Hey again, pretties! So, I told you this is a story about Hinata's strength that puts her in the spotlight yada yada yada. And this is the second chapter where an odd stranger comes in to the picture. Enjoy the story and i realized I forgot to put a disclaimer in the last chapter. Sorry!
-Iris Serinium
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter Two: The dinner and Takami Hyuuga
"Obaa-chan!" Hinata cried out, hugging her Grandmother.
"My darling, Hinata-sama! You look beautiful, my sweet!" Obaa-chan replied happily, standing back to look at Hinata.
Her granddaughter wore a Kimono with a dark blue background and an ivory dragon pattern. She wore pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet. "I have the perfect thing for you, Hinata. I wore it when I was a little girl." Obaa-chan pulled a small pearl tiara from the pocket of her Kimono and slid it gently into place in Hinata's hair.
Small pearls seemed to be threaded in Hinata's hair, creating the perfect illusion. Obaa-chan smiled at her work when the dinner drum sounded. "Let us go, Hinata! Or else we will be late and not be able to wrestle any of the Veal from Neji!" Obaa-chan teased.
Then two rushed into the Hyuuga dinning room. The servants had decorated it beautifully with cream dragon tapestries and carpets. Cream streamers hung from the ceiling, accentuating the chandelier which had been lit beautifully. A cream table cloth sat under plates of food. And Copper tableware had been sat out. "It looks pretty, does in not Neji?" Obaa-chan said, nudging her grandson.
Neji turned around with a vague and glaring expression that softened when he saw his Grandmother. "Obaa-chan!" He greeted her, hugging her quickly.
Obaa-chan patted his back and laughed happily before sitting down with both grandchildren on side, and young Hanabi sitting next to Hinata. "Welcome to this feast, my family and clan. Though this has been planned for many nights, an unexpected event was put in motion only a few days before this night. My daughter, Hinata, has wavered a battle against me. I must say, we should congratulate her on her bravery, and her hope of winning. Now, let us eat." Hiashi said the prayer but Hinata could feel all eyes on her except for Neji and Obaa-chan.
Hiashi had just ridiculed her silently, not by saying something remotely funny or entertaining, but by the way he worded his small speech. We should congratulate her on her bravery and her hope of winning. Hinata tried to shake it off as dinner began.
Soon, many were merry with drink. Laughing, talking, and enjoying themselves. Obaa-chan turned to her and spoke over the loud noise. "Hinata, there is someone you should meet tonight. Her name is Takami. Takami is your close related cousin. Like Neji, but of higher status."
"Takami? But Obaa-chan, her name means Beautiful warrior, I have never heard of someone like that in our family." Hinata insisted.
"Yes, her name suits her well. After graduating the academy, Takami graduated from many others. Receiving the highest honor under Hokage. She is one of the strongest women of our clan, her skills are great and mysterious. But I believe she will unveil some of these mysteries and train you for your battle." Obaa-chan said, excusing herself quickly.
Hinata watched as the old woman walked into the crowd and return in arm with a girl barely older than Sensei Kuriena. She had long, straight black hair that fell below her waist. Her eyes were the Hyuuga pale white, but smaller and almond-shaped. She was thin and willowy, but had curves that showed through the black Kimono. "Hinata, I want you to meet Takami Hyuuga, your cousin." Obaa-chan said with a smile.
Hinata scrambled to her feet, bowing. "It is a p-please to m-meet you, T-Takami-sama."
"Do not bow to me, Hinata. I am not your superior." Takami said in a soft and sing-song voice, holding her hand out to Hinata.
"Y-yes, Takami-sama." Hinata replied, taking Takami's hand and straightening herself.
"Obaa-chan told me that you have wavered a battle against your father and that you need a trainer." Takami spoke somewhat curiously.
"Y-yes, Obaa-chan is c-correct." Hinata stuttered.
"Hinata, I would be honored to be your trainer. If you will allow me." Takami smiled and Hinata's face lit up.
"T-truly?"
"Yes, truly." Takami nodded.
Hinata's arms wrapped Takami in a hug, the girl suddenly full of joy. "T-thank you, Takami-sama! Y-you will n-not regret it!"