Author Notes: Big Hiruzen Moment and rousing speeches.
Days had passed since that first meeting after the Kyuubi's attack.
Now Hiruzen stood on the edge of the balcony of the Hokage Tower, the masses of Konoha gathered beneath him. His people squirmed around and murmured to each other, the feeling of anxiety permeating the scene.
Village-wide gatherings only occurred when major news needed to be shared. In the past, it had been to announce the beginnings of a new war or to see the succession of a new Hokage. Major events, ones that impacted Konoha greatly. Hiruzen had already declared he would retake the mantle of the Hokage; what was left to say?
Because of this question everyone waited with bated breath while Hiruzen watched from above.
Hiruzen nodded to himself at confirming the filled streets, then channeled chakra to his lungs and vocal cords.
"People of Konoha!" The words boomed throughout the entire village, and at once, every person snapped to attention.
"On October 10th, year 65 — a date that will be recorded as one of our darkest moments — Konoha was suddenly attacked by the Kyuubi.
The beast we thought we had contained broke free and went on a rampage. Left and right, the Kyuubi brought about destruction with unbidden hatred. It was only thanks to our courageous shinobis that the damage was contained, and the beast was pushed back to the outskirts. Once there, our radiant Fourth Hokage managed to seal the Kyuubi and put a stop to this tragedy.
We won, but it was at a cost too heavy to take relief on. Our houses were broken, our friends and family killed, and we lost our leader in the shortest tenure that a Kage's ever had.
It was an immeasurable loss for all."
The visages of the people turned somber or bitter, the pain of losing fresh in their minds. Some wept, and Hiruzen let silence reign for some moments, his head shifted towards the ground.
Then he snapped his head back up, gaze defiant.
"However!"
The people stopped and stared.
"Our spirits remain unbroken, our blood keeps flowing, our hearts are still beating. We have our lives, and we have each other, and that is all we need. Because we are Konoha!
The people we lost that night have not left us. Instead, they live on with us and fan our wills of fire. It's when we are at our darkest moments, that we need to shine the brightest.
For we have weathered the storm and survived, and the dawn of a new day is our reward. Konoha and her people will forever stand, no matter what may come!"
The crowd broke into cheer, the people hollered, and hope washed away the despair from before.
Hiruzen smiled softly at the sight, before his expression shifted and his eyes narrowed.
"However, in this moment of weakness hatred has seized the hearts of some of you."
His accusation made them flinch, and they began to look at each other in suspicion and confusion.
"It seems some rumors have been going around about the identity of the culprit. After all, a Bijuu doesn't simply break free from their host without foul play involved. And you have talked amongst yourselves and reached a conclusion.
That it was the Uchiha clan who orchestrated this."
Immediately, the entire village reacted.
The villagers turned their focus to the Uchihas, and hurried to put distance between them. Some youthful and fiery shinobi formed a human line, separating both groups, while their arms tensed and hands twitched to spring into an attack or a hand sign at a moment's notice.
The Uchihas by their part huddled tightly together and moved their elderly and younglings to the back.
Everyone's expression was tense and their eyes were watchful.
Hiruzen frowned.
"Enough!" he shouted, and the crowd slightly shifted their attention to him.
"It saddens me to see my people turn against each other, for neighbors to hide a knife behind their backs instead of supporting each other up. All those rumors are not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time we need unity; for a village that turns against itself will crumble under the weight of hatred.
It seems you're forgotten about our origin. In a time of unrelenting violence, two clans saw a better path. Two clans hoped for a brighter future where their kids wouldn't be sent to war, a future where they would be able to sleep peacefully at night. Everyone remembers the Senju and their message of hope and peace, forever immortalized by the figure of their leader, our first Hokage.
Yet you all forget about the other clan. It wasn't the Hyūgas or the Sarutobis or the Akimichis. It was the Uchihas. They were the ones at the very beginning, the ones who took that leap of faith, and it's thanks to them that Konoha stands. But you distrust them, all because their reputation was tarnished by a single man. Don't let one tree define the whole forest."
Guilt seeped into their features. Some hung their heads in shame and avoided his gaze. But some stubbornly kept a watchful glance on the Uchihas, and they, in turn, did the same.
