Chapter 1 has been slightly updated. In the original version, I think Sasuke came off as child. Had to change it up a bit, since Sasuke and Hinata are in their early to mid twenties - I hate stating an age because I rarely plan the structure of my stories, so feel free to give them an adult age to your liking.
This chapter is Hinata-centric and shifts away from the political talk of chapter 1. Chapter 3 will also be from Hinata's pov.
Hinata's response upon learning that she was to become the spouse of the Uchiha clan's heir was in line with the expectations associated with her lineage. She bowed her head reverently to her father, and expressed gratitude for being allowed to fulfill her duty to her clan.
Body still bowed in respect, she listened to her father as he explained the details of her impending marriage.
"One week! You haven't even given her time to process that she is to be wed to a man she barely knows." Hanabi protested.
Hinata and her father chose to overlook the youthful outburst, while her older cousin, Neji, placed his hand on Hanabi's shoulder in an attempt to silence her outburst.
Unperturbed, Hanabi continued, "What about an engagement period? She doesn't know anything about him. Why are the Uchiha so eager to wed their heir? "
A valid question that Hinata would ponder later, but she knew the answer would remain elusive at this juncture of her life.
"Your sister will get to know more about her husband when they are wed," Hiashi reasoned, but refrained from answering Hanabi's question, he then added, "Hinata needs your help in preparing for the wedding. Instead of voicing your opinions about something that is already settled, use your energy to ensure she has everything in order before she departs this compound."
With that, Hiashi rose to his feet and silently departed, likely returning to his study. Not sparing a glance back at her sister or cousin, Hinata quickly followed suit, but turned in the opposite direction toward her quarters. She didn't have the emotional fortitude to justify her trust in their father's decision to Hanabi. Despite her reserved countenance, the news of her upcoming nuptials came as a shock. After crossing the bridge from adolescence into adulthood, she knew it was only a matter of time before she was obliged to wed. However, she never considered the possibility of marrying into the highly esteemed and insular Uchiha clan of the Uchiha. As far as she knew, Fugaku, the clan head of the Uchiha, maintained a highly private existence, primarily associating with his kin, much like her own father. It was a mystery as to how such an arrangement was initiated between the Hyuga and Uchiha.
Bypassing her bedroom, Hinata heard the soft, hurried footsteps of another. She quickened her pace in response, determined to avoid Hanabi. A cool breeze washed over her as her sock-clad feet made contact with the ground. Turning right she headed towards the garden, weaving in and out of the shrubbery, until she reached the back of the compound where her tiny garden shed was located. Inside, she shut the door, left the lights off, and sank onto a bench beside a table where her herbs, oils and tinctures were stored.
Other than sheer astonishment as to whom she was betrothed to, she didn't know how to feel about marrying Itachi Uchiha.
Should she be apprehensive about marrying a man she barely knew?
What Hinata knew of him was the same as the general populace: a prodigy, gifted both in intellect and strength. Though her understanding of him was limited, there was a modicum of comfort in joining his clan as it kept her within the village. Such a fate was never entertained. It had been her assumption that a marriage arranged by her clan would result in relocation and separation from those she held dear. For this reason alone, she felt grateful for the upcoming union.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the distant hum of voices. Not wanting to give away her location but curious as to who would be visiting this normally deserted area of the compound, she suppressed her chakra as best as she could and activated her dojutsu.
Approaching the exit of one of the lengthy corridors that stretched from the entrance of the main house to the rear of the compound was her cousin, Neji. He was accompanied by two members of the Hyuga guard and a young man of similar stature to her cousin. The stranger's chakra system primarily smoldered in fire but with a blend of wind and water. Given his affinity for fire, she immediately presumed he was an Uchiha, most probably her soon to be husband.
Hinata continued observing from afar as the men's sandal-clad feet left the wooden platform of the hallway and proceeded down a pebbled pathway leading to three cabins located several meters away from her hiding spot. Concealed by thick shrubbery and trees, it was only now, through the sight of her Byakugan, she noticed two guards stationed outside one of the cabins. These cabins typically accommodated branch members after the caged-bird sealing ceremony. As far as she was aware, there were no recent ceremonies scheduled, leaving her in the dark about the current occupants of these cabins. What added to the mystery were the seals placed strategically around the structures, effectively obstructing the vision of Byakugan users from peering inside. Moreover, these wooden buildings were comfortably nestled within the secure bounds of the compound, protected by towering physical walls and general security seals. It remained puzzling why this additional layer of security was deemed necessary, especially given the village's overall safety.
The two guards who were initially posted took leave as the two accompanying Neji assumed their positions. Neji remained outside the cabin while the newcomer entered. Neji quickly surveyed the area surrounding the cabin.
