Copyright: I do not own Naruto or its characters.
The Noble Hyuga
Tsunade narrowed her thin arched brows and grasped the edges of her desk, nearly rising from her seat. Her dark eyes caught the sharp ones of the the blonde kunoichi in front of her.
" What are you asking, Ambassador Temari?"
"Lady Hokage, Suna's requests are clear. My request is clear. I could not think of anyone with a more respected and well bred pedigree, political persuasion and edge than the Hyuga clan. We need foreign references for Gaara in order for the council to approve of sending the request forward to the daimyo."
Silence commenced between the two.
" This is important to your family. I sense that. I will readily give my signature and personal reference after what was done to help Konoha's ninja after Sasuke's failed retrieval. But why do you ask specifically of a Hyuga?"
Tsunade's eyes briefly caught Ambassador Temari's eyes moisten over and her fingers tap over her large fan. This was strange behavior and an even more strange request. Tsunade came around her desk and let out a held breath.
" What's your game, Temari? It is true Hyuga are renowned for their prowess and ability in the ninja arts as well as their pull in the political atmosphere. Their compound might as well be a sacred noble home. Having a Hyuga to present is a wise move, I give you that, but this is also dangerous. Hiashi Hyuga will disapprove, especially of whom you request to bring."
XXXXXX
Temari cocked her head, letting pieces of sun lit hair fall across her cheekbones. Her almond eyes slid to the Suna nin that had accompanied her as a concerned plea from Baki. Her journey had proved long and strenous, given the unusual heat and sandstorms. It was a wise move she brought a cowl and face mask or else she would have sand everywhere. Not a very dignified appearance, especially if she might be seeing a very angry Hiashi Hyuga.
Well, I am asking his heir and precious daughter to come along to Suna and possibly meet with the cynical council to give her testimony in order for Gaara to become the next Kage Suna needs and Gods do they need it. We can't have anyone else.
"L-lady Tsunade, y-you asked for me," a soft soprano voice rang out from Temari's left.
Temari turned her head over to the petite figure before her, letting her eyes analyze the lady before her and Temari could without a doubt call the girl a lady. The girl stood with a straight posture, emitting both elegance and confidence. Her small lily white hands were crossed over the thick silk obi of her white kimono, beautifully stitched red flowers strewn about the long sleeves and every inch of the dress. The inside sleeves were a dark red the color of blood, matching the red combs in her chignon that was low on her slim neck. The girl's eyes remained innocent and wide, despite the noble exterior of her appearance and posture. The long ebony lashes framed some of the most innocent eyes Temari had ever seen on a person. It was...weird. A kunoichi was strength, speed and fearlessness. The one before her...looked like a some innocent young girl easily found on the street. Maybe not a street, but somewhere else.
It was true. Temari couldn't recognize Hinata Hyuga from the shy, weak girl she knew years ago. The other Hyuga male beside her with his steel eyes and wooden posture also threw off Temari and made her uncomfortable. Must be some bodyguard...I hope. Please be a bodyguard...please.
Tsunade had been watching Temari's reaction and smugly grinned inside to herself. She then threw a braid behind her shoulder.
"Hinata, you have a mission at the request of Sunagakure."
Both women watched the young Hinata briefly flutter, her mouth wordlessly moving before she placed her hands over her chest.
" Hinata, Suna requests your presence. Sabaku no Gaara has made a demand, if you will, to become the next Kazekage. He needs foreign references from other lands it seems to be considered. Ambassador Temari and anonymous others have...felt it best that you give testimony."
"B-b-but why m-me? Maybe Naruto o-o-or Shikamaru. Maybe-"
Temari tapped her fan on the ground and locked eyes with Hinata.
" Dammit, Hinata. We both know Naruto is the worst choice to be presented in front of the council and Shikamaru is lazy. Your words would help Gaara. Kankuro and I need your help. No one else can do this. Step it up and have some confidence!"
Silence once again followed before Tsunade let out a huff and grasped her hips.
" This personal conversation is best left in private between the two of you. Either way, Hinata you will perform this mission. Konoha has faith in you. After your Chunin Exam, I am sure many respect your talents and progress. I remember a very loud team mate of yours practically rattle the stadium during your finals. Dismissed."
