The Hand of Lady Hyuga
Chapter Two
It wasn't that the journey had been trying, or that her stay in the capital had been lacking, or that the Empress had been unaccommodating, but rather she would have preferred to stay at home than to manoeuvre through the political deathtrap that was the Konoha Imperial Palace. She had patience, of course, more so than the average Hyuga, and she certainly wasn't lacking in the manipulation department (she was a Hyuga, by the Great Goddess – "manipulation" was her middle name), but the sheer incompetence of the Imperial Palace was just, plainly said, insulting for any Hyuga – Branch or Main or both.
The "organization" of the ruling Sarutobi Clan paled in comparison to the Hyuga's vast and complex administration, and every time her sister sent her to the Palace, she always felt that sickeningly need to overthrow the Empress and just redo everything and make it right for once.
She wasn't stupid, of course. She understood that the Hyuga had not always been so organized, but then again, there had hardly been a time in the Hyuga's history where it had been as ineffectual as the Imperial Palace. There were many policies and issues that were not covered in the Imperial Mandate, and there wasn't enough flexibility within the contracts and rules to allow the accommodations of new and upcoming problems of the empire – made almost self-destructive when dealing with foreign affairs.
Fortunately, she mused, Suna was a patient ally, otherwise the devastating stalling of the spice-and-wine trade would have ended up in a civil war.
The carriage stopped and she closed her eyes at the scent of peonies floating in from the tiny sliver of window she had opened hours before. Taking the long canvas bag into her lap, she waited for the servants to open the carriage door and offer their hands before she descended gracefully onto the well-swept, well-kept, and perfectly immaculate front steps of the Hyuga House.
Nothing said "perfection," "efficiency" and "organized" like the Hyuga.
Home sweet home, she mused with a bit of humour.
"Lady Hanabi," the Housekeeper addressed respectfully with a deep bow. "Welcome home."
Hanabi gave a brief, proficient nod. "The sun rises and sets gently."
The Housekeeper bowed again, and then began to lead her to the Lady Hyuga's office. It was more of a formality than anything else, in particular when she knew where everything was in the House – Branch or Main. But she felt relieved for the formality, for the order that was the Hyuga, for everything in the Imperial Palace had seemed so mismatched that it had sent her head rolling in (controlled) agitation.
It felt good, then, when she finally crossed the large threshold into the Hyuga House. The familiarity of the clean and immaculate corridors, and the open eaves and hallways to allow airflow was like a hot flame burning the inauspicious and stink off of her. From what she knew (and she knew a lot), the Hyuga had not always been so orderly and efficient. With each generation, with each new Head of the Hyuga Clan, the effectiveness of the Hyuga, and the strength and reach of the Hyuga, had been expanded at a speedy and unobstructed rate many clans envied and wanted a piece of.
It had been through her sister, she was proud to know and lord over others, that had made the Hyuga at its most perfect form. Many have said that it could not be any more perfect than now, and, after returning from another visit to the Imperial Palace and many meetings with other prominent Konoha clans, Hanabi believed it to be true.
She shifted the canvas bag on her back, feeling uneasy about the weight she now carried. It was not so much as it was heavy, but it was heavy at its implication. She could not remember the last time such a thing was placed before her sister's eyes.
Hanabi did not frown, even if she wanted to. There was no need to trouble the House by her being upset or suspicious. It was best to put on a mask until she was away from prying (Byakugan) eyes. It would do no good to upset their father. He had gone through much since the death of their mother.
The Ten Years War had been trying for the Hyuga in more ways than one.
The Housekeeper paused briefly to knock on the double doors twice, according the Hyuga procedure, and then opened the doors for Hanabi. The subtle whiff of cinnamon and rain and peonies almost caught her off-guard, almost caused her reveal the smile she had inside her heart for the servants to see.
"Hanabi," the Head of the Hyuga called with that warm smile of hers, unguarded because she had nothing to live up to.
Hanabi entered the office and, once the doors were closed, she touched her knees to the ground and pressed her forehead to the wooden boards. "The sun rises and sets gently, Lady Hyuga."
Her sister smiled and returned, "The sun rises and sets gently."
Hanabi rose and nodded her greetings to the Triple Threat, who nodded in return.
"Did your journey go well?" Hinata enquired, patiently pouring a cup of tea for her sister.
"Like the previous journeys. Yes," Hanabi replied neutrally, hiding her fatigue well and was more than just a little grateful when her sister placed the warm tea in her hands.
Jasmine. Like their mother.
She sat back as the tea washed away the dirt and dust of her travels from her throat, a warm elixir that promised to purge the pollution of outsiders to allow the Hyuga to settle into her bones once again. It was a relieving feeling, the feeling of returning and stability. She had missed the quiet times in the Hyuga. The Imperial Court had been too much noise, too much gossip, too much of whispers and murmurs. The Hyuga were quiet.
"Father will be free for dinner tonight," Hinata told her.
