Hanabi stood next to the open window in her room. Her mind was bombarded with thoughts. She was still feeling the effects of the fight with Hinata and with every wince her hatred grew. Honestly, she was surprised at Hinata's strength. The last time she was around her sister was before she married Sasuke. Hanabi scowled as she remembered the marriage announcement. She felt disgusted about how happy they looked. Things were different with her sister at the time. She and Hinata were close, at least she thought they were. Of course she noticed her sister sneaking off on every occasion. However, Hinata never spoke about Sasuke with her. How could she abandon her like that? Hinata left her to deal with their father all by herself. It was selfish. Furthermore, to do it for a traitor was downright disgraceful. Consequently, Hanabi was left to prove herself on every occasion. She had to work hard to show that she was more Hyuga than her sister. Every action was under the scrutiny of the elders. The stares and the whispers made her anxious. Her only happiness were moments with Maiko. She is the closest thing to a mother figure for her. Their relationship gave her the strength to face these people and she promised herself that one day she would have the power to silence them. Unfortunately, this dream is being threatened. Suddenly, her father was gaining a conscience. It didn't make sense. He was the coldest man she had ever known. He preached about making sure that she would never be like her sister. Now all of a sudden he changed his mind?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Maiko slipped in, closing the door quietly behind her. The older woman smiled warmly at Hanabi as she lumbered over to her side. She held a blanket in her hands and as soon as she got closer to Hanabi, she handed it over. "How are you my dear?" she asked, her voice quiet and gentle.

Hanabi took the blanket, sighing heavily as she held it to her chest. "I'm sore, but the pain is manageable."

Maiko could sense that something was wrong. She worried that Hanabi would change her mind about coming to the meeting. They needed her support. "Are you still thinking about the fight?" she probed, masking the worry as best she could.

Hanabi turned to the window, "I just can't understand why my father would ask Hinata to come back here. She left Maiko…I-I did everything he asked. I sacrificed so much and now suddenly she deserves the position more than me?" she questioned, her eyes filling with tears. "I did everything they wanted. It's not fair to be casted aside like this."

Maiko sighed heavily as she wiped away the girl's tears. "Now now…none of that " she cooed. "You listen to me. Hanabi, my darling girl, you are strong. They would be fools to give the position to someone as disloyal as your sister" she explained. "You must not lose faith. I believe in you."

Hanabi shook her head, "No, you don't understand. My father…he...he's different."

"Then you will have to keep fighting. Convince them you are best for the position!" Maiko declared. Her wrinkled fingers held Hanabi's arms firmly. "Hana, you have dedicated your life to this community. I've watched you at every level. You have to continue to fight. They will never accept her."

Hanabi felt her chest tighten. She knows what she has to do but the situation has become more daunting. Doubt was creeping in, gripping her with its sharp claws. She nodded knowing that Maiko was right. " Thank you for the blanket."

Maiko opened the blanket, revealing a slim, long piece of cloth. She held the cloth up with a warm smile, "Do you remember what I told you that last time we spoke? About a meeting?..." she asked, beckoning for her to bend down. She wrapped the cloth around the girl's forehead, securing it in place. "Tensions have been rising between the branch house and the main house for many years." She took Hanabi's hands into her own. "You see the way they are. They have our lives in their hands. These should be removed." Maiko pointed toward her forehead, referring to the seal. "Why should they have so much power? Their prejudice has grown toward us. It has blinded them. Please come to the meeting and listen to our stories. "

Hanabi's heart pounded nervously in her chest. If anyone even caught wind of this conversation, the punishment would be severe. Then again, Maiko is family. She was trusting her completely at this moment and Hanabi had to respect that. "Maiko…I don't know. This is dangerous. If I go, it would jeopardize my chances at clan head. It's even more dangerous for you. Please don't get involved."

The woman squeezed her hands gently, still displaying her warm smile. "Don't worry about me. I've lived a full life. I had the pleasure of getting to be at your side, encouraging you throughout the years." Maiko pulled away, "Do you think it is right that someone should have your life at their fingertips?"

