Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Any similarities between real people, living or dead, or places, standing or demolished, in this story are just coincidences.
But if you like what I do and want to support me, you are more than welcome to donate on Place of Patrons.
[ 7 Years Before Present Day ]
[ Hyuga Clan ]
The Hokage had summoned the head of the clan to make his presence known in the council to welcome the Kumo ambassador. This grave issue required the full attention of the Hyuga Clan leader. Yet, as I sat listening to the report, my focus drifted.
Across from me stood a man with a long, angular face, pronounced cheekbones, and a strong jawline. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his thin, arched eyebrows lent him a distinguished air. Staring at him was like looking into a mirror; this was my twin brother, Hizashi Hyuga.
His expression was stoic, but even through the emotionless facade, I could sense his discontent. Who could blame him? He stood before the main family, yet he was part of the branch family, marked by fate and bound by a duty not chosen by him but imposed upon him.
My gaze shifted around the room, settling on the faces of the main family of the Hyuga clan. They listened intently to Hizashi's report, their eyes occasionally flicking to me, awaiting my response.
I despised the terms main family and branch family, yet these were etched deep into the very essence of our clan, as fundamental as our kekkei genkai. The Hyuga structure was much like a dynastic caste system, meticulously designed to secure leadership and safeguard clan secrets.
By tradition, the leader's firstborn was groomed to lead, while the subsequent children, despite their potential or desires, were marked with the cursed seal, destined to protect and serve the main family. This seal was not just a mark; it was a shackle to a fate they never chose, only removable through death.
This system, conceived during the early days of our clan's formation, aimed to quell power struggles and maintain a definitive chain of command. The elders and those in the leader's line—the main family—were few, a small but potent segment of our clan.
The others, despite bearing the same blood, were designated as the branch family, their roles determined before they even understood what it meant to belong to this complex familial web. As I contemplated this, the weight of leadership felt heavy on my shoulders. The traditions that bound us were as constricting to me as they were to those marked by the branch seal.
I found myself constantly in a battle between upholding these ancient practices and the growing urge to reform them, to soften the rigid lines that had divided my family so deeply. My heart weighed heavily with the burden of responsibility, constantly seeking a way to bridge the deep divides within our clan. Why? Because I longed to have my brother by my side, not as a servant but as my equal. I dreamed of a day when no member of my family would lament their fate or wish they had been born first. I wanted to eradicate the cruel randomness of fate that dictated our lives.
"Clan head, what precautions should we implement?"
The first elder, my father, broke the contemplative silence, pulling my thoughts back to the present concern—a matter demanding immediate attention. I scanned the room, feeling the weight of every gaze fixed on me.
"A security detail will consist of three members: the first elder, Hizashi, and Hikari Hyuga," I announced, deliberately including Hizashi. I could sense the disapproval from many in the main family, their discontent palpable in the air. Yet, it did not sway me.
"This team will be responsible for protecting the council during the upcoming meeting with the Kumo Ambassador. With heightened security, we will ensure that our family remains safe during this delicate time of diplomatic engagement."
"Dismissed," I concluded, rising from my seat.
I gestured to Hizashi, signaling him to follow me. As we made our way through the serene Hyuga compound, a palpable silence stretched between us like a chasm. It hadn't always been this way. I fondly remembered days when Hizashi and I would talk endlessly like true brothers, joking about trivial family matters, such as how my wife's cooking was atrocious but we all had to nod and sing praises, lest we face her wrath.
A nostalgic smile tugged at my lips as those memories flickered through my mind, but the smile faded quickly. Those days were long past, overshadowed by the roles fate had thrust upon us. "Lady Hinata, you are doing great," a voice broke through my reverie.
I looked up to see two children training a short distance away. A boy clad in black with a leather mesh shirt, his long hair a testament to his heritage—this was my nephew, Neji Hyuga. Beside him, earnestly following his instructions, was my daughter, Hinata. It was heartening, at least, to see that our children shared a bond that Hizashi and I had lost.
A sudden surge of killing intent snagged my attention, snapping me out of my thoughts. My eyes quickly found Hizashi, his gaze intensely fixed on the training children. The malice in his eyes was unmistakable, directed not at me but at my daughter.
"Brother," I growled under my breath, my fingers twitching involuntarily by my side. As if sensing my alertness, the killing intent vanished, replaced by fear. Hizashi quickly bowed and retreated a few steps. I understood his frustration all too well.
His son, Neji, a prodigy who mastered the Gentle Fist technique before even turning five, was bound by the same cruel fate that had divided us—destined to serve my daughter, the heir of the Hyuga Clan.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, and I could empathize with Hizashi's bitterness. However, the moment his resentment endangered Hinata, he crossed a line that could not be ignored.
"The children are doing great, aren't they? Neji is so cute teaching Hinata the basics of the Gentle Fist. You should see them," I said, trying to lighten the mood.
I turned to find my wife, Hanami, approaching with a gentle and serene expression. Her long, straight black hair cascaded down her shoulders, complementing her fair skin. Her large, soft eyes, small, straight nose, and slight smile conveyed warmth and tenderness as she cradled our baby.
