Hinata woke up with sunlight streaming into her bedroom through the curtains hung in front of her bedroom window. She rolled over, stood out of bed, and opened the curtains to the window to let the light into the room. Sighing, she realized the days had become more prolonged than usual now that she was mostly confined to her room. After putting on her robe, she grabbed her toiletries to bathe and prepare for the day. When she finished in the bathroom, she returned to her room dressed in her ninja gear and went to the dining room, where she found Hanabi.

"Good morning, big sister!" Hanabi said, smiling.

Hinata returned the smile and sat across from her. "Good morning! How did you sleep?"

"Not well. I'm still worried about Daddy. You haven't heard anything, have you?" She asked, sounding hopeful.

"No," Hinata answered. "If something were wrong, Sakura or someone would've contacted us by now."

"We should go see him!" Hanabi said happily. "We've been stuck here for days now! He'd be happy to see us. I know he would!"

Hinata looked down at her hands, which were resting on the table. "He'd be happy to see you," she said softly.

"You're wrong." She heard Hanabi say, and Hinata looked up to see her sister frowning. "He'd like to see you too."

Hinata smiled but shook her head. "No, Father only sees me as wasted potential. Nothing more. That's why I must earn my place back in our family."

Hanabi opened her mouth to say something when the doors to the dining room opened. Hiroshi arrived and sat at the head of the table where Hiashi usually sat. In his hands was a newspaper. He opened the paper and said nothing to the girls. Hinata and Hanabi looked at the older man and then back at one another. Hanabi rolled her eyes to show her annoyance. Hinata nodded so slightly that only Hanabi would see it to show her agreement.

In Hiashi's absence, Hiroshi practically took over not only the clan but also their home in the compound. His rules confined them to the house. And both sisters were more than ready for their guest to leave their home. Soon, breakfast was served with fruits, protein, tea, juice, freshly baked bread, rice, and anything one desired. The table was silent as they ate, and members of the branch family waited, standing against the walls watching them as they did this.

Hinata felt uncomfortable eating at the table, knowing anything they didn't eat would go to the rest of the family that worked in the main house. It felt wrong to have them wait to eat food while having to do work around the house all the time.

"Is there something wrong with the food, Hinata?" Hiroshi asked, concerned.

She looked toward him and shook her head. "No, it's delicious. I was only thinking of our father."

"I hear Lord Hiashi is doing well. The hospital is taking care of him very well. You both have nothing to fear." Hinata nodded and went back to eating. She realized she couldn't allow her emotions to slip before him. "Hinata," Hiroshi said.

"Yes," she replied.

"I've been informed that Lord Hiashi has set up a meeting with the leaders of the Inuzuka clan today to discuss the prospects of a marriage between you and Kiba. Will you be available to join me for this meeting?"

Hinata's eyes widened. She hadn't realized that her father had set that up for her. If anything, she had thought he disapproved of Kiba. But she was glad she'd been wrong; maybe he'd seen what she'd seen in him: his resilience, kindness, and positive outlook on life.

"Yes, I'll be available for the meeting today." She answered.

"Good, we will entertain them in the main sitting room," Hiroshi said and turned to the nearest branch member. "Prepare the finest tea we have along with desserts for our guests. We must show them the finest things we have to offer."

Hinata smiled; this had been the longest time she'd been separated from Kiba since they started dating. She missed him terribly and wanted to feel his body's warm embrace and arms wrapped around her. Excitedly, she quickly finished what she'd wanted for breakfast and excused herself from the table. She hurried back to her room and began preparing. She'd changed her clothes into a white silk kimono tied with a purple sash. Hinata also had her hair pulled back into a bun and decorated with a fancy white flower comb. She hoped that wearing this would make a good impression on her future mother-in-law.

After a couple of hours, Hinata returned to the sitting room to find the table had been moved to the side. Pillows were laid on the tatami floors so Hinata, Hiroshi, and their guests could sit during their meetings. From Kiba's stories of his mother, she understood that Tsume was rough around the edges and very hard to please. Regardless, if he could tolerate her father, she would find the strength to endure Tsume if she was as prickly of a woman as Kiba made her out to be. After she sat down, she took a deep breath and willed every nerve to relax. It was as if electric currents ran up and down her arms and down her back with wild energy.

