Copyright notice: I do not own Naruto or its characters.
The Gentle Blossom of Hyuga Meets Sand
There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.
Han Suyin
When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, the lustre of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven, and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist.
Akhenaton
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Temari uncomfortably gazed up the winding adobe stairway, knowing Kankuro's breathing had quickened and his own gaze had zeroed in on an image of Hinata Hyuga they would not forget the rest of their lifetime. Temari began to understand deep in her mind that they had all grown and matured but this image of Hinata in her impeccably sewn gown and dangling jewels and flowers would overshadow anything she thought she might have conceived about her.
Temari knew bringing Hinata would be important for many factors: she was a Hyuga, she was witness to Gaara's missions, and she had this quiet nature about her that would have been better than anyone else's. She also knew and wouldn't admit, even if Kankuro would openly admit it like he did when she first came home, that Gaara had this unexplainable connection to Hinata. Temari bit her lip and felt her eyes glance at the ground, understanding a bit of why he did and maybe why he might still.
Hinata was beautiful, unabashedly beautiful. Her heavy silk dress, sewn painstakingly with beaded motifs, fell nearly past her feet, swallowing her up if not for the cut along her wide over sleeves that could blind a person with their blinding grey silk taffeta of the inner sleeve and that intricate beadwork injected with jewels and what looked like glass that formed what Temari assumed to be a blossom. The dress was an impressive upgrade of a kimono, the grey and dark teal obi overpowered by the motif. Her small shoulders were swamped by the thick silk and velvet. A grand motif had been sewn near the collar with the beaded ends straying off to float by her slim neck.
Hinata's round face was still soft, even if light makeup had been applied. Grey reflecting jeweled suspensas hung by her temples. Floating lavender colored blossoms were pinned on the right side of her intricately braided here, glass combs and a larger blossom near the start of the train of blossoms. Her hair was silky and flowing past her collar and down her back, the small braids dangling throughout the larger braid. A silk grey ribbon had been placed to ebb through out the larger, main braid of her hair.
Hinata bit her lip before pressing her fingers together and then lowering her eyes. "Is this a-acceptable? The Hyuga felt this...a-appropriate and elegant."
Kankuro coughed in his throat. "Hinata, that outfit looks ancient. Are you wearing an old geisha gown? You can tell me."
Hinata blushed. "No-no. This is antique, yes. The Hyuga…have acquired gifts and priceless items over the years. This is something, a gift, passed along the main branch by the leader's wives. It is 250 years old."
Temari suppressed her look of genuine surprise but tapped her small fan along her hip.
"We can talk history, lineages and geisha girls later. We have business to do."
Hinata simply nodded, gathered her gown and descended the stairs to walk past the Sand Siblings where guards stood near a lit hallway.
Temari grabbed Kankuro before they followed, placing a finger along his lips while he tried to struggle.
"Kankuro, refrain from your little quips. Her bodyguard is very protective of her. He would probably duel you and we can't have that."
Kankuro shifted his arm and fixed his hair. "I get it, Temari."
Temari sighed and looked at Kankuro deeply. "We both know our brother wouldn't appreciate that either."
Kankuro drew his brows and drew in his lips, thinking deeply before replying calmly. "No, he wouldn't. He never speaks about what happened long ago but I catch him look every so often at this small object he keeps in his belt. I know what he thinks of, specifically who."
Temari looked at Hinata, who was now being followed by the sudden appearance of a very serious Ko. Ko held a scroll close to his chest and bowed his head to Hinata, who simply smiled and waved it away.
"Kankuro, she may look regal but she is still so…gentle and maybe a little naïve."
"Temari, she made it through the desert. Even though she was beyond tired, she still demanded to see the council and speak to them. I think you have to give her credit. I know I am. She is pretty surprising for a Hyuga. You made a good decision."
Temari followed Kankuro while silently muttering under her breath. "I don't know now…with her life in danger."
XXXXXX
"The council has come to order and all have agreed to the meeting as agreed by head council leader, myself, and other respected members of our council to hear the testimony of one of the esteemed clans from our ally Konohagakure as well as to read the testimony of their Kage. We will now receive Hyuga Hinata, representative of Konohagakure and future heiress of clan Hyuga."
Jai spoke loudly and smoothly, his voice echoing in the round chamber of the Suna council. The lit torches along the walls blew, the cold breeze floating along the heavy robes of the council members. He flexed his gloved hands and rolled the scroll up to place into the hands of a young ninja. Jai had made a point to dress formally, his normal tunic passed on for a dark beige robe and tan boots. The symbol of the village was stitched boldly across his tunic front and along his sleeve, nearly matching the others' outfits.
Jai eyed Baki, who sat close to the door. Both thought the same, despite different feelings on the subject. They both were thinking about this Hyuga Hinata, the young chunin from Konohagakure. Oh, Jai had done his research and received intel from ANBU…a group he was once part of long ago. He felt both amusement and shock. This was a bold move, daring for the Sand Siblings to do.
Silence swept the council as the brilliantly decorated and lushly dressed young Hyuga entered the council chamber with the much more stoic bodyguard. She motioned for him to stand apart from her, but not before taking a scroll from his larger hand. Jai noticed the light tremor and nearly smirked.