"Hello there, Hizashi-kun," Hanami greeted, bowing slightly.
Hizashi returned the bow, his gaze briefly drifting to the baby in her arms.
"Congratulations on bringing a new member of the Branch family," he said, his words laden with an unintentional sting.
I felt my blood boil at his remark. It was true, painfully true—my daughter Hanabi, born into this world with a destiny already marked by the same cruel traditions that had dictated so much of our lives. It hurt deeply, as only a father's heart could understand when faced with the harsh realities imposed on his children.
Another reason for my resolve to reform the Hyuga clan's traditions.
"Hanami, be safe. I'm heading to the council meeting," I told her, trying to mask the turmoil inside me with a tone of calm assurance.
"Don't worry, just come back safe," she responded, reaching out her hand towards me. I took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Though we seldom expressed our love openly, the strength of our bond was palpable in that simple touch.
"Also, I'll make some tempura for you to eat later," she added with a smile.
My stomach churned at her words—now I was truly scared. Cooking was not among Hanami's many virtues.
With a wry smile, I looked over at Hizashi, trying to shift my focus.
"Let's not keep the Hokage waiting."
"Yes," Hizashi agreed, his tone neutral as he nodded towards his son, a brief greeting before we would part ways.
[ Konoha's Council Room ]
"Today, as we forge this peace with Kumo, we lay the foundation for a prosperous, secure future for Konoha."
I rolled my eyes, skepticism brewing within me as I listened to the Third Hokage's diplomatic speech. His words felt like nothing more than a veil, skillfully drawn to obscure the true motives behind these negotiations with Kumo. After the devastation of the Kyubi attack and the death of the Fourth Hokage, Konoha found itself drowning in debt.
A peace treaty with Kumo promised an influx of trade and missions, vital lifelines for our beleaguered village.
"Hokage-sama," I greeted the venerable leader of Konoha as he gestured toward a man with brownish-red hair and slightly tanned skin, adorned with the Kumo headband—clearly the Kumo Ambassador.
"A pleasure to meet the great leader of the Hyuga clan. My name is Hikaru," the man said, extending his hand toward me.
As I took his hand, a frown marred my face. There was something unsettling about the way he looked at me, particularly at my eyes, but diplomatic decorum required I mask my discomfort. Konoha was in no position to afford missteps in these delicate talks.
The moment our hands connected, a peculiar sensation passed through me—I could feel a slight tug at my chakra. As quickly as it came, it was gone when he released my hand. Puzzled, I wondered, What was that?
I watched closely as the Hokage introduced Hikaru to the other clan heads. Curiously, he didn't offer his hand to any of them. Why? What made his greeting with me different? Was it something to do with my Byakugan?
Amidst the pleasantries and formal introductions, my mind raced with suspicion. The brief encounter had left me uneasy. Could there be more to this ambassador than meets the eye? Is there an ulterior motive behind his specific interest in the Hyuga?
[ Midnight ]
I sighed deeply as I approached the Hyuga Compound. The meeting with the ambassador had been nothing more than formalities and small talk, with the Hokage handling most of the conversation. It was all so tedious.
Stepping into the main family's compound, I was greeted by confused looks from the guards.
"Hiashi-sama, didn't you just arrive here a few minutes ago?"
My heart sank at those words.
"What do you mean?" I demanded, activating my Byakugan to scan my home from a distance.
No!
The sight that my eyes revealed caused a surge of panic. I propelled myself forward with a shunshin, breaking through my door with such force that it splintered under my touch.
The scene inside struck me with a horrifying chill. Hanabi was sleeping soundly, blissfully unaware, while Hanami lay slumped against the wall. Blood painted the surroundings in a macabre tapestry, a sword impaled through her stomach, pinning her in a grotesque display. The cursed seal on her forehead glowed ominously in the dimly lit room, casting an eerie greenish light.
"Hmm, to think the clan head would marry a branch member," a cold voice remarked. Illuminated by the cursed seal's light stood a man with a sack slung over his shoulder, filled with clothes to disguise his identity. Inside the sack, I glimpsed Hinata, bound and helpless.
"A shame that the mother couldn't be my breeding cow; the daughter will do."
I saw red at those words, fury and horror intertwining as primal rage took over.
Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist! Chakra surged from my palms, and I deftly shaped it into two roaring lion heads. I lunged forward, my heart fueled by a deep, seething need for vengeance.
The sounds of flesh tearing and bones breaking filled the room as my arm ripped through the man's chest, my hand clutching his heart, feeling it pulse its last as his blood warmed my forearm.
I had avenged my wife's murder with a single, devastating blow, yet the satisfaction in the man's dying eyes haunted me. It was as if he had welcomed death.
Suddenly, I felt a presence enter the room. My Byakugan confirmed it was Hizashi.
"Brother," he called out, his voice breaking through the turmoil swirling within me.
"Let's make sure the kids are okay," I responded quickly, pushing aside my own grief. There wasn't time to mourn; not yet. Gratefully, I watched Hizashi hurry off to ensure Hinata was safe, his actions lifting a small burden from my shoulders.
