I don't own the Naruto license or any of the associated characters. I just use them to feed my sick mind with their adventures.
-Am I invited?
-Yes, mademoiselle. Well, more precisely, it's the clan leader who's been called, but, as you know... The old man paused for a few seconds. Your father still needs to rest from his injury, and as his heir, it's up to you to take care of him.
Hinata had been called by the Council of Elders early that morning, a group of village elders who normally helped the clan chief make the right decisions. However, Hiashi had still not recovered from the calcination of his arm, and in the meantime it was they who kept relative order within the family. Since that famous night when the sulphurous Uchiha took power, the city had been in a state of explosive tension, the streets slowed down as people were too afraid to leave their homes for the time being, and they couldn't even count on the police to help them, as they were held by the same Uchiha who had overthrown the old power.
Hinata returned her gaze to the parchment in her hands, elegant handwriting running across the paper inviting the clan leader to an event within the Uchiha estate. The seal at the end of the parchment, representing a fan, was vermilion-red. The young girl pursed her lips, she was terribly anxious to meet these people, the servants around her spoke of them as bloodthirsty monsters with red eyes that would pierce your soul and kill you on the spot. She realized that her hands were trembling and pulled herself together, returning her gaze to the elders before her.
-Don't worry, Miss Hinata, I'll be accompanying you and your bodyguard to this meeting, there's no way you'll be going alone, it would be far too dangerous for you. We've tried to find a solution so that you don't take part in this event, but we're afraid that these... scoundrels won't take kindly to the fact that none of the leaders are coming. Do you think you can do it? If not, we'll have to get your little sister Hanabi.
-N-No, I'll do it!
Hinata took a breath and tried to calm herself down, she had to be strong for her sister and for her clan too.
Servants came to fetch her, she had to be ready for this evening in order to be able to respond to the invitation entrusted to her, she was given a lukewarm bath with multicolored flower petals in it, as a bonus donkey's milk was added to the water to make Hinata's skin even softer. The young girl didn't understand why her skin had to be soft; as the maid began to wash her back, she observed the palms of her hands, noting that they would surely never be as beautiful as the rest of her body. Her hair was lathered, her nails trimmed, Hinata never really liked those moments when she felt like a doll and had to keep still, lest the women taking care of her grumble.
Once clean and dry, she was dressed in a contracted outfit to tide her over until this evening before officially dressing for the evening. She was presented with several ceremonial kimonos, each more sumptuous than the last, but Hinata, who was a very natural person, preferred a dark blue kimono embroidered with flowers and butterflies on the bottom and sleeves. Despite the pleas of her maids, who wanted to dress her in a very pretty pastel pink kimono adorned with pearls and embroidered with a red-throated bird, Hinata didn't give in, but promised to take the brooch for the hair they chose.
Finally, at the end of this she was alone at last, waiting for the early evening to leave. Hinata sat down on the pavilion of her room, which overlooked an interior garden. It had been her mother's garden before she died; since she was gone, Hinata and Kaede had taken care of it for her.
She heard footsteps coming towards her on her left, her muscles tensed by reflex, it was her cousin Neji, his eyes similar to hers stared hard at her, his face tensed and he grimaced.
-Hinata-sama.
He'd uttered these few words while bowing as etiquette demanded, but his name in his cousin's mouth came back to him as if he were vomiting rot.
-Hello, big brother Neji.
-I hear from the second branch that you've received an invitation to attend a meeting at the Uchiha house tonight?
-Yes, that's right... I'm going with the elder Naraku and Kô.
Neji probed her for far too long, making Hinata uncomfortable. She tried not to let it show by holding her hands and smiling, but her cousin sighed and turned the other way before finishing.
-Make sure you don't cause a catastrophe. You're usually so useless, it's only a matter of time before you provoke a war with your clumsiness.
