Chapter 2: The Inauguration
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The second time Hanabi Hyuga visited Neji's grave was with Hinata. Her heart, which had healed a little over the last eleven months, hurt again just by standing in front of his grave.
"Thank you for accompanying me, Hanabi-chan. I know that you don't like this place. It means a lot that you're here with me."
Blue tresses, with a hue of purple, moved with the wind. Hinata's hair was an indicator of the passage of time. Her locks flowed behind her at a length that surpassed Hanabi's length.
Hinata filled the vase with a few stems of proteas, Neji had tolerated that flower because of how strange or alien it looked. She returned to her original place, a little far back behind Hanabi.
Her hand reached out to Hanabi, their fingers intertwined.
"We've been here for almost an hour," Hanabi deadpanned.
Although she had exaggerated the passage of time, she had a point. Hinata and Shikamaru's ceremony was scheduled to commence soon. Hoping to kill two birds with one stone, the Hokage asked the Hyuga clan to host the inauguration for the two new clan leaders.
"Father was shocked when you stepped down. You've been preparing your whole life while I," There, in her eyes, was nothing but sorrow.
Hanabi gave her hand a soft squeeze before moving away from Neji's grave.
With everything that has happened, Hanabi felt that it was wrong for her to take over. She never even participated in a war, let alone witness anyone die. If anything, It should be her older sister who should reign, as it is her birth right.
"Not now, Onee-chan, today is your day,"
"It also belongs to Nara-san as well," A brief look at her wrist watch confirmed the reality. "It's unfortunate that we're going to be a little late. Maybe we should run…"
Hanabi eyed Hinata up and down, her sister's kimono looked effortless on her even though it took an entire staff to help her put it on. The fabric was woven from the most expensive material, it was as though their father decided to go all out in terms of flexing their wealth.
"It is unladylike for a leader to be caught in a hurry.," Hanabi recited the words beaten down to her from a young age. The quote earned a genuine smile.
"I doubt the elders would appreciate us using their wisdom this way," Hinata added, a hint of mischief was present in her voice, always when around Hanabi.
"I heard our Hokage is normally late for his own meeting," Nothing in her voice hinted that she was worried about their tardiness.
Hinata hummed in agreement, locking arms with her younger sister. They walked at a slow pace, the sound of wind, nature, and wooden sandals against concrete filled the silence.
A tall ominous figure hurried past them as he headed the same direction.
Hanabi quickly recognized who it was and gave Hinata a little nudge before turning around in time to catch the figure disappearing.
"That was Uchiha-san!" Hanabi whispered in excitement, since there was an Anbu in the shadows assigned to keep them safe. "I've never seen him up close before. Who do you think he was visiting?"
Half of her mind was elsewhere, she wondered if the Uchiha received the invitation which requested that he represent his clan at the inauguration. As if remembering something, Hinata finally answered.
"Don't you remember Hanabi? Itachi Uchiha was burry among the heroes,"
"That day is a blur to me. I tuned out most of the event," Hanabi said with a sigh.
"You shouldn't be doing that."
"How else do you think father and I got through all those boring meetings?"
Hinata didn't particularly like that she called out their own father's mischief.
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Being late to an event meant she had time to study people's body language. Hinata took a peek inside to read the room. Aside from obvious signs of impatience, it didn't escape her notice that the Uchiha was seated next to Naruto and that Kakashi was missing.
"Uchiha-san got here before us," Hinata said, almost surprised that he even showed up at all.
"I know, we're late. But what should we tell everyone?" Hanabi whispered back.
A hand on the shoulder stopped Hanabi from entering. Hinata's turned to their Lord Hokage, not surprised that he found himself in the same situation.
"I'm way more experienced when it comes to storytelling and excuses,"
"I know what you're going to say; we all got lost in the walk of life." Hanabi cut in, unimpressed.
"It sounds way more believable coming from me, so let me handle it," Kakashi opened the door and allowed the heiresses inside, before stepping in.
"Kakashi! You're late!" Naruto yelled from his assigned seat. Shikamaru made eye contact from across the room, urging his friend to tone it down with just one look. Naruto sat back down, with a frown while Sasuke stayed impassive.
"Sometimes we all get lost in the walk of life," Kakashi replied as he entered last.
Two of Konoha's council were present, frowning in disapproval, as they had warned Kakashi against his antics and implored that he be early. Then again their Hokage being fifteen minutes late was better than being missing for two hours.