It wasn't long before Hiroshi appeared and sat beside Hinata. They looked at one another, smiled, and nodded before gazing toward the paper sliding doors. It wasn't long before they heard footsteps on the wooden floors approaching the room.

"Lord Hiroshi, Lord Hiashi's guests from the Inuzuka clan have arrived." A male Hyuga said.

"Please show them in," Hiroshi said.

The double doors opened, revealing Tsume and Hana Inuzuka. As they entered, Hinata waited, hoping Kiba would arrive, but the double doors closed. Hinata fought her growing disappointment as her stomach sank to her knees in his absence. After so many days, she'd hoped to see him, but he wasn't there. Despite her private sadness, she took a deep breath. She quickly focused on his family members, understanding that this meeting was necessary for their relationship.

"Good afternoon, Lady Tsume and Miss?" Hiroshi asked.

"Hana, I'll be taking over as the leader of the Inuzuka clan from my mother," Hana replied.

"My apologies, Lady Hana. My name is Hiroshi, and I am an elder of the Hyuga clan. I apologize for Lord Hiashi's absence. However, he has entrusted me with his decisions regarding a marriage proposal between his daughter Hinata and Kiba."

Tsume smiled and nodded. "Yes, we had no prior meetings about this, so I am curious. What is Lord Hiashi's response to the proposal I sent him?"

Hiroshi's smile faded as he looked Tsume in her eyes. "Lord Hiashi disapproves of the relationship and doesn't see any need for a marriage between the two," Hinata's eyes widened in shock as she looked at Hiroshi. Hiroshi didn't seem bothered by Hinata's, Tsume's, or Hana's surprised looks at him as he continued speaking. "Lady Hinata is not the clan's heiress as that honor is with Lady Hanabi. But for a member of our esteemed clan to marry out and join the Inuzuka of all clans is out of the question."

Tsume's expression changed from shock to fury as she glared at Hiroshi. "What exactly do you mean by that."

"That none of us would want to see a Hyuga, let alone one from our main branch, rolling around with dogs. Imagine how unbecoming it would be to our entire clan. And the children they'd make, my goodness." He shuttered at his last words.

Tsume was about to say something when Hana reached out and grabbed her mother's hand. Tsume looked over at Hana and relaxed slightly. Hinata, on the other hand, fought to maintain her composure as she looked at the furious expression on Hana's face.

"Both you and Lord Hiashi may disapprove of the marriage," Hana said before her tone changed. "But I will not tolerate disrespect about our clan. The Inuzuka are just as respectable as any other clan in the Leaf. And yes, we do primarily work with our canine companions. But dogs, like wolves, are at least loyal to one another in their pack. Instead of needing to subjugate more than half of them to serve us tea and cookies to flaunt their authority," Hana said.

The room was silent, and tension was building by the second as the four looked at one another. Hinata's palms were slightly slick with sweat, and her fingers were curled tightly into fists. Her throat felt dry, and she couldn't say anything.

Hiroshi cleared his throat before he began speaking. "Like yourself, I will not tolerate disrespect towards the honor of the Hyuga clan."

"Then, for someone speaking on behalf of the leader of your clan, you should've chosen your words more wisely," Tsume said before looking at Hinata. "As if I'd let my son marry a dolled-up silent woman who has no opinion or backbone of her own. We'll take our leave."

Tsume and Hana began to stand up, and Hinata's eyes were as wide as dinner plates. She couldn't believe this had gone from bad to worse in so many seconds.

"You dare insult the daughter of our clan's leader and think you can simply leave!" Hiroshi said roughly. "You brash mongrels have gotten overconfident in this time of peace."

"Mongrels!" Tsume shouted and glared at Hiroshi then.

"That's what I said."

Tsume growled, and Hana held her mother back as she fixed Hiroshi with her glare. However, Tsume continued speaking.

"That's it! I challenge the Hyuga to battle!"

Hiroshi laughed once without humor. "Name the time and place."

"Tonight outside the village at ten pm. Your so-called title as the strongest in the Leaf will be no more after tonight!"

