Dreamcatcher
By Airyo
2
It rarely occurred to people that not only did the Hyuuga have the largest clan population in all of Konoha, the clan was also entirely self-sufficient. That did not occur by accident. While the Main Family navigated the rough waters of the outside world, conquering new frontiers and bringing glory to the Hyuuga name, the Branch family managed the clan estates, maintaining a safe harbor for the warriors of the clan.
The Hyuuga had long ago realized the power of those no one noticed. Hiring outside servants would create a gaping weakness to the family secrets for enemies. Instead, the Branch family was formed, and in one brilliant move, both the dangers of spies and civil wars were eliminated.
While Hinata was a failure of being a ninja, she had a surprising talent for caring for them. Her days began early, as she was in charge of managing the day's meals. The scope of feeding up to three hundred people, depending on who was back from missions and such, was great one. Especially when quality and taste were scrutinized by those who made a career out of being observant.
Every morning, HInata personally went to the market to pick the produce from the farmers. Upon finding something to her standards, she put in an order to be retrieved by other Branch members later when they brought the cart.
This particular morning was no different. The sun had yet to rise when Hinata set out. She was prepared for a long day of errands - efficiently dressed in loose pale robes and comfortable sandals, long hair braided back out of her way, and a scroll of the thousand little details she needed to attend to.
The walk to the markets was short, but afforded the Branch member lovely scenery as she strolled her way through the heart of the city. Hardly anyone was awake yet, so the stillness of morning was adorned only with the sundry sounds of birds. The wane light cast an ethereal feel to the sleepy landscape of Konoha. She could see the stony faces of the Hokage monument, steadfast in their guard over the slumbering village. While the Rokudaime had yet to be sworn in, his whiskered face was already half carved into the side of the mountain. Despite the workers' best attempts, Namikaze Naruto's famous personality seemed to warp the serious expression of his likeness into something far more cheerful.
Hinata smiled slightly as her eyes passed over the rest of the landscape of Konoha. This was a peace that Hinata had come to cherish, away from the arrogant expectations of the Hyuuga, or the expectation of arrogance from everyone else.
Though said peace was quickly ruined when she was within earshot of the vendors.