Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me

Chapter 33: Bloody Moon

Hinata stood before the window of her room, starring at the gloomy grey morning sky. She was clad in a simple white kimono, waiting for her door to open any minute now. If one could see her at that very moment, they would witness the ever so sophisticated and elegant Hyuga heiress, since her grandmother had made sure that the future leader of the Hyuga clan ought to appear perfect. She had instructed for the maids to dress and polish the heiress to perfection for the upcoming Hyuga meeting. Despite the pearly white garments and the elaborate low ponytail, the redness under Hinata's eyes betrayed that she had not slept at all the previous night.

She held her hands together, as if she would be able to hold herself from falling right then and there. It was easy to give up, she knew, but she wasn't planning to do so. Her conversation with Hiashi the day before never left her mind and her agony to find out if Kiba and Shino were still alive, was slowly and painfully eating her away. She had silently prayed the whole night. She had prayed to not receive any more news of her loved ones passing. She had prayed to the skies above, she had begged her mother and Sasuke to give her the strength to move forward and protect Itachi and her unborn child, to put an end to this whole circus.

A knock on her door reached her ears and soon Kyoshi and another one of Hiashi's closest men entered with a small bow to their heiress.

"Hinata-sama", Kyoshi said. "We are here to escort you to the meeting…"

Hinata simply turned around and walked past the two men, without saying anything back.

She soon found herself at the doorstep of the meeting room. She stood there for a moment realizing that slowly all eyes in the room fell on her. She saw the faces of the members of the branch house… pale… tired… They were forced to sit in that meeting room in silence, to obey whatever orders were to come their way again. Many of them had stained their hands with the blood of honorable shinobi of Konoha only a couple of days ago. They had no other option but to obey, Hinata knew that well. Those who had dared to rise up against the Hyuga elders ended up being tortured for hours while their family also paid heavily for their defiance. Somehow, Kitsume had managed to mask those acts of resistance under polished garments and clan meetings that were supposed to celebrate the rise of the Hyuga clan within the Land of Fire.

Hinata held her head high as she walked towards her seat among the Hyuga Elders and on her father's right side, symbolizing the line of succession. On the other hand, Hanabi's seat was behind Kitsume's, as if to say that the blind daughter of the Hyuga leader could not share any of that day's light and celebrations. Because Hanabi, in the eyes of the Main House, was but a useless rag doll that would never be able to pose as a symbol for the mighty Hyuga clan, she would never be able to take on the role of the perfect leader their grandmother had envisioned.

Hinata could feel the eyes of the Hyuga elders piercing her very soul. They had expected to see her broken, as the puppet they had so hard strived to create. She allowed them no such contentment though. She was tired of playing their politic games. One year ago, she had thought that playing their game and persuading the elders that she was a gullible and naïve girl were actions that would eventually allow for her to slowly take matters in her own hands and gain the power to change the clan once and for all. Her life this past year though, had changed everything.

She respectfully sat on her seat, her eyes never meeting those of her father or Kitsume. Hiashi turned his head towards his eldest daughter at his side for a moment, before looking at the people gathered in the room once more.

Takahiro Hyuga stood up from his seat among the Hyuga elders.

"Today is a bright day for our clan!", the elder man said, a smug expression on his wrinkled face. "After centuries of our clan purposely being confined in the shadows by the leaders of these lands, the time has finally arrived for every Hyuga to breathe freely. Our power will no longer be used as a weapon in the hands of others! As of yesterday, Konoha and the whole Land of Fire is under Hyuga sovereignty!"

Hinata gripped at the wooden arm of her chair.

Kitsume stood up with a wide smile gracing her thin lips. Her eyes were shining with pride.

"All hail Lord Hiashi!", Kitsume loudly said, expecting for the people beneath her to start cheering at once.

Hinata watched, her heart filling with hope, as the people before her hesitated to cheer for the Hyuga's supposed success. There was no happiness or enthusiasm in their eyes, only disgust. Even Kyoshi, her father's right-hand man, was standing in front of the door in silence. Somehow, Hinata had expected him to be the first to cheer for Hiashi.

Kitsume's smile quickly slipped from her lips, but as if everyone recognized the rage that started building up inside the Hyuga matriarch at that moment, every man, woman and child started clapping loudly. Their faces though, stayed emotionless.