"I doubt it," Hiroshi said calmly. "No, take your leave."

Tsume growled and left the room, with Hana walking behind her. Hinata, still in shock, turned to Hiroshi. He turned to her and smiled.

"I know you loved that boy, but this is for the best. After tonight, you will see what your father and I see. Do not fear; neither you nor Hanabi will have to fight in the battle tonight. A few of our main members and the entire branch family will handle this. You may return to your room now, Hinata."

He stood up and left her sitting alone in the room. In the silence, Tsume's insult toward her rang loud and clear in her head. A woman with no opinion or backbone was precisely what she displayed in that heated moment. She stood up and slowly returned to her room, worried for her clan and Kiba.

Many hours have passed since the meeting earlier in the day. Feeling overly anxious, Hinata paced in her room, fiddling with her fingers as she walked from wall to wall. She refused to eat lunch or speak to anyone after what'd happened. It was already six pm, leaving four hours until the battle was meant to take place. A knock came from the door, and it opened before she allowed permission for the visitor to enter. She stopped pacing and turned around to see Ayame holding a tray with tea and food.

Hinata sighed as Ayame walked over to her table and set down the teapot and food. The last thing Hinata could do was eat at a time like this. She opened her mouth to speak when Ayame held her hand up, stopping her. Ayame reached into her sleeve, pulled out a piece of paper, and handed it to Hinata. Hinata's eyebrows creased together as she began reading the note. There was a meeting tonight at Neri's house at six-thirty.

Hinata looked up and saw Ayame hand Hinata the tray she was holding. She took the tray, and Ayame made several hand signs and transformed them into Hinata. Ayame sat at Hinata's table and began eating without saying a word. Hinata realized what Ayame was doing and quickly transformed into Ayame.

"Is there anything else I can get you, my lady?" Hinata asked, mimicking Ayame's voice.

"No, thank you, Ayame." She replied.

Hinata bowed and then exited the door. When she was in the hallway, she realized she was alone, and for the first time, she could freely walk around the compound again. She quickly went to the kitchen and set the tray down with the others on the counter. None of the clan members were talking in the kitchen, so she promptly left back out of it. The nighttime air was cool and refreshing as she approached Neji's house quickly. This would be the first time she saw her cousin since her father had to be taken to the hospital.

When she arrived at Neji's house, she didn't miss the sound of many people talking. She knocked on the main door, and it opened. The man at the door nodded for her to enter, and she did. Hinata headed to the sitting room, where all the noise came from. As soon as she entered the room, she was greeted by the sight of many of the branch family members already there. Some looked angry, others looked annoyed, while a few looked weary. Hinata found a spot along the wall where she could stand by herself in peace.

She took a deep breath and took everything in as she waited. Soon, Neji and Tenten entered the room, and everyone fell silent as they sat alone on the waited pillows before everyone. As the head of the branch family, Neji's house mirrored her own, and it was large enough to fit many people inside it. All eyes were on Neji as he rested his hands on his knees and looked around the room.

"We all know why we're here," Neji started. "Many of you are not pleased with what happened earlier today, and I can assure you that I feel the same way. We should not be dragged into a battle due to a disagreement between Hiroshi and the Inuzuka clan. I'd like to hear some of your grievances on this now."

A woman sitting closer to Neji and Tenten stood up then. Small in stature and with long brown hair, she would've been easily overlooked if she sat elsewhere. "This is outrageous! For a while, we've been able to live better with Lord Hiashi relenting on many customs between our houses. But Hiroshi has gone too far! I don't want to be used as a shield against the Inuzuka or anyone else!"

Another man stood up, looking equally angry as the woman before him. "Why are our lives always fodder to the main branch? The only difference between us is the houses they've arranged us into. And the Jutsu, they hide from all of us. If they wanted to protect the Byakugan, they'd also wear the same brand we are cursed with!"

This caused cheers from the majority of the room. Hinata stayed quiet, understanding that now was the time to listen to everything carefully. In truth, she agreed with the clan members, as her goal was to end the house system initially. She only wished her father would've heard her out earlier before all this happened. While others continued to voice their opinions, Hinata kept her eyes on Neji. Studying his reactions to every comment, complaint, and concern every branch member had.

