Neji was a simple lad, and he would tell you so if you ever asked him. There were few things he liked, and a great deal of things he disliked. Of course there were a few things he simply loved, such as his secret passion for metaphor. It also need not be said of his undying hatred of the Hyuuga Main/Branch family system. Needless one might also make mention of his fear of turning "Youthful" like Gai or Lee.

So it was of no surprise to anyone, including Hiashi, when Neji took to locking himself into his room on the weekends. Normally, this would result in caged bird action on Hiashi's part, but Neji was his sufficiently dramatic nephew. So allowances were made.

This day however was different, Neji had left the compound earlier in the day, coming home hours later hiding a package in his arms and looking morose. Hiashi, feeling his dramatic sense tingling, decided to investigate.

Picking up the skull that resided in his closet he made his way to Neji's room. With grace and dignity he knocked upon Neji's door.

"Who's… who's there?" Neji's voice seemed to indicate that he was crying, like a woman, if his ears heard true.

"Hyuuga Hiashi, your uncle and clansman! I would speak with you nephew."

"Go away! I… I don't want to speak to you of all people!"

"Neji… I have your father's skull with me, you shall open this door. Do not force my hand."

"Humph."

The door slowly slid open. Hiashi looked in and was instantly repulsed by the horrid state of both Neji and his quarters. The whole of the room was in disarray; things were strewn about in a lackadaisical manner, as if some beast had broken in and savaged the boy's room. There was one thing however, that stood out to Hiashi the most, the large poster sized picture of Hizashi upon the wall farthest from the door.

"Neji… this is…"

"Yes, today is the anniversary of the day my father was killed for your sake!" The venom in the boy's voice was potent poison indeed. Hiashi could feel the weight of that day crashing down upon his shoulders once again.

"Nephew… I... I have something for you that I have been holding onto for many years. I had always hoped; that you would hear it in a better state than this. However I can't let this continue." Having thus spoken he reached into his left sleeve, and started to pull out something. Neji looked on his curiosity piqued. Bringing his hand out of his sleeve Hiashi presented an envelope to Neji. The emotional wreck of a boy reached out to grasp it, when suddenly a voice rang out and disrupted the atmosphere.

"Uh… um… um… ah… uh." Hinata had suddenly appeared, and failed at her attempt at speaking.

"Damn it Hinata! Do you have to fail so badly at reading the mood?" Spoke an exasperated Hiashi, his free hand pressed against his face. The letter that had almost been in Neji's reach was now once again in Hiashi's left sleeve. "Well? What is it?"

"Uh… um… ah… w-w-who's sk-skull is this?"

"Hinata, go to your room."

"H-huh?"

"Leave."

"Um?"

"Leave."

"Um-uh!"

"LEAVE."

And with one final uh she left, running towards her room. She was probably crying thought Hiashi. Oh well, what's done is done. His thinking done he left Neji's room, paying no mind to the even angrier boy he left behind.

A/N: Well another chapter down. I don't know how I exactly feel about this one. It came off feeling a bit awkward to me. I would much appreciate it if anyone were to tell me their opinion on it, in comparison to the other chapters that would be great. I did however manage to link a little reference to a fun scene in Wooden Man so that is good. Anyway thanks for reading. Chapter four will be up before you know it. We should have the first appearance of Hanabi, and maybe a surprise cameo. Take it easy!