Courage Sharper Than Steel
theduelumchampion
Summary:
When the Hyuga Clan receives a non-negotiable conscription notice, Hyuga Neji prepares for war. Hinata knows that if her beloved cousin doesn't return home, her clan will lose their ancestral land and nobility. She decides the best thing she can do for the people she loves is serve in his stead and fool the entire country into thinking that she is Hyuga Neji, heir of the Hyuga Clan and son of the legendary warrior, Hizashi.
A Mulan AU
Notes:
Meiyo-Honor
Chapter 1
Chapter Text
A red sun breaks over the endless sight of rice fields. Most of the people have already gone to work, wading through the water to pick the plants that will end up on the rest of the village's table. A rooster lets out a loud crow, waking anyone else that might have been trying to doze.
Hinata awakes with a start and lets out a curse. The sun has begun to rise; she's already late! She shoots out of bed and hastily pulls on her kimono that had already been laid out on her desk. The robe itself is a pale yellow with a gentle design of orange poppies. It wasn't her first choice, but the color is supposed to represent romance. Hinata goes through the steps of the makeup that is intended to make her desirable. She covers her face in a pale-white powder, smears red paste onto her lips, dabs blue and yellow dyes onto her eyelids, and outlines the creases of her eyes in black. By the time she's done, she barely even recognizes herself. She looks like the women that cross through the countryside in fancy carriages and escorts of strong men.
With a motion that's basically second nature, she twists her hair into a neat bun on the top of her head. After Hinata ties her matching orange obi, she exits her home.
The village is a decent walk away, so she settles for her horse. Hinata knows it's not very ladylike to ride in on a horse, but she can't imagine it's very attractive to arrive at her matchmaking appointment all sweaty and dirty from the spring morning heat either.
"Hinata! You were supposed to leave forever ago! You're going to be late!" Her younger sister calls to her from the middle of their courtyard. Hanabi has a basket full of eggs on one hip, and a bag full of feed on the other.
"I'm leaving now! Don't tell Neji-kun!" Hinata pleads as she kicks her horse forward. Hanabi rolls her eyes dramatically. Hinata knows just from this action, she'll be safe from her cousin's wrath for just a little longer.
Neji has forbidden Hinata from meeting with the matchmaker. He insists that he can take care of the Hyuga on his own. But Hinata has seen their coffer numbers. Even with her clan working day and night to sow and harvest, it's still not enough to save their farm. So, as a last resort, she'll try to marry rich. The plan is obviously flawed, but she fears it's the only way she can contribute.
Hinata pushes her horse into a trot as she makes her way down the main road. The red sun has now turned into a gentle yellow and Hinata has to squint. The roads are busier than normal as soldiers and samurai with twin swords on their backs go into the village.
The appearance of samurai warriors is never a good sign, but Hinata doesn't have time to question it. She hurries forward, avoiding their lingering gazes.
At last, she reaches the main square of their squat village. The whole thing is quite small with a few shops, a small, hardly used inn and merchant houses. Hinata doesn't know if it ever has been a hub of commerce. In her mind, it's always been a place where people come when they have nothing left.
There appear to be even more soldiers in town. These ones must be of lower rank since they're not loaded down with the heavy armor. Hinata immediately swallows in a mix of sadness and shame as she thinks of her father. But now is not the time to think of him.
She gives her horse's neck a quick pat, smoothes her wrinkled kimono, and tightens the knot on the top of her head. Then, she walks up the steps and knocks on the front door. Hinata rolls her shoulders and places her arms at her side like a true lady. Even after the years of farming and secretly sparring with her cousin, she'll never forget the etiquette lessons her mother and father drilled into her.
The familiar and beautiful Senju Tsunade opens the door. The rumors about the elusive woman who runs their small village have been rampant ever since she moved in years ago. Some say she's a descendent of the first emperor of their country, Kasai. Others say she's a washed up old drunk who got into trouble in every other place she lived in, so she ended up here. Either way, Hinata likes her presence. She brings good things to their village.
Tsunade's golden eyes flit around their measly square before pulling Hinata into her home.
"What are you doing out here alone, girl? Don't you see the streets are crawling with soldiers?"