He was like a stone wall throughout the entire meeting. Despite the harsh words thrown against the main branch, he never yielded or lost composure. She realized that he respected everyone's opinion at this time and wanted to make sure they knew he heard them. Once the last person said what they had to say, Neji looked around the room again, ensuring he hadn't missed anyone. He began speaking in his usual calm voice once he knew everyone awaited his opinion.

"I understand how everyone feels regarding this situation. I do not want to battle another clan due to an individual's petty disagreement. If I could do something to prevent this situation for all of us, I would do it without hesitation. But-"

"There is something you can do!" A voice said suddenly, cutting Neji off in mid-sentence.

Everyone in the room looked back towards Hinata. She looked to her right to see Kenzo walking into the room. Hinata noticed the bandage on his upper left bicep. She hadn't seen him since her father had gone to the hospital and wondered what had happened to him. Kenzo continued walking further into the room so that everyone could see him.

Neji looked at him carefully, his gaze focusing on Kenzo specifically. "What do you mean, Kenzo?"

Kenzo smiled and gestured around the room. "There is something you and all of us can do. For thousands of years, the Hyuga has been divided by houses. A system created to keep the main branch in power and us at their disposal. We all know why this was done, but we can make a change now. We should all go to the battle this evening, and when the Inuzuka begins to attack us, we turn in, join them, and take out the main branch!"

There were gasps around the room at his sudden opinion. Hinata's eyes widened slightly, and her hands were clutched tightly by her chest. She feared this would happen to the clan after the incident on the moon. She was glad no one seemed to care about her reaction this time as her mind began to race with fearful thoughts.

Neji stood up from his seat, clearly upset at Kenzo's suggestion. "You want to murder the members of the main branch?" he asked roughly.

"Yes, we all should," Kenzo said before pointing at Tenten. "You, of all people here, should want that Neji. Your wife is pregnant with your child! Say this child is born with the Byakugan; they too shall be forced to bear this mark on their forehead. Worried they could be tortured and abused by the main branch whenever they want!"

"Lord Hiashi doesn't flaunt power over all of us! He's strong, and he will make a full recovery soon!" Neji retorted.

Kenzo laughed and shook his head. "These are lies from Hiroshi's mouth. Lord Hiashi is barely alive at the hospital. Due to his condition, they've had to resuscitate him. As his attendant, I've updated Hiroshi regarding Lord Hiashi's health."

His statements caused many whispers to begin around the room. Hinata felt her heart sink as her eyes began to sting. She quietly sucked in a quick gasp of air before blinking away the unshed tears. Hiroshi had been lying to her and everyone in the clan this whole time. Before anyone could mention anything to the room, Kenzo began speaking again.

"If we don't act now, Hiroshi will seize all power within the clan, and we will live under his beck and call. But if we eliminate them, you can be our leader, Neji! You are the strongest and most influential member of our house. This is why we wanted you as our leader, just like your father before you."

While some house members began to agree with Kenzo's plan of getting rid of the main house, others were conflicted. Hinata looked at Neji as he held his hand up to silence everyone.

"If we do this, get rid of the main branch, then we'd be no better than them. Blood will be on our hands, and the honor of the Hyuga clan will be ruined for many generations. I disagree with your idea, Kenzo! The Inuzuka probably doesn't want this battle as much as we don't. But I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I joined in killing my clan members. "

Kenzo gritted his teeth as his hands bawled at his sides. "Then you are a coward, Neji. You will be a pawn of the main branch until the day that you die!" He spat and looked around the room. "If you all want to be pawns, go ahead. But for those of you who don't come with me!"

Kenzo began walking out of the room, quickly followed by three men. All remaining eyes stayed fixed on Neji, who kept his gaze on Kenzo's back. He sighed and then looked at everyone in the room.

"I'll see if I can speak with Kiba and the Inuzuka to resolve this. But if I cannot, please be prepared for battle tonight," he warned.

Collectively, everyone began leaving Neji's house except for Hinata, who stayed pressed against the wall. After everyone had left, Neji turned to Tenten and held his hand out for her to take to help her stand up. Hinata approached them, still in her transformation jutsu.

