"So, Hikaru-chan too huh." Hiruzen mumbled as he reached around his desk, trying to find his pipe. He needed something to take the edge off. He was getting told old for this kind of shit. He'd need to find another successor soon. Too bad all the good replacements were all either running away from the job for dear life, or suspected to be involved in some nasty business. He would have named the Uchiha head as the next Hokage, but some people on the village counsel suspected the clan of being involved in the Nine Tails incident, regardless the evidence against it.
"Hokage-sama. Forgive me for withholding this information for so..." Hiashi started to apologize but was waved off.
"You will well within your rights not to tell me. I'm glad you feel like you can trust me know, though I wish it wasn't for the reason I suspect." Hiruzen said as he finally found his pipe and smoking leafs, using a bit of fire chakra to light it. "But if these extra chakra channels and strange chakra have something to do with the Great Sage of the Six Paths, it would explain quite a bit about that daughter of yours. Mastering all of the standard Elemental Transformations is no small feat, and the unusual jutsu she employees... Thinking back, it even seems to make sense for her, but I never imaged Kuroshi-kun was keeping such secrets."
"They both possess skill and knowledge that seems impossible." Hiashi agreed, but he still had his reservations about the idea that his daughter had something to do with that legendary power. "Do you honestly believe that it has to do with the Six Paths?"
Hiruzen scratched at his beard, lowering his chin to his chest. He was quiet for so long that Hiashi almost started to wonder if the man had fallen asleep. "I have no idea." The Third Hokage admitted weakly. "I'm afraid that I am no sage or great knower of history. This subject is so old that not even the oldest clans could boast half its age. We'll need to ask someone who is perhaps more knowledgeable than ourselves."
Hiashi watched as the man took up a letter opener, sharpened it with his chakra and pricked his finger. With a few hand signs, he placed that hand on the floor. "Summoning Jutsu!"
A cloud of smoke filled the small room before clearing up to reveal a large being who seemed to be some kind of cross between a monkey and a man, standing a good two heads taller than either of the ninja. Enma, the current king of the monkeys' clan was clothed in a casual kimono in a tropical island theme rather than his usual thick tiger hide clothes, though his Konoha headband was still in place on his head. His long mane of white hair was wet, as if he had recently been bathing. He seemed a little surprised to having been summoned. But he gave a welcoming smile all the same at the sight of his old friend.
"Hiruzen-sama, it's been a while. Why have you summoned me to your office? Please tell me you aren't going to make me help you with paper work." The Monkey King joked with a cocky grin as he leaned up against the wall of the office.
"As if you would ever help me with that." Hiruzen said with a shake of the head. "No, I've called you to help with some questions we have involving the Great Sage of the Six Paths."
Enma looked a little surprised by the request. "Hiruzen-sama, I know I am old by your human standards, but I'm not that old. That's something like twelve generations back. My clan didn't even exist until the very end of those golden days."
"That may be, but your people have a better record of it then mine do. We need a way to compare what we see with what the God of Ninjas possessed." Hiruzen explained as he poured a cup to tea and pushed it over to the old monkey.
"What you see? What do you mean by that?" Enma asked, taking up the cup and starting to drink.
"Two children have emerged who we believe to be connected to that power. One has demonstrated use of what seems to be the Path of Asura." Hiruzen said. He took some pleasure as the Monkey King did a spit take.
"You... you're yanking my tail!" Enma said accusingly between coughs. Then seeing that his old friend was serious, he changed his tone, his joking manner being replaced with a calmness. "Tell me everything."
They spent the next hour explain just who these children were and every detail they could recount from the days events and the strange actions observed in the pervious years to the Monkey King. But the time they were finished, his fur had nearly drip dried.
"Hm... Interesting. Very interesting. There are a few differences between that boy's technique and the stories I know of the Paths, but those could simply be because his version is incomplete." Enma said, nodding deeply.
"Incomplete?" Hiashi repeated, hoping to get a further explanation.