Hanabi let herself smile then. It was not rare for their father to dine with them, but it was good to know that he would be able to tonight. Her grip on the canvas bag tightened. A family dinner would allow for some stability for what she was going to (unwilling and hatefully) impose on her sister. She cursed the Empress in her mind, but understood her duties to Konoha, both as a Konoha ninja and a Hyuga.
"That is good to hear," she finally answered.
Her cousin, observing that something was abnormal, spoke, "Has there been any irregularities at Court?"
Hanabi shook her head. "All is how I had left it last month. In truth, things have improved... surprisingly enough." She ignored the disapproving gaze her sister sent her. "The spice-and-wine trade is now firmly in place, and I have spoken to Prince Gaara concerning our own vineyards, including the contract we had drawn."
"Has he found the terms disagreeable?" Hinata asked.
"On the contrary, he found them advantageous, even surprising," Hanabi answered.
"He should," Tenten said with a nod. "We gave them many concessions."
"Too many." Hanabi gave her sister a sharp look.
The Lady Hyuga smiled, passive and benevolent – an enigma. "It was the least that Konoha could do for them."
Indeed, the talks for the spice-and-wine trade allowance had dragged on for years, and had certainly tired Suna more than it had tired Konoha. With Konoha, with her lush forests and fertile pastures, natural resources were easy to come by, but with Suna, with her baking deserts and dry wells, there was not much to be had. For Konoha, she could have done without the trade route, but for Suna, it had been a necessity. Wine may not have been a need in resource, but it would help generate monies and open up trade for other goods.
With Suna being a relatively new ally of Konoha's, the Hyuga did not think it advantageous to make them feel unwelcomed, or even distraught and hateful. A few concessions in the private trade contracts with the Hyuga, and Suna would be hard pressed to leave their alliance with Konoha, would even come to like it, perhaps.
"Yosh!" Lee sounded vigorously with a fist pump. "It is always good to foster long friendships!"
Hinata smiled and Tenten rolled her eyes.
Hanabi coughed, much to Neji's amusement, and continued her report. "On the other hand, there have been suspicious movements among the clans."
At this, Hinata raised a delicate brow. Even Lee grew quiet.
"It seems," Hanabi had observed, "that Kakashi Hatake is in…" and she wrinkled her nose in displeasure, "pursuit of Lady Shizune."
They stilled, disturbed, confused – suspicious.
Neji narrowed his eyes. "What are the Uchiha up to?"
Hanabi could give no answer. Every clan knew to keep their secrets to the grave, and the Uchiha was no exception.
"It is strange indeed," Lee admitted, crossing his arms with a thoughtful frown.
Tenten shook her head. "The Uchiha cannot hope to usurp the Uzumaki's position within the Senju Clan."
"But they could," Hinata said.
They threw each other alarming looks.
"As much as the Uzumaki Consort hails from the Senju bloodline, if an ally of the Uchiha is able to become the next Senju Consort…" Hinata let the idea hang like a knotted noose, heavy and dark implications.
"There is more," Hanabi spoke. They turned to her expectantly. "The Uzumaki heir is… pursuing the Lady Senju's apprentice."
"Sakura Haruno," Neji filled in.
Hanabi nodded in confirmation.
"But why?" Tenten asked. "What for?"
Hanabi looked to her sister for answers, but the Lady Hyuga's gaze was on her desk in deep contemplation. A movement, barely noticeable, and Hanabi caught her sister looking to the beautiful red and white invitation card slipped under the pile of paperwork, discreetly, almost like a peek-a-boo delight. Softly, Hanabi smiled at her sister ill-disguised joy… and discomfort.
"Prince Asuma and Lady Kurenai's wedding is ahead of schedule, according to the Minister of Ceremonies," Hanabi injected some joy into the room.
Hinata looked up, a little shocked to having her thoughts being found out, but smiled generously nevertheless. For nine consecutive months now, her sister had been having Hanabi recount the details leading up to her former sensei's wedding. Naturally, Hinata was invited and, naturally, the Lady Hyuga had confirmed her presence being there within a day of getting the invitation.
Hanabi would not say, but Hinata's confirmation had sent the capital city – the entire country – in a much-anticipated and (in Hanabi's mind) much-too-excited stir. Moreover, the Imperial wedding was to take place next month, and the summer season was the Season. Every woman, man and child were residing within the capital city to either play court with the Empress and the Imperial Clan, or up all night crowding the city streets participating in festivals and circuses. The noble clans weren't helping either, much to Hanabi's chagrin. The Yamanako, especially, were known for their wild parties of flowery drinks and even more flowery arrangements that spilled off onto the streets.