"It seems you still hesitate, so let me show you proof."
Hiruzen stopped talking and turned his head around. After a moment, Inoichi and Fugaku joined him by his side, the latter cradling a bundle in both arms.
Hiruzen gestured to Inoichi, who nodded, then walked to the forefront.
"The information I come to share with you is brought to you by the Intelligence Department. I personally conducted the interrogation and examination of the man beside me, Fugaku Uchiha."
All eyes were now on both men, and the tension on their gazes could be felt.
"Much disinformation has been spread around about the events of that night, when only a few were there to watch it all unfold. And most of those few died… except one." Inoichi smirked, and gestured proudly at Fugaku. "While Fugaku wasn't present for most of the events, he was by the Fourth Hokage's side when he breathed his last. Before dying, Minato shared with Fugaku all of the information he had managed to acquire about the attack and its culprit. That's why we know that the one behind the attack was none other than… Madara Uchiha."
The ripple effect of his words caused frightened and shocked expressions onto the populace. That name of forgotten history, of evil long vanquished, had returned and brought onto another catastrophe.
Before panic could ensue, Hiruzen spoke.
"I know that this information disturbs you, as our biggest betrayer has seemingly come back from the grave. But there's no bad without good, nor tragedy without hope. Today we don't just bring you bad news, but also the proof of our hope for the future. Fugaku, if you would?" Hiruzen gestured to the man.
Fugaku nodded and unveiled the bundle he carried, revealing Sasuke's figure. He lifted him high in the air. In his naked stomach there was an ink seal visible for all to see.
The crowd gasped at the sight.
"I hope this quells your doubts for once and for all. Madara Uchiha may have come back, but there are people who will rise to face him and protect this village like their predecessors did. And it is not our brothers we must fear, because the Uchihas once again show their devotion to this village in the form of this baby.
The Fourth Hokage died, but his legacy continues on in the form of this baby. Sasuke Uchiha is the son of Fugaku Uchiha, the Jinchūriki of the Kyuubi chosen by Minato Namikaze, but most important of all, he is a Konoha villager. As are all of us. And all of us will continue to live and fight in the honor of those who left us, and together we will stand strong and proud and face the uncertain tomorrow.
May Konoha prosper forever!"
The crowd broke into cheer, and citizens all around embraced each other. Whether Uchiha or Hyūga or not, the village joined together.
Hiruzen smiled at the sight.
That's the first small step. Now, onto the countless others…
After his grandiose speech, the mood of the village made a turn around for the better. The people worked with enthusiasm, supported and helped each other, and they didn't give the Uchihas the stink eye much. Or more than normal, more exactly.
In order to put to rest any sort of lingering suspicion on the Uchihas, in the days that followed, Hiruzen made various deliberate visits to the Uchiha clan district. He told their children stories, went on walks around the village while accompanied by Fugaku, and overall acted casually with them.
When they saw their Hokage act so friendly with the Uchihas, even the most stubborn people let go of their distrust.
That's it for them. Now, about the Uchihas themselves…
The relations between the general population and the Uchihas had gone back towards what they were before the attack; that is to say, they were still tense.
Of all the clans, the Uchihas were the ones that elicited the most resentment and anger. All major clans did to some extent, as they received privileges and lands that the rest were naturally envious of. But the extent of it towards the Uchihas was incomparable to even the Hyūgas, who were looked by most as condescending and standoffish.
There were two major reasons why.
First, the Uchiha clan had their own district, where only Uchihas or people married into the clan were allowed to live. In that district they had their own lands, their own businesses, and they produced and consumed their own goods, effectively making them a small village inside Konoha. The fact that they had so much territory and lived secluded from the rest of the village meant that people knew little of them, and what they knew made them jealous.
Second, and most crucial, was the Uchiha Police Force.
