Hey, hey!
So now that we got to take a breather from last chapter. This chapter will be another lesson for Hinata. Hence the title, Lesson Two: Punishment.
Hinata's going to learn that being a leader is about gaining respect, and giving punishment when it's needed.
Also, I saw a comment for the connection of NaruHinaSasu. I'm happy that you guys can see the disconnection that I purposely put in. Naruto shows a strong liking to Sasuke, but hasn't openly said he loved him like he has done with Hinata. This will be tackled later in the story. It'll be super cute. I promise.
Speaking of cute. I cannot wait for Naruhina month in December! I have such a cute, fluffy (As cute and fluffy as I can get) story lined up. It's mature rated, but I am excited to push it out in December. I plan to have the story start December 1st and finish before December is over.
Anyways, on with the chapter!
Hinata placed more eye drops in her sore red eyes.
Constant crying and lack of sleep would cause your eyes to need a lot of eye droplets for maintenance.
She was in an all-white robe with a golden rope holding it in place. The robe was long and almost touched the ground. Hinata was currently about to have a clan meeting. She had to look presentable. Even though she only slept for two hours through the night. Is in constant pain and cried half the night away.
She had to look like she at least had it together.
Hinata heard a knock on the bathroom door and opened it to see Naruto holding up a cup of coffee. Hinata immediately avoided eye contact with him. She nodded her head to him and thanked Naruto as she took the coffee and sipped it.
Naruto held in a sigh as he watched Hinata. She was as serious as ever and refused to look at him and Sasuke since the apartment situation. Him and Hinata never spoke about the blow up the two had. The words exchanged. Naruto and Hinata didn't make up like Hinata and Sasuke did. They weren't connected right now.
For semi good reasons. At this moment Naruto nor Hinata wanted to deal with emotions. It was too much going on right now.
It's been over three weeks since her father's passing and Hinata hasn't smiled once since. She mumbled to them and avoided eye contact, but she gets into a raging anxiety attack if one of them has to leave. She refuses to be alone, even now when Naruto went to get her coffee. It was a time line.
It could be the repercussions of them leaving for three years. The separation anxiety and depression finally hit Hinata after what happened to her father. Maybe it was because she couldn't handle the pain of everything happening without Naruto or Sasuke there. They didn't know. She wasn't TALKING to them.
They weren't pushing for her to either. It was a touchy subject right now. Everyone was walking on eggshells. Hinata thought if she stayed quiet, she was making them happy. It frustrated Naruto because he wasn't Hiashi. He wasn't a Hyuga, that wasn't what happiness was to him.
Hinata looked at Naruto's feet, gave him back the coffee and thanked him again before she started to look at herself in the mirror again. She took several deep breaths and nodded at her reflection in the mirror.
Fake it till you make it.
Sasuke watched her from the bed. It was a whirlwind, but they moved everything from their apartment and from Neji's home to the Hyuga compound. In this house, with this massive master bedroom. They didn't even have enough belongings for this room. Let alone the house.
Sasuke sat on the oversized bed and looked as Hinata coached herself in the mirror. He wasn't happy that she used a concealment jutsu that Tsunade frequently used to hide her dark chakra veins. Her family knew about the dark chakra, but Hinata had now grew an insecurity because she couldn't control it at this point. She went back to wearing heavy and bulky clothing and wearing that leather glove over her scarred hand.
To her clan, Hinata looked like she had it together. Better than ever. Sasuke and Naruto saw regression and suffering.
Sasuke and Naruto could see it. Her feet were always swollen and when she didn't have the jutsu active you could see her body hot red and blistering. He'd imagine after a few weeks Hinata had just slightly gotten used to the pain, but that wasn't fair for her. The fact that she could have gotten some relief, even for a moment if she'd just have Orochimaru lift it bothered Sasuke.
The fact Orochimaru had such control over her bothered him.
Hinata peeked from the side and could see Naruto and Sasuke staring at her. "Sorry. I guess it is time to go now." Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "They can wait until you're ready. Don't apologize to us."
Hinata blinked at the two of them and nodded her head. "Oh, right. Okay then." She still left the bathroom they had in their master bedroom and made her way over to the door. Naruto was in a beige, cream colored robe that matched Sasuke's as the two followed Hinata out.
"Don't walk so fast. You'll hurt yourself more." Sasuke held the door as Hinata and Naruto walked out the room. Hinata didn't look at him, but she nodded her head in understanding. She was too busy squaring her shoulders back and holding her head high as she walked out the house and into the Hyuga main house.
The three made it to the gathering room and everyone was waiting for them as they sat on their knees respectfully. Neji stood near the door and looked at Hinata with a platonic expression. He respectfully bowed to her and she nodded in his direction. "Brother."
"Hinata-sama."