"Those men are commanded by samurai who follow the code of bushido. I would've been okay, Tsunade-sama." Hinata tries to reassure.
"No. Those men may be led by samurai, but I'm afraid the bushido has left these lands long ago. Where's Neji-san? I thought he would've come with you as your escort."
"Neji can't know about this. Please don't tell him. He doesn't understand that this is my unfortunate way of helping." Hinata says.
Tsunade raises an eyebrow. "Unfortunate? You're not here in a position of your own desire? You don't seek a match?"
Hinata eyes the room warily, looking for the paunchy suitor that must be waiting for her somewhere in the shadows. Her experience with men is almost non-existent. She grew up with her cousin who was practically her brother, but he doesn't count. And the rest of her family doesn't either. They were her protectors, and in return, she was one of their unfortunately fated leaders.
She's seen the way her father used to look at her mother. It was as if she was a partner, but not a lover. He held her mother at arms reach, almost as if he had never allowed himself to be true around her. Arranged marriages were standard for the Hyuga clan. But still, the thought of Hinata's future being similar terrifies her.
"I am here on my own desire." Hinata says bravely. Her family is more important than her happiness. Neji and Hanabi and the other Hyuga's are all she has left. She's determined to do whatever she can to help them.
"Okay. Then raise your chin higher. And don't forget, even though you're a farmer's daughter, you're still a lady. The Hyuga name holds nobility in Kasai. You're one of the ten regal families. Use it." Tsunade says quietly next to her ear. She threads her arm through Hinata's as an act of escort and leads her into another room.
Tsunade's living room is wide open, and the sunlight streams through the wide windows. Hinata wants to pay attention to the silk curtains and pillows, the finely woven rug, the hand carved chairs, but she doesn't. Instead, her eyes land on a man in the corner. He stands with his hands behind his back and his legs planted on the tile.
His hair is blacker than the wing of a raven and he wears a black yukata with a red and white fan sewn on the back. His shoulders are broad, but not bulky and his exposed forearms appear to be riddled with old scrapes. For a man of nobility, Hinata guesses he's done his fair share of fighting.
"Uchiha-san, I present Hinata-san of the Hyuga clan." Tsunade announces. The man turns around and Hinata has to stop her eyebrows from lifting in surprise. He's more handsome than she thought he'd be with high arching eyebrows, dark eyes, and full lips. His black hair is shaggy for a man of a noble clan, but Hinata kind of likes the way it falls against the nape of his neck. Despite his attractive features, his stoic face still gives him an intimidating mask to hide behind.
Hinata steps forward and bows. She knows from her old lessons that her eyes must not lift to his for too long and she must not speak without permission. She was raised in a way where women were taught to work and sometimes even fight. But unfortunately, this isn't the norm.
"I am honored to meet you, Hyuga-san. I'm Uchiha Sasuke."
Tsunade also gives a slight bow before sitting in a chair in the opposite corner of the room. Hinata knows that there must be a chaperone present for their meeting, but it's still strange to have somebody else listening to every word that might be spilled.
"Please, have a seat." He says as he gestures to the embroidered pillows next to the tea table. Hinata bows in response and gathers her kimono around her in order to sit in a way where she can still remain proper.
Sasuke sits across from her, his hands already on the teapot. He pours them both a cup and leans back slightly.
"I've never done this before, Hyuga-san. So please, excuse my nerves. How are you feeling?" He asks her as he takes a sip of his tea.
Hinata clears her excessively dry throat as she prepares to respond. "I-I'm also honored to meet you." She stutters. She internally curses. Men don't want women who stutter! She's just never been this shy before. Maybe it's because she talks to the same three people day after day. But Hinata's mind is uncharacteristically blank.
Sasuke appears surprised at her stutter, his lips slightly parted. "Do you know anything about the Uchiha, Hyuga-san?" He asks her as he empties his cup. Hinata attempts to sip her own, but it's so hot it burns her tongue. How did he manage to drain his when she can't even think of drinking hers? It's as if his throat is made of fire.