Left alone, I turned back to my wife, her lifeless form before me. The world seemed to narrow, the sounds of chaos around fading into a distant hum. Slowly, I sank to my knees beside her, the cold floor a stark contrast to the warmth she once radiated. Gently, I gathered her into my arms, her head resting against my chest as if she might wake at any moment and smile at me with eyes full of love and reassurance.
Tears welled up, blurring my vision—a stark reminder of the reality that she would never open her eyes again. My fingers trembled as I brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, the familiar softness bringing a fresh wave of pain that cut through my heart like a blade.
"My love," I whispered, my voice quivering with each word, "I don't know how to do this without you."
The weight of her absence pressed down on me, suffocating and immense. I was supposed to be the strong one, the stoic leader of the Hyuga clan, always in control. But in that moment, the facade cracked, and all the composure I'd clung to crumbled away. A tear escaped, tracing a hot path down my cheek, followed by another, and then another.
Here, in the private sanctum of our shared sorrow, I was not the Hyuga leader, not the stoic figure carved by duty and tradition—I was simply a man who had lost the love of his life, a husband mourning his wife.
Hizashi quickly opened the sack to discover a knocked-out Hinata inside. Relief washed over him, grateful that the young girl had been spared the sight of her mother's tragic end.
His heart ached for his niece, and a surge of protectiveness filled him. Fueled by growing anger toward whoever was responsible for this chaos, Hizashi moved toward the assailant. His mind raced as he pondered how someone had managed to infiltrate the Hyuga compound. The very notion that anyone could sneak past a Hyuga was absurd.
Yet, the chilling events of the night proved that not only had someone breached their defenses, but they had also inflicted harm upon his family. With a swift motion, he pulled off the mask. The face that was revealed stopped him cold.
All that could escape from his lips in that shocking moment was a whispered, "Oh no!"
Is this a punishment from God? I wondered, standing before the main family, which remained eerily calm under the circumstances. My heart was heavy, too burdened to process much else. I had already lost my wife tonight—what more could be taken from me?
Then, the appalling truth came to light. The hidden assailant was Hikaru, the Kumo Ambassador. Upon examining his body, it was discovered that he was a wielder of the Thousand Face Jutsu—a forbidden technique that allowed its user to change their face and chakra signature to mimic someone else. It became clear that Hikaru had sneaked in by impersonating me.
The motives quickly unfolded as the Kumo delegation issued an ultimatum: they demanded my head, or else they would declare war. Given Konoha's already fragile state, engaging in a war with Kumo was untenable. If war broke out, Iwa and Kiri would surely seize the chance to eliminate Konoha from the geopolitical landscape. We were cornered, desperately disadvantaged.
It was evident that this entire ordeal had been a setup, a sinister ploy to obtain my body and, by extension, my Byakugan. My father, stepping forward, broke the heavy silence. "Clan head, the council has decided to replace you with Hizashi."
"What?!" I screamed, my voice echoing with disbelief and betrayal. But before I could even begin to oppose the decision, the grim reality was forced upon me. Hizashi stood in front of me, his expression somber.
Suddenly, I felt his palm press against my chin. A jolt shot through my skull, rattling my thoughts violently. The world spun wildly as darkness clawed at the edges of my vision. Every sound muffled, every light dimmed, and a cold numbness spread through my body.
The last thing I saw was Hizashi's pained eyes as unconsciousness claimed me, pulling me down into a void where I was powerless to change my fate.
[ A Week Later ]
Numbness cloaked me like a heavy, suffocating blanket.
The Third Hokage, in a gesture meant as an apology, had awarded a significant expanse of land to the Hyuga clan to compensate for our losses against Kumo's machinations. Yet, this gesture did little to ease the hollow ache within me.
Happiness seemed a concept as distant and foreign as peace in these troubled times.
My wife was gone.
My brother was no longer here.
And what was I expected to do? Celebrate over some parcels of land? Revel in the supposed strengthening of the Hyuga clan? I snorted at the thought, a sound more of scorn than anything resembling amusement.
"You can take all the land back, just give me my brother and wife back," I muttered under my breath, my voice barely a whisper lost in the vast, empty chambers of my heart. I tried to cry, to release the pain in some way, but it seemed even my tears had abandoned me, leaving me with nothing but a dry, searing sense of loss.
"Why aren't you here to hate me?" I whispered to the silence of the room, my gaze falling on the final letter my brother had left me. My fingers trembled as I picked it up, the paper feeling far heavier than it should.
[ Dear Hiashi,
In such a brief period, we've faced immense tragedy. Kumo has proven itself ruthless, orchestrating schemes driven by fear of the Hyuga clan's greatness. Despite everything, there's an honesty I need to share with you, brother.
I've always resented you—not for who you are but for what you represent and for the circumstances that forced me into a life I never chose. It's this cruel world that binds us with chains we can't control. I hate what you, the clan head, represent, the destiny you embody, and the future it spells for my son, Neji. Yet, despite it all, you are still my brother, and there's no one else I'd rather have in that role.
