Intricacies
"What on earth did I just agree to?" Hinata mused once the door had been shut. Fully realizing she had agreed to spar a now Kage-level shinobi, she wondered at her own sanity. She needed to talk to someone. But it was getting late and as she glanced out her window, she could see the orange hues of the setting sun transition to the dark purples of late evening. The shadows in her tiny room lengthened as the light decreased. Who would want to meet up at this hour?
A heart shaped face with luxurious raven hair and warm red eyes…'Kurenai-sensei…' Hinata felt a pang of guilt. She had yet to confront her old teacher. Because that would be very hard to bear…even more so than her encounter with Kiba and Shino, and because Hinata knew that was when everything would come out. So that left…
'Kiba has a clan meeting and Shino is on a mission…so who?'
"Ahah! I just need someone who can help deliver a message." She concluded.
She quickly opened the door and peeked into the hallway, making sure that her visitor had gone, Hinata quickly pricked her finger with a tiny needle, allowing a small drop of blood to blossom. She looked down at the light wooden floor, wondering if it was okay to perform a summoning on it. A flash of hard blue eyes and a bare chested form had her further flustered. And maybe it was because of this that she put a little too much chakra into her technique.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
She admired the intricate details of the seal spreading and spiraling on her room's floor, only to be obscured by a poof of smoke. She waved her hand in front of her to clear the air and her lungs.
As the smoke cleared, the kneeling girl caught sight of a slim avian form; its wings flapped to clear the residual smoke, and Hinata marveled at the iridescent plumage, the colors shifting between hues of jet black and midnight blue. The long neck craned towards its summoner, a shining crown of onyx upon its thin head. White patches framed large black eyes as they narrowed in annoyance.
'Oh dear.' Hinata thought. She had inadvertently summoned the Cormorant Princess, one of the most difficult of seabirds.
"Hinata-chan, what have I said about summoning me for common use?" A tinkling voice declared, falsely sweet.
Hinata quickly ducked her head, using her diplomatic skills to appease the dignitary fowl. (Actually more like using self-preservation instincts.) She cringed slightly at the sight of the long sharp beak clicking in impatience.
"Ah, I'm sorry Umui-hime. I didn't mean to summon you."
The bird princess reared back her head, affronted that she had been brushed off as an accident.
"Did not mean to summon me?!" Her voice grew shrill, and Hinata knew she had slipped up.
"Ah no! It's not like that Umui-hime! I simply did not want to trouble you with a task as menial as giving a message to someone in the village."
Somewhat mollified, Umui turned towards the slightly bowed girl. "Indeed."
Hinata inwardly smiled and began her maneuver. "Besides, it's simply not a task fit for a delicate and fragile beauty such as you, Umui-hime."
The large cormorant turned tapped one webbed foot, indignant. "Well of course it is a commoner's task, but that does not mean that I am too weak to accomplish it!"
'Bingo!' Hinata thought and knew the princess was trapped. "Oh no! I wouldn't want to-"
"Nonsense! Give me the message, I will deliver it." Umui preened, the crown of onyx glittering in the pale light of the room.
"Ah! Thank you so much Umui-hime! Please tell Tenten-san that I would like to meet her for drinks in ten minutes at the ChaShayChai teahouse."
"And if she cannot?"
"Then it's fine. I will not inconvenience you further. She'll find a way to communicate with me."
"I am off then, also Alba-kun sends his greetings." And the bird spread her large, dark wings gliding towards the open window.
"Thank you again!"
Umui turned back and nodded at the sweet (or so she thought) Hyuuga heiress. "It is nothing Hinata-chan, after all what's a favor between princesses?"
And with that she flew out, leaving a bemused Hinata, blushing from the indirect compliment.
Tenten ambled along the busy main streets of Konoha, the shopping district still alive with customers of all kinds, even this late in the evening. She stuffed her hands in her beige cardigan, wishing for spring. But still, it was girls' night out. She glanced over at her companions, wondering how they could handle such chilly weather.
"Hey Tenten, why are you so quiet today?" Asked a bubbly Ino, tugging at her fitted purple striped long sleeve to fit properly. Her blue eyes widening questioningly.
"Huh? Just thinking about something that's all."
Sakura looked at the pair. She had not even noticed that Tenten was unusually quiet. She had been too caught up in Ino's gossip to notice.
"Man troubles?" She offered, beating Ino to the punch. A smile appeared on her face as Ino frowned at that. Sakura smugly smoothed down her red hooded sweater and fluffed her cotton candy hair.