Hinata looked at Neji with the same platonic look. "Could you retrieve our grandfather and his associate please?" Neji agreed and left the room. Leaving Hinata to look at the many, many eyes that were now her responsibility.
She needed to earn their trust. She needed to show them that she was ready to fill her father's footsteps. "Good morning."
Hinata didn't expect any answer. This was a formal meeting. One where you don't speak unless instructed to. "We have all just experienced a tragic loss. At the hands of an evil man. Betrayed by people that are our blood. I can feel how much you hurt. I have seen many of you mourn. If you feel like you are no longer protected then you are mistaken. You have me and you have Neji."
Said person walked by Naruto and Sasuke who were standing at the entrance. He had their grandfather along with his age-old friend. Hinata looked at Neji and the two connected. No words necessary as Neji made them both kneel before Hinata. "My father told me, to be a leader you have to know when to bend and when to be merciless. We did bend when we instructed you all to not speak to that vile man Danzo, now that some did not listen and it resulted in my father's death. I will be merciless."
Naruto had his arms folded across his chest as he watched Hinata. He knew this was inevitable. Hinata's plan from the very beginning was to end these men lives. Naruto and Sasuke thought they could convince her in the apartment to find a different punishment. To not go down this path and to stop with the retired councilmen, but now it was different.
Now Naruto encouraged her to continue. Sasuke saw no other way around it.
Sasuke didn't flinch when he heard the elder Hyuga's scream out in pain as Hinata touched their foreheads after going through a series of hand seals. He wanted to keep a close eye on her, to make sure she wasn't in pain or burning herself out. He also wanted to watch these men suffer.
If it weren't for these people, Hinata wouldn't be as broken as she was right now.
If Hinata didn't kill them. Sasuke would have. If Sasuke didn't Naruto would have surely.
Hinata backed away as the two men groaned in pain and looked around the room. "There will no longer be a branch family. There would no longer be a main family. As you can see, the outsiders do not care if we are main or branch. They see our dōjutsu and fear us. They see us as a threat. They want to hurt us in the worse way possible and we will not let the caged bird seal be a divider of our family anymore! Only leadership will have the right to use the caged bird. To decide who will be cursed with it."
Hearing those words come out Hinata's mouth. Sasuke wouldn't lie. It made him a bit on edge. Hinata has always been a bit paranoid since he's known her. When him and Naruto got back. Both of them could see Hinata's paranoia had only gotten worse. He could see in her eyes right now the pain, anxiety, fear and rage. She was putting all of that into her clan. Riling them up. Preparing them for what seemed like a battle.
Sasuke was sure if it resorted to one, Hinata would lead a coup.
There were wide eyes throughout the room. They surely wanted to gasp, but given the situation, they were too afraid to even open their mouths. For Hinata had placed the caged bird seal on her own grandfather and his life long friend. Two main house Hyuga's. "Their punishment is the caged bird seal. They are criminals. They are evil. They will experience what power the caged bird seal really possesses. You will all see if you EVER disobey your leaders again, what will happen."
With that Hinata turned around and willed herself to not hesitate. "As clan leader. I have made the decision that death will be your punishment." Her grandfather stared at Hinata with panic in his eyes, "Under who's orders?! What have you become Hinata?! Look at you! Our conflicting past should not be your foundation for doing this!"
Naruto furrowed his brows as he listened. Conflicting past? Hinata barely spoke of her grandfather.
He stopped talking as Neji gripped the back of his neck roughly. To Naruto and Sasuke, it looked like Neji was silencing him from saying anything further to expose Hinata and Neji. "Silence. Go with some dignity at what you just did. What you've been getting away with for years. You have no heart AND no honor?"
Hinata touched Neji's shoulder and nodded her head at him. "It's fine brother. This will be the last he speaks out of order. The Hokage has deemed the internal clan conflict out of her hands and has passed it to the clan leader. Me. I discussed this with my advisor and the rest of the elders of our clan. This decision wasn't just mine. You both were voted by your peers to die. Whether or not they were in on it with you two. I do not know, but this moment right here will surely let them know not to cross me again. You will not be buried with my father. You will be burned and ashes thrown in the wastelands. You will forever wander the afterlife with no honor or dignity."
Hinata held two digits to the bridge of her nose as her Byakugan activated. "As for what I have become? A jonin. An Anbu. Clan leader. I've become judgement and I will have no mercy on you…grandfather. My word is law and you will die."
Her grandfather knew. He knew deep down inside the real reason Hinata was doing this.
Naruto looked at Hinata and nudged Sasuke to look closer. A smile. An evil, dark, barely noticeable smile graced her face and vanished within seconds. They could see she was itching for his blood on the floor.
Hinata looked at Neji. Her brother took a big shaky breath and nodded his head towards Hinata to continue. A small relieved smile barely noticeable on his face. This would be a bittersweet death. It was all bittersweet. The death of evil people, but with no closure for their sins.