As much as Hanabi understood that it was her Hyuga duty to attend and see to the Imperial Court once a month… she was beginning to suspect that her sister did not know exactly what that entailed. Not only was she to convey the Lady Hyuga's messages to the Empress, but also to negotiate with the Empress on the Lady Hyuga's behalf – who lived hours away. She was also responsible for catering to both the indigenous and foreign merchants concerning Hyuga exports and desired imports, and seeing to the relations with the other Konoha clans, even sometimes with foreign clans, such as the Imperial Subaku Clan of Suna. This included, of course, attending those wretched Yamanako masquerades pretending to enjoy the flowery drinks and admire flowery arrangements that spilled off onto the streets.
Her sister had no idea what she was to face when she accepted Lady Kurenai's wedding invitation, but Lady Kurenai, from what Hanabi had grasped, was the Lady Hyuga's sensei once and… even like a mother. For Hanabi, who had been too young to miss their mother, it was a foreign concept to love an outsider like a mother, but she understood that Lady Kurenai was important to her sister. Thus, Lady Kurenai was, naturally, important to her.
"Did she look alright?" Hinata enquired, eyes shining with earnest glee.
"She is beside herself with joy," Hanabi conceded, exaggerating for her sister's sake.
Hinata sighed happily and leaned back in her seat to collect herself, a private smile on her face. Even Neji softened in her glow; they all found themselves relaxing. If the Lady Hyuga was happy then, naturally, all of the Hyuga were happy too.
Hanabi looked to the canvas bag beside her, and knew that although it may be ill-timed, there was nothing else she could say or do to farther forestall the ill-omened news.
"I know, Hanabi," her sister spoke, resting her palms on her desk with a rueful smile on her lips and a guarded glaze to her eyes. "I know what it is."
Hanabi felt her breath stumble at her throat, her grip on the bag's strap knuckle-white.
Hinata laughed softly, tentative, and gave Hanabi a nod. "Show it to me, Hanabi."
Swallowing silently, Hanabi unzipped the lengthy canvas bag and drew out a large golden scroll. She did not have to look to know that the Triple Threat had frozen at the sight of the scroll, not out of its size, but of its implications. Then, forcing herself to be steady and Hyuga, Hanabi unfurled the scroll down the length of the Lady Hyuga's desk, revealing the delicate and exquisite calligraphy of the Empress herself – and the red-inked seal of the Imperial Office.
It was an Imperial Summoning Scroll.
The Lady Hyuga was being called to the Imperial Palace.
For a moment, no one dared to move, or even to breathe, but for the Lady Hyuga, as disoriented as she was by the surprise summoning, she was otherwise undisturbed. With a playful sigh, Hinata leaned back in her seat and let her eyes stray to the green yard outside her office. She was glad that Airi, the Housekeeper, and pulled down the wall of the office so that the room now felt like it was a gazebo outside – a part of the sky and grass.
The summer was still young.
"We will do this quietly," she finally said, enjoying the feel of the sun-wind brushing by.
Neji nodded. "Her Imperial Majesty has given us a week. She wishes for discretion."
"We will have it that you are visiting Lady Kurenai, and will be staying in the capital for her convenience," Tenten strategized.
Hanabi vouched for the idea. "She had asked you to be her Maid of Honour, did she not?"
Hinata blushed, and nodded.
"Hm…" Lee groaned sceptically. "The capital city is in Season right now. We may have to exchange greetings with the other clans, and even schedule for afternoon teas."
"Which means!" Tenten exclaimed with a teasing (and enthusiastic) grin. "We must commission for new outfits to be made."
Hinata almost shrank at the concept, but knew that it would be impossible to avoid. Appearance was everything for the clans, and for the Hyuga it was almost do or die.
"There are several talented tailors within the capital," Hanabi spoke, already going over the list of contacts she had stored in her mental files over the years. "We should commission for one or two outfits here, and the majority in the capital. They are more familiar with the fashion and have more resources for increasingly elaborate pieces."
"And outlandish," Hinata mumbled.
Neji smirked. "A Hyuga must never be underdressed."
Hinata pouted. He meant that she had to take one for the team.
"Very well," she said, if not a bit short. "I will confirm the Empress' summon and begin correspondence with Lady Kurenai. Lee." Lee straightened. "You shall make a list of the necessary Clan Heads I am to speak with or visit or both. Neji." Neji nodded. "You are to inform my father of this, and once you return, you will pen the formal letters to the Clan Heads. Tenten, Hanabi." The woman and the girl-child were attentive. "Confer with Airi and see to my wardrobe. That is all. Dismissed."
One word, one command, and the Hyuga Household was set aflame – wild in its mighty ninja, but contained that was the Hyuga. Immediately, butlers saw to the opening of the Hyuga vaults in search of the most exquisite and expensive bejewelled pieces. Maids pulled open the many lacquered wardrobes for the heirloom kimonos, qipaos, foreign dresses, gloves, stockings, fans and shoes that had not seen the light of day for generations. Children gathered the old silver and gold hair pieces, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, and gave them a good polish.
It did not take long for the clan to understand that their Mistress, their Lady Hyuga, was to leave the House for the first time in five years.
And no one – no one – would dare gainsay that their Lady Hyuga was badly dressed.
The horror.
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the point