"Tomorrow night, with the Full Moon celebrations, the succession will be made official…", Kitsume said for every Hyuga to hear, yet her eyes were now on the seated form of her eldest granddaughter. "My granddaughter… Hinata…", she continued. "will be announced not only as the future leader of the Hyuga clan, but as the future Lady of the Land of Fire as well! This is a new era for our clan!"

Hinata's eyes were turned towards the crowd before her. She stayed silent, as if asking for their forgiveness for her incapability to stop this sooner.

She slowly stood up, her dark blue hair falling like a snake on the white garments she wore. She held her head high in an attempt to declare to her grandmother once more, that she was no longer to be played with.

"It will indeed be a new era for our clan", Hinata said, her eyes fierce.

Kitsume stood still, believing for a moment, that her granddaughter could have had a change of heart. But Hinata knew, that the Hyuga matriarch was clever enough not to trust her so simply.

Hinata was about to speak again, but at that very moment, the doors flew open and one of Kitsume's men ran inside with eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Kitsume-sama!", the man said with a quick bow.

"What is it?", Kitsume asked him back, clearly annoyed for the disturbance. "What matter could be so urgent for you to burst through the door in such a state?"

"Kitsume-sama! You-"

"It appears you have a guest…", another voice was heard, and all eyes fell on the form of a very old man with a long white beard that reached to his knees. His wrinkled hands were resting upon a crooked wooden stick and his slanted empty eyes, eyes that could not see a single thing, were turned towards his twin sister. Kitsume looked at the man, her body tensing. It was the first time the Hyuga matriarch had shown any sign of obvious discomfort.

Hinata's eyes widened in shock. The old man was not standing before her alone. He had made sure that he would be accompanied by well trained shinobi, but he was there, nonetheless. She didn't know how to feel. On one hand, her heart had overfilled with pure happiness to see him standing there. On the other hand, though, she started feeling agitated. What would happen of him now that he had returned?

"Ryuichi…", his name slipped like a curse through the thin wrinkled lips of his twin sister. Kitsume's hands formed into tight fists.

As realization hit him at the sound of the old man's name, Hiashi stood up as well, his eyes shifting between the old man and his mother. Hiashi had only ever heard of the man. He could not even remember if he had ever seen him in person before. His younger form would pass like a hazy dream before his eyes, yet he could not be completely sure. He knew that the ex-heir of the Hyuga clan, Ryuichi Hyuga, was marked after losing his eyesight in a trap set by his own sister. Soon after, he willingly left the clan behind and became a monk in some mountains where not even the gods could find him. No Hyuga had ever seen him since he left. For most members of the Hyuga clan, the name Ryuichi was completely unheard of, while for the older ones that did remember him, his name was equal to a legend.

"Sister…", Ryuichi, said back, a small insincere smile playing on his lips. "It has certainly been a long time now, hasn't it?"

"What are you doing here?", Kitsume asked.

"I think this is the moment that I explain everything!", Hanabi cheerfully said. She stood up with an ironic smile only meant for her grandmother to see. She walked towards the old man and offered him a respectful bow. Even though none could see the other at that very moment, they could feel the respect hanging in the air around them. "Ryuichi-sama is my honorable guest!"

Kitsume's eyes pierced her younger granddaughter in such a manner that Hanabi knew that if her grandmother's eyes were arrows, they would have taken her life right then and there.

"As you said grandmother…", Hanabi continued as Hinata looked at her speechless. "Tomorrow is a big day for our clan. Ryuichi-sama had been an heir of our clan at one point. And he is your brother. Even though he has not been living with us, he will always hold a special place in this council. How could he be absent during tomorrow night's celebrations?".

Hanabi offered her grandmother another fake innocent smile. She had won this time, and Kitsume knew that well. This was a hit below the belt that the old woman had not expected. The granddaughter Kitsume had made sure to cripple by taking her eyes like she had done with her brother decades before, had now brought her face to face with her crimes.

"You are right… my dear child…", Kitsume said, gulping down the curses she was about to throw towards Hanabi and Hinata. The matriarch knew though, that such a thing would not be wise at that moment. She knew exactly what Ryuichi's presence meant: dare to hurt Hinata or the children and I will reveal everything to the Hyugas. Her granddaughters had openly declared war. "Welcome home… brother…".