I've proposed a plan to take your place. Perhaps, in doing so, I can break free from the Hyuga's shackles, from the cursed seal that has marked my life. I choose this path freely, so please, don't harbor any guilt.
We'll meet again in another life, you pain in my ass. Until then, goodbye.
From,
Hizashi ]
I had lost count of how many times I'd read the letter from Hizashi. Its words were etched into my memory. As I sat there, lost in thought, the door creaked open. I didn't even bother to look up.
"Sir, we need you to perform the ritual," a voice called out, flat and emotionless.
I sighed heavily, the sound carrying all the weight of my resignation. Rising from my chair, I walked out of my office and headed towards another room where a grim scene awaited. Several members of the branch family were holding down Neji, my nephew, as my father stood by with a bowl glowing with a greenish light—the Cursed Poison of Bashe.
This ancient poison, used to create the cursed seal, trapped the poison within it. Upon the death of a Hyuga, the seal would break, releasing the poison and causing the dojutsu to disintegrate. The longer the poison stayed sealed, the stronger it became. Even a whiff of it was agonizing.
The seal—it was supposed to ensure obedience and protect the Byakugan. What a joke, I thought bitterly as I dipped my fingers into the poison.
"You murderer! You killed my father?! I'll kill you!" Neji screamed at me.
His words should have cut me, but I felt nothing.
My father moved to strike him, but a single look from me stopped him in his tracks. He retreated silently. I said nothing as I began to create the seal on Neji's forehead. The others held him firmly in place, their grips unyielding.
There might have been a time when I would have rejected this cruel ritual, but that time had passed. The world had broken me; I no longer had the strength to fight against these barbaric traditions.
"Fuin!" I muttered, activating the seal.
Neji's screams filled the room, echoing off the walls, piercing through the heavy silence. I stood there, my expression blank, my heart void of any feeling. The cries of pain from my nephew were just distant noises to my numb senses.
Neji's screams began to haunt me, a grim chorus that resurfaced whenever a rare moment of peace dared to whisper in my ears. They were like a curse, a bloody reminder that would not fade into the silence of my mind.
"Father," a small voice pulled me from the echoing torment.
I looked down to see Hinata in the Gentle Fist stance, her wide eyes seeking approval. Her stance was all wrong—her shoulders too tense, her feet improperly aligned. "Hinata, your form lacks precision. Your stance is too open, vulnerable. Tighten it up," I said sharply, my words slicing through the air with a cold precision that mirrored my internal frost.
Hinata's eyes welled with tears, but I remained unmoved as I stepped forward. "Again!" I commanded.
Every time I looked at her, visions of her mother's lifeless body clouded my vision. I couldn't—wouldn't—allow that fate for Hinata. She needed to be stronger. Driven by a relentless resolve, I pushed her harder, demanding more.
Even if my heart ached with each tear she shed, even if my soul felt frayed with each sob that broke from her lips, I continued. This harshness was the only gift I could offer—a chance for her to survive in a world that had shown us no mercy.
I paused as Hinata crumpled slightly, clutching her wrist in pain, her small face streaked with tears. My heart wrenched at the sight, yet my voice was steady, imbued with a harsh necessity as I told her, "You are the heir to the main clan, Hinata. It's high time you carry yourself as such."
They say pressure makes diamonds, and in this cruel forge of life, I resolved to transform Hinata into a diamond. Even if it meant breaking myself, even if it meant her tears mingled with mine in the shadows of our home, I would not relent.
She would rise, strong and unbreakable.
[ Present Day ]
"Good evening, Clan head," came the bows from all around me as I acknowledged them with a mere nod.
"Good evening, father," Hanabi greeted, bowing deeply. I responded tersely, "Evening."
Today was the day of the semi-annual meeting, a day I dreaded not only for the tedious politics of the main family but also for Hinata's consistently underwhelming performances.
"Hinata-neesan has been working really hard," Hanabi said in her defense.
I snorted dismissively. Despite my hopes, Hinata had failed to live up to them. It seemed as if she didn't even want to try. My disappointment in her was profound. How was she supposed to take over the clan with such a lackluster attitude and skillset? How would she survive in this harsh world? My mind replayed all her past performances, each more disappointing than the last.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Neji approach. If only you were born first, Hizashi, I found myself thinking. Despite the limitations imposed by his status in the branch family, Neji had proven himself far stronger than anyone in his generation.
I sighed as Hinata approached, my gaze inadvertently falling to her hands—she was wearing the Neko Te. "Clan head, should we remove her weapon?" "No," I responded firmly. At least she was trying something different.
As I watched, Hinata and Neji assumed the Gentle Fist stance. "Pathetic," Neji muttered, eyeing the Neko Te.
Expecting Hinata to be easily subdued as usual, I was taken aback when she took a deep breath and activated her Byakugan. "Hajime."
Neji lunged forward with a palm strike, which Hinata countered with a twin finger jab. It was a risky move, given that a palm could output more chakra, but as their strikes met, I saw something remarkable.
