"I don't think all this is necessary," Hinata attempted to convince the branch women, who tugged at her hair and added coloring to her face. "This is only a village peace summit. I've never needed to be this dressed up before."
One leaned forward to whisper. "You are of age now. You should start thinking about finding a good husband." Did the council decide that she would find a husband at this event? No one had even mentioned it. How was she meant to follow orders she did not receive?
Hinata turned to give a smile to the woman, bowing her head. "I wasn't aware. Please make sure I have enough time to speak to my father before we leave. Thank you for taking care of me." Hinata resigned herself to staring in the mirror. Surprise flashed between the women. Hinata suppressed a frown that would ruin their hard work. The branch house wasn't 'the help,' and she wouldn't treat them as such.
"You look lovely, Hinata-sama," The woman hazarded a light touch of her hands over Hinata's shoulders. Hinata brought her hand up to return the touch of her fingers to the family she wasn't allowed to have and smiled at her.
"Thank you." They always did a fantastic job of making her look like a respectable, high-class woman. The three women who danced around her seemed to enjoy their work, and she was happy she spent time with them. Hinata bowed her head once more, then let them dress her.
They dressed Hinata for her status to make her look like an eligible, high-class woman of marrying age. However, the ruffles accentuated her chest and wide hips. She shook off the thought.
"Quite beautiful, Hinata-sama." They fiddled with the ends of the fabric, perfecting out any creases.
Hinata turned her head away from her reflection. "May I go see my father, please?"
The door opened for her. "Of course, Hinata-sama," Hinata gave them a more profound bow and verbal praise of their work before she turned her attention to her father's office, knocking lightly to announce herself.
"Enter," Hiashi's tone made her flinch internally.
Hinata entered, bowing deeply, feeling the strands that framed her face fall past her cheeks. "Father."
Hiashi glanced up at her. "You're ready for our meeting," As she expected, he wasn't surprised that they dressed her up.
"Was there something about presenting me to suitors at this meeting I wasn't informed about?" It was a bold but safe question. Her father knew it would get to her sooner or later. She was surprised he hadn't spent the week making her take lessons on being a good wife as preparation.
Hiashi wasn't off-put by the question. If anything, he was a little impressed. No. He was never impressed, mild surprise at best. "Yes, and no. We have no suitors in mind to present to you. However, you should start thinking about presenting yourself." He kept his attention on paperwork as if he hadn't been discussing marrying his eldest to the highest bidder.
"Hanabi-chan…" Hinata started.
Hiashi cut her off. "You will continue to train your sister until you step down. I agreed to your terms on her behalf. I will not step out of them as long as you continue to comply with your end of the bargain."
Hinata made a deal with the council after hearing the roaming sentiment that Hanabi should be married as soon as she came of age: Hinata would train Hanabi to be the perfect heir and lady. Hanabi could choose her husband and would not be pressured to marry when she became head. Hinata would keep her main house status unbranded and have limited power in the council.
Hanabi was the better choice, excelling in all the areas the council valued. Once she honed the skills of being a lady, she would make the perfect head.
Hinata and Hanabi discussed it at length before presenting the deal. The council debated amongst themselves, but it was too good an offer to turn down. They got the heir they wanted, and there would be no backlash from the village since Hinata would step down willingly.
However, there was no clause that Hinata could marry who she wanted. That would be asking far too much. She would give up her childhood crush for her sister's and clan's well-being. She would always admire him, but she had to let him go. Even once he became Hokage, the council would never allow her to marry him. Naruto was too free-willed. They would have a hard enough time dealing with him politically, let alone accepting him as part of the clan.
Hinata would marry whoever the council wanted her to without question. It was her place to serve her sister with a better life.
Hinata bowed her head. "I understand. I just would have liked to know to better prepare." Hiashi gave a single nod, dismissing her.
The peace summit had a larger turnout this year than Hinata expected. Public and political figures traveled to Konoha for one week to debate important issues. Hinata's trained eyes found hidden security lurking everywhere. Hanabi held her hand under the table.