Neji and Hinata just further burying their secrets.
Hinata looked back at the two Hyuga's on death row. "You told me a long time ago that I was nothing like your son. I wished it. I believed it, but I realized you were wrong grandfather. I am everything like your son Hiashi Hyuga. I am just as cold and just as evil in my black soul. Die knowing you created your own grim reaper."
Neji watched as their grandfather convulsed out of his hold and onto the ground along with the other Hyuga elder. The two screamed. A blood curdling scream as Hinata didn't stop. Her face showed no emotion of strain, anger or even hatred. She looked void. She felt nothing for the two. She felt nothing for what she was doing.
Soon the screams stopped, because they were dead.
Hinata looked up at two of the Hyuga guards. "Take them. Burn them. Dump them. Please."
The room was quiet for a moment. The bodies were cleared and Hinata turned around to address everyone. "If you trust me to lead you. I will lead the clan to greatness. Me and Neji have a bright future planned for our clan. We will be great again." Hinata took a deep breath as she looked around the room. "Please. Tell me your thoughts."
At first. The only reply she received were blank stares. Then one by one a hand was raised. Hinata pointed to the nearest person on the mat beside her. It was an older male, middle aged. "How are we supposed to live in this village after everything that has happened? How are we supposed to fight Konoha's enemies and probably participate in a WAR after what has just happened?"
Another spoke up as well. "Yes! Danzo is a highly respected man in Konoha. He's not being punished, that means the village supports him."
It just became a hoard of frantic questions now. As another Hyuga spoke up. "Konoha has used our own people to try to eliminate us in the night! Just like the Uchiha clan!"
Another. "They want us all DEAD!"
Neji looked at Hinata as she calmly held her hand up. Just like that the room went silent. He raised his brow at Hinata and smirked. They respected her already.
Hinata closed her eyes for a moment to gather her thoughts before she looked at everyone. "You all feel this way? About the village you have lived in since the name Hyuga first came to be? Please open your eyes to the bigger picture. It is not the village. It is one man. That man, I promise you, he will be handled. I will not let Danzo get away with what he has done."
Another Hyuga raised their hand and Hinata pointed at them to speak, "Hinata-sama, what about the war? What about what Konoha expects from us while this man is alive?"
Hinata still saw doubt in some faces. "I will speak with the Hokage. About where the Hyuga clan stands right now, but you are my family. We are all we have. If Konoha has to go to war to fight the Akatsuki, and you do not wish to support due to the bad blood not settled. Then I will not force you. I will not fight either. I will stand with you."
"Agreed. So will I." Neji placed his hand on Hinata's shoulder and looked at her. "We are one. If you all feel that way, we will hear you on this matter." Hinata nodded her head in agreement. She could feel Naruto and Sasuke eyes staring her down. Ready to have a moment with her to finally talk.
Neji looked and saw a hesitant hand raise. He pointed to the person and they looked a little scared to speak. "And umm. What about lady Hanabi? She was with Danzo. She was with the elders and has been very openly disrespectful to Lord Hiashi leading up to the invasion of our compound."
Again another clan member spoke up, "Hinata-sama. How can she just come back into the clan like she did no wrong? Hanabi has gotten away with too much. I am sorry to say this, I understand she is your sister."
Again Hinata held her hand up and the room became silent. "Hanabi will be punished. It will not be a light punishment. Do you trust that I will handle the situation? That this will never happen again?"
"Hai!"
Hinata nodded her head at hearing a unanimous sound of allegiance in the room. "Very well. That will be all. Thank you." Hinata turned around to leave the room, but another family member cleared their throat to get Hinata's attention. "Umm. Hinata-sama?"
She turned around to look at the person, "Yes?"
"Umm. You do not have to hide from us. Your dark chakra. We understand what happened with Orochimaru. That monster. We know he's hurting you. Please, don't hide from us. We understand you're strong Hinata-sama. We understand we misjudged you while you were young, but we see now. We all see you are our rightful leader."
Hinata swallowed as she looked around the room again. She looked over at Naruto and Sasuke and they both gave her encouraging looks that it was okay. "Very well." She dispersed the concealment jutsu and soon she was consumed with black veins again. Her skin was still swollen red and her cheeks were puffy from the swelling.
Hinata squared her jaw and the black veins could be seen traveling up her neck, her jaw bone and navigating through her face.
There were no sounds of surprise or disgust. Just faces of her people proud of her. Another family member spoke up from the group. "Hinata-sama. If…if you say that the snake-sannin while in custody and restricted needs to be handled. You have your clan here waiting for your orders. We follow you Hinata-sama. Your orders. It doesn't matter who that evil man is close friends with. You are our leader and our duty is to protect you like you protect us."