Hinata wasn't fast enough to deactivate her Byakugan and found herself within her cousin's clear line of sight. His eyes locked sternly on hers, causing her heart to race at being caught spying within her own home, an act forbidden by her father. Their eyes remained locked for only a few seconds until his attention returned to surveying the area. As soon as his attention shifted from her, her normal vision returned and she quietly exited the shed.
Returning to her bedroom, she sat on her bed fully dressed anticipating the arrival of either Neji or her father for a reprimand. However, neither appeared that night. She eventually drifted off to sleep, still fully dressed, with dreams of mysterious shadows enveloping the compound.
Three days passed with no updates regarding Hinata's upcoming nuptials. Her daily routine remained largely unchanged, except for Hanabi's complaints about the archaic nature of what was to come and the growing anticipation that her life would soon undergo a profound transformation.
On the fourth afternoon, after Hinata returned from teaching at the academy, she was met in the dining hall by one of the elder wives and the Hyuga's seamstress. Upon their instruction, she followed them to the branch section of the compound toward the seamstress' workshop.
Guided towards a private room, Hinata's measurements were taken.
"If I remember correctly, you're almost the same size as your mother," the elderly seamstress commented as she pulled out an old bound notebook and handed it over to Hinata.
Hinata assumed the rough sketch of the figure in the wedding kimono depicted her mother's figure.
"Though you're a little larger in the bust and hips," The woman added with a smile.
Hinata nodded, reminiscing about her childhood years where she and Hanabi would sneak into her father's bedroom to seal glimpses of their deceased mother's wedding attire. In her teenage years, Hinata would daydream about wearing her mother's dress on her own wedding day. As with many things in her life, such wistful fantasies had dissipated into thin air.
Redressed, she had expected to be presented with a selection of fabrics to choose from for her wedding gown. Instead, she was escorted back to the dining hall by the elder's wife.
"Have you been intimate with a man before?"
The question caught Hinata off-guard, with her only response being to stare at the clan elder's wife. The woman returned her stare, seemingly awaiting a response.
Hinata shook her head, too afraid to open her mouth and stutter in the other woman's presence.
"Seduction classes?"
Hinata had achieved the rank of Chunin in her mid-teens. However, with the emotional turmoil surrounding the power struggle between her and Hanabi for the position of clan heiress, as well as her aversion for field missions beyond reconnaissance, she hadn't advanced further beyond that rank. When the burden of competing with her little sister became too much to bear, she secretly approached her father and members of his council, pleading to maintain her title in exchange for an early arranged marriage. As the Hyuga heiress, she would likely attract a high-status bridegroom capable of furthering the clans' political or financial interests. Once she was out of the picture, Hanabi would ascend to the role of heiress, and more importantly, remain unsealed. Of the few things she held dear, Hanabi's safety was paramount.
The decision for Hinata to leave the battlefield and transition to teaching at the academy was made by her commanding officer. The embarrassment of being the only one in her graduating class to be demoted was soon overshadowed by the joy of being immersed in the sound of laughter and life, rather than the cries of agony and death that echoed from the battlefield to her bedroom. During this period, there had been no need for her to be used as a means of seduction against the enemy.
Shaking off her bafflement, Hinata responded, "No. Neither."
The older woman nodded, "Meet me here tomorrow afternoon, and we can begin your lessons."
"I don't think that's necessary. I'm not entirely ignorant about these matters," Hinata lowered her voice as one of the kitchen staff entered the dining area. She worked with and was acquaintances with women experienced in this area. Even though she hadn't personally engaged in those activities, she had a general understanding of what was involved.
"It's customary and essential for a marriage of this sort," The elder explained, a bit too loud for Hinata's comfort. "A marriage not borne out of love requires a specific set of skills to ensure its success. The council members' wives were all trained in this, as was your mother. However, this training was always intended for Hyuga men, never for someone outside our clan. For your father's sake we will make an exception to the rule. Even though most of us are not in agreement with this union."
The older woman gestured to the kitchen staff to bring her a glass of water and dinner.
The image of her mother learning to please her father diminished Hinata's appetite. She declined the offer of food but accepted a warm cup of tea, which she took to her room after excusing herself with a fabricated headache.
"Don't be late tomorrow and bring your sister," the elder reminded her.
"Your new role would be entirely focused on satisfying your husband and birthing his children."
Hanabi leaned into her sister's shoulder to whisper, "You're reduced to a flesh light and a broodmare." Hinata shrugged her shoulders and sent her sister a glare.
"It would be wise to listen carefully, Hanabi. Soon it will be you in your sister's position."
"Yeah, and I'll get my experience the normal way," Hanabi retorted, earning her several reproachful looks from the women who took it upon themselves to teach Hinata about the finer aspects of intimacy.
Ignoring Hanabi, the older woman continued on.
Throughout the elder's discussion, Hanabi continued whispering her foolish, yet hilarious interpretations. Leaving Hinata with the tough task of appearing attentive while suppressing the urge to burst into laughter at her sister's silliness and not cringe at the idea of these women performing the demonstrated acts on their very frail and sickly husbands. The silver lining to this discourse was the positive reminder that she was in the fortunate position to not have been paired up with a man old enough to be her great grandfather. What could be worse than that?