"Good evening, Neji, Tenten." She said.

Neji and Tenten turned to look at Hinata, and she allowed the transformation jutsu to dissipate. She looked at them with a small smile that didn't meet her eyes.

"Hinata!" Neji said, surprised.

"So my father isn't doing well after all, and Kenzo wants to murder the main branch. What a fine mess we're in now?" she asked rhetorically.

Tenten touched Neji's shoulder. "I'm going to lie down, dear. Why don't you two take a moment to talk."

She leaned in, kissed his cheek, and left the room. Neji gestured for Hinata to sit, and she gladly took the seat. They sat in silence for a while until Neji took a deep breath.

"Hinata, if your father is in poor health, then now is the time for you to take your place as the head of the Hyuga clan."

"But how?" She asked.

"You show up tonight at the battlefield. Stand against Hiroshi and claim your birthright. I'll support you along with the rest of the clan. But you cannot wait to be given your honor back anymore."

Hinata's fists tightened atop her lap. She knew he was right; she could no longer sit by and allow everyone to make choices for her life. And even if she didn't feel confident, she had to take a stand for the clan's sake.

"No matter what happens tonight, I must do one thing first." She said softly.

"What's that?" Neji asked.

"To say goodbye to my father. If he is in poor condition, I want to say goodbye."

Neji nodded. "Do you want me to accompany you?"

She shook her head. "No, I need to do this alone. It's high time I had an honest conversation with him. He should hear me out and see me for who I am. Find Kiba and see if he can stall the Inuzuka clan."

"I will." He promised.

Hinata smiled, and they stood up. Neji escorted her to the front doors, and before she went to put on her shoes, she held her arms open. He was surprised at first but embraced her in a hug.

"And Neji, thank you for everything." She said softly.

"Of course, Hinata." He said. And he watched as Hinata walked out of the home and disappeared into the night.

After leaving Neji's house, Hinata didn't hesitate to leave the Hyuga compound. Her only goal now was to say her final words to Hiashi before steeling herself for what was to come. As she jumped from rooftop to rooftop, she quickly went to the hospital and landed before the entrance. The double doors opened automatically, and she went directly to the receptionist's desk to ask for her father's room. Once she received the information, she used the elevator and exited it, going down the hallway to his room. Her legs felt a bit heavier with each step, and she wondered what she would see in the room. She knew these thoughts were ridiculous as she knew her father would probably be lying there still. Regardless, she wasn't ready to see him in such a state.

When she arrived at the door, she saw two Hyuga clan members standing guard. They looked at her, mouths agape and eyes wide, as they turned to look at her.

"Lady Hinata!" One of them said. "What are you doing here? You should be in the compound!"

"I'm here to see my father. Please, step aside."

The guards looked at one another and nodded before moving out of the way. Hinata opened the door to see the lights were off. She turned the lights on, and to her surprise, she saw Kenzo standing in the room, hovering over Hiashi. Kenzo looked up with a syringe in hand, a clear liquid inside. Hiashi stared up at Kenzo with pleading eyes, his left hand against Kenzo's chest as if he were trying to push him back.

"Kenzo! What are you doing?" Hinata nearly shrieked in horror.

Kenzo glared at Hinata and threw the syringe at her. She dodged it, leaning to the side, and quickly ran into the room. Both of them had their byakugan activated and began fighting at the head of Hiashi's bed. There wasn't a lot of room, but Hinata kept her distance from Kenzo's strike. Suddenly, the guards stepped before her and activated their Byakgan. Realizing he was outnumbered, Kenzo slowly backed up toward the window. He opened it and quickly made his escape.

"Follow him! He must be captured!" Hinata ordered.

Both guards jumped out of the window and followed Kenzo. Hinata ran to the window, watching after them for a moment before shutting it. Two nurses showed up as Hinata closed the window. She had them call the police after reporting what had just happened. They left the room, and she turned to check on her father, who was struggling to sit up. She rushed toward him, helping him sit up.

"Hinata," Hiashi said weekly.

"Father! Did Kenzo do anything to you before I came in?" She asked worriedly.