Hanabi felt her throat suddenly become dry. She struggled to answer. She stumbled back onto the bed, dropping her head. "No." The word was barely audible. Half her body was rebelling out of fear for even entertaining rebellion, but the other half recognized this woman as family. She couldn't turn her in.

"How would you feel if they killed me? Just because they could" Maiko questioned.

"Don't say that!" Hanabi shrilled.

"That is my reality, Hanabi. This is why I choose to support those who wish to change it. It's only because of our relationship that I believe I could trust you with this information. If you become clan head, wouldn't you want to change things for the better?" she questioned, now locking her eyes onto the girl.

"Of course. I've thought about these things but I believe rules were put into place for our own good. I don't want to be like Hinata. I can't be" she insisted. "I care about the way of the Hyuga."

"But you do care about the future of the Hyuga don't you? If we continue down this path, we will continue to be broken people." Maiko walked over to the girl, placing her hands on her shoulders. "Just listen to us. Let it be a motivation for you in this fight against your father and sister. Look at the way they treated you throughout the years. Don't you want to change that?"

Hanabi sat quietly for a moment, thinking hard about the woman's words. There was no denying that internally they were weak. Why couldn't everyone as a whole protect the family's eyes? If Maiko was taken suddenly at the whim of another, that would surely ruin her. Unfortunately, she had personally witnessed the way the main house tortured members of the branch house. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that they would try to fight back. "I'll go," she declared. "I promise to listen to every word."


Hinata and her father arrived at the clinic. To their surprise, Hanabi's room was empty. They were sure it wasn't time for her to be discharged, but then they also knew how stubborn the girl was. Worried her sister was ignoring the doctor's orders, Hinata quickly flagged down a nurse. "Hi, do you know where that patient went?" She asked, pointing back to the room.

The nurse shrugged and grabbed the chart on the door. "She hasn't been discharged yet but I do know that sometimes she likes to take walks in the garden. There's an older lady that comes in to check on her quite often. That's probably what she's up to now."

Hinata looked a bit confused wondering who the person was that the nurse was referring to. She didn't recall an older woman being by her sister's side but then again she has been gone for quite a while. "Do you know who she's talking about?" she asked her father. Hiashi shook his head. He usually saw Hanabi by herself or with the trainer. However, it wasn't unlikely that she would have someone accompany her. "Should we wait?" Hinata asked.

"Absolutely. This discussion is important" Hiashi agreed as he walked into the room. Hinata followed, closing the door behind her. She took it upon herself to fluff the pillows and straighten the sheets. It was partly nerves. Her father and her had a wonderful conversation but that didn't mean her sister would be as receptive. An hour had passed before the door was opened. Hanabi froze when she saw the two. Her throat began to tighten and her body was beginning to sweat. "What is this about?" She was immediately on the defense, her heart was pounding in her chest.

Maiko peered in, smiling warmly at the two in the room. She immediately bowed before looking at Hanabi. It was clear the young girl was panicking. She gently placed a hand on Hanabi's back, comforting her as much as possible. "Let's get you back in bed" she pushed, escorting Hanabi to the bed.

Hiashi observed Maiko thoroughly before his attention went back to Hanabi. He couldn't understand why he hadn't recognized this woman if she was always around. Hanabi visibly relaxed as she was helped into bed and adjusted to her liking. It was clear this woman took great care in making sure she was comfortable. It made him uneasy. "We have a private matter to discuss with you" he said sternly, eyes darting from his youngest to the woman beside her.

Maiko understood and was about to leave when Hanabi grabbed her arm, "She can be here for this conversation." Maiko looked at Hanabi. She understood her stance and stayed in solidarity with the young girl. Hiashi's cold glare was frightening but nonetheless she was not going to move.

