Thank you all for your reviews and once work slows down I shall take the time to thank each of you individually. At the moment, I'm busy attempting to fix broken things to save the world. The last part might be a bit of a stretch, but hey a guy can dream. The planes are still broke and they still need to be fixed.
By the kami…I'm a doof! I forgot an important part of the last episode. If you want to be surprised, and/or know a bit about feudal Japanese culture, then feel free to skip this next part.
I am using a very old version of the Feudal Japanese currency. It's pretty cut and dried ad I like it. Note that many other currencies were used between this currency and the current yen. Indeed, those of you who have watched Ruroni Kenshin would have a newer set of currency than I am using. I just don't feel like dealing with 10 sets of currency.
1 ryo about 15g of gold
1 bu 1/4 ryo
1 shu 1/4 bu
1 shuchu 1/2 shu
1 itome 1/2 shuchu
1 koitome 1/2 itome
1 koitomechu 1/2 koitome
Titles are another big thing. Many titles do not translate accurately. The amount of honor put into a title and the way it is said can denote respect or anger. Truly, Japanese has many nuances that are hard to convey in writing. Especially when my native tongue is English. There are more titles, but these are the basic ones that tend to have multiple meanings or are typically confused so I feel that I should post them for clarifications sake.
Kun- This is a strictly male term used mainly my girls to denote their affection for a boy. It can also be used by a higher class person speaking to a boy of lower class than they are.
Chan- This is a term used for females. Typically it is used by boys wishing to show their affection for a lady, but it can also be used like Kun by one lady to another to show a status difference…or so state that a girl is acting childish.
Sama- This term is typically used to show respect for someone of higher social status. It can also be used to state that someone is acting arrogant or higher than their social class.
Dono- This is usually reserved for those people of very high status. It is based of another title "tono" which translates to "lord" for lack of a better term.
Sensei- This title is reserved for teachers. Note that it is not strictly for teachers of martial arts, but all teachers.
NO TITLE- this is a VERY important thing to remember. No title at all is a level of familiarity that is only typically enjoyed by lovers and married couples in the protection of their own homes when they are ALONE! If Naruto doesn't use any title for Hinata in the Japanese manga or anime then it's no wonder why Hinata blushes every time she sees him!
Stay tuned for other screwy explanations from the mind of a Martial Artist that enjoys watching martial arts anime. Anyway, enjoy the fic!
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The Hyuuga Way
Organization
Hinata awoke earlier than usual. The previous day had been interesting. Part of her fully believed that a plague of locusts or a tsunami would be much more preferable interesting times than her current predicament. On the other hand, her current predicament included spending the next week or so with Naruto so perhaps not. Thankfully, the early morn meant not having to wait for the household bath and thus Hinata spent most of the morn soaking in the hot tub while thinking over what needed to be done.
She now knew that the lessons for Naruto needed to focus upon meeting other people, specifically meeting people of higher station than his own. The mealtime etiquette was interesting. To be truthful if she could explain everything in terms of food and shinobi training she was sure that she could have Naruto up to at least passable manners in all situations by the end of the day. Life was not so kind as to allow such things to happen though and she was slightly grateful for that. After all, this was her best excuse to spend the day with Naruto that she could possibly ask for.
Once her mind had finished wandering on that subject, she allowed time for other subjects. Only in the very early hours of the day did she even dare allow her mind to wander and be assured that nobody would be looking for her. At least in the furo there was assured seclusion.
With the more physical matters of dirtiness and cleanliness finished for the time being, her mind could concentrate fully on the day ahead. She was sure Hanabi would not wish to be taught how to run the household by her. The bad blood existed and until Hanabi could see past her nose there would be no reasoning with the young lady. One of the Branch Members had offered, but she was sure that Hanabi would not listen to a word. She would have to keep an eye on her younger sibling, the meeting with the other house members was to allow the family to meet Naruto as a person and assess him without preconceived notions. The background of the night would reflect on the entire family and if it was pulled off poorly could mean disaster. She doubted that Hanabi realized the dire straights of the situation. No, she would have to keep an eye on her and ensure that nothing selfish was inflicted upon the family.
