"We should investigate these shinobi further before deploying anyone under your authority," Itachi said. "Konoha has not yet recovered from previous wars and conflicts, we can't afford another thoughtless skirmish."

"He's right, Hokage-sama." Hiashi's semblance was grim and his gaze resolved. "If another major country is behind this group of bandits, this could blow up into another Shinobi War."

Beside Hiashi, Hinata sat as an observer. At thirteen, several months after ascending to genin, she was now eligible to attend the meetings of the Grand Council, though her input was only valid in the Minor Council. Sickening meetings, but of great importance. It should've been Hanabi's seat in a couple of years, not hers.

She was strong.

She was worthy.

Hinata clenched the bottom of her yukata into a fist, ever the dutifully silent daughter. Across from her, Itachi absently wondered if he wore the same expression when he was eight and his father brought him along to an emergency meeting of the Grand Council. That day it was decided that the Hyūga clan would sacrifice the Byakugan to appease Kumo into peace despite being rightfully furious at Kumo's attempt to kidnap their three year old heiress.

Injustice prevailed in the shinobi world.

"Na no Kuni has no military, but the support we provide," the aging Hokage mused. That was the very point of concern in Hinata's mind, but pathos rarely worked amongst shinobi, much less the ones present in the Grand Council of Konoha. "Without their support as exclusive rations providers all those years ago, Konoha wouldn't stand strong as it does today. We owe them support by contract and by duty."

"Na no Kuni refused to become a vassal state to Hi no Kuni," Itachi countered. There was no trace of the gentle and teasing boy she had grown accustomed to in those icy eyes and Hinata clenched her mouth to dissuade the incoming rise of bile. Konoha was no longer a superpower as it was, prior to the Fourth's death, but a volunteer force was within reach. The downside of one… "We cannot send resources to them and risk weakening our own flank. Our primary duty is to the people of Hi no Kuni."

There it was. The shinobi she was unable to find in the ridiculous apron while he was off-duty sat across from her with a frosty semblance.

Hinata wondered if she would be disowned the very instant she let her lunch splatter against the table. It would be a shame. The pattern of swirling leaves carved and burnt into the surface was beautiful…

"Shikaku?"

"He's right, Hokage-sama. We must wait before making a move."

In her mind, Hinata was sitting on a terrace with Hanabi by her side. That one fluffy orange cat that would follow everyone he saw in his path and begged for attention sat between the two girls, resting his head on Hanabi's leg, and the falling sun that Hinata couldn't see from the meeting room without the Byakugan was bright as the cat's fur. She wondered for how many people would that sunset be the last they see.

There would be a reddish cold tea and Natsu would pour it in cups for them because even as the sun was no longer fully visible, their cheeks would still be rosy from the heat of Hi no Kuni. Did the people of Na no Kuni get the same type of weather during the summer? Perhaps they had their own version of the iced hibiscus tea, their economy was very dependent on what they grew in extensive plots of land, after all.

A chill ran down her spine and she caught a trace of concern on Itachi's face before shifting her gaze to her father. "Is there anything you would like to say, Hinata?"

She wouldn't flinch. "No, Chichiue."

In spite of the situation, the Hokage offered her a kind smile. "Your input would be greatly appreciated, Hinata-sama. This generation, unlike yours, has seen war and is reluctant to enter a new one. What are your thoughts?"

Hinata's lips thinned and squared her shoulders. She wasn't bold enough to lie to the most powerful shinobi in the village right after lying to her father. "If I may speak freely…" A nod. "I find it suspicious that Na no Kuni is being targeted. It is a peaceful country that relies on the exportation of crops to survive and by pure coincidence, we are their most substantial clients when crop yields are not favorable here in Hi no Kuni." A small cloud of smoke billowed from the Hokage as he gestured for her to continue. "Forgive my ignorance, if I have missed something, but to me it seems that Konoha is being targeted— or gauged at least. Conflict may become inevitable."

"I see… then how would you address the situation?"

"I— I couldn't dare say, Hokage-sama… such matters are beyond my knowledge." We should strike first and save as many civilians as possible, she wanted to say, let's deploy sleeper agents to discreetly keep us informed.

Only the soft exhale of smoke resonated in Hinata's mind as wispy tendrils dissipated in the air. A strange, contemplative glint danced in the Hokage's gaze.