Hinata's Neko Te extended the range of her Gentle Fist, the needle-like chakra protruding from her claws. Although Neji's palm strike carried more chakra, Hinata's precise finger jab managed to poke a small hole through it. Normally, such a minor breach in a Gentle Fist strike would be inconsequential, as the opponent would still face the overwhelming force of the remaining palm strike. However, this time was different due to one crucial factor: the Neko Te.
If Neji didn't act, his hand would be impaled by the metal claws. In a split second, Neji's stance shifted, and I recognized the technique immediately.
He twisted the remaining chakra in his palms to create a dome of chakra around him—Hakkeshō Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven).
It wasn't fully formed, but it was sufficient to send Hinata reeling backward.
"Father, that was Kaiten?!"
I simply nodded in confirmation. The Kaiten, or 'Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven,' was an advanced technique traditionally taught only to the main family members who had reached the rank of Jonin. Yet here was Neji, a mere Genin from the branch family, not just executing but reinventing the technique on his own.
His talent was undeniable.
"How dare you use the main clan technique?" an outraged member of the main family spat at Neji.
"How dare I? What do you mean? I learned that technique on my own," Neji retorted, his glare sharp and defiant.
The tension escalated when the main family member reached to activate the cursed seal, intent on punishing Neji right there.
Without hesitation, I threw a kunai, pinning the man's sleeve to the wall.
"Who allowed you to act in my presence?" The room fell silent as the man backed down, clearly overstepping his bounds.
"Thank you for your intervention, Clan Head, but I must ask—why is the main family so offended by my self-invented technique and not offended by the fact that Hinata here violated the tradition of our clan? Our beautiful Gentle Fist ruined by some pathetic weapon," Neji continued, his voice dripping with scorn.
You brat, I thought as I noticed the room's attention shift towards Hinata.
She looked down in shame, overwhelmed by the dozens of disapproving glares.
"Clan Head," the first elder, my father, began to speak. I could already anticipate the words about to spill from his lips—talk of tradition, the need for punishment, his usual rhetoric.
I wanted to shout, to defend my daughter, but I held my tongue.
"Neji, dismissed. Everyone else, dismissed. Hinata, follow me," I commanded, rising from my seat.
"Now!" My voice boomed across the room.
Everyone bowed and quickly complied with my orders, leaving the hall in an orderly fashion.
As the crowd dispersed, I motioned for Hinata to stay close.
I saw that Neji was looking at Hinata's Neko Te, and for a second, I saw a flash of recognition as if he knew who had made the weapon as he left.
An awkward silence enveloped us as I sat behind my desk in the office, watching Hinata stand there, eyes cast downward.
"You can sit down," I offered gently.
"N-No, I-I have brought shame to the clan," she stammered. I wanted to disagree, to tell her she had done well, but the words felt foreign on my tongue, sending a chill down my spine. How long had it been since I had complimented my daughter that it now felt so unnatural? The thought terrified me.
"Hinata, you..." I started, struggling to find the right words. My voice faltered. "I..."
"Can I see that weapon?"
Hinata nodded and carefully removed the Neko Te, handing it to me with a grip that lingered a little too long, as if reluctant to let it go. The realization that my daughter might not trust me stung deeply.
I examined the Neko Te. "This is well-crafted," I commented, noticing the chakra metal embedded in the claws. "Did you have this custom made?"
Hinata shook her head, hesitating before she spoke. "A friend gave me this as a gift."
"A friend, huh," I echoed, my mind briefly going blank before a self-deprecating thought hit me. Of course, she has friends, why wouldn't she have friends?
"Yeah, my friends are... talented," Hinata added, her voice stuttering slightly. "They are... strong."
The way she emphasized 'talented' and 'strong' felt as though she was justifying her friends' worth. As the family head, such considerations might matter, but as her father, I only cared about whether her friends were genuine, liking her for who she was—not because she was the heir to the Hyuga clan. Was it possible that Hinata saw me more as the clan head than as her father? The thought pained me more than any physical blow could.
I looked at the weapon again and asked, "Can you tell me why you used this?"
"Anno, my friends said that I needed to be more aggressive, and the Neko Te..." Hinata tried to explain, visibly nervous. I nodded, grateful she had friends who helped her address her shortcomings.
Why hadn't I been able to do that?
"You did good," I managed to say, offering the Neko Te back.
Hinata stopped, the weapon clattering to the floor as she stared at me, shell-shocked. Tears began to well up in her eyes, and as they fell, each one seemed to pierce my heart.
Hanami, I failed you.
In my quest to make Hinata strong, I had pushed too hard and broken her.
To think just saying "you did good" is enough to get such a reaction.
Oh, Hamura, I am a horrible father.
I picked up the Neko Te and handed it back to her.
"This weapon usage was unique; you were able to improve. That deserves a reward."
I retrieved a scroll from my desk.
"This is an advanced Gentle Fist technique known as the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fist. I believe this technique can complement your use of the Neko Te and the Gentle Fist. I'll be personally teaching you this."