Your move, Baki. Lets see how your Hyuga doll does before us. She may be elegantly dressed, displaying those impeccable manners and that classic closed Hyuga mask but how will this 15-year-old girl operate before us?
Temari and Kankuro soon followed and stood to the left but behind the young Hyuga. Both strove to appear as stone statues, but even the headstrong Temari had a twitch to her mouth.
Ah, even Temari looks nervous. Interesting, very interesting.
The silence was broken by the light tone of the Hyuga female. She held the scroll in her hands, which crossed before her obi.
"Honorable council of Sunagakure, I appear before you as representative of Konohagakure and the clan Hyuga. I give you the testimony of Hokage Tsunade, which is prepared in this scroll and to also give my own testimony in support of the decision to appoint Sabaku no Gaara as Kage of Sunagakure."
"Ah, Hyuga eh? You are young. What do you know of the keeper of Shukaku?"
XXXXXX
Here it comes, thought Temari and Kankuro both dejectedly.
Hinata paused, her hand in mid movement while handing the scroll to Jai. Her face briefly twitched before becoming a blank canvas.
She gently smiled neutrally before speaking.
"My understanding is that Sabaku no Gaara has experienced many challenges and trials as keeper of Shukaku. I also know from my experience with assisting in missions he is capable of overcoming those challenges."
"You tremble, young girl. I understand Hyuga to be as stone, formidable and wise. Why are you here?"
Hinata blinked and smiled cryptically, the smile brightening her faces. Her eyes lit up.
"You choose to judge me based on age. I represent the Hyuga, which means I represent each and every one of them. Each and every one of them is wise, strong, and powerful. That proves me to be as wise, strong and powerful as each member of my clan combined. I am also the future heiress of my clan and respected by each. That more than proves my qualification to represent my clan and my village."
Jai cleared his throat and spoke up. "I can see such. Now, your experience with Gaara. You support him. Why? I read reports of his near transformation while your team was with him. He nearly attacked you."
Temari scowled and Kankuro took her hand.
Hinata gently smiled and waved a hand his way.
"I understand your wariness, your fear. Do not be afraid, for your lives or for the village you represent. Sabaku no Gaara did not transform completely, as stated in the report. Do you know why he did not? He believes deeply in his mind that he wishes to protect, to not be a weapon of such evil intentions, which lead to defending the other ninja from the enemy."
The others coughed and shifted uneasily.
"Hyuga eyes never lie when we see truth. I see yours and I see his. He strives for change, does he not? You deny him. Why? We believed he would protect us. Did he not? I remain standing and alive before you. Did he not save his student? And do you believe he would not extend that desire to his village, despite your convictions?"
Jai leaned forward and cocked his head. "You speak impassionedly for a Hyuga, yet you remain calm and even modest in your every movement."
Hinata locked eyes with Jai, sending a gentle flow of energy through his veins and soul. He knew then, after years of jaded cynicism and violence, that this was a gentle soul but also a wise soul. This Hyuga could persuade you to give her everything in a treaty and you would never know. She was dangerous…and she supported Gaara, the most dangerous ninja in Sunagakure.
This is problematic…
XXXXXX
"Council members, Hyuga eyes saw the conviction to change and become something to be respected, to be believed in. He will protect this village, as he has protected others."
Baki stood calmly, locking eyes with Hinata with a touch of warmness before bowing to her and facing the council.
"We vote. I move to send the testimonies and our agreement on making Sabaku no Gaara Kage of Suna to the daimyo. What vote the rest of you?"
"I second that."
"I second as well."
More voices of approval followed by three nays rang in the echoing chamber.
The lone female paused in the group, her old fingers creaking as she stood and pointed at Hinata.
"I am quite shocked, even for a Suna kunoichi and council member these past 15 years. We vote yes, only on the conviction of this Hyuga and on the scroll from the Hokage of Konohagakure. I vote on one condition."
A thick cloud of a pregnant pause hung in the air, a pause that left a thoroughly surprised and relieved Temari and Kankuro leaning forward.
"I vote that this Hyuga female and our Ambassador physically travel to our daimyo. Personally deliver our vote and speak to him on our…requests. Maybe you can make the tyrant bastard help our trade agreements go through."
"What?"
Baki blurted then corrected himself.
"Yes, let the females and this rather angry looking bodyguard go to the daimyo. I am curious to see the outcome."
Jai bowed to Hinata, taking her hand lightly before calling the council to order and marching out of the door.
XXXXXX
Temari rushed to Hinata and grabbed her painted hands.
"Hinata, you didn't stutter or faint! This is a miracle from the gods! This is…this is…thank you. I could never…hey, are you okay?"
Hinata looked over at Temari, her pallor lessening until her body trembled and went limp only to be caught by the ever-watchful Ko.
Kankuro laughed softly. "Well looks like she fainted after all."
Author Note: Thank you for each review and following! I appreciate it so much. I think this came out nicely. The next chapter should expand on it. I knocked this out at 12:23 am for everyone. Read and review, also enjoy! It gets dangerous from here on out.