What did you have in mind?"

After a long pull on his beer, he offered "Pool."

Tenten quirked an eyebrow. "Pool?"

"Yeah," Kiba's smile was sly. "Not tonight - you have training the morning. But beat me at pool tomorrow night, and I'll pay for dinner."

"And if you win?"

"Then you pay for dinner."

"Interesting," she mused. "Why pool?"

"Because I feel like someone paying for my dinner tomorrow night."

"You seem pretty sure of yourself."

"I am," he shrugged. "That place down from Ichiraku's sound good? Say about Six?"

Tenten considered him for a moment before shrugging. "Why not?"

"So, it's a deal?"

"Yeah," she stuck out her hand. "It's a deal."

Kiba shook her hand. "Guess I should say sorry in advance. I hope you won't hate me in the morning."

"I'll take my chances, Inuzuka," she said dryly.

Silently they were both already congratulating themselves on the game's inevitable outcome.

Hanabi
*The Sisters*

11:24 PM KST
Konoha, Huyga compound

Once Hanabi was sure everyone in the Hyūga household was asleep, she slipped out of the main building and took the well-worn path to the family garden.

She needed to talk.

The footpath was brilliant white in the stark moonlight – courtesy of a rare break from the cloud cover that had been draping the Konoha skies. She moved silent as a shadow to her Mother's memorial, tucked into what had been her favorite part of the garden. As she stepped out of her winter boots and into the warmth, (the heated floor most welcome on her heavily socked feet), she mentally thanked her sister for insisting the memorial be designed as an all-weather space.

She approached the family shrine and lit the incense before placing the night blossom she'd plucked on her way.

"Hello, Mother," she smiled wistfully. "I've missed you."

Quietly she knelt on the tatami mats and told her mother about her last few days, and her introduction to Konohamaru, and Hinata's adventures as she knew them to be.

"She came home tonight very tired," Hanabi confided. "I barely saw her before she retired to her room, and I have so many things I want to ask her," she trailed off, recognizing her sister's approaching chakra. "…and here she is."

Hinata offered Hanabi a small, tired smile.

"I thought you might be here," she touched her shoulder before paying her respects to her Mother, laying another bloom next to Hanabi's.

Hanabi waited for her sister to offer her prayers, hiding her frown at her obvious fatigue.

"Long day?" Hanabi asked.

"You could say that," Hinata chuckled. "You?"

"I was having my second to last bratty-chat with Mother. I promised myself I'd leave them behind once I turned of-age. Just the complaining part," she was quick to add. "I'll still come talk to Mother."

Hinata hummed her agreement and wound her fingers into Hanabi's.

"I am glad that you speak with Mother," she said quietly. "But I hope that you will come speak to me as well."

"Of course I will," Hanabi leaned her head on Hinata's shoulder. "Who else would I go to…" she trailed off.

Hinata squeezed her fingers, encouraging her to continue.

"It's just…" she took in a deep breath. "I have people that love me – and you and Neji are everything to me, and I love Kurenai and Kō and Father, but… I don't really have friends."

"It's hard, isn't it?" Hinata asked gently. "Stepping outside of all that we are called to do to get to know people as just us."

"Yeah," Hanabi breathed her relief, glad she detected no hurt in her sister's tone. "With as much security that is always around, it is hard to just get to know someone. And Father met with Genma recently, so I am betting that means something is up."

"We do have the Clan events coming up," Hinata offered.

"What are the chances we can cancel the big dinner and just go get pizza?"

Hinata laughed.

"I can try – but I think Grandfather might be an obstacle."

"And he can see through clones," Hanabi groaned, "so no help there. And he does that pinch," she rubbed her arm where the phantom pain of pinches past still lingered. "You know – the one where he dispels a clone and you feel it for days?!"

"Yes," Hinata agreed ruefully, rubbing her own arm. "He has that technique down to an art."

"Guess we'd better just go through with everything as planned," Hanabi sighed.

"Next week," Hinata smoothed Hanabi's hair. "We'll go get pizza or whatever you want. You and me – or whomever you wish to invite."

Hanabi hugged her sister, and something else skittered across her mind.

"Speaking of invitations," she ventured, "I saw the list. I think Father is up to his matchmaking ploys again."

"Probably," Hinata shrugged. "But he can't do anything without my approval – so we are both safe."

"When did you stop liking Naruto?"

Hinata blinked, confused.

"I don't dislike Naruto."

Hanabi stared at her. "But didn't you used to really like him?" she persisted.

"Oh," Hinata's smile was wry. "That kind of like. Yes, a long time ago," she admitted. "But he never really noticed."

Hanabi kept staring at her. "Was he dead at the time?"

Hinata should have blushed, but she surprised her sister by laughing out loud. Well. It was Hinata, so laughing out quiet. "It was a long time ago, " she smiled. "I think I'm relieved he didn't. It makes life less awkward."

"And what about now?" Hanabi asked, taking her sister's hand and meeting her gaze seriously. "Is there anyone that would make your heart happy?"

Hinata put her hand over her sister's. "Now I am focused on the people that I will always love, and my work. Sixteen was such a long time ago, Hanabi," she squeezed her hand. "But there is something that will never change."

Hanabi looked to her expectantly.

"I will always be here for you," Hinata leaned her forehead against her sister's. "And not because you are The Heir and I am Clan Mother and there is Duty; I'll always be here because you are my sister and I love you. I am so proud of you and everything you are. You are smart and clever – and they are not the same thing – and strong and beautiful," she smoothed a piece of hair from her sister's face. "Mother would be proud."

The sisters hugged tightly and Hanabi pretended that the moisture beaded on her lashes was melted snow.

Hinata tucked her sister into her side, and they were quiet a moment before Hanabi cleared her throat and ventured:

"I might… It's too early to tell, but…I might have one friend."

Hinata smiled into her hair.

"Tell me about them."

And so, she did.

The next morning would come far too early, but neither seemed to mind. Some things were just more important than others – and both Hinata and Hanabi considered her sister (and her brother) to be above anything or anyone else.

I love the Hyūga sisters.

This is a continuation of YMBiS, and returning readers will recognize some of the material from the original story, especially in the upcoming chapters. Unlike the other side arcs, this will run concurrently with the main story for a longer period of time... mostly because I love Konohamaru and his friends. Especially Inari. Special thanks to Aurora Lynne for re-sparking that KonoHana interest, and for sticking with my crazy stories!

With so many thanks, friends

-Giada