Hinata walked slowly towards the old man, as the rest of the Hyugas looked at her in confusion.

She looked at him as if she had just seen a ghost, and as she reached him and took his shaky hands into her own, she finally allowed for her heart to fill with hope once more. She then immediately wrapped her thin arms around him, hugging the old man close.

"Ojiisan…", she whispered with teary eyes.

The sound of galloping horses running through the snowy hillsides was the only thing that Sasuke Uchiha could hear. A thick black scarf was covering his head and half of his face, allowing only his eyes to be visible. His hands were gripping on the reins as he marched through the naked trees. The freezing air and snow were hitting his skin in waves, eating away at his pale flesh. It has only been a few days since he had woken up from his coma. Tight wraps were still covering his healing wounds, yet his body had been so used to feeling pain that had now grown numb. Behind him, Naruto, Ichigo and his men were following him on their own horses. It was not common for a shinobi to be seen on horseback, yet time was pressuring them, and the lord of the samurais had insisted it would be easier and faster to reach the Seki village in such a manner.

Sasuke pulled at the reins, bringing his black horse to a halt by the edge of the steep cliff. The Uchiha looked down, seeing that the Seki village was not too far away. Naruto came to a halt beside him, and as the two men exchanged a silent look, they had their horses running down once more.

It did not take them long to reach the Seki village. Sasuke gripped tighter on the reins, as his eyes took in the sight of the village in ruins. He got off his horse in a hurry, and before he could even think of what to do, his hurried steps were leading him through the frozen streets. He knew that Naruto and the rest of the men were following close behind him, but he paid them no mind. He looked at the half-destroyed houses and shops, feeling his heart dropping more and more. He could see the evidence of the fire that had devoured the village laying all around him. He watched as men, women and children watched them in silence and pure fear as they marched through the village. On a different occasion, Shiori's men would have already encircled them, yet now, the villagers were staring at them as if they had already accepted death as their fate. There was nothing else to lose anymore other than their own lives. Hiashi and the daimyo had made sure to strip them of everything they had fought to create over the years.

Sasuke did not know what to expect. Would he find them there? Hinata… Itachi… could he be a lucky man and find them alive and well?

Sasuke felt his breath hitching in his throat. This village that was once filled with life, now resembled a graveyard. He reached the compound, throwing the entrance doors open. He ran through the corridors, looking left and right like a crazy man.

The broken artwork…

The burned flags with the raven…

The broken and stained with blood shoji doors…

There was no life here…

"HINATA!", Sasuke shouted her name in desperation again and again. "HINATA!".

He checked room after room, but he could not find a single trace of her. He soon reached the room Shiori had provided for Hinata for as long as they stayed there. He threw the doors open; his face distorted by the agony that had taken over his whole body. He breathed heavily and he felt his heart dropping at the sight of the completely empty room that seemed to have been frozen in time. It looked like it had been left untouched since the night that Sasuke had kissed Hinata goodbye before going north to stop Hiashi from getting his hands on the scroll.

Sasuke sat at the edge of the bed. He took her silk nightdress in his hand and brought it to his face. Her scent still lingered on the thin fabric, making him feel as if she was there with him. He buried his face in the fabric, his tears staining it. It was as if he was burying his face in her neck again, leaving feather kisses upon her porcelain skin. She would giggle before looking innocently and lovingly into his eyes, reading his very soul and heart with ease.

But she was not there…

His arms were empty…

Sudden commotion in the corridor made the Uchiha snap out of his thoughts at once. He ran outside only to see Naruto, Ichigo and his men encircled by armed men of Shiori. Naruto was trying hard not to unleash his power on the men, but the Uzumaki knew quiet well that they were not there to make any more enemies.

"DROP YOUR WEAPONS!", Shiori's most trusted bodyguard, Aoki, shouted.

The samurai looked on firmly, resisting to give up their weapons so easily.

"Calm down", Naruto tried to reason with the unknown to him men. "We are not here to cause any trouble…"

"Do I seem like I care?", Aoki shouted, his bow and arrow aiming straight at the blonde's heart.

"I do…", Sasuke said, now holding a kunai at the back of Aoki's head. The rest of the men that followed Aoki's orders turned their attention to the Uchiha, ready to strike at any given chance.