"It is a noble clan o-of the east, The Uchiha have been s-second only to the first emperor's clan since the formation of Kasai." She recites. There are at least nine noble families in their country. The Senju and the Uchiha are the founders. They've been taking care of the lands long before it was a country. Then, there are the Inuzuka, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Nara, Aburame, Sarutobi, and of course, the Hyuga.
Other clans that weren't technically noble but still rose to the roles of samurai and even royalty include the Uzumaki, Namikaze, and Hatake. Their current rulers are an Uzumaki and a Namikaze, but she can't remember which one is which. Hinata knows that her father served next to a Hatake who had been promoted just for his talent.
But the Uchiha Clan is ancient, as old as the Hyuga. Maybe even older. They have a long history of being generals and protecting Kasai's borders with their almost subhuman strength and strategy. Her potential suitor's last name is just as powerful as Tsunade's. Hinata would've never imagined her potential match would be a man of such status. She supposes she should be grateful, but all she can feel is anxiety. Why is an Uchiha interested in someone from her clan, from her position? Is it a power thing for him to have someone weak? Because if so, she wants nothing to do with him.
"The Uchiha have protected these lands with our own blood for as long as anyone can remember." Sasuke begins, almost angrily. "Would you be able to uphold that kind of pressure? I know that my question may be too presumptuous, but there is conflict coming. I am not in a position to mince my words."
"What kind of pressure?" Hinata asks quietly. She wants to ask more about the conflict too, but she has a feeling he wouldn't exactly be open to share on the subject. Plus, this conversation is already feeling less like an initial meeting and more like an interrogation.
"The pressure of becoming a lady of the Uchiha clan. One who is willing to bear sons and send them to war. One who will have to face the constant fear of losing a husband." He informs as he begins to drink his second cup.
Hinata is too stunned to speak. She thought she'd be discussing her favorite books, hobbies, maybe even some vices. But Sasuke is asking her about how she handles grief?
"I have lost people before." She begins to answer. "I-"
Sasuke holds up a hand to silence her, almost as if her voice was already a nuisance. "If I'm allowed to speak informally, we both know that this is not a match of love. You need my wealth, and I've been told I need a wife. So, I don't see a point in the niceties of small talk. You are attractive enough to not be an embarrassment. Your name holds some sway in these parts, but you'd basically be alone in the capital. There, your clan is mere legend. But still, you have managed to meet my standards. I just need to know if the higher class life that my clan would bring onto you would be too much, Hyuga-san." He says almost in a bored tone. "Besides bearing my children, your responsibilities would be few. The life of farming you've unfortunately grown accustomed to will have to be extinguished. My wife isn't allowed to roll around in the dirt."
Hinata feels her anxiety grow to anger. Obviously, Hinata is not in it for a love match. But this? He intends to buy her. Her loose palms curl to fists against her robe. "I-I am not a mare that gets sold at an auction," She begins quietly. But after the first round of words, her volume grows. "If you want an obedient, disciplined concubine, I am not interested. If I am to get married, it will be as an equal, not as a subservient. Good day, Uchiha-san." Hinata stands up, spilling her half-filled teacup across the table. Sasuke lets out a hiss as the mildly hot tea spills across his thighs. Hinata debates apologizing, but she has already gotten up and made her way towards the door. She has no intention of turning back around.
Tsunade peeks up from her book in shock as Hinata attempts to storm past her. But the Uchiha moves faster than either of them would have guessed.
"That was quite rude, Hyuga-san. At least apologize for the tea." He says strictly as he maneuvers to step in front of her. Now, it's Hinata's turn to surprise him, and she gracefully evades his advance.
"You'll be okay. I'm sure the Uchiha clan can afford another yukata." She replies back sarcastically.
Tsunade debates rushing to their aid, but she's not sure who would require her help. So instead, she sits back down in her chair and takes a long swig of her sake. The young Hyuga and Uchiha could figure this out without her. She smirks into her glass. The two of them are quite interesting.
"What did I say that offended you? I told you, I don't have time to call you beautiful, or to gift you with fineries. I thought you were okay with that too since you're on the verge of losing your land."
Hinata spins on him with furrowed eyebrows. "How do you even know that?" She seethes.
"You're the elusive eldest daughter of the Hyuga, a clan that many have been trying to infiltrate for quite some time. You wouldn't have seeked out a match unless your clan was in trouble. You'd be wise to accept my help. You're lucky that I'm even offering it." He retorts.