Hiashi shook his head. "No, at least not tonight. But he has been injecting a poison into me. Thank goodness you came in time, or he would've killed me. I'm guessing Kiba told you my warning? I'll have to thank him a hundred times over."

Hinata was confused. "What do you mean, father?"

"I tried to warn Kiba about the Kenzo, but I was in such a weak state that I said clan instead. Please hand me some water."

Hinata let him go and found a pitcher of water and a cup by the bedside table. She filled the cup and helped him drink. After he drank, he began to lie back in the bed.

"Thank you, Hinata," he said weekly before coughing. " Tell me what has happened since I've been here. How are you and Hanabi?"

Hinata took a deep breath before telling him everything. After she finished, Hiashi tried to sit up again, but Hinata put her hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Father, you must rest!" She urged him.

He shook his head, grunting before lying back. "I cannot! Hiroshi has no authority to use my name to drag the Hyuga into battle! We have a reputation to uphold! Along with the lives of our clan."

"I agree, which is why I must handle this now," Hinata said.

He looked her in the eyes. "Hinata," He said softly.

She shook her head. "I've made up my mind. I can no longer sit by and wait for my honor to be restored to me. Allow me to show you I'm ready to be your successor. I may have failed many times before, but this time, I will not!" For a while, he was silent, staring up into her eyes. It was as if he was searching for an answer, and when he found it, he nodded. She nodded once and then kissed his cheek. "Once I've settled things, I'll return for you. The police will be here soon to look over you, and I'll protect Hanabi, too. I promise."

Hiashi smiled and relaxed. "Then I'll leave this to you, Hinata."

After saying her goodbyes, Hinata left her father's room and found Choji and Rock Lee waiting for her by the nursing station and several other officers. She smiled and quickly approached them, hoping to find Kiba, but she was slightly disappointed when she didn't.

"Hinata! I'm glad to see you are okay!" Rock Lee said. "Have you seen Kiba? He hasn't returned to work since this morning."

Hinata's eyebrows rose as she shook her head. "No, I only arrived here ten minutes ago. He hasn't been back at the station since this morning."

Choji and Lee looked at one another and frowned. Taking a step forward, Choji crossed his arms. "He came to work this morning and got official orders to remove Lord Hiashi's guards at the hospital's request. He also had an order for a criminal investigation of your father's health. But we haven't seen him since he came here to meet with Sakura."

"It's not like Kiba to go missing for no reason. Unless…" She trailed off as her mind wandered to her earlier meeting with his mother and sister.

"Unless what?" Choji asked curiously.

"It's a lot to explain," Hinata said, sighing. "Why don't we try going to his house? I'll explain everything along the way."

Choji and Rock Lee nodded, and together, the three left, leaving the other offices to ask the nurses for an account of what happened in Haishi's room after Hinata's statements. When the elevator landed on the ground floor, the three of them quickly exited to hear a familiar loud voice at the front desk.

"What do you mean she isn't answering?" Naruto's voice carried throughout the lobby. "I've called here multiple times, and I've been getting the runaround from her secretary that Sakura hadn't returned from a meeting. She's not home, either. Didn't she leave a note like she usually does, y'know?"

"Naruto," Kakashi warned him. "Please calm down."

Naruto grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest. Hinata and the others walked over to them and bowed before Kakashi to show their respect to their Hokage.

"Yo," Kakashi said, holding a hand up. "What brings you three here tonight?"

Rock Lee quickly answered, "We came here not only because Hinata asked for the police to report an attack on Hiashi but also to locate Kiba, who hasn't returned to the station since this morning, Lord Sixth."

Kakashi's eyebrows furrowed as he turned to face them directly. "You mean Kiba's missing too?"

Choji nodded. "That's right, he came here to meet with Sakura about the health report on Hiashi. He believes he's in here due to dubious activity."

Naruto quickly scooted around Kakashi, looking directly at Choji. "You mean he met with Sakura today, and they both went missing?"

"Something off," Kakashi said before turning to the desk. "Is Shizune sill here?"

"Yes, Lord Sixth."

"Call her and ask her to meet us down here. We need to see some security tapes on my order."

The receptionist nodded and quickly began contacting Shizune. Hinata looked down at the floor and silently prayed that Kiba and Sakura were okay.