The Uchiha mansion was sumptuous. Hinata had been really surprised when she passed through the heavy wooden gates that marked the outline of their family's territory. The little girl had never really had the opportunity to walk past them, as the Uchiha clan was far from the center of the village, unlike the Hyuga clan, which was right next door. The two families were in fact side by side, separated only by the district of the secondary branch; this side of the family being much more numerous, the child had never had to go beyond the limits of her father's domain.
And here she was on the edge of a world she didn't know, were the Uchiha so dangerous? Maybe not, they had founded Konoha with the Senju clan, hadn't they? Hinata caught herself biting her lip, they had certainly helped create Konoha, but now she was sure that nothing would ever be the same again. Would she ever know a world of safe peace? Perhaps the fan clan's intentions weren't friendly?
-Hinata-sama, is everything all right? It was the voice of her bodyguard, Kô, that roused her from her torpor. She hadn't realized she'd stopped in the middle of the road. The man resumed. We can still turn around...
-What are you talking about? Turning back now would mean our death and the eradication of our village. It would be such an affront that we wouldn't even have time to go through the gates again. The elder who accompanied Hinata ranted at his companion, it being obvious that his wisdom and experience would undoubtedly be useful at this meeting.
-It-It's okay, I can do it! Hinata prayed that the adults would calm down if she showed a little self-control. It worked, as the elder turned away from them and motioned for her to follow him.
They arrived in front of a long-haired black Uchiha, carrying a light wooden folder in one hand and a pen in the other, who smiled at the newcomers and addressed them in a crystal-clear voice.
-Welcome to the Uchiha estate, do you have your invitation scroll?
The salt-and-pepper-haired man looked for something in the sleeve of his kimono and handed her a small scroll bound with a thick red cord. The young woman opened it and quickly scanned the writing with her jet-black eyes. She checked something on her list and made a note, then stepped back to show them the way.
-Our chief will be delighted that you were able to come to our invitation to this great party, I'm sure!
Hinata was surprised that she should use the word "party" for a meeting between clans, at least from what the elder had told her, it didn't really sound like a party... The Hyuga followed a servant who led them to a pavilion a little way from the dwellings. It was an imposing building richly decorated with lanterns and large matted tapestries adorned the walls, each depicting a finely detailed animal or landscape. If the Uchiha were trying to dazzle their guests, they certainly succeeded in filling Hinata with surprise. She, who was used to the rather minimalist and austere environment of her clan, was dazzled by so much extravagance. Did she think the Uchiha were a much darker family, or perhaps all this was just for today? She wasn't sure, unable to distinguish the difference between gossip and truth at the moment.
The three Hyuga were then led into a large room large enough to accommodate hundreds of people, and it was already crowded when they entered in their turn. Hinata was surprised once again by the fact that there were so many children of her own age present; she didn't know any of them and, out of habit, wanted to hide behind the elder, before changing her mind in the face of his incensed gaze. Not forgetting that she represented the Hyuga clan at the moment, she smoothed her kimono with the flat of her small hand. She and the eldest were presented with zabutons to sit on, while Kô remained in the shadows like many of the bodyguards present, but hidden. The little girl took the opportunity to observe the other guests: each child seemed to be accompanying an adult or a couple, no doubt their respective children. The atmosphere was a mixture of heavy tension and growing curiosity.
As she discreetly observed another little girl with almost white blond hair, she waved back, making Hinata blush. She shrank back, somewhat ashamed at having been caught in the act, which made the little girl with the big blue eyes laugh, while her father next to her with the same light hair said something that Hinata didn't hear. After one last friendly glance at the Hyuga, the child settled back on her zabuton, waiting for what was to come.
It seemed like an eternity to wait, but finally Fugaku Uchiha also entered the room, and the few people chatting among themselves fell silent as they watched the clan leader. His kimono was simple in appearance, dark blue in color, but the fabric used was precious and there was no doubt that it could only be worn on the most important of occasions.
Today was important.
Very important.