Ino scoffed. "You're one to talk 'Suck-ura'." The teasing smile dancing on her mouth enraged the pink haired woman.
"Ino, you perverted pig! At least I get dates, and I don't have to dress like a streetwalker to get them!" She vaguely gestured towards Ino's bottom half, consisting of very tiny black shorts, and thigh high boots.
The two continued to argue, drawing unwanted attention from others. Tenten laughed. Though they might insult each other, she knew that in a couple of seconds they would be giggling and snorting again. '3,2,1…'
A loud bird-likw honking was heard from behind. Tenten turned towards the other two.
"Wow, when you guys laugh it sounds like a dying goose or something."
Sakura and Ino stopped mid-argument, both shocked at the statement. The honking sound repeated itself, and this time all three noticed it came from above. A dark slim bird flew over, skimming the tops of the red lanterns placed here and there. Others in the street followed its path. The trio could just make out the glittering something on its head.
"Umiu-hime!" Tenten recognized the bird from an earlier time.
"What?" Sakura and Ino asked simultaneously still peeved at being compared to dying geese.
The bird gracefully swept down towards them, only stumbling slightly at the dry landing. Tenten quickly waved away the gathering crowd. "Nothing to see here! Move along please!"
She then slipped into a semi-hidden side of a building, the light of the lamps not quite reaching it. Umiu quickly glided towards her and Ino and Sakura followed, bewildered.
"Good evening Tenten-chan," Umiu said politely nodding.
"Ah! Umiu-hime, long time no see. These two are Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka."
Both girls had glanced at each other, each silently mouthing the word 'hime' questioningly.
Umiu's gaze swept over the two, judging and calculating. She had heard about them from other summons. Katsuyu, that over paranoid slug, could not stop praising the pink haired one. When the startled girls finally waved, small hesitant smiles forming, Umiu finished her assessment. They were passable. Both visibly relaxed, sensing that this large cormorant was kind of like them.
"Good evening Yamanaka-san and Haruno-san."
She turned back towards Tenten, quickly relaying what Hinata had told her. Tenten smiled brightly, finally getting the chance to speak in person to her petite pen pal of sorts. She knew Hinata would need time to adjust and fix things here, and so she had not pushed the issue. But at last, three days after her arrival, here Hinata was arranging the meeting.
"ChaShayChai teahouse? That's right around the corner!" Tenten clapped excitedly. Sakura and Ino were filled with a new sense of curiosity, their inner gossips yearning to be fed.
"Thank you, Umiu-hime!" Tenten bowed her head slightly, showing the desired respect towards the bird.
Umiu fondly nipped at Tenten's bootlace, and waved her large wing at the other two prattling girls. Then she took off, disappearing into the darkened sky.
Ino looked at her watch. "It's almost 8:30. Is it still open?"
"Of course, Ino-pig! Don't you know anything?"
And they began their banter again, following a grinning Tenten to the teahouse. The trio passed by a small blooming glycine tree, the lavender blossoms raining down on the bustling street. (1) Ino smiled at it, intertwining her arms with both girls.
A small breeze blew in through an open window in the Jounin's Station, carrying the odd apple scent of the white geraniums growing outside. (2)
Sakura watched amused as the seventeen year old blonde frantically went over the packet in front of him. His orange and black jacket hung on the back of his chair. He had taken it off due to the stuffy weather, and she could not help but admire the muscles on his exposed arms.
He dug his hands in his thick hair, frustrated at the sheer amount of paperwork needed to be filled out simply for the Hokage candidacy. Give him a tournament to fight the other contenders, give him seemingly end-of-the-world scenarios, but this…this was too much.
She chuckled and decided to help. She lightly placed her hand on his shoulder. "Here, give me that."
Naruto's grateful gaze was utterly pitiful. "Thank you, Sakura-chaaaan!"
She simply smiled, filling out the remaining logistical spaces. "Sure, dummy."
They both remained silent; the only sounds present were the scratching of pens across paper and the ticking clock. Sakura glanced up only to see an anxious Naruto continually gazing at the the clock hands, eyes crinkling in impatience. She wondered what he was waiting for. She casually began a conversation.
"Are you still coming with me today to visit Sasuke-kun?"
After the war had ended, Sasuke had declared his Hokage candidacy, and in order to show his sincerity, he agreed to be placed under a six month house arrest until his affairs and crimes had all been sorted. Naruto had laughed nonstop at the verdict, just happy that his best friend was back. The litany of D rank missions assigned to the poor Uchiha also helped with the annoyance at his declared intent to be Hokage.
Naruto's brow furrowed, confused. "Oh, I-I can't today!"