Aoki's face changed immediately at the sound of Sasuke's voice and slowly lowered his bow.

"Sasuke-san…", Aoki said and turned to look at the Uchiha as Sasuke too lowered his blade. "You are alive…".

Aoki was looking at him as if he had seen a ghost.

"What happened here, Aoki?", Sasuke said, every word slipping out of his mouth with great difficulty. He was afraid of what he was about to hear next. "Where is everyone?"

"We were attacked…", Aoki began to explain. "It was days after you left the village. Shiori-sama had informed me of your departure. She had also told me that we should expect you to return shortly. It was in the middle of the night when she received notice that the Earth daimyo's troops were attacking the nearby villages under her rule. She commanded me to organize my men and go to protect the villages. But it was a trap… The message she received was a lie. The man who brought her the news was a double agent that offered his services to the daimyo as well. He had been working for us for almost a decade and we thought him to be trustworthy. But it was all a lie… When we arrived at the village that we thought to be under attack, we saw the community soundly sleeping. The Seki village was left unprotected", Aoki lowered his head in seemingly great same. "Earth shinobi and Hyuga warriors attacked in the middle of the night… they burned down everything… they destroyed everything…"

Sasuke's knuckles turned white at his sides. How he wished to tear Hiashi and the daimyo apart was a desire of his that was beyond him.

"Where is Shiori?", Sasuke asked. "Take me to her…". Ichigo had already informed the Uchiha of Shiori's death, yet Sasuke did not wish to believe it was actually true. Hope that still lingered inside him made the Uchiha wish that all this was but a lie.

Aoki looked away for a moment, before nodding his head in agreement.

"Follow me…", he said and the Uchiha did just that. He followed the tired shinobi in silence, until he found himself standing in the gardens of the main compound. Aoki's steps halted before a large Bloodgood tree. There was no sign of their usually vibrant red leaves, yet it stood tall, its branches naked and covered in thick white snow. Under the tree stood a lone makeshift grave.

Sasuke's eyes grew wide.

"What is the meaning of this?", Sasuke said, his voice barely a whisper, his hope completely crumbling now.

"You told me to bring you to Shiori-sama…", Aoki said, his gaze empty. "I did as you asked of me…".

Sasuke shook his head in denial.

"No…", he said. "No this can't be right…", he looked at Aoki now, desperate for answers. "How… how is this even possible? Hinata! Itachi! Where is my woman?! Where is the boy?!"

"I don't know…", Aoki said, and Sasuke felt as if he was now starting to lose his mind completely. "When I came, I only found Shiori-sama… dead… She was left to bleed out in her office. She had fought…".

Aoki watched as Sasuke grew paler every moment that passed.

"Hinata had left the village days before the destruction...", Aoki said and Sasuke felt his blood freezing in his veins.

"What do you mean she left-"

"She followed you up north…", Aoki said before the Uchiha could complete his sentence. "Shiori insisted that we accompanied Hinata, yet she denied any form of help. She knew you were going to find the scroll and potentially her father… After we buried Shiori and while we were looking for Itachi, some villagers revealed that they had seen the heiress the day of the distraction. She was not in good shape. They saw Hiashi taking both her and Itachi…"

Sasuke's sharingan started spinning in his eye. He turned around, his eyes cold like his blade, ready to devour anyone that would dare cross his path. She was alive… They were both alive… Hinata… Itachi… but for how long?

The Uchiha attempted to set his anger and whirlwind of emotions aside and think rationally. He knew Hiashi needed his heiress now more than ever and he wouldn't dare harm her in any way, at least not now. As for Itachi, he was sure Hinata would not allow anyone to hurt the boy in any way. Nonetheless, Sasuke had to act.

"Sasuke…", Naruto said as soon as he saw his friend walking through the cold corridors of the compound once more. Sasuke was like a dark aura at that moment, taking over everything in his path, his eyes shining with determination.

"Follow me…", he simply said, and Naruto did not ask twice. Taking the samurai and Shiori's men with him, Naruto followed Sasuke to what seemed like an office.

Naruto's eyes immediately fell on the blood-stained portrait of the famous Itachi Uchiha that was hanging above the non-lit fireplace. The blonde future Hogake had questions, a lot of questions, yet he knew that Sasuke was not in a position to answer all of them at the moment. Yet, the most important question remained: Was Hinata alive?

