Chapter two: adjustment

The night is cold, as if mocking me. Reminding me of the cold hearted person that left me in this strange situation.

I look out the closed window at the crescent Moon, letting out a sigh of aggravation and relief. I pull up the blanket to tuck under my chin, before closing my eyes. My mind is not at ease, it is jumbled with the thoughts of what Tsunade has told me earlier this evening. If it I wasn't bad enough that I had to reveal my sexual history, in front of my uncle, I find out that by some strange turn of events I am with child. My fist tightens in the silky fabric of the bed cover, and I let anger wash over me for a long minute. I feel stupid, and immature for letting this happen, for letting him take advantage of me. The way Hiashi looked at me when I revealed, indeed I had been sexually active, was harsh and I saw the little respect I had gained fade away in his blank uncaring eyes.

I let out a small grown of frustration, turning over violently in my futon as I think back to earlier this evening. Though I can't blame Hiashi for being disappointed, I've gotten myself into a mess; I've let myself become a tool in a vague plot. But, in the end a tool is all I'll ever be. Even if Hiashi had started seeing me as an independent person held slightly higher then normal second branch members, I have now gone back to being simply a servant. I can't help but wonder what my father would think…

It seems that I'm already very good and serving other people's needs. I open my eyes the anger and aggravation of the situation keeping me from finding any sort of rest. I won't' be sleeping tonight, I don't' see how I possibly could. I run my hand over my flat stomach, feeling a faint flow of energy just affirming all the speculations, and not letting me convince myself this is just some sort of mistake, or humiliating dream. If only it where, if only I could fall asleep and wake up tomorrow in the hospital and this all just be some strange dream conjured up by my fight with one Orchimaru's pawns.

At that thought a new anger fills me, and I think about him and how we all fought to get him back. It had hurt, and he didn't' seem to care how many people he was leaving behind to mourn his betrayal. I had taken it slightly personal, though I knew he wasn't satisfied with his situation in Konoha, I had never thought he would leave so abruptly after…after we…

I let out a long sight and turn onto my back to look at the ceiling, trying to cleanse my thoughts and get rid of all these powerful emotions. There no need to get angry, or let this anger over power me, there isn't' much I can do about any of that now. All I can do is clear my head and see where I go from here. After Tsunade left the household became still for the most part. Hinabi's eyes had brightened and a large smile came across her face, and quickly had asked if this meant we were going to have a baby coming soon. No one answered her, and when she saw everyone else's blank faces she followed suit.

Hinata seems a little worried but stunned none the less, though before I retired to bed she gave me a shy smile and mumble 'goodnight' as she usually does. I am surprised that Hiashi's reaction was only a cold shoulder and harsh glares, I am grateful he didn't kick me out of the estate. However, I'm sure he still finds me useful in being possible sacrifices for his daughters should a bad situation ever arrive. Again I scold myself, and repeat my status in the family again in my mind. A second branch pawn.

My eyes become heavy but my mind is still filled with so many thoughts and loathing emotions. I don't pity myself…I'm just disappointed in myself…How could I have let this happen?

I dictate our plan to my fellow team members, and we all agree to split up. The forest is thick, and it makes it hard to spot any other teams. However with my Byakugan I look around to see if I can find someone with the scroll my team and I need. I land in a clearing and three people hurriedly hid behind I bush, however it's too late. I deactivate my bloodline limit, and tell them to come out, informing them that I already know that they are there. A few minutes of silence before the revel themselves. I scan them over quickly the girl of the teams is talking about something as she lets her hair fall down. They don't have the scroll I need so I brush them off. The girl seems insulted by this and I egg her on, mainly to shut her up before leaving them complete, no need wasting my time.

I soon meet up with Tenten at our designated meeting place exactly on time, though Lee is no were to be found.

"It's not like him to be late," I mutter out.

"Maybe he ran into the enemy?" She suggests.

"I doubt it," and with that we take off to find our teammate.

…..

It's only when I locate Lee that I find you again. The strong chakra flowing off you in wave, demanding respect. It was dark and unsettling, but very interesting none the les. I couldn't keep my eyes off of you. You attacked with such hate and power, that if I had had less control over my body I would have flinched.

You teammate stopped you from taking it too far, and only then did I snap out of the trance you put me in. I was excited and impressed; you would make a good opponent. I felt he chakra fade away and a shiver went up my spine. I could still feel the strength of the Chakra but somehow it was subdued, however from that they on I could always tell you chakra signature apart from anyone else…

A warm and comforting wave ran through my body, stirring me from my sleep. Once my mind became less fuzzy I shot up and looked around my room expecting to find someone in it, however it was empty.

I shake my head. I must be on edge since I didn't exactly have a restful sleep. The shake the last remnants of dreamy memory from my head and get out of bed. I walk toward the window to open the curtains, only to have them fly in my face when I reach for them, the morning greeting me with a cool breeze. I push the curtains aside and with slight confusion close the window.

I don't remember having opened it during the night.

I didn't have a long time to contemplate this as a sick feeling swam into my stomach and throat. I soon hurried out of my room and into the small full bath across the hall. I make it just in time and I start to heave, and empty my stomach. My shoulders shutter and my hair already mused from sleep falls messily into my face. A gasp and catch my breath only to be assaulted by another wave of nausea, and start coughing. My hair is pulled out of my face and I don't even bother to look over my shoulder as I empty my stomach for a second time. A hand softly runs through my hair pulling back even more loose strands and I calm down a little from my sickness.