Hinata bit the inside of her cheek to not show her true feelings of the statement. It was tempting. Like drinking was tempting. To dive further and further into darkness, but Hinata fought to stay afloat. To not drown and curl into a ball at the bottom of the dreary water. "Thank you, but that will not be necessary. My duty is to protect you all and keep you out of harms way. Please, just be at peace."
Hinata didn't say anything else as she gave a respectful bow and left out the room. Neji, Naruto and Sasuke close behind her as she made her way to her new study. Her father's former study. She made her way in the office and sat in the oversized leather chair. She rested her elbows on the table and covered her face with her swollen hands.
Naruto shut the door and leaned against it as he looked at Hinata. She looked so miserable. The Hinata he knew. Growing up. She wanted none of this. She didn't want to be this person. Now she couldn't escape it. "What's your pain level at Hinata?"
Hinata let out a deep sigh before she answered Naruto. "Six, maybe a seven. This morning I was a six so nothing has changed." Hinata shook her head as she thought about what she had to get done. "I-I still have to speak to the Hokage. I can't disappoint her if she really needs our clan. We have to resolve the Danzo situation and rebuild the trust. The Hokage isn't the enemy. He is."
She groaned as she lifted her head up and looked off in a daze. How did her father keep everyone intact? "I have to deal with H-Hanabi. I have to still arrange father's burial ceremony." Hinata's face slowly started to contort from a daze to utter rage. Why was that man Danzo so evil? What did her clan ever do to him? What did any clan ever do to him? Why was he just so ANGRY.
He killed her father. He attacked her clan. He was keeping Orochimaru alive, to keep her in pain. Constant, horrible fucking PAIN.
Neji flinched when he watched Hinata slam her gloved hand on the oakwood table. She hit the table again, and again and again before throwing all the paper that was on the table to the floor and just assaulting the table with both of her hands now.
Soon she took one hand and bit down in the curve of it to muffle a scream. She was so angry at everything happening right now.
The men in the room let her go through the motion. Hinata needed to be able to self-regulate herself. After her miniature meltdown Hinata took several breaths and moved her stray hair out her face. "I apologize about that."
Neji nodded his head at his and chucked it to things to not talk about ever again. "Are you ready? Or would you like me to take care of the Hanabi situation?" Hinata shook her head at this and slowly stood up. "No. I need to deal with Hanabi."
Neji let out a sigh and closed his eyes before he looked at Hinata. He hated seeing her like this. Pushing herself beyond her limits when it wasn't necessary. "We need to split this. You cannot do it all. You are not your father and I don't mean that in a bad way because even your father took on too much. Look where that got him. So, let's split responsibilities."
Hinata leaned her hips against the desk. "We deal with Hanabi together. You handle the funeral arrangements for father and I will deal with Lady Tsunade. Fair?"
Neji nodded his head at this. He knew Hinata wanted to micromanage Hiashi's funeral because she knew Neji didn't really care. He'd go with the cheapest and quickest burial ceremony he could think of. Which now that Hinata handed the responsibility to him. That's exactly what he was going to do. "Yes. That's a lot better. However, if I were you. I'd deal with Lady Tsunade in the morning. Sleep after Hanabi. You look exhausted and the day isn't over yet. I know you're not sleeping well."
Neji didn't want to bring this up, but he could see it on Hinata's face. "If you're having cravings then you should seclude yourself for a while. Maybe take some time considering everything that has happened."
Hinata tapped her finger nail on the desk and bit her bottom lip, "I have cravings every day since the death of father and Orochimaru tampering with my dark chakra. So, that cannot be an excuse for me anymore. I have…done and said things at my worst moments that I am not proud of, so to fix my past sins. I will have to better and harden myself. My cravings are not worth me losing everything and letting those people out there down."
Hinata looked up at Neji and ignored the stinging pain rush over her. She was lying earlier. It wasn't a 6, lately she's been at a constant 8. Nonstop. Orochimaru wanted her to go into a mental torture enough to either give into the dark chakra or to kill herself.
"I…cannot let you down Neji. You do not deserve the burden of running our clan alone. I will take that burden because you deserve to be free. I do not."
Neji shook his head in confusion. "I…do not plan on leaving your side for some time Hinata. We talked about this. Besides, I thought Ino came by and told you they've gathered all the intel they could from Orochimaru two days ago. Why is he still living? Able to torture you?"
Sasuke nodded his head in agreement with Neji. "Why is he still alive? Surely Tsunade knows that he controls the dark chakra. What the hell is taking so long?" Hinata let out a sigh and slumped her shoulders tiredly as she remembered Ino coming to her a few days ago defeated to tell her that the intel and interrogation squadron couldn't make the final decision on Orochimaru.
"The decision is based on the Hokage and the council. They are at a stalemate right now. I am sure you can imagine who is causing the stalemate. My father's position is open right now. I will soon have to fill the position, but that won't take place until after father's service."
They all knew Danzo was causing the stalemate.