As for Naruto, she knew it would be a long day of manners once more. She had made sure to tell Naruto not to eat much for breakfast. Full meals were a long and involved affair. Not to mention she would have to go over rules for giving gifts and receiving gifts. Depth of bowing, true respect versus positional respect and then the part that she truly dreaded…ensuring that Naruto was properly dressed were also lessons that needed to be accomplished this week. Although many knew that Naruto walked around in bright orange, it would still look quite vulgar for him to show up in the same orange and black outfit he wore on missions. That meant she would have to speak with the Hokage's assistants about another very important thing, Naruto's finances. As his betrothed, it fell to her to keep track of Naruto's money as well. She had yet to see the ledgers and this was not something that could be tolerated. The ledgers were rightfully hers and woe to the person that had been in charge of the ledgers if she found even so much as a koitomechu missing. Especially after the fiasco with the thatcher, Hyuuga Hinata was not the right person to mess with.
As she lifts herself from the furo she had the day planned out. First visit the Thatcher and apologize for Hanabi's rudeness, then she would head over to the Hokage's Tower and retrieve Naruto's finance ledger. Then she would meet Naruto for his lessons. Then time to come home and hopefully be able to get Hanabi to listen to a few lessons there as well. It would be a hectic schedule, but she certainly had done more complicated schedules.
As she passes the mirror, she lets the towel slip and sighs at her figure. She certainly would not have been able to marry anyone from the Hyuuga family. Her figure was far from the thin figure of Hanabi or any of her extended family for that matter. A Hyuuga was expected to be slight. A Kimono should have been able to hide any figure of the woman. When she was 12 that had been true, the last four years had certainly not been kind. It was hard to hide her failure from her father even in the most formal of kimonos. Another sigh escapes her lips. At least the new jacket was baggy enough to hide her without the need for the very uncomfortable bindings. Her only hope of fully escaping the evil wrappings was if Naruto approved or her Father approved. She was assured that Kunai would sprout wings and fly before her father decided not to hide the ghastly build. In the back of her head, Hinata was sure the kami were laughing at her.
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The morning meal was quiet, if a little on edge. Still Hinata managed to bring a little cheer to the dreary table with a small smile and a quiet assuredness. Naruto would not let her down and she would not be the one who failed him. This was enough to keep her going.
As the meal comes to close, Hiashi comments, "Hinata-chan, if you are not too busy I would ask you to inform the branch members the meals for the coming week. It would also be advisable to warn them to expect company at the end of next week."
Hinata gives a small smile and nods, "Of course father. Everything shall be organized as usual. My mission will not interfere with the running of the household."
"I would suspect not." The head of the household replies calmly. Though not much of a reply, it was the tone that told Hinata that her father felt assured.
Hanabi glares at her sister. How dare her elder sister receive the praise that was rightfully hers? This certainly would not do. No, her plans for the reception would be beyond anything Hinata had ever made. If there was praise to be had, it would be for her alone. Her failure of a sister would NOT show her up.
Hinata gives a small bow to her father, "If I may be excused. I have a couple of errands to run before my mission today."
Hiashi nods his consent, "Give my regards to Daisuke-san. His work is impeccable as always."
A small triumphant smile crosses Hinata's face, "Yes father." And then Hinata is gone. Moving with a swift gait brought on by much to do and plenty of energy to accomplish the duties.
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The shy Hyuuga tentatively enters the shop owned by Takashi Daisuke. Hinata had met the thatcher when she was but 5 years old, when Daisuke was just beginning to learn the trade from his father. The history of respect between the two families had held for generations. Her shyness today was reflected by the fact that she thought perhaps Hanabi had marred that relationship.
Daisuke himself wore a simple tunic and easily replaced clothing. Much of what he owned had patches of dirt and mud that no longer washed out. As he hears the door open he turns and then gives a low bow, "Hinata-himesama, it is a pleasure to see you. Have you had rice?"
Hinata returns with a small bow and a motion for her family friend to raise, "Yes Daisuke-san. I hope that you have eaten rice as well."
"Indeed I have Hinata-himesama. Do you require anything today?"
Hinata could not help but to smile. Daisuke was always polite to her and it made her feel much more relaxed, "No, I merely wished to visit and compliment you on your work yesterday. Father sends his praise as well."
Daisuke turns slightly to continue gathering his tools to start his work for the day, "I am pleased to hear that."
Hinata takes a breath and gives a deeper bow than needed considering her station, "I hope that the actions of Hanabi-chan have not soured you to working on our house. You are still the only one I hire for thatching the house."
Daisuke shakes his head, "Hinata-himesama, I have worked upon the Hyuuga manor for years and this is the first complaint I have received from any of your family."