"T-Thank you, clan head," Hinata said, bowing.
Clan head, eh? That's what I deserve.
I thought sadly, wishing she would call me 'father.' I turned away so she couldn't see the tears in my eyes.
"Your class will be at four in the morning. Be ready."
"Yes," she replied softly.
I glanced at a family photo on the wall, my eyes lingering on Hanami's image.
I'll do better this time.
Three origami figures lay scattered on the floor, their paper folds worn and slightly creased.
Hanabi, only seven years old, sat with them, her lavender-white eyes flickering with a playful curiosity rare for her usual demeanor. She picked up the largest figure and whispered, "Hello there, Father, are you going to train us both today?"
When alone, Hanabi's childlike innocence emerged—a stark contrast to the rigid etiquette required of a Hyuga. She used her origami to play out the family scenarios she yearned for, knowing she could reshape these paper dreams as easily as they tore.
The Hyuga clan wasn't known for warmth, and her family felt the strain acutely. Her father, Hiashi, was ever the strict instructor, particularly with Hinata, who seemed to dissolve under the weight of his expectations. Hanabi saw her sister as a fragile figure, buckling under the pressures of lineage and expectation.
I hate this, Hanabi thought, yearning for a father who was just that—a father, not a relentless trainer. She wished for a sister who wasn't a bundle of nerves, for a family environment that didn't require constant perfection.
The events of the previous day lingered in her mind. Hinata's use of the Neko Te during her performance had sparked murmurs of dissent within both branches of their family. The branch family mourned Neji's fate, bound to a servitude he didn't deserve, while the main family lamented the alteration of traditional techniques.
Yet, no one dared confront Hinata directly—Hiashi's protection was absolute. That morning, however, Hanabi witnessed a rare moment: her father and Hinata training together in a way that seemed different, almost tender. Hope flickered within her. Maybe things are changing for the better.
But what could she do to be part of this change? Breaking traditions seemed a daunting task, especially when even Hinata's slightest deviations drew such ire. The idea of challenging the status quo herself filled Hanabi with dread.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Hastily, she crushed the origami figures and turned to see servants peering curiously through the window. Her response was automatic; her Byakugan activated, scanning beyond the compound walls. There, she caught sight of Hinata slipping away quietly, an unusual spark of confidence in her step.
Sister has changed, Hanabi realized, an envy swirling within her. Can I be close to my big sister, too?
She pondered, the thought of a deeper bond with Hinata both exciting and frightening. She rarely saw her sister venture out, but recent changes suggested Hinata had found something—or someone—that sparked this transformation.
"Go after her," a voice in her head urged. Hanabi hesitated. What if she discovered Hinata's secret? Could understanding it bring them closer? Could it earn their father's affection for her as well?
Logic offered no answers, but her heart whispered promises of possibilities. Rising to her feet, resolve hardened in Hanabi's young eyes.
Okay, let's find out what big sister's secret is.
...
Hanabi tiptoed behind Hinata, maintaining just enough distance to remain unseen. Every shadow became her ally, every alleyway a brief respite from the risk of discovery. She darted from behind one building to another, her heart racing with the thrill of the chase and the fear of being caught.
As they ventured further from the familiar, pristine streets of the Hyuga compound, the surroundings began to shift. The houses grew smaller and more weathered, the streets narrower and less maintained. Hanabi's brow furrowed in confusion. Why would Neesan come here?
The vibrant marketplaces and well-kept gardens of their district gave way to the ramshackle charm of Konoha's poorer quarters. Here, children played with balls on the dirt-filled streets, and the air carried the mixed scents of street food and the earthy dampness of overworked soil. It was a stark contrast to the sterile perfection of their home. Why would the heir of the richest clan in Konoha bother with such a place?
Each step deeper into the area added a layer of doubt about what she knew of her sister—and perhaps, what she understood of their clan's role within the village. She watched as Hinata paused occasionally, exchanging warm, if somewhat shy, smiles with the locals. This Hinata seemed different—more relaxed, more genuine than the pressured heiress back home. Is she here because she wants to be, or is there another reason?
As Hanabi crouched behind the wall, her curiosity turned to alarm. Activating her Byakugan, she scanned the apartment's interior, expecting perhaps to find Hinata in a simple meeting or a benign visit. Instead, she found herself staring at anomalies that set every nerve on edge.
First, there was the bug on the balcony, pulsing with an amount of chakra that rivaled some Genin she knew. What kind of bug is that?
But it was the second anomaly that truly shocked her. Inside the apartment, a chakra signature blazed like the sun—a vast, swirling mass of energy that dwarfed even her father's formidable reserves. It belonged to someone who appeared no older than Hinata. Who is this guy?
Peering intensely, she tried to lip-read their conversation, catching snippets of dialogue that only deepened her concern: Finally, the E-rank missions are over. 50k Ryo. How much of it did we spend on the house?
The words echoed in her mind, each syllable intensifying her fear. The implication hit her like a cold wave. Was Hinata involved in some sort of scheme? Was this person using her to earn money? The notion of her sister, so gentle and unassuming, being exploited in such a way filled Hanabi with a protective fury.