"The Six Paths were the pinnacle of what one could achieve with the Yin-Yang release. Something far beyond what anyone else has ever done. The six of them combined formed the base for what is known as the "Creation of All things". Deva, Asura, Human, Animal, Preta, and Naraka, each one representing a different piece of the whole; Energy, Purpose, Spirit, Form, Substance, and History." Enma explained. "The Path of Asura by itself dealt with the creation of tools that's shape and purpose were defined by the maker. The difference I can see between what you have witnessed and what once was is that the swords the child had created disappeared. The boy lacks the power to fully bring them into the world and so the tools he creates remain connected to him rather than nature itself. In other words, the boy is not a Sage."
Both Hiruzen and Hiashi couldn't tell what to think. The idea that everything the child had done was an unfinished product had never crossed their minds. Now they couldn't help but wonder what the True Path of Asura looked like.
"As for the girl, I can't say anything for sure. Some of the things you described could mean something, but then again they could mean something else." The Monkey Kind said, scratching his chin in thought. "She might just not have realized her true nature yet. But the way she infuses jutsu into stones could be a form of the path of the Human, manipulating the nature of spirit. Then again, it could just be a new method of Fuinjutsu. The jutsu she uses to strike people with a distant force of energy could be the Path of the Deva, or it could be something completely different." Enma shook his head. "Regardless, what are you going to do about the children? Properly trained in the Sage's arts, they could be the most powerful individuals in the history of the Village, easily surpassing even you. But that in itself is a barrel of bananas. You won't be sure if they are going to smell until after you already opened it up. Some things are better just left undiscovered."
Hiashi frowned at what the summoned monkey was implying, that his daughter could be dangerous. Deep down, he knew that she wasn't, regardless how many people called her 'the White Eyed Witch' when they thought he was out of ear shot. He remembered all those days finding her in the mornings, cuddled up with her little sister. The way she laughed and played pranks on the clan members who annoyed her. How she dismissed the idea of going to war for something as 'stupid' as honor. Her insistence on having a childhood rather than becoming an official ninja early. Her endless curiosity as she read every book and scroll she could get her hands on. She was his baby girl, no matter how powerful she became.
For his part, the Third Hokage seemed unmoved by the Monkey King's suggestion of just not training the children. "That won't be a choose that needs to be made today. They are too young to undergo Sage training, regardless of their outward maturity and skills."
The Monkey King didn't seem happy about the response. "Hiruzen-sama, you shouldn't keep putting off such important decisions."
"Perhaps your right, but I always hope that unpleasant things will not transpire. I suppose I should put my foot down." Hiruzen said, his eyes going to Hiashi. The clan head suddenly realized the Hokage was referring to him. "Do you honestly believe that sacrificing yourself will fix anything?"
Hiashi closed his eyes and turned his head away, the same way he always head when he didn't want to meet the Hokage's gaze. "This is a Clan matter. Your intervention is not required."
"Bullshit!" The old man snapped. "The Will of Fire. Everyone in Konoha, regardless of Clan, is family. It is the principle the village was built upon. So don't pull that Clan matter's nonsense." Hiashi didn't open his eyes. "Hiashi, we will find another way to protect the children. One that doesn't involve sacrifice. So drop this dying for honor foolishness and try to come up with a better..." There was a loud knocking on the door, causing Hiruzen to curse equally loudly. "What is it!?"
"Hokage-sama, yours and Hyūga-sama's attendance has been requested at the Hyūga Compound for a clan gathering." The ninja said, going down onto one knee in front of the Hokage, hardly seeming to notice the seven foot tall monkey in bathrobes in the room.
"Tell... that foolish elder that I'm busy." The Hokage said, trying to think what the elder's name was, but drawing a blank. Hiashi also looked unhappy, his father had been getting too bold as of late for his liking.