This organization was formed during the reign of the Second Hokage and was seen as a great honor and show of trust, but it ended up sullying their image. The Uchiha Police Force, as the name indicated, was composed exclusively of Uchiha clansmen. Having them be the policing force, the ones in charge of enforcing the law, arresting people and collecting taxes ruined them. And whenever a mistake was made — because mistakes were bound to happen — such as incorrect apprehension or excessive use of force, the people had that nagging thought that maybe it was deliberate. And since the people were rarely allowed inside the clan district's premises, they rarely saw arrests being made on the Uchihas. Because of this, corruption was also suspected.
Of course, Hiruzen knew that Fugaku went above and beyond for his job as the head of the Police Force. That they gave their own people even harsher sentences, and how in case of a mistake the personnel was reprimanded severely. Because at the end of the day, the Uchihas were proud of their duty and position, and that was why the system hadn't changed in all its years.
That would change today.
Once he arrived at Fugaku's home, he was warmly greeted by Mikoto and led to the visitor room where tea and snacks were already set on the table. After some moments, Fugaku joined him and both men were left alone in the room.
"Good evening, Lord Hokage. I hope today finds you well." Fugaku bowed.
"Good evening, Fugaku." HIruzen lowered his head slightly in greeting, then a crooked smile appeared on his face. "But let's skip the pleasantries for today. We both know I didn't come here for simple chatter."
Fugaku nodded.
"Indeed. If that were the case you wouldn't have bothered to enter inside. What's the matter?" he asked as he seated himself.
"It's regarding the relations between the village and your clan."
Fugaku looked at him puzzled.
"I thought that was going well. The rumors about the culprit have ceased and—"
"I'm not referring to that. The problem I'm talking about has been in the brew for decades now, and to fix it you will have to cooperate," Hiruzen said.
Fugaku mulled over his words while he sipped at his tea.
"The clan will gladly do anything you wish, but what problem are you referring to?"
Hiruzen chuckled dryly.
"Don't act blind, Fugaku. You must have noticed the resentment and weariness others have with the Uchihas, even before this incident happened."
The man hummed.
"...We have indeed noticed increasing conflict between our clansmen and Konoha villagers, especially when they are members of the Uchiha Police Force. So, what do you suggest?"
"Funny that you mention the Police Force." Hiruzen smiled. "From today onwards it will be known as the Konoha Police Force and it's members will no longer be exclusively Uchihas; whether from another clan or clanless, any shinobi may apply."
Fugaku stood up abruptly, causing his cup to spill.
"Lord Hokage, please explain." He muttered, his jaw clenched.
"Of course. Now sit down so we can discuss this." Hiruzen said and with a simple hand sign, the spilled tea went back into the cup.
Fugaku stayed standing for a moment before sighing and sitting back down
"Good. Now then, let's talk. I think we both agree that relations between your clan and the village have been far from ideal for a time now, and that one of the main causes of this is the Uchiha Police Force."
"Yes, but what you are suggesting is ridiculous. Even if I were to agree, not one person of the council would go along with it. After all, the Police Force is our pride, and to take it away from us is—"
Hiruzen waved his hand to motion for him to stop talking and Fugaku abruptly closed his mouth.
Content with his obedience, Hiruzen stared right into his eyes.
"First of all, you have no choice in the matter; you owe me. We both knew when I decided to let you keep Sasuke that it would be at a price. The time to pay your dues begins now."
Fugaku frowned before nodding. "Understood."
Hiruzen's stern expression shifted into a smile. "And about the matter of convincing your clansmen, there's no need to worry."
Fugaku's eyes turned curious and his gaze was fixed entirely on Hiruzen.
"Due to the great loss of shinobi lives, keeping up with the regular stream of missions atop the reconstructions needed will be next to impossible with the amount of shinobi currently active. That's why part of your Police Force will return to normal duty and go on missions that require skilled shinobi, while their duties are handled by fresh Chunin that are less needed out in the open."
Fugaku smiled bitterly at Hiruzen's suggestions. Undoubtedly, everything the old Hokage had said was the truth; Konoha needed money and needed to maintain an image of strength, and who was more suited for the task of taking on high-paying, high-difficulty missions than the Uchiha? It was playing to their pride.
"It seems the years have not dulled your mind or made your heart any softer," Fugaku said. "Understood. I will pass this onto the council and inform you of how things progress."