Naruto grumbled at this and shook his head. He's been pretty silent since Hinata's meltdown in the apartment. Coming back to Konoha, the hospital, Hinata's father dying. He's been just as quiet as Hinata. His silence was more of a sign of his own breaking point. Just looking at Hinata, someone he cared about and loved so much, suffer like this was killing him inside and out.
He felt like he was the one in pain. Like everything Hinata was feeling he could feel and Naruto had just about enough of this.
Hinata looked at Naruto and saw how his eyes darkened and how distant Naruto was. He's been like that for a while now. She hoped he wasn't angry with her anymore. That he wasn't angry at the situation she put them in. "Naruto-kun?"
He looked at her for only a second and shook his head. "Don't worry about it Hinata. Deal with Hanabi. Then we'll get you to bed." Meaning they'll talk later.
Hinata tightened her lips and gave a sharp nod to Naruto as she made her way to her sister.
"Why is her door closed?"
Neji looked at the Hyuga guard near Hanabi's door and he looked at Neji nervously. "Lady Hanabi ordered me to not touch her door. She wishes to mourn privately."
Neji looked at the guard like that was the dumbest thing he has heard today, "What? You're guarding her door for a reason. She's in trouble. She does not get to dictate you." The guard now looked at Neji like he was crazy. The caged bird seals weren't removed yet. Hanabi still had control over him.
Neji let out a sigh and grumbled. Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder and held her index finger to her lips. Telling him to not worry about it or say anything else. She had a plan to get Hanabi to unlock to door so they didn't have to bust it down. Hinata wasn't big on damaging their property.
The hallway was narrow so Neji and Hinata stood near the door, while Sasuke, Naruto and the guard stayed in the rear to give them space. Hinata closed her eyes and leaned against the door. When she spoke, she sounded like Konohamaru. "Hanabi. I just wanted to let you know I got your letter."
Hinata tapped on the door with her pointing finger as she pulled an envelope out her robe pocket. Naruto looked at the letter Hinata took out and concluded she had intercepted Hanabi's letter before it even reached Konohamaru. Hinata looked at the letter and then continued to speak.
"I know you feel like everyone is against you, but just know I'm here for you. Okay? Please talk to me." Hinata had suppressed her chakra so Hanabi couldn't sense her and Hanabi had better not use her Byakugan and violate the rules. She was already in deep trouble. She didn't need to be in more.
Neji looked at Hinata completely impressed. He wouldn't think Hinata would stoop to such a low level to convince her sister to lower her defenses. Hanabi was stubborn. She would barricade herself in her room for a year if she could. Neji wouldn't have went to such lengths, he would have simply broken the door and confronted Hanabi if he was angry enough.
However, he knew Hanabi was mourning. Just like everyone else. He knew Hanabi didn't mean to do what she did. Associate herself with a scumbag like Danzo. She was confused is all.
Neji frowned in thought. Hanabi was a weakness for him. For Hinata as well. Maybe this was why Hinata opted for her to be here as well to confront Hanabi, because Neji was too soft on her.
The door unlocked and the doorknob slowly turned. "Kono?" When Hanabi opened the door her face went from totally vulnerable and hurt to pure anger. "You LIED to me!"
"Hana-" Hinata never got to finish because Hanabi went to slam the door in her face. Hinata stuck her foot in the doorway to block Hanabi and Hanabi slammed her foot in. Instead of backing off Hanabi used all her might to slam the door over and over on Hinata's swollen foot.
Hinata grunted at this and leaned against the door. She used her shoulder to push open the door, but in reality Hanabi always had raw strength over Hinata.
"Get away!" Hinata said this as Neji and the others went to assist her. Hinata missed Naruto coming up behind Neji and the other Hyuga. He was staring at her heatedly and if she didn't get control of this situation. He was going to lose it and bust the door down himself.
Naruto saw how Hanabi was feeding chakra into her movements as she slammed the door on Hinata. How Hinata's already swollen feet were starting to bleed. Naruto was ready to obliterate Hinata's little sister. Sasuke caught the movement from Naruto. Like he was watching his prey, which was Hanabi right now.
Hinata growled and pushed against the door with her shoulder two solid times before she overpowered Hanabi and knocked the door open.
Hanabi fell on the ground and Hinata leaned over and used her knees to support herself as she took a breath from the blistering pain in her swollen red feet. Hanabi quickly got up and looked at Hinata with pure rage. "How could you?! How could you LIE to me like that! How could you turn on me!? AFTER EVERYTHING!"
Hanabi pushed Hinata and knocked her off balance that she almost fell on the ground. Hinata quickly caught her balance and whipped her head to Hanabi and the furious look on Hinata's face froze Hanabi. Hanabi had never seen Hinata when the dark chakra consumed her. She looked terrified of Hinata. "What happened to you Hinata? Why do you look like that?! What is WRONG with you?!"