"Hokage-sama, it isn't the one who called for the gathering. It was the White Eyed Wi... I mean, Hikaru-sama who has called everyone." The ninja said, barely catching himself from calling the girl by her nickname in front of her father. Scared that he might react unkindly to it. He might has well not have worried. Both men were too shocked from the information to remember the slip.
"Oh, that's a pretty gutsy move." Enma chuckled. "Think I'll be joining you. I'd like to see this girl for myself."
Rin was pleased by the turn up. Nearly the entire clan was there, regardless of age or personal opinions. Some were angry that she had the gall to call on them, some seemed excited, other merely confused. But all showed up out of curiosity, to see what their young heiress would say, and about the events that had transpired during her kidnapping.
None even contested her place in the position of honor near the entrance of the room, usually reserved for the Head of Clan. She sat there in a meditative stance, preparing herself to unleash the storm that would shake the entire clan, waiting for the final guests to arrive.
Her father entered along with the Hokage and what appeared to be a giant monkey wearing bathrobes. "Thank you for honoring my invitation, Hokage-sama, Otou-sama." Rin said in the manner of a highborn lady. "I see you have brought a guest with you, I am Hyūga Hikaru, it is a joy to make your acquaintance."
The monkey grinned and gave a half bow. "I am Enma, and it is an honor to be welcomed."
"You are most welcome. It is an unexpected pleasure to have the Monkey King Enma, descendant of the Great Sage Equal of Heaven, within our humble dwelling. You are as handsome as the stories say." Rin said, continuing to smile.
The Monkey King gave a loud laugh. "Well, someone has done their homework!"
"It is said that information is more valuable than gold. If that is the case, then I'm afraid that I am quiet greedy." Rin said, giving a small and measured giggle. "As much as I wish to ask you a hundred questions, I'm afraid I must be starting this gathering. Perhaps we will have the chance to converse later and you can share with me some of your vast wealth of knowledge."
"You didn't tell me she was such a charmer." Enma whispered to the Third Hokage as they took up some open seats.
"She is when she wants to be." Hiruzen replied with a knowing smile at the vain Monkey King. He could tell that Enma had already been sold on the girl from that one meeting. He was a sucker for praise.
"As much as I wish to wait for everyone to show up, I'm afraid that it will soon be getting too late, so everyone who isn't here will simply have to hear it from word of mouth." Rin said as she stood up to address the room. They had all gone oddly quiet for a group who were listening to a five year old girl. "First, a small recap on the events that have recently transpired. Earlier today, Hakaku showed himself a traitor to the clan by arranging to hand over Hinata and myself to Kumo ninja."
Rin let the small amount of noise fill the room for a moment, playing up the reaction as an experienced showman would. That was what this was, a show to make a statement and push forward her own agenda.
"I am still here thanks to a brave group of men and women who quickly came to our aid. To those of you who were apart of the rescue party, I want to give you my thanks." Rin said giving a bow of the head. "It makes me glad that you would try to help me, but it also makes me sad. I'm sad because I cannot stay here anymore." This got a much larger reaction from the gathered clan members. "While I have no doubt that a vast majority of you are loyal and good people, I can't risk Hinata-chan's safety if the possibility that another who shares Hakaku's warped opinions still resides here. So I am going to move long with my little imōto into the Ena residence until she can feel safe again."
"Hikaru, you cannot act so brashly. Regardless your personal feelings, your place is here. We will not permit you to leave." The Elder said sternly.
Rin looked annoyed with the old man. "I do not recall asking for your permission. I merely told you what it was that I was going to do. There is no way that Hinata-chan can feel safe here anymore. Not when your own personal man proved a traitor to the clan." Some of the people in the audience whispered about what the girl had just implied. The Elder looked like he was going to object to it, but Rin never gave him the chance. "I have grown tired of your attempts to control this clan. Even more than the Cursed Seals, you have tried to rule it through brainwashing. You spin stories about fate, convincing everyone that they cannot achieve beyond the limits you tell them exist, placing up barriers in their mind. But in truth, you don't even know what fate even is."
Rin closed her eyes and activated several dozen magic circuits.