Hinata hates how he's correct. She hates how a marriage to him would basically guarantee her family's salvation. But so far, her hatred for him outweighs her logic. Tsunade could find her another match.
"I don't need your help. I'll find someone else. Someone who has something more in their heart besides pride and arrogance. Good day, Uchiha-san. I hope our paths never cross again." She moves around him once more and opens the door.
Hinata steps out into the light of the morning and takes a breath of freedom. She knows that he's watching her from the doorway, but she doesn't care enough to turn back around. Instead, she stomps back down the staircase and towards her horse.
Hinata is about to mount up when the sound of a large gong rings out over town. She was so preoccupied with her unpleasant thoughts about the Uchiha that she didn't even notice the ensemble of warriors that stood in the middle of the square.
"Attention residents!" One of the samurai booms to the dozen people that were walking around town. Families have also made way to their doorways and they listen intently. Announcements from the bushi are never a good sign. Hinata is sure this is no different.
"Invaders have breached our lands once again. Our enemies have teamed up in order to weaken us. In response, one man from each family will be required to join the emperor's army."
The samurai begins reading off names, but Hinata can't listen. None of these families come from a warrior family, but still. Men from each family would also mean men from each clan.
Her entire vision blurs as she begins to fully realize what this announcement means. Her father and uncle had already given their lives for their country. And now, would Neji be required to fight too? Her cousin is too important to her, to their clan. He's the leader, not Hinata. Without Neji, everything would fall apart.
Before thinking better of it, Hinata starts forward. "Please, sir. My clan has already lost almost everything for the emperor. My father and uncle perished after the last conscription. My cousin is all that we have left. Don't take him too." Hinata attempts to plead. The soldier takes one look at her, pulls his hand back, and slaps her soundly across the face.
Hinata's ears ring and she falls to the dirty ground.
"Silence, foolish girl. These are orders from the emperor. No family will be spared from the command. You bring dishonor to your clan for even asking." He scolds.
Hinata tries to stand from the dirt, but another shove sends her back down. These men know they hold power over her. Even if she is of nobility, they're soldiers. Their honor outweighs her just on title alone. Even though she's Hyuga, she's still a woman. A different soldier moves to beat her, but his leg is caught and thrown backwards.
"I think she's learned her lesson." Sasuke says strictly. He steps in front of Hinata and places a hand behind him, warning her to stand down. Her kimono has torn, her cheek has already begun to swell, and the white powder of her makeup has turned into a mix of brown from the dirt.
"Captain Uchiha! We had no idea you'd be here. This woman spoke out of turn and raised her voice. We were only giving her what was owed." One of the men says.
Sasuke links his hands underneath Hinata's arms and pulls her to her feet. He clicks his tongue at the sight of the disheveled woman in front of him. He already assumed she was a fighter by her earlier reaction to his proposal, but for her to speak to a man in the army about something she couldn't hope to change was unexpected.
Hinata pulls her arms away from Sasuke harshly. She mutters an apology to the man that had smacked her before turning around and making her way back to her horse. The conscription notice would be at their door soon enough. And Hinata needed to be there when it arrived. She may not be able to change the emperor's mind, but she won't let them take her cousin.
After one last look at Sasuke, who she assumes must be a high ranking samurai himself, she kicks her horse forward. Hinata doesn't plan to stop until she arrives home. Neji will be awake by now and he'll be questioning where she is.
"Faster, Zenzai," she commands her horse. He gives her a neigh in response before galloping even harder over the even ground. Hinata is done with interruptions. She was foolish to think that a match is what her family needs. She'll serve them by taking Neij's place in the conscription. The rules for women in the military aren't incredibly strict. Women were allowed to serve as medics. But the Hyuga's are a noble, warrior family. Hinata's own father was a samurai. She wouldn't be allowed to take Neji's place as herself and serve as a medic. No, she'd have to become someone else. If she were to be found out, the consequence of her charade would be death and dishonor.
So, Hinata's solution is quite simple. She'd disguise herself as her cousin and fool the entire country. It couldn't be that hard. Right?
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