Now Sakura was really curious. He never missed the opportunity to visit Sasuke. Team 7 was usually a prime priority on the boy's list.
"Why not?" She asked, bemused.
A luminescent blush graced his whiskered face as he rubbed the back of his head. "Ah! I have to meet Hinata-chan for lunch at Ichiraku's!"
"Oh…" That hit Sakura like a ton of bricks, or heck, a ton of Gamabuntas. Where those two really getting that close? Ever since the war, they had started speaking more. Naruto had yet to give a sure reply to Hinata's confession, but still…
Naruto glance at the clock, and seeing that it was already two in the afternoon, quickly rose, simultaneously donning his jacket. "See you later Sakura!"
He was nearly skipping out the door, and the idiot probably did not even notice how happy he was. Sakura almost felt completely content for him, but something was nagging her. She pictured staying alone with the dark, brooding Uchiha, dreading the awkward and lengthy silence that would occur without Naruto.
"Naruto, wait!"
He stopped at the door frame, a question appearing in his eyes. He waited for her response. Sakura hesitated, not even fully knowing what she wanted.
"Umm, uh…Have fun with Hinata-chan!" A strained smile appeared on her face. That had Naruto fully turn around.
"Sakura-chan, are you okay?"
She waved her hands excitedly, telling him to go on. He kept on pressing though and finally the whole affair ended with Naruto sporting a new bump on his head. He rubbed his temple, swiftly making his way to Hinata.
Sakura looked at his retreating back, a sad nostalgia filling her. 'That used to be me.'
Hinata sat at a wooden round table, surprisingly the only one available indoors as the establishment was packed. It had enough room for more than two people. She began to admire the twinkling, fairy lights set around the room, smiling at the fall inspired décor of reds and golds.
A kind waiter had brought her the selection menu, indicating that tonight's special drink was Lavender. (3) She thanked him and looked at the options. She was still perusing the lacy booklet, when a high pitched squeal alerted her to the arrival of her guests.
"Oh my god! Hina-chan you look so adorable!" squealed an excited Ino, nearly skipping towards her table, her long light hair flying behind her.
She looked at the ambassador up and down, noticing the changes, mainly in clothing and hair style. The more subtle ones however were not lost upon her. Hinata squirmed under the scrutiny, unaware that Ino was truly in love with her oversized white sweater and red scarf.
Sakura uttered a less enthusiastic, but still friendly, "Hello Hinata-chan, it's nice to see you again."
Hinata smiled politely. "Hello Sakura-san, glad to see you are well."
The petite girl was soon engulfed by the blonde's slim arms, stiffening at the contact. Hyuuga were not trained to become used to this sort of thing. She only ever really did this type of thing with Team 8. She quickly relaxed when she saw that Ino meant well.
She was let go, only to be shown another set of open arms, this time it was Tenten asking permission for a hug. Hinata gently smiled at her confidant and returned the embrace whole heartedly; this was a girl she would trust with anything.
They all then sat down, grabbing extra chairs from neighboring tables. The server, a kind middle aged lady dressed in a plain, green kimono took their orders.
A polite conversation began, filled with small talk and genuine compliments. But Tenten became impatient, wanting to get down to the core of Hinata's urgent need to meet tonight.
"So, why exactly did you want to meet tonight Hinata-chan?" Tenten cut to the chase.
Hinata's eyes widened and she began to tell the tale of her first and second encounters with Naruto. A curious Ino skirted on dangerous territory by asking what happened to them before Hinata had left.
Hinata's mouth clicked shut, a stern refusal to say anything on the matter. Guarded eyes turned towards the gossipy blonde and Tenten gave a stern look, signaling no.
"I'm sorry, Hina-chan. It's none of my business." Ino said apologetically.
"Ah! No, I understand. It's just something I am not comfortable speaking about." Hinata said softly. The other girls marveled at the clarity in her voice and her lack of stutters. She smiled brightly, continuing the conversation.
"But now you see, that is my problem. I have accepted his challenge and now have to spar tomorrow morning."
Ino piped up. "Tomorrow morning. That's unsurprising. Only Naruto would agree to a spar a couple hours before a mission briefing."
Sakura turned towards her best friend. "How do you know?"
"We're assigned to the same mission! I have to report too."
"Do you know what kind of mission?"
"I wouldn't dummy. That's why it's called a mission briefing."
Tenten rolled her eyes as they began again. Hinata stared wide eyed, worried at the conflict brewing.
"They'll be fine. They always do this."
"Oh…I see." Hinata mused, feeling slightly left out from the Konoha 13 kunoichi. She tugged on a strand of her inky hair thoughtfully.