Fugaku surveyed the assembly of his visitors with a deep, calm gaze. He recognized Shibi Aburame behind the coat and collar that hid his face, even his eyes were hidden behind thin glasses. Chôza Akimichi and his tattoos on his face, more severe than usual this evening. As he met the milky eyes of the old Hyuga, he smiled inwardly, for this meant that the chief was in no fit state to move. The old man must have come in his place, good, that was good. He glanced at the little girl with the big clear eyes who accompanied him, noting however that her kimono matched the color of her own clan. One of the few women here, and perhaps the fiercest, was Tsume Inuzuka, and her piercing gaze struck him on the spot. He was surprised to see the Lee clan represented by their emissary, recognizable by their thick bushy eyebrows. Shikaku Nara would surely be one of the most difficult men to convince, but Fugaku knew that the chief's main reason for being here tonight was to test and observe him. He then glanced quickly at the more modest clan chiefs, all of whom had come with varying degrees of fear in their eyes. Finally, the Uchiha chief met the blue eyes of Inoichi Yamanaka. It was hard to believe that this man was both a great warrior and a fine strategist, who also ran a well-known flower store in the town center.
Fugaku was delighted; on the mental list he'd made, only a few clans a little too arrogant hadn't come to his invitation. Too arrogant they were. The dark-eyed man finally addressed his guests.
-On behalf of the Uchiha clan, I welcome you to our domain. It's an honor to welcome you all for this evening, which I hope will mark the beginning of a rich collaboration between all our respective clans. After all, dark times may be upon us from outside, so let's think of our future and that of our children, and protect them as best we can. Speaking of children, I'd like to introduce you to mine.
Hinata had trembled a little when the Uchiha chief had entered, his presence was enough to influence respect in anyone, but he had something extra that scared her. She had met his gaze for a few seconds. His eyes were so dark and deep that they seemed to have sucked her in for a fraction of a second, and in that instant, that tiny lapse of time, she was sure she had seen a glint in his eyes, a blood-red glint. She had surely imagined this and tried to reassure herself by clasping her hands together. Fugaku quickly ushered in his own children, and Hinata watched as he introduced them.
The eldest wore his long hair tied back in a low ponytail, slight dark circles adorned his cheeks, giving him a somewhat tired look, like the other Uchiha his eyes a cheerful black, he wore a dark blue kimono similar to his father's and Hinata thought he looked very mature for a teenager. The youngest, on the other hand, had his hair slicked back, while the locks around his face were longer. He had no dark circles, but his face seemed somewhat anxious, no doubt because he wasn't comfortable being officially introduced to these people he didn't know. The young Hyuga noticed that he was clenching his fists on his dark gray kimono. She put a hand to her lips, realizing that someone else sharing her anguish was doing her some good, and tried to pull herself together. Then Fugaku resumed:
-I'd like to introduce Itachi, who will be the heir to my clan. I'm sure that with him, the future of our family will be all the more glorious. And this is Sasuke, my second son. I'm planning to send him to the city police force to maintain order and protection within the village. Finally, I'd like to tell you about the newest member of our family. You know, a family can't be described by blood ties alone; after all, Konoha is one big family. My wife and I have therefore decided to integrate a new member of our family. Come along, Naruto.
Hinata immediately noticed how most of the guests seemed surprised or even shocked by what he had just said. Even the elder of her clan lost his serious air for a moment at the announcement.
A young boy with hair as blond as the sun entered the room, looking clearly uncomfortable, but he nevertheless took his place next to his brother, who shifted slightly to make room for him. His kimono was a very dark red, almost black.
-After all, Naruto's dream is to become Hokage, so let's all support him so he can achieve his dream. You'll have to work very hard for that, Naruto, I hope you're ready.
The young boy nodded, frowning, Hinata admiring the determination in his eyes as he watched one clan leader after another. Their gazes met, Hinata seemed to lose herself in his immense blue eyes and he in hers, she quickly looked away and Naruto scratched the back of his head before Sasuke followed the direction he was looking, he too noticed the little girl with the pretty decorated kimono and the big clear eyes. It annoyed him a little, but he thought they were pretty.