Hiruzen smiled amiably.
"Excellent. Now, onto my other suggestions."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
"I hope these are more agreeable than the last."
"Of course. I was thinking of constructing some recreational areas inside the district that are free to all. I'm sure your clansmen will be delighted to have them inside their district, even if it means they have to deal with the other villagers."
Fugaku's eyes widened.
"And in turn our gate will need to remain open to allow for the villagers to make use of these facilities… You are a crafty man, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen smiled but didn't speak a word of the matter. Instead, he stood up from his seat and made his way to the door.
"I have some other ideas, but they will come at a later time. In the meantime, do your best to change your clan's perspective. I will send my secretary later to give you more details, but for now, I must be going."
Fugaku nodded and bowed.
Then Hiruzen was out of the house, and with a rapid pace begun making his way to his next destination.
A Hokage's life is busy after all.
Life had a way of throwing trouble onto his lap, it appeared.
Some years had passed since that night and only now were things slowing down.
The project to reconcile the village with the Uchihas was coming along nicely, and every report about the situation seemed to depict the clan in a better light than even the times of the foundation. Also, thanks to the added strength of the Uchihas, the flow of missions the village received stopped being overwhelming on their reduced shinobi forces.
Of course it wasn't all positive.
Due to the various choices he had made, Hiruzen found himself forced to make various concessions to the different clans to keep them appeased, especially the Hyūga. Not only had he given the Jinchuriki to the Uchihas, but he had also channeled more resources towards the clan for the purpose of the unification project.
Overall, Hiruzen had run himself rag these past few years and was only now catching a break…
"What will be our response, Lord Hokage?"
The same people who were gathered at that first emergency meeting were now standing in a dimly-lit room. Their choice of place was an unused hidden fortress at the outskirts of Konoha, void of people in the near vicinity. The need for such secrecy, and the reason for tonight's meeting, laid at the center of the room.
Hiruzen sighed at the sight of the corpse of Kumo's Head Diplomat, Yoru Yamanokami. The man's always smiling face that used to be full of cheer and charisma was now gaping, soulless eyes staring nowhere.
The mere death of this man on their territory was already grounds for high political tensions. The recently signed treaty between both villages — that amongst other things formalized their peace — was the nail in the coffin. The ink hadn't even a chance to dry.
No, the real kicker here is…
Hiruzen turned his gaze towards Hiashi who had two ANBU guards by his side. They weren't there for his protection, but in case of anything the man may do.
"We both know what is to be my fate, so let's hurry this along. I need to let the elders know about my choice of successor in any case." Hiashi Hyuuga, killer of Yoru Yamanokami, said.
Hiruzen pinched the bridge of his nose and restrained himself from letting out a weary sigh. Why couldn't things ever be simple?
This was partly his fault.
Hiruzen had found it strange when the peace talkings progressed so smoothly. Kumo was known for their schemes and behind-the-door maneuvers, all in an effort to be the uncontested powerhouse. Ay, their Raikage, carried this ambition as well. But no, instead the man was agreeable enough in their meetings and proposed beneficial and fair suggestions for what the treaty would entail for both villages.
He should have seen this coming, but with his mind focused on bringing Konoha back into good shape, Hiruzen was only too glad to thank his fortune and move it along.
Now he had this mess in his hands.
Hiruzen could only take solace that Konoha bore no fault in this murder. It was obvious this had been a deliberate act by Kumo.
First of all, the only reason Hiashi ended up killing Yoru Yamanokami was because the man had attempted to kidnap Hinata, the heiress. He had come dangerously close to succeeding, too. The man wasn't only an exemplary diplomat, he was also stellar as a shinobi. With an infiltration technique that eluded the Byakugan's eyes — and they would have to look into that — he had snuck past the guards and seized the girl. Before he got away he was luckily found by Hiashi who was in the vicinity and then promptly killed him with a single strike.
Herein came the only fault one could find in Hiashi and it wasn't excessive force. It was his means of killing the man.
The Gentle Fist was a mighty art, but was also quite distinctive from other methods of attacking. It damaged the chakra network like nothing else could, and it was easy to know when it had been used to kill a person.