She began to piece together a narrative that made her stomach churn. This has to be some sort of manipulation. Hinata's too naive, too kind to see when someone's using her. That chakra... it's too powerful for someone good. He must be a chakra pervert, a manipulator!
The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. He's definitely taking advantage of her. Why else would she be here, in this part of town, with someone like that?
I can't just watch this happen. I have to save Hinata.
The chakra-laden bug that Hanabi had briefly glimpsed earlier took to the air, its mission clear as it veered towards a secluded rooftop. There, hidden from any observer's eye, two ANBU Black Ops agents lay in wait. The bug landed deftly beside them, ready to fulfill its role as a messenger.
"Report on potential heiress Hanabi: observed shadowing 'Naruto Uzumaki.' Sarutobi heir also identified. Orders requested for elimination," one agent whispered.
His companion responded without hesitation. "Negative on the kill order," he declared authoritatively. "Maintain surveillance. Escalate reports directly to Lord Danzo."
"Affirmative," the first agent confirmed, his voice barely a murmur.
[ Quest: Paying Back Debt ]
[ Status: Successfully Completed ]
[ With the dedicated effort and the invaluable assistance of Tenten, you've managed to earn the 50k Ryo required to pay for the damages to Mr. Higrashi's shop. ]
[ Rewards Granted: ]
- [ +500 Reputation with Higrashi Shop ]
- [ A Loyal Ally with Tenten ]
- [ 1000 Exp ]
- [ Special Item from Higrashi Shop ]
Naruto beamed at the notification that popped up on his screen. Finally, no more E-rank missions cluttering his schedule. He was free to celebrate.
"Naruto!"
"Huh?" He turned, finding Hinata in a cooking apron, her brows knitted with worry. "Be careful while you're cutting those."
"Got it," Naruto replied, his focus returning to the vegetables he was chopping. Today was special—they had planned a party at his apartment. It was just him, Hinata, and Tenten, though Tenten was yet to arrive.
"Hinata, I didn't get to ask, but how did the competition thingy go?" Naruto asked as he sliced through a bell pepper.
Hinata chuckled softly as she mixed batter for fried fish. "Well, the thingy went better than I expected," she replied cheerfully.
"Did you kick some ass?"
"No, but my father seemed to respond well to my 'aggressive' new style," Hinata responded, a hint of pride in her voice. "He has also started teaching me a new technique."
"That's good to hear," Naruto commented as he finished chopping. "And we are done."
"I'm surprised you didn't cut your hand," Hinata remarked, half-teasing as she glanced at his neatly chopped vegetables.
"Hey, I know how to cook," Naruto defended with a puff of his chest.
"Really, so what? Ramen and..." Hinata teased, feeling more relaxed and comfortable with Naruto after everything they had been through. "A lot of stuff actually."
"Well, let's make some of this stuff then," Hinata proposed, her smile widening.
Naruto rolled up his sleeves. "I'll show you the tastiest Tamagoyaki you've ever eaten."
"I look forward to it. Just wait until I finish up with the tempura," Hinata said, turning her attention back to the sizzling pan.
"Okay, but when is Tenten gonna be here for the party?" Naruto asked, checking the clock on the wall.
"I think she's busy with her team," Hinata replied, flipping a piece of fish in the pan.
"Speaking of team, tomorrow is graduation day. You excited?"
"I'm both excited and nervous," Hinata admitted, her voice slightly muffled by the noise of frying.
"Don't worry, you'll do great," Naruto reassured her, frowning slightly. "Looks like we're out of eggs. I'm going to get some, okay?"
Hinata gave a small nod, her focus returning to the fish sizzling in the pan, but her concentration was broken when she felt a gentle touch on her cheek.
She turned, meeting Naruto's gaze, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?"
Naruto smiled, his thumb brushing away a dab of batter that had found its way onto her cheek. "You had some batter here," he explained softly, "Just cleaning it up for you."
Their eyes locked for a brief, quiet moment, filled with a comfortable warmth that made Hinata's cheeks flush a deeper shade of red. The moment was fleeting, however, as the sound of the fish demanding attention snapped them back to reality.
Naruto stepped back, giving her space to tend to the frying pan. "I'll grab some eggs," he announced, pulling out his frog wallet with a playful grin.
He paused at the door, turning to look at Hinata, who was still blushing from their little interaction. "Don't burn the fish while I'm gone," he teased gently, and with a laugh, he slipped out the door, leaving Hinata with a smile that lingered long after the door had closed. The kitchen felt warmer, the evening filled with a light-heartedness that made the simple act of cooking together something truly special.
[ Training Grounds ]
Tenten's excitement at meeting Kurenai, one of the few female Jonin and a renowned genjutsu specialist, had quickly turned into discomfort. The conversation kept steering back to her recent flurry of E rank missions, a topic Tenten found oddly pressing for such a high-ranking ninja to probe into.
Just as she was trying to navigate this awkward discussion, a welcome distraction appeared on the training field.