Sasuke stood behind the desk that once belonged to Shiori. He raised his head, looking at the men before him.

"We are going to war…", the Uchiha said. "We need every capable shinobi and samurai that walks these lands by our side. Our enemies have been planning this mash destruction for far too long. We need to act methodically but drastically. There is no room for any mistakes at this point."

"And who will lead us?", one of Shiori's men said, eyeing the Uchiha. "Shiori-sama might have trusted you. But you are still a stranger to us. We knew of your bother; Itachi was a great man… but we know nothing about you… I am not going to risk my life for a complete stranger just because he says so…"

"What life is there left for you to risk?", Sasuke answered back. "They burned down your homes, they killed your people, they destroyed everything that you have been building for years, they humiliated you… Look around you... I might have not been here for long yet even I, a stranger, can tell that this is not how the Seki village is…"

"He is right…", Aoki said as he too entered the room that once belonged to a woman he had sworn to protect until his very last breath. "I had sworn an oath to Shiori-sama that I would fight for these lands until the day I died. They took everything, now we take everything back…", Aoki fell on one knee before Sasuke and raised his hands above his head with his blade resting upon them. "I offered my blade to one great leader before, and I offer it again now…"

Sasuke looked at Aoki in amazement. The shinobi raised his eyes to meet the Uchiha's/

"I, Aoki Kobayashi, vow to protect and serve you until the last of my days. Whether my life ends now or in a hundred years, I will fight by your side. If Shiori-sama trusted you, I trust you as well."

Naruto smiled for a moment, feeling proud for his brother. Sasuke walked towards the man. He extended his hand offering it to Aoki. Aoki looked at it for a moment, until he decided to take it and stand up again. Sasuke nodded in agreement, silently accepting Aoki's vow. That moment changed something in the Uchiha, because for the first time, someone decided to follow him out of respect and not fear.

One by one, every man in the room bowed before the Uchiha. Only Naruto and Ichigo did not bow. In their respected positions as future leaders of their Lands, the two men standing was a silent gesture of accepting Sasuke as of equal position. The Uchiha did not understand it at that point, but Shiori's and his late brother's legacy had been passed on to him. The Seki village and the lands at the northern borders of the Land of Earth were now his to protect. Sasuke had only one thing in mind at that moment though. He was going to take back what was his, and he would do so while having Hiashi and the daimyo beg on their knees for the Uchiha to kill them.

"You are ready, Hinata-sama", the young woman who served her said and took one step back to allow the heiress some time to contemplate her image.

Hinata looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was clad in white and red ceremonial robes made of the finest silk. She ran her fingers over the smooth fabric, its colors symbolizing the ever-burning flame of the Hyuga clan. On her back, her family crest was embellished with small red and orange stones so as to shine as much as the Hyuga clan's legacy was supposed to shine like the light in the ages to come. The tips of her fingers then brushed over the embroidered lilies on the white silk, a reminder of her mother.

"Are you sure you want to wear those robes, Hinata-sama?", the young woman said now, her eyes barely falling on the new set of ceremonial robes that rested on Hinata's bed. "I think Kitsume-sama will not be pleased with your choice…".

Kitsume would of course not be the slightest pleased with Hinata's choice to wear her mother's old ceremonial robes. Hikari was once the one to carry out the Full Moon celebrations and Hinata knew how much Kitsume and Hiashi would be infuriated to see their heiress reminding them of their past.

Hinata held her head high. For her this was more than an act of defiance and rebellion, this was homage to her mother, her courage, her legacy, the ever-burning flame of her spirit that still lived through her daughters and the people who had once believed in her.

"This will be just fine…", Hinata informed the girl just when a knock on the door made her turn around to meet her sister. "Hanabi…".

"I may not be able to see you sister, but something tells me you look stunning!", Hanabi said with a wide smile, making Hinata smile back. In all this darkness, Hanabi and Itachi had been a beam of light and hope.

The servants from the branch house left the room with a slight respectful bow, leaving the two sisters alone. Ever since Ryuichi had arrived the day before, Kitsume had made sure to take back all restrictive measures she had taken regarding Hinata.