"It looks nice." Sakura pointed out. Hinata was startled at the sudden compliment and smiled her thanks. "Anyway, I think my knucklehead teammate is just trying to come to terms with something."
Everyone stared at Sakura, waiting for an explanation. "He did the same thing when Sasuke-kun returned to the village after the war. He asked him to fight."
Tenten smiled encouragingly and patted Hinata's arm. "Try your best Hinata-chan! I'm sure you have some kickass new jutsu to at least wipe that smug smile off his face!"
Ino sighed. And everyone turned their attention towards her, questioning.
"What? I just think Hinata's lucky is all. I mean come on, having a yummy half naked Naruto show up at your front step. I mean only Sakura has-"
A fist slamming on the table caused the silverware and saucers to jump. Sakura kept her hand on the table, a furrowed brow and downturned mouth indicating extreme displeasure. "Too far, Ino-pig."
All three turned towards the Hyuuga, realizing at what the slip of tongue might bring out. Hinata for her part simply stared wide eyed at the implications of Ino's statement. It took only a few seconds for her to regain her composure, before she neatly poured in sugar packets into her Hibiscus tea, stirring vigorously.
"Hina-cha-"
"It's alright. It's fine. I am happy for you Sakura-chan." Her pleasant tone and small smile had everyone relaxing, except for Tenten.
She continued to gaze worriedly at the lavender eyed beauty sipping her tea with a maddening rhythm, the undercurrent of hurt masked well to all who did not know her.
Hyuuga Hiashi kneeled upon the tatami mat, at the head of the somewhat circular formation of the Hyuuga council. It was late and this meeting had continued for far too long.
"I request that this conversation be adjourned for the time being." He asked politely, carefully putting his large hands into voluminous cream sleeves; a silent signal of his displeasure. He glanced with steely silvery eyes at the congregated elders, all with unmarked foreheads except for two. 'How unjust.'
"How dare you Hiashi! Trying to put off any decisions," cried an elder Hyuuga lady, her gray hair pulled tight into an immaculate bun.
"The heir is not present." He replied through gritted teeth.
"The heir, the heir, the heir. Is that your only excuse, Uncle?" Snapped Nori Hyuuga, an arrogant twenty something only in the council due to the favoritism of the old clan head.
"With all due respect, Hiashi-sama has a good point. Without Hinata-sama, we cannot adequately make any lasting decisions," reasoned a calm Satoshi Hyuuga, one of the two members representing the branch family.
"Silence, Branch-member!" shouted another elderly council member, his fingers twitching to form the activation sign for the seal.
"ENOUGH!" Hiashi finally shouted. "I am clan head and I rule that no further meetings shall be held until the arrival of the heiress Hinata Hyuuga!"
"SHE ARRIVED THREE DAYS AGO, HIASHI!" rasped the same elderly maid.
"She is still on business for the Hokage, that is all I will say further." Hiashi finalized; the icy tone in his voice and his standing up signaling that this was indeed the end of the conversation. He gracefully exited the room, his tall back displaying the intricately embroidered Hyuuga flame, declaring to all of them just who held the power.
The sliding door with the painted pines slammed shut and the council of fifteen or so was left buzzing on what had just occurred. (4) And despite the fact that the room was filled with supposedly all seeing eyes, no one noticed the slim figure huddled outside, listening intently to everything that had occurred.
"Sister, please hurry."
Hanabi left her hiding place quietly and returned to her room.
A/n: Cormorants actually symbolize nobility and indulgence and I thought this summon would make a fun character. Umiu means cormorant in Japanese.
The name of the café is actually a compilation of the word tea in different languages.
Cha- Chinese
Chai- Indian/Sanskrit
Shay- Arabic
Flowers: Glycine- Your friendship is agreeable and pleasing to me
Apple-scented geraniums- present preference- referring to Sakura's new crush
Lavender (in this scene, it evokes both meanings)- serenity, distrust
Pine- Hope in adversity
Ah sorry that the spar was not shown yet, but I decided to make this a more character driven chappie. It was long and filler like, but I wanted to build a bit more on the interactions between Hinata and the other kunoichi. And things are heating up with the Hyuuga clan!
Also no worries, I am well aware that Naruto and Sasuke are on a whole other level in terms of strength. But Naruto has still sparred with Rock Lee and I'm sure he's trained with others, so it will be a realistic portrayal of a training spar and not an actual battle. Besides Hinata's had five years, let's see her make him sweat a bit.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, or favorite. It means a whole bunch!