After the bananas and packets of oil were disposed of and the lessons concluded, Hanabi and Hinata were excused from the meeting room.
All Hinata could think of was dousing her eyes in bleach.
Taking a less dramatic approach, Hanabi flopped onto her bed and covered her eyes with a pillow.
"That was dreadful," Hanabi surmised.
Hinata agreed, but didn't vocalize it, "They are only trying to help."
Hanabi removed the pillow from her face, "By traumatizing you?"
"It wasn't that bad." A clear lie.
"If you say so." Moving to a seated position, Hanabi looked at her sister despondently, "I can't believe you're leaving in two days."
Time was passing by so quickly, Hinata in all honesty was not ready to leave her little sister behind. But she didn't want to admit this to her sister. Her departure would only weigh heavier on her sister's shoulder - a burden her young, carefree mind didn't need.
"I won't be far away," Hinata repeated the mantra she has been saying to herself since she learned of the news.
"Still, it's not like I can just wander into the Uchiha district. They're so fucking secretive."
"Maybe not right away, but I'm sure with time we can find a suitable arrangement," Hinata hoped this would eventually be the case.
"I hope so," Hanabi slid back into the bed, covering a wide yawn.
Tying her long hair into a bun, Hinata grabbed her bathrobe, "I'm going to take a bath."
"I showered before the sex tutorial," Hanabi snickered, "I'll wait for you. I can help you pack the rest of your stuff."
All that was left to pack were toiletries, a few articles of clothing and undergarments - barely enough to fill a knapsack. She didn't need her sister's help, but she desired her company. For who knew when they would have such time alone together again?
As Hinata immersed herself into the wooden-styled tub, attempting to clear her weary mind of its intrusive thoughts, images of her fiancé and cousin came to mind. She hadn't forgotten about the mystery shrouding the little cabin at the rear of the compound. Each day she had expected Neji to show up and at the very least probe her about her reasoning for slinking around at night. If she were lucky, she might receive an explanation as to who was being housed in the cabin and the reason for the drastic security measures.
However, she had not glimpsed him in the past few days. Was he simply occupied, or had he intentionally made himself unavailable?
Seeing her fingertips wrinkled, Hinata lifted herself from the tub.
Back on her bed, Hanabi was sound asleep. After slipping into her nightgown, Hinata joined her sister on her bed, snuggling up beside her, cherishing the simple joy of being under the same roof as her family.
As luck would have it, Hinata wasn't given the freedom to choose how she would spend her final night as a single woman.
Summoned back to the elders' wives meeting room, she and Hanabi were instructed to practice an abbreviated version of the tea ceremony. Hinata grew irritated on the third trial practice, she knew this ceremony like the back of her hand, from childhood to this day she practiced it with her immediate family.
Hinata wasn't aware if the irritation she felt showed on her face, or if the wives were satisfied with her skills, but the practice sessions eventually ended. However, the focus shifted to another practice involving a different warm beverage - sake brewed from rice. With a bit of cajoling, Hinata wearily accepted her first drink. Then came another and another, all the while being closely scrutinized for signs of inebriation. On her fourth drink, her speech began to slur.
"Three is your limit," one of the wives declared, "beyond that you'll bring embarrassment to our name."
Despite her semi-lucid state, she held her tongue from uttering an unsavory comment, along the lines of 'only uptight snobs care about someone getting drunk.'
Another wife, one who hadn't spoken up during any of the tutorials, chimed in, "and remember you would be at his mercy. He is not your kin. Madness runs in his blood. Always keep your guard up and never forget where your loyalty lies."
The woman's cryptic words washed away some of the inebriation in Hinata's mind. It seemed to have the same effect on Hanabi, as she stared mutely at the woman for several seconds. After she and her sister regained their composure, they retreated to their bedrooms.
Outside Hinata's door, Hanabi brought her hands to her mouth, "I think I'm going to be sick."
Twenty minutes later, when Hanabi had spewed everything from her stomach. Hinata tucked her into bed, but not without the reminder, "three is also your limit."
"Shut up," Hanabi tiredly replied, then added morosely, "I hope he isn't as bad as the rest of his clan."
"Father wouldn't put any of his daughters in such a situation," Hinata placated the younger, hoping that her words and trust in her fathers carried merit.
Body slightly jittery and mind unable to stop replaying the wife's solemn warning, Hinata found herself outside her cousin's door. Fighting against reason and solely focusing on getting answers, she rapped her knuckles against the door, "Neji nii-san."
Thank you to those who left a comment.
I would love to know what you guys thought of this chapter and where you think the story is headed. Is anyone interested in Itachi's role in this story, or are you all here for SasuHina?
In the next chapter, Sasuke will make an appearance.