"Please Daisuke-san. Hanabi-chan does not fully comprehend the value of your work. The manor would fall into disrepair if any but you attempted any work." The soft-spoken Hyuuga replies.
Daisuke appears to think for a moment, "Perhaps it would and perhaps it would not. My trade is not easy and to have me considered a cheat is not to be taken lightly."
Hinata holds her bow, "Takashi-san. I am sorry that Hanabi-chan insulted you and your trade. Be assured that she is being punished for her transgression against you. If there is any way to appease you, please let me know."
Daisuke shakes his head, "Your apology is accepted Hinata-himesama. You are certainly more eloquent than your sister and for that I am grateful. The fact that you come to visit my humble shop yourself is proof of your sincerity. Do not worry yourself; I am sure you have other things to worry about these days." Daisuke smiles, having overheard talk of her engagement, "Will I be called upon to add a room to the Hyuuga manor soon?"
Hinata gives a deep blush and shakes her head, "Not yet Daisuke-san we still need the approval of the rest of the main family. It will be a while."
Daisuke shakes his head. Had Hiashi finally lost it? Hinata only blushed about such things when it involved Naruto. If the Kyuubi child was involved it would indeed become interesting and he was not sure if he liked that kind of interesting. However, Hinata herself was a dear one and surely the light of the Hyuuga family. If she saw something then perhaps there was more to the situation than he knew. "Then I shall be here when you need me. Please take care Hinata-himesama and say hello to…Uzumaki-san…for me." The last part was a bit forced, but he knew it would make the young heir happy. After all, she HAD been polite enough to visit his shop in person.
Hinata smiles and gives a small bow, "Yes Daisuke-san. Good day." And with that, she disappears once more. Daisuke blinks slightly. He knew that Hinata had shinobi training, but to have her disappear from his view as he looked at her proved to him that perhaps the Hyuuga family needed to rethink their definition of genius.
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At the base of the Hokage Tower Hinata stops. Many things in life were scary. Her father, the Chunin exams, failing, it was all scary. However, what she was about to do was perhaps the most horrifying thing she could have dreamed of short of telling Naruto about her love and not having him feel the same way.
Minutes pass as the Hyuuga heir focuses her energy. She could not waver on this subject. One bit of weakness and the entire mission would die. There was weakness and then there was true weakness. She would NOT allow herself to be so weak as to fail Naruto. As she steps through the doors the smell of the bonsai wafts across her nose, 'A good omen.'
Hinata's steps are nearly silent as she heads up the stairs. Determination was one thing that no Kohona ninja could miss on the face of a Hyuuga. On this particular Hyuuga it seemed out of place and few wished to truly find out what could cause her to have such a face. It was for that reason that they parted for her. As she heads for the records reception, they could only wonder what the prestigious Hyuuga family would want.
Hinata steps forward to the records lady, "Hello. I am here for the ledger belonging to Uzumaki Naruto." Her voice is quite, yet respectful. Intending to just get the ledger, look it over and leave.
The receptionist frowns, not looking up from her book, "The demon brat's records are off limits except to people approved by the Hokage."
The venom when saying 'demon brat' was not lost to Hinata who gave a deep frown, "I am approved. I am Hyuuga Hinata. I am here to take over the care of Uzumaki Naruto's records. If I do not receive them I am sure my father or the Hokage will be happy to come here and get them for me, but they will not be happy for having to take time out of their day to come here."
The receptionist stops and sets down here book. She gives Hinata a curt bow, muttering about making a rich family richer and then returns with the ledger, "I am sorry for the wait Hyuuga-himesama." The sarcastic respect dripping off her voice as she speaks.
Hinata nods, a small frown forming at the tone she receives and then opens the ledger. What she found was pure chaos. The figures couldn't possibly be right. As she flips through the two years of active service, namely the past year and the year before leaving to train with Jiraya, even a blind woman could see the mistakes in the ledgers. There were times when Naruto was gone and couldn't access his account that money had been removed. It looked like everyone in the accounting had taken money from Naruto's account at one time or another and a few not in the accounting office. Hinata's face darkens. Not looking up, the shy kunoichi comments softly, "This is useless. The entire ledger is scribbles."
The receptionist gives a shrug and turns back to her book, "It is the ledger of Uzumaki Naruto. He doesn't need the money anyway, he should be dead."