"How did you sleep?' Hinata's soft voice questions and I feel her putting a hair tie into my tresses. I let her put my hair into a ponytail, and just focus on trying to keep the rest of my stomach content down. I don't answer her, the taste of bail still fresh in my mouth.

After a few moments, I get up and go to the sink to brush my teeth. Hinata stand behind me with a soft and pitying smile on her face. She pulls her hands up to her chest and lets out a small sigh.

"I'm sorry about yesterday."

"It's not your fault," I mutter out groggily.

"I know…but it was a surprise for all of us. I don't know how dad feels about it, I'm sure he won't abandon you Neji." I continue to brush my teeth trying not to think back to the emotions that took me over last night, and just trying to be calm and relax.

"I'll go start some breakfast," Hinata whispers out more to herself then to inform me.

"So who is that father?" Hinabi breaks the silence at the breakfast table. I look up at her for a brief moment before glancing at Hiashi.

"Don't ask such personal questions," my uncle mutters nonchalantly eating the rest of his food. He's been quiet and hasn't said anything to me; I think it's a good sign, so I'm not very worried about it. Hinabi pouts and pokes her food with her chopsticks, very upset that no one is answering any of her questions concerning my pregnancy.

Hinata clears the table, as Hinabi runs off to practice some more in the dojo per Hiashi's request. However, he doesn't get up to follow his youngest daughter to supervise her; instead his eyes are on me. I hold his gaze with determination, and stay seated to see if there is something he wishes to say to me.

Instead he only turns his head towards his oldest daughter, and Hinata shrinks a little receiving a silent message sent to her by Hiashi. I soon find myself alone with my stern faces uncle.

"Neji,' he speaks softly and a hand reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "We had come far; the rip between the family seemed to slowly be mending. Your resentment towards me and the first branch was practically gone." I look at him suspiciously wondering where this conversation was leading. Even though Hiashi held respect for my ability, and was never under the delusion that he didn't see me as a second branch member. Long time traditions cannot simply be forgot, and there are no exceptions to the rule, no matter how skill I might be. I, over time, have come to terms with this, and my relationship with Hinata had strengthened and I see her as my responsibility. My responsibility is to Konoha, and I have the same opportunity as any other shinobi in this village, even if I am only a second branch member to the Hyuuga clan.

"I am disappointed in you, but I'm sure I already made that clear to you last night." Hiashi goes on with a business tone.

"However, this isn't the first time this has happened to a second branch member."

"Excuse me?" I question, the statement caught my interest to say the least.

"I'm not condoning you being sexual active at this young age. And…" he pauses bringing his hand to fold in front of him. "I'm surprise….that you….at your sexual preference. I wasn't expecting that." I feel a little awkward with this conversation.

"However, you are my nephew, and taking care of you is my responsibility. I owe your father that much. Besides Hinata needs you." I nod, not surprised that my uncle is bringing the rather emotional sentiment back to the hierarchical structure of our clan.

"But back to the main topic. I've gone back into the archives of our clan…it is not usually seen as appropriate to let a second branch member know about any of the knowledge kept within the First branch. Not even the workings of the Byakugan, that the second house protects, are reveals to them." Hiashi says and pulls out a scroll rather hesitantly.

"However I do believe that you have a right to know about this…short period of time within the Hyuga clan history." He unrolls the scroll and I see ancient text around a large elaborate picture of the human chakra channels. There were arrows and notes pointing to the reproductive system of the obviously male figure.

"There was once a shortage of women in our clan, it was so severe that our clan's population was cut in half. This jutsu was developed in order to save our clan from extinction, while keeping the bloodline pure. Of course a second branch member was subjected to it, as a test subject. This Justus," Hiashi's finger traces over the arrow pointing at the lower chakra. "It manipulates the lower chakra and energy surrounding the sexual reproductive system. The energy is diverted to create a womb near the prostate; the result of this Justus is the possibility to bear a child. However, the price is impudence."

I look up at Hiashi, taking in the information.

"The first time this jutsu was performed, the male dies after giving birth." Hiashi looks at me to see a reaction, but I keep my emotions in check. "The second attempt was completely successful, but the results were not constant. Soon only the strongest second branch males were subjected to the jutsu. I…don't believe you have anything to worry about, however there is a personal question I need to ask."

I nod.

"Who is the father? Is he one of our clan members?"

I swallow, not wanting to speak the name. I feel a bitter taste in the back of my throat and glare at the floor. "It was…the Uchiha boy.' I mutter out trying to hide my anger.

There is a long silence, and Hiashi rolls up the scroll again. "How could he have knowledge of this jutsu? It was buried in the Hyuga library as a forbidden jutsu."

"He's a very clever person, he may have gotten the scroll somehow but I have no real idea." I'm not his keeper after all; I don't know everything that's going on in his mind. Actually I have no clue as to what's going on in his mind. Leaving me in this condition alone, running off with Orochimaru, and for what?

"I'll inform Tsunade about all this…and hopefully she will agree to keep an eye on your pregnancy. The less people that know the better."

"Of course." I nod in agreement, and soon I am excused from the dining table.