The ones to be reprimanded would be the Hyūga clan, and everyone knew they would request their leader's head to appease them.
Of course, Kumo was in the wrong. Yet, Konoha had no proof.
The only concretable piece of evidence was Yoru Yamanokami's corpse, which only alluded to the killer and not the circumstances behind it.
If they both went to make their case in a Gokage Summit, Konoha would be found at fault for breaking both the peace treaty they had all signed after the war, and the one they had with Kumo. This would invalid the treaties for support that Konoha had in place with other villages to prevent another great war. They would have no support in case Kumo declared war on them, a war they couldn't afford at the moment.
In the short discussion they had, most everyone was in agreement of sending Hiashi over to be executed. Surprisingly, it wasn't Hiashi himself who opposed the idea. It was Danzo. The man had argued that Kumo was mocking them, and that the only response to be had was to answer with force. Of course, his arguments were to no avail as everyone knew his inclination towards war, and this was seen as yet another of his moves to make Konoha attack the rest and 'reign supreme.'
Danzo was intelligent, but he tended to overestimate Konoha's own might.
Hiruzen thought on the matter for some time before resigning himself to the decision.
"...Very well then. Guards, escort him to his manor and—"
At that moment, Fugaku entered the room and everyone turned to see the new arrival.
The slight light in the room was enough for Hiruzen to see that in Fugaku's dark eyes glinted a strange sense of determination.He tilted his head in interest before motioning the man to come closer.
"It's good to see you Fugaku, but I fear a decision has already been reached."
Fugaku frowned. "I apologize for my tardiness, I was busy with some clan matters." Then he turned to face the rest of the ones gathered here before settling his eyes on Hiashi.
"I was informed of the details and by the looks of it, you're planning to have Hiashi executed."
"That's right." Hiruzen nodded.
"I believe you are making a mistake."
The rest furrowed their brows and Hiruzen looked on in amusement.
"Is that so? If you are speaking like this, I believe you have another suggestion in mind."
"Yes, please show us blind dogs the way." The Inuzuka clan head laughed.
Fugaku ignored the slight and continued. "We shall give them nothing, Lord Hokage," he said in the most grave voice.
The people were stunned before, but now they looked at him aghast.
"Seems you've gotten a knack for saying outrageous things now, eh Fugaku?" The Nara clan head said while staring in amazement.
"What stupid shit are you saying now?!" The Inuzuka clan head growled.
"I think I speak for all when I say this; please elaborate. Because you are suggesting something tantamount to suicide." The Aburame clan head said, and from beneath his clothes came an ominous hum.
"What are you on about, Fugaku?" Hiashi asked, confusion plain on his face.
"As I said. We give them nothing. No apologies, no sort of compensation. They attacked us in our own village, they dared attack one of our most influential clans and thought they could get away with it, and now they dare ask for compensation?!" Fugaku spat out, venom on his voice. "We give them nothing, and tell them to not play around with us anymore. We are Konoha, the most powerful Shinobi Village, not some puny village like Suna."
All the present looked at Fugaku in utter disbelief. After a moment, Hiruzen recomposed.
"I appreciate the sentiment Fugaku, but let's not forget reality here. Konoha was one of the most affected by the war, even if we rose as victors, and then the Kyuubi happened. I am ashamed to say this, but we are not ready to go to war," Hiruzen spoke without mincing words.
"I agree with Lord Hokage. We are not ready, especially if Iwa decides to ally themselves with Kumo for the occasion." The Yamanaka clan head said, a frown on his face.
Fugaku looked at them and sighed. "Of course I know that, but just think about how the other villages would treat us from then on. They would know we are weakened, that they can pressure us, and would begin to take advantage of us. It may be in the long future, but I am confident it will end in Konoha's fall. At least if we issue a response now, we will maintain our image of strength and Kumo will hesitate. Only we know how fragile a state Konoha is, and let's not forget that Kumo also suffered heavy losses during the war. I do not believe that any village is ready to go to war at this time or in the near future. In either case war is inevitable, but at least we can do it on our terms and not get blindsided by it when the time comes."