Again Naruto looked directly at Hinata. Thinking about how Hinata reacted in the apartment in the bathroom when he was watching her shower. How ashamed she was of her looks. How Hinata was always insecure of her battle scars. She always kept her hand covered. She was very insecure about her snake bite scar that she sewed up. She never exposed her abdomen outside of the bedroom.
Her black veins. Especially now looking as if they were lifting up and out of her skin. How red and agitated her body was. Hinata hated herself. Naruto saw it that night. So, for Hanabi to say that right now. Naruto knew it really hurt Hinata. Probably broke her hearing that from her sister.
Hinata saw the way Hanabi looked at her. How disgusted and scared Hanabi looked. "Don't…don't look at me like that."
She just snapped. Hinata didn't know what it was. Maybe it was the stress from the last few weeks or so. Maybe it was the loss of her father that secretly did love her. Maybe it was the fact she was in so much mental and physical pain.
Hinata walked over to Hanabi and before anyone could stop her she back handed Hanabi so hard she flew to her bed. "How dare you. I did everything I could for you. I sacrificed so much for you Hanabi and you tell me I turned on you?!"
Neji looked at the door and saw the stunned look on the guards face as he looked at the situation. "Get out of here. I'll call you when we're done." The guard quickly snapped back to reality and nodded his head as he powerwalked out the hall. Neji looked over at Naruto and Sasuke and saw that they understood as well and let Neji shut Hanabi's bedroom door so it was only Hanabi, Neji and Hinata in the room.
When the door was shut, Sasuke turned to Naruto and cupped his face so he'd look at him. "Hey. You and Kurama don't start. I know you're angry. I know you want to rage. Just pull yourself together. Hinata hasn't ask you or me to do anything. We are restricted. Don't lose yourself and her."
Naruto took several deep, angered breaths as he looked at Sasuke. His eyes flashing from blue to red. Finally Naruto closed his eyes and relaxed in Sasuke's hold. Naruto nodded his head in agreement and Sasuke let go of Naruto. "Let's go wait for her in the house."
Hinata hopped on top of Hanabi on the bed and held her little sister down. Hanabi stared at Hinata with wide terrified eyes as she looked up at her sister. "Y-You've become a monster! Grandfather was right!"
"Quiet!" Hinata held her hand up to smack Hanabi again and watched as her sister flinched and coiled away from her. Like how Hinata did when her training session with her father became too violent.
"That's enough Hinata."
Hinata took several deep breaths after Neji spoke. She looked down at Hanabi and slowly lowered her hand at her sister. Her little sister. Who, she swore to protect. She promised her mother she would always protect Hanabi. "Why Hanabi?"
Hinata ended up sitting on Hanabi's lap. Straddling her and covered her face as she tried to pull herself together. As she tried to not cry. "Why didn't you listen? We told you to stay away from that man. It was for a reason. Look what has happened."
Hinata listened to Hanabi let out a sorrowful cry. Showing she felt guilt. That she was hurting. "Grandpa. All he did was invite me to lunch. We talk all the time Hinata. He's our GRANDFATHER. I didn't know he was going to meet Danzo. I didn't know that man hated our family so much. Father…he's been so different lately. Since you and him have rekindled. You all just shut me out and restrict me."
Hinata lowered her hands and looked at Hanabi like she was crazy. Childish jealousy? Did their father die protecting their clan because of Hanabi's teenage hormones? Neji warned her that Hanabi was getting out of hand, but Hinata didn't think it had gotten to this level.
"W-What did our grandfather tell Danzo?" Hinata got up as she looked at Hanabi and stared her down. Hanabi sat up on her bed and looked utterly miserable. "The conversation was so casual. How was I going to pick up that they were plotting?"
Hinata held her hand up to stop Hanabi. "Don't talk like that. We don't need to hear that. We need to know what Danzo and our grandfather said." Neji nodded his head in agreement. Hanabi didn't need to criminalize herself anymore.
Hanabi looked at Hinata and Neji confused and shook her head. "All they spoke about were you two. When your mission was and if you stayed at the compound any more Hinata. They talked about Uchiha and Uzumaki being back. They asked me if you would be moving in with them and I said I don't know. I only told them where Uzumaki and Uchiha were staying. That's it. What could they have gotten from any of that?!"
Neji folded his arms as he let out a stressed breath, "Well Hanabi. Uchiha's home was ransacked while he was on the mission. The intruders were looking for something, but obviously didn't find what they were looking for. Could have been to kill Naruto and Sasuke, which would have been those ROOT-nin suicide mission, but I digress. Me and Hinata were supposed to go on that mission, meaning the Hyuga compound would have been defenseless other than father. Granted you were here, but in the end I had to come to save everyone's lives after your father had emptied his chakra reserve to ensure everyone was safe. You saw how many came that night. Our clan was unprepared and outnumbered. Could you imagine if I wasn't here Hanabi?"