"I have something for you…", Hanabi said more seriously, now slightly raising the small box she held in her hands.

Hinata looked at her sister for a long moment, before daring to open the box, only to reveal two white fans, similar to those she always used to secretly train in the family dojo back when she was still an official heiress of the Hyuga clan, and her father was planning on marrying her off to the daimyo's son.

"Hanabi…", Hinata said, looking at her sister's face again in an attempt to catch any sign of emotion. "You know that there is no return, right?".

Hinata had taken a decision weeks before and Hanabi had agreed without a second thought.

Instead of giving a straight answer right away, Hanabi took the fans in her hands and gave them to her sister. Hinata wrapped her hands tightly around them, and Hanabi cupped her sister's hands with her own, allowing for their warmth to comfort her sister's aching soul.

"I know…", Hanabi said, holding back angry tears. She did not allow them to stain her pale cheeks though. She then took a step back. They shouldn't allow for their emotions to cloud their judgement at that moment.

"Itachi…", Hinata said, waiting for her sister to confirm her thoughts.

"He is safe with Kō", Hanabi said, easing Hinata's fears. She then extended her hand, lightly brushing over Hinata's stomach. "You take care of my nephew…"

"Nephew?", Hinata said, a pained small laugh leaving her lips. "How can you be so sure it will be a boy?".

"Something in me tells me so. A gut feeling. I always wished to have a troublesome brother that you turn this place upside down…", Hanabi said with a small giggle, before melancholy crossing her facial features for a second. "If mother was alive, maybe we could have that brother… but now, this Uchiha growing inside you, is sure to be a great trouble. A very well-loved great trouble that I can't wait to meet…"

Hinata moved forward, engulfing her sister in a tight embrace. She then turned her face ever so slightly, only to plant a soft kiss on Hanabi's cheek.

"Be careful…", Hinata said, and Hanabi hugged her even tighter. When they broke their embrace Hanabi offered her sister one more smile.

"I will see you in a while", Hanabi said and turned around to leave.

"Hanabi", Hinata said as her sister was about to exit the room. Hanabi hovered at the door for a moment waiting for her sister to continue. "Our mother loved you greatly… She would be proud of the woman you have become…"

Hanabi smiled, her eyes seeming gloomy, and once she nodded her head in appreciation, she finally turned around, closing the door behind her.

Hinata stood alone in her room and turned around to watch her reflection once more. She lightly brushed her stomach as if to softly caress her unborn child.

Be safe, she thought, be strong my child…

She then extended her hand to take the silver hairpin that Sasuke had gifted her and placed it in her elaborate hairstyle, the hairpin's moonstone looking as bright as the moon against her dark blue hair that resembled the night. She wanted to carry a piece of him that night.

This was it, she thought and moved towards her dresser on the other side of the room. She opened the first drawer only to take a white mask from within. When she gave that mask to Kakashi almost a year before, it was not just her denying a dream position among the ANBU, but also giving up a part of herself in her journey to save her can from Kitsume's and Hiashi's claws. This mask had been a symbol of her sacrifice. Hanabi had brought her the mask days before, reminding her of the past. When Hinata disappeared, Kakashi had given Hanabi the mask as a reminder of her sister.

The Hyuga heiress brought the mask to her face and with the white fans in her hands, she exited the room. When she arrived at the Tsuki garden with Kyoshi following close behind her, she saw every Hyuga gathered as per Hiashi's orders.

Hinata walked slowly through a pathway lit up with candles that led to the center of her mother's once adored garden. She raised her head to look at Hiashi who was sitting on a high wooden chair that resembled a throne. Kitsume and members of the Main House were sitting around the Hyuga leader, making it clear to everyone that they and the Branch house were not the same. On the other hand, Hanabi and Ryuichi were given seats among the Branch House, yet none of the two seemed to care the least. On the contrary, Hanabi's face bore a small smile only Hinata had caught a glimpse of.

Hinata stood before the Hyuga leader like the Full Moon that was hanging on the night sky above their heads.