Hinata grew worried about the tension building in the room." Hanabi, Father and I have discussed this in depth and we really think you'll agree to what we have to say," Hinata explained looking at her father who had not taken his sight off of the older woman. " We won't have to fight. How would you feel about leading together? "

Hanabi winced as she adjusted herself, "Together?" she scoffed. Hanabi shook her head, disgusted at the audacity of these two. "I struggled everyday, by myself, to get to this point. I was groomed for this position while you were off playing house with a traitor. Did you really think I would agree to ever standing by your side?" The girl chuckled softly before erupting with obnoxious laughter. "Ridiculous."

Hiashi stood to his feet at the sound of Hanabi's laughter. He knew this would be the result but there was a problem. An outsider did not deserve to witness such a scene between their masters, "Leave" he commanded, looking only at Maiko.

"SHE WILL NOT LEAVE" yelled Hanabi. Maiko stood her ground, gripping Hanabi's hand. She glared at Hiashi knowing full well what the consequences were for her actions. No matter what she would only leave if Hanabi wanted her to leave.

Hinata was panicking. Things were getting out of control fast. "Please everyone, let's calm down."

"There are clear distinctions between those who bear the mark and those who do not. Would you like me to show you the difference?" Hiashi asked coldly.

Hinata froze, looking at her father with pure fear. "Father, don't."

Hiashi held up a hand to his eldest, eyes still locked on the woman. "Do not tempt me. Leave this room!" he commanded.

"If you do this there will be no turning back. We won't be able to talk to her after this. Please father!" Hinata pleaded.

Maiko and Hanabi held onto each other. "Don't you dare!" Hanabi screamed as she kept her grasp on Maiko. "She is an old woman."

Seeing that the woman was not going to budge, Hiashi activated the seal. Maiko yelped, grabbing her head desperately trying to stop the pain. Her frail body collapsed and she rolled around on the ground begging for her life. Hiashi stood firm. Hanabi pulled herself from the bed to get down by Maiko's side, "Stop it!" she yelled at her father, trying her best to comfort Maiko as her shrieks filled the room. "Please, she'll die!"

"FATHER" Hinata bellowed. She ran over to grip his arm, shaking him as she watched the woman on the ground. "STOP IT." Hiashi eventually stopped when Maiko's movements slowed. Hinata ran to the door, "Get a nurse in here quick!" she commanded, rushing to the woman's side. Hanabi was distraught as she held onto Maiko, overwhelmed with the idea that she might lose her. Her eyes darted to her father, the heat of anger quickly taking over. "I will never forgive you for this! Get the fuck out of here!"

Hinata looked at her father, angry at how he made a mess of the situation. He ruined any chance of a relationship with Hanabi. She watched her sister as she clung to the woman on the floor, sobbing loudly. " Father, get out of here." Hinata was firm, her eyes reflected her fury as she stared him down. Hiashi did not protest as he did not regret his actions. This woman clearly thought she was valuable to his daughter and he didn't trust her. However, he felt a tinge of sadness as he had once again brought pain to his children. This was not the result he wanted and now the damage was irreparable.

Hanabi chuckled through her tears as she watched her father leave, "Did you really think that man was going to change?" she asked sarcastically. "It's clear you didn't think he would do something this evil and it's pathetic. LOOK AT HER!" She screamed. At this point the clinic staff dashed into the room, quickly getting Maiko out of there in order to tend to her. Hanabi yelled in frustration. "She didn't deserve that. All she ever does is take care of me. Maiko is more family to me than either of you! She has never abandoned me."

"I'm so sorry. I didn't think it through" Hinata explained sadly. She truly didn't expect that this would be the outcome. "He was…He was so on board Hana. I really didn't think he would do this."

Hanabi held her hand up to stop her sister's words. She just couldn't bear to hear her voice any longer. "You always seem to do that. It's clear you never think anything through and now you're here trying to repair your pathetic existence" she spat. "You don't even know the things that happen behind these walls. People are suffering and you thought you could waltz in here and fix everything? Together? With Father and the elders?"

Hinata dropped her head, realizing her naivety. She was a fool to think that there was hope that they would reunite. Her sister didn't view her as family anymore and she could see why. Though she witnessed her father using that sealing technique, for some reason she didn't think about it being used again. Is this really what was happening all this time? "I'm sorry my dear sister."