The speech was invigorating and Fugaku spoke every word with absolute certainty, yet the rest looked hesitant.
"You may be right but to take such a risk…" The Akimichi clan head muttered.
"The life of one man isn't worth risking an entire village, no matter how important they may be," Koharu said.
"I couldn't live with myself if my actions brought about the village's demise," Hiashi answered looking troubled.
Other words voicing the same sentiment came from the rest, except from Danzo. Hiruzen could see that Danzo's focus was entirely on Fugaku, and he nodded to the Uchiha in support.
Fugaku ignored this and narrowed his eyes at the reception, and Hiruzen thought he would resign, but he began speaking again.
"I'm sure most of you must be blaming Hiashi for this issue, thinking that he acted recklessly, that he is at fault. So I ask you, put yourself in his position for a moment. Most of us here have children, so imagine that one night they were kidnapped inside the safety of their own homes by a man who preached peace. Would you be able to ignore the hatred and hurt to think rationally about the consequences that killing him may have, in a split second?
Imagine how your clans would feel, knowing that their leader died because they did the right thing. Such unfairness wouldn't be tolerated, and I'm sure they would come to resent Konoha. Would you want that? For your flesh and blood to hate the village you gave your life to protect? For the enemy that played us like fools to go unpunished while we dissolve ourselves in resentment?!
I don't. Because while Konoha may not be a single man, all of us are Konoha. For when they slight one of us, they have slight the village. We will not allow our enemy to get off scot-free. Let's show them our pride and strength, and tell them all that Konoha is not their toy to play with.
Do I have your support?"
The visages of those leaders, who before had looked so doubtful and discontent as they discussed Konoha's fragile state, were now filled with vigor and determination. They stood straight, their heads held high, and they nodded firmly at his words.
They voiced their agreement and Hiruzen smiled. He nodded, once to himself, and then yet again to the rest.
"That's it about our response, I believe. Konoha will give them nothing. Now then, let's get out of here. And someone send this corpse to Kumo at once."
Hinata walked barefoot through halls of frost-covered walls and insipid colors. Shadows of people could be seen through the translucent sheets of the walls and a prickle on her neck told her that their eyes followed her. She couldn't see their expressions nor did they say anything, yet she knew in her heart of hearts what they must be feeling.
Disdain. Fear. Apprehension.
Feelings such as these were the ones of the marked ones to harbor towards the Main Family. It was a natural consequence of their system, one that made a part of their clan subservient to the other with no manner of escape to be had.
Even she, a child, could kill them with a single hand sign and stop such treacherous feelings. She chose to ignore. They didn't matter to her in any case; only a few things in life did.
When she stepped outside, the manor behind her was swallowed by the void.
The world sprung into color and brightened up as she approached the safe haven of nature, and a small smile grazed her face. On the edge of her vision she spied beautiful flowers of bountiful colors, exotic plants with weird shapes, and a variety of insects enjoying this perfect home for them. But all these things ceased to exist as her gaze focused entirely on the figure of a woman at the center of this garden, who watered the plants and hummed tunes.
"Mama!" she yelled as she ran the last few steps, and her smile became complete.
Hitomi turned with a warm smile and embraced her. Then Hinata felt weightless as she was spun around in a circle, and the feeling made her giggle.
Yet as soon as it started, Hitomi stopped the spinning and let her down, and then stumbled in place for a bit, as if she had been the one being spun around.
"You're growing so fast my princess, I'm having trouble making you fly as before," she said with humor.
"Then I will be the one to make you fly someday, Mama," Hinata said in turn, but the edges of her smile felt strained, forced.
The symptoms popped up in written form around Hitomi:
Vertigo, pale skin, long sleeps, lack of appetite, weight loss… The strain during the pregnancy may result in—
Hinata forced her eyes close and shook her head. When she opened them again, she didn't see those bothersome words anymore. Much better.
She then forced all her attention on her Mom, who was merrily going on a tangent about some new flower she had acquired, a Moon Drinker by the sounds of it, which she said would go splendidly with the Viewing Festival that would happen in some months.