-Well, Fugaku seemed to appreciate his guests' sudden daze. I think we need to discuss more serious matters now. I think it would be best if the children could continue their evening out, as we've planned something to keep them occupied until we've finished.
A Uchiha servant opened the sliding paper door and showed the way to the children, who looked at their parents, waiting for their permission to go. The elder nodded towards Hinata, who rose to her feet and obediently made her way towards the maid. Indeed, an inner garden had been completely transformed into a pseudo summer festival. The place was alive with the contagious excitement of the participants. Colorful lanterns swayed gently over the reconstructed narrow lanes, lighting up the happy faces of the children who gathered to enjoy the magic of this special evening together.
Little hands clasped around traditional fans, children strolled down the aisles filled with stalls, each offering tempting treats and fun games. Laughter and squeals of delight echoed through the air as the toddlers embarked on their adventures.
Hinata made her way through the crowd, her eyes shining with anticipation as she watched every detail with fascination.
The sound of taiko drums echoed in the distance, drawing the children to the main stage where traditional dancers in fan-trimmed kimonos gracefully intermingled to the rhythm of the music. Little Hyuga joined the crowd of children, enthusiastically following the graceful movements.
After admiring the dance, she made her way to the games stand. A red-cheeked child challenged the fair-haired boy, Naruto, to a game of archery, aiming deftly at the floating balloons, while the little blonde girl and a bouncy-cheeked child tried to throw the hoops around the colorful little fish in another fun game.
Later, they headed for the food stalls, filling the air with the tempting aroma of grilled yakisoba and takoyaki. The children feasted on their favorite delicacies, laughing and sharing their culinary finds. Hinata was surprised to see the spiky-haired young Uchiha give her the last of the fish-shaped onigiri as she looked away, thanking him warmly and delighted by the fresh taste of the food.
Then came the highlight of the evening: the fireworks. They all sat down together on the small grassy area of the inner garden, looking up at the starry sky. The first colorful sparks lit up the darkness of the night, creating an enchanting spectacle. The "oohs" and "aahs" rang out as the children marveled at the explosions of bright colors painting the sky. Hinata thought that what she'd heard about the Uchiha might just be rumors. How could such nice people do evil?
As Hinata and the other children applauded at the end of the fireworks display, she chanced upon Sasuke, who was also out for a stroll. He had put his hands in his pockets and removed them as soon as he saw the Hyuga. She smiled at him and tried to strike up a conversation to thank him for the onigiri she'd given him earlier.
-My name is Hinata Hyuga, thank you for the invitation tonight.
She bowed respectfully to the boy, who also bowed stiffly.
-The Uchiha clan is truly... Wonderful. From what I've seen of it, I hope to discover more of your culture in the future.
Sasuke blushed, scratching his head.
-We're the most powerful clan in Konoha after all! It's not for nothing, if you want next time we meet I'll show you my shuriken shots, I'm unbeatable at it! But really, it's my older brother who's teaching me, and he's the best Uchiha you'll ever find - he'll make an excellent clan leader in the future!
Hinata couldn't help smiling even wider at Sasuke's devotion to his big brother.
-You must be happy to have a new brother in Naruto then?
The dark-haired man's face closed a little, as he clearly wasn't all that happy.
-I don't know him well enough yet to say I'm "happy", but if it's my father's will then I'm fine with it...
The girl thought she'd made a mistake and rushed to try and catch her:
-I-I'd be very happy to see your kunai throw! I'm very bad at it, my blood is more based on hand-to-hand combat you see, I still have some progress to make, but one day I'll be as strong as my big brother too!
Sasuke smiled frankly then, and together they continued chatting, unaware that they themselves were being watched by two pairs of eyes.
-So what do you think, Uchiha-san?
-It'll be perfect.
You may have noticed that English is not my mother tongue, sorry about that.