Shino and Kiba shared a look, while Ino and Choji shook their heads, at least they made it.
They took their seats as practiced, Hinata settled next to Shikamaru as Hanabi and Kakashi settled next to Hiashi. The ceremony resumed when a Hyuga elder coughed.
Hiashi looked away from the ceremony for a moment to hush the whispers of Hanabi, the troublemaker. The glare did nothing to stop her.
"I'm sorry father for it is my fault that we're late. We were visiting Neji-nii-san's grave..." Hanabi bowed as she spoke. She copied her sister's mannerisms hoping it would get her out of trouble. Hiashi merely rolled his eyes, not falling for her disingenuous display.
The two new leaders took vows to do everything they can to maintain the peace between each clan, as the previous leaders did before them. As Shikamaru's eyes trailed to the person next to him, he believed at the time that would be the case.
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After the inauguration was over, Naruto rushed over to congratulate Hinata for being coronated clan leader. Sasuke followed in tow, watching as Naruto straightened his haori before tucking his hands inside the sleeves. Just as they approached her, in mere seconds, Hinata was closed off by Shino and Kiba as they stood in the way, the same way an Anbu guard protects their assignment.
Sasuke was not the only one who was confused by the blockage. Across the meeting assembly room, Shikamaru took note as well Hinata's team effectively pulled her away from having to interact any further with the blond.
Hmm, so Naruto wasn't being dramatic when he said Hyuga-san hates him, Shikamaru thought to himself as his friend Ino and Chouji were taking pictures around them since it was rare for the Hyuga clan to invite anyone in.
Did her team not realize that she was a clan leader? Hinata will have no choice but to eventually have to face Naruto, Shikamaru continued to muse as he vague followed his team after it was announced they'll be celebrating outside.
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Comments flowed back and forth; the weather was on their side.
The attendees were led to an outdoor area where catering tables were set up with drinks and food.
Kiba whistled.
"Yes! Food!"
Choji stood next to him, agreeing with his assessment.
"Let's make a toast to peace," Ino said, picking up a glass of clear wine and holding it up in the air.
Shino kept an eye on his best friend, Kiba. Unbeknownst to everyone, Kiba was deeply affected by Hinata's will to be left alone to mourn Neji's death on her own. It's been almost a year since then, it was refreshing to finally see him so excited, while Hinata seemed more alive.
His attention then turned to Shikamaru, who had been laughing at the time at some Ino said. After the laughter died, the shadow-user proceeded to speak with Ino about relatable clan was not just a clan leader, it was rumored that he would soon become Lord Kakashi's adviser. Also, the guy had become a father figure to Mirai, so Shino couldn't help but admire the guy for taking on so much for someone who used to claim all the time he was lazy.
Shikamaru noticed someone staring, and turned to Shino.
"Congratulations, Nara-san. You've been doing well leading your clan," Shino said to the ex-lazy guy, as he shook his hand.
"Ah, thanks," He wasn't used to recognition.
Shikamaru's brown eyes followed Naruto's movement. After spending so much time with the blond, he couldn't help feeling like he had to look out for him and keep him out of trouble. His friend stood beside Kakashi and Sasuke, while the Hyuga sisters remained by their father's side.
"Hanabi, why don't you go and entertain my team while I stay with father?" Hinata ushered Hanabi towards Kiba.
"Come on, Onee-chan, it's only fun when Akamaru is around," Hanabi complained.
"Please?"
"Fine."
Hinata smiled to herself as she watched the group from afar have fun. Eventually, her attention turned back to Lord Kakashi, he spoke about the economy and the Village's budget. She found that it was hard to concentrate when Naruto, the guy that rejected her a few months ago, was standing across from her.
She glanced up, having noticed the pair of eyes on her. It was the Uchiha, and he regarded her almost expectantly. Hinata didn't think it was her imagination, but for some reason, she had a feeling he wanted to talk.
"Father," Hinata lightly placed a hand on his shoulder as she leaned in. "I'll leave this matter in your capable hands. I find that without looking at the numbers, I can't speak about hypotheticals." Hiashi nodded, his eyes never leaving Kakashi's.
She glanced back at the Uchiha and held his stare long enough to send hidden cues. When she walked away, he waited until she entered the mansion before he followed her.
"Oi, Sasuke!" Naruto was about to follow, but Kakashi grabbed his arm and kept him in place.
"Now, now, this is part of training too, Naruto," Kakashi explained.