XXXXXX
The floor could have fallen beneath her. Hinata felt her stomach roll and her vision wobble before her as a concerned Ko held her hand during the walk from the Hokage's tower. This couldn't be happening. It must be some sort of dream or a nightmare.
"Hinata! Wait!" Temari shouted as she caught up to Hinata and faced her.
" Y-yes, Temari-san?"
"Listen, Kankuro and I need your help. Bad. The council still remain skeptical of Gaara, like he is still the monster from long ago. Its unfair, after everything he has committed to changing about himself and tried to instill in others. We couldn't think of anyone else."
"My father will not-"
Temari crossed her arms. "Your father cannot have any say. Hokage's orders."
Hinata felt her body tremble and her fingers touch her lips. She felt Ko's warm body near her own small one and looked into his eyes.
Teal...
Green...
They are calling to me.
Hinata closed her eyes, many thoughts running wild in her head before she closed her mind down with a steel gate and looked into Temari's sharp eyes. Hinata's uncertainty lifted, her heart opening and pouring out like a busted dam. She knew her answer and it was strong, stronger than any response she had given in her life. A life she knew she was risking, even if Temari did not. Ko knew, given his sudden straight posture and deep frown.
"I w-will do this, b-but I will n-need to bring a few things. G-give me until tomorrow m-morning."
Temari nodded slowly before placing a hand awkwardly at first then warmly on Hinata's shoulder before turning away.
XXXXXX
Hinata leaned against the small intricate wooden railing of her veranda. The stars twinkled brightly in the velvet night sky hanging above her like a cool blanket. Her light eyes took in the lush garden before her, the breath leaving her pink lips and her hands squeezing her elbows. She turned slowly at the loud approach of heavy footsteps, the soft swish of her light blue gown barely grazing the earth.
Neji's eyes were dark with anger and his fists clenched. Ko followed afterward but remained in the background with his eyes on the ground below him.
"Why, Hinata-chan? This is reckless and dangerous. Do you remember what happened during the invasion? Do you?"
Hinata lightly smiled, picking a small daisy in the process.
" Neji-nii-san, so informal n-now? I d-didn't know you came back."
Neji frowned deeper and crossed his arms. " This isn't a game. Are you trying to prove yourself Hinata? Are you still trying to further push your nindo?"
" No-"
Neji took her hands roughly before smoothing them, his thumbs rubbing her own.
" Hinata-chan, Hiashi-sama and I are proud of you. You have worked so hard. There is no more need to push so hard. I worry for your health based on reports I receive and when I do see you. Ko-san is also concerned. Why do you choose this?"
Hinata put a small finger on Neji's lips before holding his hands tightly and taking a breath.
" Neji-nii-san, I choose to do this because I want to. I need to. Not for myself, but for our allies. We must help our allies when they need us. If we don't, we fall apart and then what would happen? Darkness is all around us now but if we can do something...let sunlight shine...we can make a difference. We must stand united."
" You didn't stammer, Hinata-sama."
"No, I-I guess not."
"I know why you do this and I still disapprove. I ask that Ko-san joins you on this journey so far from Konoha."
"Yes, Neji-nii-san."
Neji turned to leave before looking sternly at Hinata. "Hinata-sama, you represent all that is noble in the Hyuga. Now and when you journey."
Hinata bit her lip before tapping her thin fingers together and nodding. She watched both her guardians timidly as they bowed and left. Once again, she turned her eyes to the crescent moon and stars before letting her thoughts drift to the golden sand and the passionate thought of seeing once again the deep green eyes then wondering if the boy she knew then was the same man now.
If he is different, am I risking my life foolishly?
Are they right?
No,our allies need me.
Maybe, maybe...he needs me too.
Hinata pressed the daisy to her lips and closed her eyes.
Gaara-san, even if you didn't need me...I would still do this.
My life is worth the risk if it means you reach your dream, your nindo.
Would you do the same, maybe?
Would you for me?
Author Note: This chapter is way overdue so I apologize so much! My laptop charging cord died on me completely ( stupid Macbook cords...) so I haven't been able to use my laptop. Then I sort of rethought out how I wanted to go about the next few chapters so being without a laptop and resorting to playing Xbox 360 games while pondering my future chapters actually helped. I wrote this a bit late a night so forgive any errors. Thanks!