Hiashi raised from his seat to greet his heiress and everyone that was gathered there, yet the all-mighty Hyuga leader's eyes did not seem as stern and cold as they usually did. His eyes lingered on his eldest daughter for a long moment, as if pictures from the past came back to haunt him, before he finally put himself together and began his speech:

"Today, is a glorious night for our clan. We are here to celebrate our clan's victory. For how many years have we served the lords of this Land without a second thought? For how many decades have the Hyugas acted as mere soldiers when our powers were always meant to rule and not simply serve unworthy Hokages and Fire Lords? Today a new legacy begins and my eldest daughter… Hinata… she will be the one to keep this legacy burning after me… she will be the Lady of the Land of Fire… she will bring the Hyuga clan to a new era!"

Hinata's lips stiffened behind her mask, yet as everyone around her offered a round of applause, she bowed before her father in a manner that proved she had just accepted his offer.

Hiashi then sat back on his seat, the Hyuga throne that had been stained by the blood of so many innocents and built with the fallen bodies of the people of Konoha.

Kitsume and some of the elders took their turns giving a speech about the bright future of the Hyuga clan, yet Hiashi's words were all Hinata repeated in her head again and again.

A new era for the Hyuga clan…

Her mother and Hizashi Hyuga, the only brother of her father Hiashi, had started out their rebellion in hopes that they could bring change in the Hyuga clan, but both died, betrayed by the person they both loved dearly… Hiashi. Neji too had wished for change his whole life. Growing up an orphan, he fought greatly to become a worthy man that could potentially free the caged birds of the Branch House. Hinata remembered him dying before her eyes, leaving his last breath in Naruto's arms. He died in captivity, the mark on his forehead leaving as his soul arose to the gods above. Somehow, despite the Hyuga captivity, Neji had found freedom in his choice to die for his friends.

A new era for the Hyuga clan…

The sound of music slowly started filling the air around her and her body started moving on its own. As she stood in the main garden of the compound dressed in the finest of red and white garments, she slowly began the ceremonial dance her mother once used to do. No one could see her face though as a white mask covered her mesmerizing features. Not even her moon-like eyes could be seen. It was better this way since no one could really see the storm of emotions that had crossed every inch of her face.

She extended her hands under the moonlight, and with a sudden move, two white fans popped in between her fingers. Her body started moving gracefully under the night sky. She was like a spirit out of this world, an unearthly creature that would never be able to adjust itself among mere humans. Her hands seemed like feather wings under the long sleeves of her kimono, and as the sound of music grew more dynamic by the minute so did her moves. Somehow, she remembered the dream she had seen when she was on the verge of death. She remembered her mother looking at her lovingly.

"There is still time… For you to change everything…"

Every white pair of eyes was drowned to her, unable to stray away. They were as if under a spell. So much even, that no one saw the fans in her hands turning into a set of small daggers. Only he did, the man sitting on a wooden chair above all else. Hiashi was looking at her, his otherwise cold eyes looking at his daughter with what appeared to be regret. As he watched her dance under the moonlight, he remembered Hikari. Oh how much she resembled his long-lost wife. It was as if he was seeing a ghost. His eyes glistered with tears that noone around him managed to catch a glimpse of.

The Hyuga leader looked at his eldest and suddenly Hikari's image appeared as if out of a dream. Hinata had always resembled her mother greatly, and that fact alone had Hiashi come face to face with his crimes and nightmares every single day. He had always been so cold and strict towards Hinata, as if keeping his eldest at a distance could make him forget of his loss, of him killing the only woman he ever loved. He looked at his hands that were now gripping the armrests of his chair and saw blood dripping from them. He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them again, there was not a single drop of blood on his white skin. But it was still there, he knew… Hiashi Hyuga had never managed to wash Hikari's blood off his hands.

A new era for the Hyuga clan…

Hinata moved again, and now as her eyes met the ones of her father, she ran towards him. And his white eyes didn't leave hers for one minute, not even when she plugged one of her taggers right in the middle of his chest, making his white yukata turn red.

Dear Readers,

I am finally back with another chapter. This was the chapter I had in mind when I wrote the Prologue of this story. If you go back you will see the similarities. Back when you all commented on the Prologue you had many questions that I had told you they would be answered when the time was right. I think now, with those last paragraphs of this chapter and since we have come almost full circle with this story, you understand everything. I hope you liked this chapter as much as I did while writing it.

What do you think may happen next? Please don't forget to leave a comment and fave this story. I always read everything you write me again and again! Love you all and will thankfully write again pretty soon!