The sound of Hiashi's laughter, however brief, made Naruto's cheeks turn a bit red. It's not like he forgot about his training, he just wanted to see what Sasuke was up to since his friend had been a little secretive lately.
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"Hello Uchiha-san," She had led him to her office. There was something empowering about gracefully lowering herself behind a desk, knowing the person sitting across from her might not hold all the power. "It appears you have some business with us."
He didn't say anything about how it was Kakashi's idea that he speaks with her, instead of her father. Their Hokage tended to be a bit of a puppeteer at times, so the advice was welcomed.
Sasuke hesitated for a moment, before settling down across from her. With the only hand he had, he reached the inside of his Yukata and retrieved a scroll. The brief contact between their skin was probably due to his hesitation.
"What's this?" She opened the scroll and scanned its content. "Do you mind if I take a few minutes to read it?" She stood up and paced back and forth, before finally settling back down again. She rolled the scroll back up and frowned.
"U-Uchiha-san, the price of this land, it's really... "
Too cheap. Almost as if he was trying to liquidate it. She couldn't say the words out loud.
"You guys can afford it. I can tell from the way you flaunt your wealth."
"Why not wait for the economy to get better instead, and sell at a higher price?"
"Who knows how long that will take,"
"You're in a hurry."
"Do you normally cross-examine people who make things easy for you?"
"It's the first time I've come across such a deal. I just can't help but wonder why you're in such a rush to get rid of all your property unless you were planning to leave the village..." Hinata theorized as she continued to regard him with curiosity.
Never one to back down, Sasuke held her stare long enough for her to look away.
"Um, where are you planning to move to?" Hinata asked.
Even if he knew where he was going, the details about his personal life should be the least of her concerns. Thus, he remained silent.
"I won't apologize for being curious, given all that Naruto has done just to have you back," Hinata said with a sad smile.
"Watch your words, Hyuga," He was beginning to think she didn't have an ounce of diplomacy. He never had any reason to dislike her before, until she uttered the words he hated hearing the most. Although his life is his own, people always behaved as though his existence was just to please Naruto. The people in Naruto's close circle treated him like he was just an accessory to make the blond eternally happy, almost like a prize.
She sighed. "I'll personally see this deal through,"
He gave a slight nod and rose to his feet.
"Hyuga, this deal stays between us,"
"I suppose we'll keep in contact through Lord Kakashi-sensei."
The feeling was mutual, as he did not want to deal with her personally.
When the door closed, Hinata was left alone. It was only day one, and already her priorities had changed almost overnight. She took a deep breath, and that almost failed because of how restraining her Kimono was. She was tempted to yank the Obi off.
Hinata slid the door, outside her office was a maid waiting with a bottle and glass at ready.
Hinata heard footsteps at a distance. As it got closer, the shadow around her shifted and morphed. She called out to the only person who could be responsible for such manipulation.
"Nara-san...?"
When Shikamaru turned around the corner, his eyes appraised the drink in her hand.
"That can't be healthy for you, Hyuga-san."
Recollecting the fact that Nara is a smoker, Hinata smiled and said nothing of his own habit.
Realizing Hinata was probably too polite to call him out on anything, Shikamaru found it endearing even though she was the leader of one of the most powerful clans.
"Um, what are you doing here? Did you get lost?" She asked him, unsure.
Shikamaru's shoulder gave a slight shrug and pushed himself off the wall and stepped past her, catching a glimpse inside her office from the small opening behind her; finding no one inside. He wasn't going to tell her that Naruto had approached him and requested he finds out what the Uchiha wanted from her.
"What a drag. I was looking for a bathroom," However, for some reason, his mouth wouldn't stop moving. "What did the Uchiha want that could possibly stress you so much on day one?"
"You don't seem to trust him."
"Do you?"
Bringing a finger to her lip, she hinted at her thoughts to be a secret.
"If the well-being of the Village bothers you, you should bring that up at the next clan meeting, Nara-san," Hinata replied, now knowing Sasuke was planning to leave.
Finding that he wasn't going to get anything out of her, he decided to head back. He took a sip of the wine he had confiscated from her hand as he walked. The cogwheels that made most of his mind twist and turn. What could the Uchiha possibly want from Hinata Hyuga? She became the clan leader, so maybe it had something to do with the power that came along with her position.
"Troublesome, that guy is going to be pissed that I came back with no intel." He muttered to himself.
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Edited: 9-24-2021 Grammar.
Edited: 8-30-2022 Grammar!
Edited: 9-6-2022 Added Chapter title