I present to you the fruits of my 30 minute breaks between study sessions and occasional moments of existential crises.
Kettō.
A duel of honor amongst the numerous factions of the Warring Clans Era; an easy solution to a great deal of problems which allowed for the rise of warlords. Only the most powerful figures were able to rise to the top as it took duel after duel to establish a solid leadership. Whether it was based on terror or respect for such abilities, it mattered not.
Alternatively, it provided the military of the competing factions a certain level of stability. If a conflict could be resolved in a one on one duel instead of an all out battle where countless lives would certainly be lost, then it was naturally the best option. Benevolence at its finest, of course.
"Tell me, Hinata-sama, what does it take to hold a legitimate duel?"
A young boy soundlessly settled a tray on their table and served two cups of tea. Hinata murmured a faint thank you as he bowed before taking his leave.
The tutor raised a cup to her lips, her thoughtful gaze never leaving Hinata's form. Despite the absence of white eyes, the lady's lineage was unquestionably Hyūga in the way she held herself. It was the lack of sound when she rested her cup on the table and the way she effortlessly commanded respect and attention when she spoke during meetings in a male-dominated clan like their own. She was the standard Hinata strived to emulate.
Hinata forced her shoulders to relax at once and lifted her chin. "First, both the challenger and the opponent must have some sort of formal combat training." At the lady's nod she continued more enthusiastically. "And second, there must be at least two observers to verify the results and ensure there's no foul play. I suppose being a noble is an unofficial rule as well."
"That's right." Before the lady could add anything else she caught sight of Hinata's drifting gaze. "Is there anything else you'd like to add?"
Hinata felt the tell-tale tingling on her face and withheld a sigh. She could only hope the red wouldn't be too notorious. "I was just wondering… what's so important about a Kettō duel, aren't they something more specific to samurai factions, rather than shinobi clans?"
The lady offered her a small smirk as she walked around the desk to arrive at Hinata's side. "The element of surprise makes for unprepared targets."
After a moment of silence, she sensed that an answer was expected. "I suppose that's true," Hinata murmured. The lady's smirk widened and her eyes gleamed expectantly. Hinata suppressed a shiver as a chill ran down her spine and lowered her gaze to the still full teacup before her. She remained vaguely aware of the sudden unpleasantness in her stomach and regretted not skipping breakfast. "Soleil-sensei… is this about Hanabi?"
"You're not a halfwit, Hinata-sama," the Soleil said, her voice crawling down an octave. "Being able to hold your own in the heat of battle is essential, yes, but talent on the battlefield will not save you from the treachery of the court and the council itself."
Hinata's lips thinned and bunched her yukata in a fist, disregarding the urge to tap her fingers together. A deep breath. "I'm already ten and I'm not respected. I can't see that changing in the near future, Hanabi has a better chance than I do."
"Hanabi-sama is the second-born."
She will never garner the respect you could, was left unsaid.