Hinata simply closes the ledger and places it under her arm, "Thank you very much for the ledger. I am sure you will be visited soon by my father." Hinata turns and heads for the door. How could anyone do something like this? It was fundamentally wrong. No, she needed to make sure this lady knew exactly what was going on, "I hope you have your excuses in order. Father will be as displeased as I to know you have been stealing from the future Hyuuga Naruto." The door closes on the now deathly silent room.
The receptionist stares at the door, "Hyuuga Naruto? By the kami…"
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Once outside the tower, Hinata takes another deep breath. That had severely dampened her good mood. How could anyone be so…so…callous in their irresponsibility? It was as if the lady had expected her to just accept the 'mistakes' and continue on as if it wasn't a problem. The accounting people had made a very big mistake in crossing her.
Her thought are interrupted when she realizes she has arrived in the training field once more and the voice of Naruto breaks through her thoughts.
"Hinata…um…sama! You have got to teach me how to do that sometime!" Naruto exclaims. Technically he still had a few moments until the class so he could still be loud, but he was still getting used to all the titles and he'd trying to keep up the respectful speech since the end of the lesson yesterday.
Hinata blushes slightly at the fact that she had not noticed where she was, "Teach you what Naruto-kun?" Her confusion on what he is talking about noticeable on her face.
Naruto smiles brightly, "How you can sneak around like that! I can't even sense you until you're about 2 feet away!"
Hinata shakes her head, "I do not know what you are talking about Naruto-kun. It's not really a technique or anything."
The disappointment is obvious on Naruto's face, "Oh…Well, it's still neat Hinata-sama!" He scratches his head slightly and then beams, "Oh yeah! I thought really hard about what jutsu I could teach you for this and I know just the one."
Hinata stands there and blinks. She really hadn't expected to get anything in exchange other than time with Naruto, "You…you don't have to teach me anything Naruto-kun."
Naruto shakes his head, "Come on Hinata-sama. I'm sure you could learn the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Your chakra control is awesome!"
The praise draws out more of the blush on Hinata's face, "Naruto-kun, perhaps…something easier." Naruto starts to frown and she can feel her resolve to not learn a forbidden technique melting. "Well, perhaps if we have time after the lessons then you we can see." Oddly enough, Hinata felt none of the usual guilt that accompanied the typical wavering of her resolve.
Naruto starts to nod, then stops himself. He then gives a deep bow as he had been shown numerous times the day before, "Thank you Hinata-sama. Please tell me what the lessons will be today."
Suppressing a giggle, Hinata returns the bow and settles into a kneeling position on the grass, "First we review the lessons from yesterday. Then we will continue with mealtime manners."
Naruto settles next to her, readying himself for more listening.
"When we are done for the morning we will go to one of the more upscale restaurants and test what you have learned." She continues, "After all, I need to ensure you understand everything. Father wishes you to visit the house next Friday for dinner." Hinata continues.
The surprise is written clearly upon Naruto's face. Even he knew the Hyuuga manor was a place that very few were invited to come into for even a little while and he was invited for dinner. The prospect was a little nerve-wracking, especially since he was only just now learning everything the Hyuuga were taught all their lives.
Hinata gives what she hopes is a comforting smile, "Naruto-kun you should not worry. This is another mission and you will do well."
Naruto takes in the smile. He didn't know why, but it really did make him feel better. Hinata just had that effect on him. She always knew what to say to get him to relax and focus, "That's right, because I'm going to be the next Hokage."
The smile on Hinata's face stays as the nods her agreement, "That's right. Now, who eats first at the table?"
Naruto frowns and thinks for a bit, "The person of highest social class or the person who invited you to dinner or the head of the clan."
"That's right." Hinata confirms, "Why do you not stick chopsticks into your rice and leave them there?"
It looked to be a long morning indeed, but sitting with Naruto, Hinata could not help but to think that everything would be fine. To take a cue from Gai-sensei, they both would be geniuses of hard work.
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Once again, I would like to thank all those who have reviewed this story. It's slow and perhaps each chapter is a bit short, but I am attempting to keep each separate thought in their own, but it would seem that formula is working well.
Still, out of curiosity, I wonder can anyone actually tell me why you aren't supposed to stick chopsticks in rice like bunny ears? I know the answer. I just want to see if anyone else knows. Thank you all, have fun and I'll see you next episode!
Edric Loto