Hanabi's mouth hung open and tears welded in her eyes. Realization hitting that she couldn't protect her own family. "I-I…I can't believe I did this." Hinata shook her head as she looked at Hanabi, "No. You didn't do this. Danzo and our grandfather along with his friend did this. You remember that."
Neji nodded his head in agreement, "You remember that and if you're asked, that will be your answer. They tricked you, because that is what happened. You didn't know better. You went out with your grandfather because you loved and respected him. You spoke to a senior councilman because you were raised to respect them. All your rebellious behavior will not be tied to this. It would be a scandal."
The last thing they needed right now was another Hyuga scandal. Reason why they were granted permission to handle everything in house.
Hanabi now understood this. She was playing a role that Neji and Hinata were giving her. "What about our grandfather?"
Hinata ignored the question. "Hanabi. Do you think I…betrayed you? Do you hate me?" Hanabi was silent for a moment. Catching that Hinata ignored her question. "I don't hate you. I understand we were just at odds for a moment Hinata. At first I blamed you, but I see now I am the one that had lost my way and was manipulated. I'm sorry nee-chan."
Hinata nodded her head at Hanabi. She still didn't smile, but she held her arms open for Hanabi to embrace her. Hanabi did and Hinata kept her eyes open and glassed over as she held her sister tenderly. "I love you Hanabi. I always have and I always will."
Neji stood behind Hanabi and looked at Hinata. The two looked at each other and made a silent agreement. "I love you too Hinata. I love you and Neji. I'm…just scared. I feel like I've lost the clan. Our family. I feel like I lost their trust and respect."
Hinata again nodded her head. "You did." Hinata held Hanabi tighter and Neji's hand glowed behind Hanabi. Hinata held Hanabi tighter when she felt her little sister try to break free from her hold. Surprising Hanabi that Hinata had such strength.
"You did lose their trust and respect. So, now you must be punished. Me and Neji have come to give you judgement. You will not have the caged bird seal removed until you are 21 years old. At that age it has been decided that you've learned your lesson and have matured enough to have your freedom back."
Neji covered Hanabi's mouth as his other hand held her forehead. Hinata looked at her sister as Hanabi screamed into Neji's hand. As her little sister looked in her eyes in utter terror and pain. "Hanabi. If you ever do this again. I will have to kill you."
Hinata sat back in the chair in her study as her and Neji had dull looks on their faces. Like they just committed a heinous crime. Naruto and Sasuke were waiting for Hinata back in the house. Hinata knew Naruto was serious when he said he wanted her to rest.
Hinata looked up at Neji and chewed her bottom lip. "Will you and Tenten be moving back temporarily until the Danzo situation is taken care of? It would be easier to ensure you and Tenten's protection."
Neji let out a hollow laugh, "No. I don't even know how you could move back here. After everything that has happened in our past. It's mental torture to be here all day sometimes. I can take care of my family Hinata. Besides, we don't even have a plan on how to tackle the Danzo issue. All we can do is go to the Hokage, who is so swamped with tasks to the point that your current situation is on the back burner. Why don't you ask Naruto and Sasuke for some help."
Hinata quickly shook her head. Immediately rejecting the idea. "I don't want to get them involved and ruin their names. This is a problem for the Hyuga clan and if it does result in a rebellion I cannot drag Naruto and Sasuke into this. Naruto wants to be Hokage, Neji. Sasuke wants to rebuild his clan. I can't ruin their dreams."
Neji gave Hinata a heated look and she immediately stopped talking. "These men love you right? Then that won't be a problem for them to endure and conquer. Relationships are not meant for one to take on the burden for all. Hinata, you're moments away from crumbling and you look like a walking ghost. You need more help than I can give. You have not one but TWO men that want to help you. All you have to do is give the word. This is not just your burden. They are part of this family as well."
Neji let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I apologize. I just want you to get better. It angers me to see you so battered and broken. You haven't smiled since leaving for your mission. Not even that fake smile you do when you want people to believe you are okay. People in the clan are scared to approach you. Naruto and Sasuke are walking on eggshells because they don't want you to have a nervous breakdown. I know he's gone Hinata. I know you are hurting, but ENDURE. This will pass. You have to take care of yourself first Hinata."
Neji walked towards the door and looked back at Hinata before he left. "I'll handle your father's funeral arrangements at home. Me and Tenten are leaving for the day. If you need me, just send for me."
Hinata looked at Neji and gave a short nod. He wanted to see her smile or at least try before he left, but Hinata didn't give him an inch.
Hinata let out a sigh as Neji left and after a few moments she stood up and went into her home with Naruto and Sasuke.
The two were waiting for her in the bedroom and Hinata avoided their stares before she walked into the bathroom to freshen up for bed. It was close to the evening. She shouldn't be this tired, but she was exhausted.