Hinata told her sister what she should be looking for, offering tips on who was best to talk to, how to tell who was in charge, and how to acquire information without offending. Presenting as a proper lady with a sweet smile and warm tone, people forgot that she is the Hyuga heiress. It was dirty, but Hinata protected her clan with naturally trustable traits. It was one of the few things she could rely on.
Hanabi took it in with a much more serious face than Hinata did. She had their father's features. Maybe intimidation was a better tactic for her, but he could teach her that. Today, she was a lady.
Hanabi's thumb slid across the back of Hinata's hand, increasing in pressure and pace as she got nervous. Hinata gently squeezed her little sister's hand before slipping away when she needed to stand. Hinata presented herself, her clan, her father, sister, and cousin in attendance. Hinata used a firm tone, reflective of her status, but softened by her naturally soothing voice. It would be seen as a weak and easy place to infiltrate. Then they would meet her father. It was something her father, despite his complaints, used to his advantage. Hanabi could be the best of both, inviting and venomous.
Once Hinata sat back down and recaptured her sister's hand, she smiled gently. Hanabi squeezed her, indicating she took note of the tone. Hinata envied her quick understanding, which would make her a good leader. Much better than she felt she could be.
Hiashi gave her a fraction of a nod. Not disapproval, good. Hinata skimmed those in attendance. Joining the regular political figures were those who were rising to replace those soon to retire, some she took exams with. Hinata had the misfortune to look over the men and think, 'Who will my father select first?'
In particular, one young man caught her curiosity. With blood-red hair and pale skin contrasted against his companion's heavy tans. His face sat with a permanent scowl as he glared at the speaker. He couldn't be older than her, but the robes he swam in indicated that he was Suna Kage, quite the position at such a young age.
Taller and tanner than their leader, on either side of him sat a man and a woman. They all shared a similar facial structure. Were they related, or were they just common traits in Suna? His companions sat decently far from him, showing little familiarity. Suna custom or respect to his position? Perhaps they were new? Hinata, like most, had little knowledge about their social norms. The isolated people had only recently opened up to the rest of the world. She took note of him and continued.
Hinata whispered notes to her sister of whom to avoid: underlings with leering eyes, those who tried to underhand them in the past. As well as people to befriend: helpful, fair individuals. When it came time for their first break, Hanabi tugged her off to the refreshments. "I think you'll do well in this environment."
"You think so?" Hanabi beamed.
"Father will be proud." Hinata made eye contact with their father. A simple flick of his eye was an order to come to him. Hinata shifted under his gaze. Hanabi followed her closely as they made their way across the room.
Hiashi signaled her to look around at the men in the room. "Many potential suitors."
"Suitors?" Hanabi asked with a low whisper. Hinata hushed her. Hanabi made a childish pout, betrayed by the worried eyes.
"There is a new Kazekage," Hiashi noted.
Hinata scanned the room for his red hair. She found him standing against a wall, arms crossed, with a meter's distance between him and everyone else. No one dared come any closer, respecting or fearing the 'stay away' demeanor.'
"The guy who looks like an angry child in a blanket?" Hanabi whispered.
Hinata lightly batted at her sister's hand for the comment. "Hanabi-chan." She scolded. "He does seem rather young for the position, doesn't he?"
Hiashi gestured. "Your age."
Hinata knew what he meant, a man of power, the perfect age. "Suna alliance."
"But he looks like an…" Hinata batted at her again. Hanabi giggled.
"Hold your tongue, and people can't see fangs." Hinata scolded. The Kage looked angry at the world. He didn't seem husband material, but he was at the top of her father's current list. Her father picked a powerful first contender to toss her at. What would he choose next?
"Speak to his companions if the opportunity presents itself," Hiashi ordered.
"Yes, father," Hinata answered obediently.
The two hovering on either side of him didn't seem nearly as off-putting, strong and stern, but they at least looked approachable.