"I will be the one to run this place. Not you! This is none of your damn concern. Go back to your life outside of these walls. I stayed here and therefore it is my mission alone to make sure no other person experiences what Maiko went through." Hanabi turned her back on her sister, "Leave."


Hiashi sat quietly in his office, deep in thought. This was a heavy setback in his plans. Once again, he did not regret his actions toward Maiko. She needed to learn her place. It concerned him more that his daughter seemed to be tethered to the woman. As he mulled over yesterday's event, Maiko's face started to become more familiar. The only problem was that he still couldn't pinpoint where he had seen her before. It was even more alarming that Hanabi could be that close with someone he's barely seen around the compound. He couldn't help but wonder if she purposely made herself invisible. Either way, he planned to investigate further to reassure himself. There was a light knock on the door which immediately grabbed his attention. "Speak," he commanded.

"Are you ready for your tea sir?"

Hiashi sighed, relieved it wasn't one of his daughters. He wasn't prepared for yet another argument. "Yes" he answered simply before walking over to his wall of scrolls. These papers held the history of the Hyuga. No news was unimportant. He wondered if he might find his answers on one of the shelves. Once he started his mission he heard the sliding doors open and the servant scurried in, placing the tea set down on the table between the lounging chairs. Hiashi glanced over at the man watching his nervous movements. It was impressive how he managed to stay quiet but this particular servant had been with him for a number of years. It made him think. "Question, do you know anything about the old woman who is usually with Hanabi?"

The man jumped when he heard Hiashi, relaxing when he realized he wasn't in trouble. He thought for a moment. "Maiko? I was told that she was once a rebel. It's rumored that she works in the main house so that an eye is kept on her."

Hiashi sighed and now it seems she must have her claws in his daughter. It was also his failing as well since his behavior most likely pushed her into the woman's arms. "Unfortunate" he whispered to himself. "Was she always with Hanabi? I thought there was another girl with her."

"For a time there was. A woman called Chiyoko but I think she met a tragic end" the man explained.

Hiashi turned around suddenly, making his way to the chairs. He was curious to hear more. It was surprising that he was unaware of the story. "When did this happen? Do you remember what happened to her?" Internally he was desperate. Hanabi could be in danger.

The servant became visibly nervous which only increased Hiashi's concern. He hesitated to answer but knew that he had to. "It was shortly after Miss Hinata left. I think they found her body in a wooded area not too far off the compound. It...wasn't pleasant…" he trailed off. " Shortly after Maiko was brought here."

Hiashi rose quickly from the chair and made his way to his desk. No wonder he didn't remember anything. Hinata had left to marry that traitor which put him in a furious fog. His only focus was to make sure Hanabi did not turn out the same way. Nothing was more important to him than her training. He grabbed a piece of paper, making a note on the information he had learned before placing it in the nearest drawer. He would need evidence before he approaches Hanabi if he wanted her to believe him. "Thank you. You may go."

The man bowed before scurrying out of the room and Hiashi moved back to the lounging chairs. He picked up the tea cup, grateful it was still warm as he took his first sip. He continued to drink in silence while mulling over the information he was given. The tea was serene even though it seemed to have a peculiar taste. "Hmm" he breathed as he relaxed into the chair. After a few minutes, a cough started creeping up on him becoming increasingly worse. He started to wheeze as he gripped at his chest. "He…lp" His words were barely above a whisper. Pain gripped his body, and he forced himself to slide off the seat onto the ground. His objective was to get to the door but his body was failing him. Unfortunately, all he could do was lay there. His vision began to blur when he noticed the doors sliding open "Help" he whispered once again but there was no action. Someone started walking toward him but they were not making haste. He tried to reach out for help but the person ignored him. "Sorry sir. There is no help for you." Hiashi began coughing again, this time causing blood to spill from his lips. The figure watched him writhe in pain on the floor before finally taking their leave. "Please…" he begged one last time but his call was ignored.