Ice
Chapter Six
Still, after weeks and weeks of negotiating, she couldn't find peace within the clan. It got to the point she got close to losing her temper. The branch house felt unrepresented, and she knew they were, but with Neji gone... there was no one else she completely trusted.
Trust. Oh, that word rotted her to the core. She was the leader, she was supposed to trust everyone in the clan. It wasn't fair to them, and would only lead to problems later if there were trust issues.
Still, she had to form some sort of a relationship with someone. Getting up from her seat in the office, she walked over to a shelf full of books and slipped one out. It contained the profiles of the branch members, including everything from stats to relationships. Hinata almost felt dirty as she gingerly held the book, knowing it was full of secrets.
"Alright..."
She began to flip through. Toka, Haru, Jera, Neji-
The woman paused on his name, looking at his photo. His face had a large "DECEASED" stamped over it, almost marring his features.
She turned the page quickly, continuing with a heavy heart. She frowned as she glanced over the personalities. Almost every one was labeled as "mistrustful" or "submissive". Neither was good for representing the branch house. Once she'd reached the end of the book, she only found one adult who didn't have either of those.
She flipped back to the middle, glancing over the profile again.
Hyuuga Hanayo. Only twenty years old, but it says she's strictly loyal. pretty decent stats for her age too...
She didn't really have much on her, but she piqued Hinata's interest. Taking a deep breath, she closed the book and set it down beside her.
"Hiro," she called softly.
The thirteen-year-old burst in, grinning at her with a toothy smile. "Hinata-sama! You called me?"
"Yes. Could you fetch Hanayo, please?"
"Right away, miss!"
He hurried away and Hinata rose, straightening her plain kimono. She headed over and made some tea, caaring the steaming cups over once she was finished. She'd only sat down again when there was a knock on the door and Hiro opened it.
"I've brought her, Hinata-sama!"
"Thank you."
Hanayo headed in, and Hinata immediately felt intimidated. She was wearing a training outfit, but still carried herself regally, higher than the leader herself. And boy, did she have a nasty glare.
"H-Hanayo," she stuttered, before clearing her throat. "Hanayo, there you are. Please, take a seat. I made some tea, it's fresh."
"Hinata-sama." The woman sat down, still straight and poised, but didn't take a sip of the tea.
"I've called you here to ask you something. Um, would you like to become the representative of the Branch house?"
Hanayo's eyes narrowed immediately, zoning in on Hinata's. She had no problem with staring people straight in the eye, and the leader was again taken aback.
"... Why me?"
"You're a good nin," Hinata tried. "And you're loyal."
That didn't seem to please the brunette, and she was silent for a while. Hinata said nothing either, instead waiting for a response.
"I'll do it," she said abruptly, "but only if I can be sure you trust me."
"You can," Hinata said quickly. Hanayo's eyes narowed again, but when she opened her mouth, she only asked one thing.
"When's the next meeting then?"
Heyyy.
So. Um. This is late. Really, really late. But people seem to be enjoying it! Whoo!
Sorry there's no interaction, but I also wanna tie up a loose end with the Hyuuga clan too. Since, y'know, their clan is a bit screwed up. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy! Have a great day otherwise.