Ye first, O silver, O iron.
O stone of the foundation, O Archduke of the Contract.
Hear me in the name of our great teacher.
Let the descending winds be as a wall.
Let the gates in all directions be shut, rising above the crown, and let the three-forked roads to the Kingdom revolve.
Shut. Shut. Shut. Shut. Shut.
Five perfections for each repetition.
And now, let the filled sigils be annihilated in my stead.
Set.
Heed my words.
My will creates your body, and your sword creates my destiny.
If you heed the Grail's call, and obey my will and reason, then answer my summoning.
I make my oath here.
That I shall be all the good in the world,
That I shall defeat all evil in the world.
Seventh heaven clad, and great words of power,
Come past thy restraining rings, and be the hands that protect the balance-!
Even without the summoning circle, or the grail to respond to the call, those words still held power. The surrounding ninja could all feel it, the members of the Hyūga clan could even see it, the energies twisting in the air, searching for the outlet before slowly dissipating.
"A prophecy?" Enma said with a bit of wonder into the silence that followed Rin's chant. It was not unheard of for those with natural talent in Sage arts to receive divinations. The Hyūga clan was struck dumb at being confronted with what they believed was an first hand message from fate itself.
"I will allow it." Hiashi said after he had regained his wits. The other clan members turned to look at him in surprise. "As Head of Clan, I will place my faith in Ena Kuroshi. Today, he proved himself by being the first to reach my daughters. If it wasn't for his bravery and strength, they would most certainly be lost. He has earned my trust."
Those who won't fully aware of the day's events were confused, but Rin didn't give them time to talk among themselves.
"Thank you, Otou-san." She said, giving her father a true, grateful smile. "I know that Shirou is worthy of your trust. I might not know all of what the prophecy's means, but I know that it is Shirou's sword that is to shape my destiny. Just like how he searched for me before he even knew my name, I knew that it was him the moment I met him. He is the one who holds the Path of Asura, one of the six powers of the God of Ninjas. And someday, he will become the greatest hero this village has ever known, 'the hands that protect the balance'."
The Hokage nearly groaned as noise exploded in the room at the decoration that little Kuroshi held the power of a god. "So much for an S-rank secret." He mumbled to the Monkey King. He couldn't tell how much of this was real and how much was made up to manipulate the listeners.
"Forget what I said earlier, this girl is great." Enma mumbled back with a huge smile. "Maybe I should get her to sign my summoning scroll. What a show."
Even with everyone wanting to say something about such a revelation, they all quieted when Rin made to speak again, wanting to hear exactly what she was going to say. "His secret is now out. In order to rescue me, he revealed himself and used his power against the foreign ninja. So now, in order to protect him the way he protected me, I will do something I should have done a long time ago. As the Heiress to the Hyūga name, I am going to bring Shirou into our Clan." Rin said.
Her pause allowed for whispers to set in again. "Hikaru-sama. The clan laws don't allow us to just accept outsiders into the clan." One of the men said, his eyes wide with wonder.
Rin shifted a bit, unhappy that someone had pointed out the fact that the rules were stopping her. "Yes, I know." She said, Hiashi's eyes widened as a small blush could be seen on her face. "That is way he will be brought into the clan through marriage... as my husband."
The noise in the room reached an all time high so that no one could hear or understand what anyone was saying. The only things that could be heard clearly was Rin's mother's squeals of delight and the clapping of the Monkey King.
Hiashi's jaw had slid open with shock. Sure he had thought from time to time about finding a good match for his daughters, but he had been convinced that it was still a good time away. Usually people didn't get married until they were at least fifteen.
He felt a pat on his shoulder and turned his head around to see his twin brother's smiling face. "I suppose congratulations are in order!" He said over all the noise. Hiashi could only nod dumbly.
No, none of what I'm saying is canon(unless completely by accident), so don't bother asking. With Hiashi planning on sacrificing himself, he is position his children away from the clan politics that might endanger them.