Naruto repeatedly tapped his foot on the floor and Sasuke looked over at him curiously. Naruto has been fuming for a while now, Sasuke surely thought he'd explode at this point. "What?"
Naruto shook his head at Sasuke signaling now wasn't the time to talk. After some time Hinata came out the bathroom and was in a pair of lavender spandex shorts and a white tank top. She hung her silk cream colored robe on the hook on the bathroom door and walked to the bed in silence.
Naruto looked at Hinata and she randomly looked at him. The two locked eyes and Naruto's eyes scanned over Hinata's body. She wasn't hiding the damage from the dark chakra. He could see the black veins all over her body. Even her face and lips. He could see her lobster red skin all over. He could see her swollen hands and feet.
He saw Hinata's hair cascading down her body and still throughout all the horrible things that have happened. Naruto saw Hinata's beauty. The innocence in her eyes. She was still breathtaking to him and Naruto wanted her. He still wanted Hinata's mind, body and soul. Everything that has happened didn't change his mind and heart.
Gosh he wish Hinata could see that and stop acting like this!
Sasuke looked over at Naruto and Hinata and noticed how the two looked at one another and then quickly adverted their eyes from one another. How this just made Naruto even more upset and Hinata more withdrawn. They just couldn't connect. This caused Sasuke to close his eyes and let out a tired sigh, "How's your sister?"
Hinata looked at Sasuke for a moment before lying at the edge of the bed. Making Naruto the middle. She looked up at the ceiling and already knew if she sugar coated it, Naruto and Sasuke would know. She was pretty sure they knew her pain level wasn't really a six too.
"I asked Ino to destroy those pictures and evidence of Hanabi at lunch with Danzo, before she submitted her packet to the Hokage for investigation. She did."
Naruto looked at Hinata before he looked at Sasuke, who was equally just as stunned as Naruto. Hinata had planned this for some time then.
Hinata continued to look up at the ceiling and confessed her sins. "Me and Neji told Hanabi not to openly admit to being with Danzo. If they ask if she was with Danzo. Hanabi will say she hardly spoke to him and state she was only there because of our grandfather. I will handle the rest. I then proceeded to place the caged bird seal on her."
She was covering up for Hanabi. Like how her father covered up for her.
That's where Hinata learned to do this from anyways.
Sasuke squared his jaw and looked off to the side. She was sinking so bad. Her family. These people…they were just dragging her down further and further.
Naruto didn't say anything to her. He now just stared at the ceiling using one of his arms as a pillow. He was in his duty clothes now. His Jonin uniform, but he took off his vest and sandals. Sasuke had dressed down to a plain white t-shirt and dark blue sweat pants.
Sasuke ignored Naruto to not make Hinata's nerves any worse. "I know you're beating yourself up about this. So, don't Hinata. During these times, whatever happens-happens. Hanabi will grow up and get over it."
Naruto finally rolled over and faced Hinata. "Sleep. Stop talking about this. I want you to sleep." Hinata finally looked at Naruto and she looked so hurt by his words. Was he sick of her now? "I'm sorry Naruto-kun."
Naruto let out a sigh, but he didn't want to indulge in Hinata's emotions right now. If he did. He'd break. One of his hands cupped her cheek and Hinata closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "Don't apologize to me. Just sleep Hinata. Please."
Hinata kept her eyes closed, but she hummed at him. After about ten minutes finally Hinata succumbed to sleep.
They laid in silence for about an hour. After that, Naruto turned and looked at the grandfather clock in the room and saw that it was 7:30 in the evening. Sasuke watched Naruto slowly slide out the bed and start to place his ninja gear on.
Sasuke immediately stood up and walked as quickly and quietly to Naruto as he could. "What are you doing?" Sasuke whispered this heatedly to Naruto and looked at the blonde confused. Naruto finally turned and faced Sasuke after he got himself situated.
"Stay with Hinata. I'm going to kill Danzo."
End of chapter.
So, I had to end it with a slight cliffhanger. Next chapter, Naruto and Sasuke will be in 'Saving Princess' mode.
This chapter, Hinata was a leader. She's learning politics and she's learning what it takes to stay on top. She's learning she'll have to be the bad guy from time to time to keep everyone in line. Did she go overboard with Hanabi? I say no, but you all might say different.
Yes, Hanabi lived. She's too young to label her an evil monster on caliber with the elder Hyuga's. I put her at 14 right now, considering Hinata is 18 at this point in the story. Naruto 18 as well. Sasuke 19 and Neji 20.
Hinata killed her grandfather and another Hyuga elder. This was a Hyuga clan issue and Hinata delivered punishment for it. She also further buried her and Neji's secret. Little does she know Naruto and Sasuke are slowly figuring things out, if not already have figured it out.
That's it for now. See you Saturday!