"Won't that be fun? It will be Hanabi's first festival, so you could tell her that story about the Moon rabbit who came down to Earth. I'm sure she will have the same wide eyes as you did when I told you."
Mom's giggle made her face heat up.
"I'm not sure… I'm not as good a storyteller as you so—"
"Nonsense, I know you will do great!" Mom said, cutting her short. "Tell you what? How about we practice it during the night, so when the moment comes, you can make a good Big Sister impression?"
Hinata's eyes lit up.
"I… would really like that," she said softly.
"Good, now come here." Hitomi said, taking her hand and leading them to a bench. As they settled into it, her Mom sighed with relief.
"My toes were killing me back there. I swear it's worse than when I had you." Hitomi frowned for a moment before it was replaced with a soft look. "But I'm glad to have you, and now her. You are the best things I've done in this world. You are both incredibly precious, alright?"
Hinata nodded as she leaned onto her mom's side, who started rubbing her back. They stayed like that for a while.
Hinata wished it could last forever.
The silence was broken by Hitomi.
"You know, dear? I have a dream for the future in which our clan is like this garden, with everyone and everything working together to live in harmony. It would be so much better. I think that's what's holding our clan back, and I think your Father knows it too. Yet we remain the same as we have ever been, too afraid to break off traditions because change is scary. So I want you to promise me something, alright sweetie?"
Hinata looked up, taken aback by the sudden interruption of the speech.
"What?"
Hitomi grasped both of her shoulders and peered into her very soul with her piercing gaze.
"I don't want you to be like the rest of our clan. I want you to try new things, to not be afraid of change, to let yourself feel. And I know this is hard, because people will expect a lot out of you, and people in your same position find it easier to act unbothered by anything. Your Father did. But I know you are strong, so… will you promise me, Hinata?"
Hinata felt the importance this promise had for her mother by the way her voice choked up yet every word was spoken with heart and passion. She felt like she shouldn't, she couldn't promise her that. Especially to not fear change, because a big change was coming very fast and she was not prepared and maybe she never would be ready. And she wasn't strong, not like her mother. She wasn't strong enough to have her emotions by the sleeve of her heart. But in the end she was just a child, a foolish child that wanted to make her mom happy.
"I promise. I will do my best!" She said and puffed out her chest in a pose she was sure made her look very stupid, but was glad she did because Hitomi chuckled in her merry laughter and pulled her into a hug.
In the embrace she felt love and safety and warmth and everything good in life, and she would never let this feeling fade away and—
Her eyes shot open to the dark ceiling of her room. In a hurry, she joined her hands on the Activation sign and her Byakugan sprang up and the chakra of the world bloomed into view. And she searched, searched for that warm, familiar green chakra where she knew her parents' dormitory was.
Father's potent oak brown chakra was there. Hanabi's budding hazel green was there. Not Mama's. Instead, by Mama's garden she could see her modest tombstone amidst the flowers, the one Hinata had cried and begged to be put there because Mama's tombstone at the clan's funeral grounds felt empty and cold and so much unlike her that it felt like losing her again.
It was only a dream then, or a memory. Hinata mused and laid back into bed, eyes focusing into the ceiling of her room.
Mama. I've already told Hanabi the story about the Moon rabbit a dozen times and you were right, her eyes were big and wide, she thought to herself as she tried to go back to sleep.
Yet her mind remained troubled and she turned around in her bed.
For there was no one to tell her stories anymore.
Author Notes:
To be honest, most of this chapter didn't even exist in the original draft I had for it; first scene didn't exist and what I had written of the Hyūga Affair was shit. But I've come to like writing about Hiruzen and his "politicking." Although this is most of the politics we will be seeing in the near future. If you are a fan of it, there will be one Arc in the future that will have tons of it.
I already knew this, but writing a scene with multiple people in it is very annoying. Meetings are a chore to write. Also in the last chapter I completely forgot about the elders. Meh.
The next chapter should be the last that deals with the stuff Before Graduation, and finally introduce our last prominent character. I hope you like him.
Finally, this chapter was supposed to come out like three days after the first one. But I went on a trip and writing on my phone is annoying, so expect a longer time for the next one as it will have to be fully written with my phone.
Until next time~