"Oh, young Neji, you've arrived! Let's start with some youthful warm-ups!" Gai Sensei called out enthusiastically, balanced upside down in a handstand push-up alongside Lee.
But Neji didn't share their enthusiasm for warm-ups. Ignoring his sensei and teammate, he walked straight toward Tenten. Normally, his approach might have flustered her, but the intensity in his eyes signaled that something was amiss.
Without a word, Neji launched a swift two-finger strike directly at her. Tenten instinctively reacted. Drawing her katana, she executed an Iai attack, a quick-draw strike that lit up with bluish flames.
But before their attacks could meet, Gai Sensei intervened, his strong hands catching Tenten's blade and Neji's wrist. Almost simultaneously, Kurenai ensnared Neji in a subtle genjutsu, halting any further aggression.
"Neji, we are teammates, this is most unyouthful behavior," Lee chided.
"Gai, I think it's not Tenten who needs someone to talk to," Kurenai observed quietly, her eyes flicking between Neji and Tenten.
"Start talking, fate boy, or else," Tenten demanded, her voice firm as she reignited the blue flames along her katana.
Might Gai exchanged a worried glance with Kurenai, both sensing the need to deescalate the situation.
The brief exchange of attacks between Tenten and Neji had already shown dangerous potential; had they not stepped in, Neji's gentle fist might have exploded Tenten's heart, and her Iai strike could have decapitated Neji. "How dare you bastardize the great Hyuga's Gentle Fist?" Neji had a way of alienating people with his belief in fate—that everything in life was predestined, and nothing could change it. Rock Lee saw this as a challenge to overcome. Tenten, on the other hand, mostly ignored Neji's fatalistic views. She thought he was somewhat cute, and she knew he was just echoing the strict doctrines of the Hyuga clan. However, even Tenten had her limits. She could tolerate Neji talking about his beliefs, but when he started attacking her character and accusing her of underhanded motives, that crossed a line. She understood that everyone had their own views, but it was entirely different when those views were used to question her integrity. That was something she couldn't just ignore.
"Ha, you think you can change your fate by giving your cheap products to someone as weak as Hinata-sama," Neji sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
Tenten's face flushed with anger. In one swift motion, she raised her hand to slap him, but Neji blocked it effortlessly. "What the hell do you even know?!"
Neji's expression didn't waver. "What, am I missing something? You lost to an academy student? And clearly, the last month of you doing pathetic E rank missions was just to pay off some bet. Let me guess, you scammed Hinata and Naruto by giving them your cheap products so that you don't have to finish the bet."
The accusation hit a nerve. Tenten, barely containing her rage, was ready to lunge at Neji, but felt Lee's strong hands pulling her back. "Tenten, please, we are a team, we must not fight," Lee pleaded.
"No, he is clearly looking for a fight. I'll give him a fight," Tenten snapped, her eyes blazing as she stared Neji down.
Neji, unphased and icy as ever, retorted, "Hmm, a loser like you is fated to be defeated by me. Dreaming of being such a great kunoichi like Tsunade, yet not being able to do anything useful. Like your delusions, you are fated to be irrelevant."
"Neji, stop this unyouthful behavior right this second."
But the brief pause only gave Tenten a moment to catch her breath and retort. "Hey, at least I am doing something for my dreams. Unlike you, fated to be a groveling servant to the main family just like your dead father—a loser who would put his life down for a family that shackled him."
With a snarl, Neji wrenched his hand free from Gai's grasp. The air thickened as Lee gasped and Kurenai's eyes widened in shock. This time it was Gai who held Neji back as he lunged forward, his fists clenched. "What's wrong?" Tenten taunted, her voice harsh.
"Mad that I made the supposed loser Hinata into someone formidable? Oh, come on, let's drop this excuse about me bastardizing the Gentle Fist. You don't care about the honor of the Hyuga clan. Why would you? They shackled you, limited your talent, took away your father. So why bother defending them? Is it because you are their servant, or..."
Neji's Byakugan flared to life, the veins bulging around his temples as he tried to intimidate her into silence.
Tenten wasn't fazed by Neji's display of strength. Her voice grew sharper, slicing through the tension. "Or are you just upset that Hinata has changed for the better? You always preach that people can't change, that it's their fate. What about Hinata, then? She changed, she improved—so what does that say about your beliefs? They're nothing but the words of a servant too afraid to stand up for himself."
Neji's face contorted with anger, his hands trembling. "Hinata is brave because she chose to change for the better, unlike you. You're just a caged bird, claiming to want freedom but too scared to break free. What would your father think of you now, Branch Servant Neji?" In a burst of rage, Neji released a powerful Kaiten, breaking free from Might Gai's hold—Gai hadn't expected such an extreme reaction from his student.
Seizing the moment, Neji lunged at Tenten, who was ready; she quickly channeled chakra into a storage seal on her tongue and spat out a senbon needle towards him. Neji's eyes widened in shock as a blur of movement filled his vision.
Before he could react, a wave of red-hot pain exploded across his face, and the world flipped upside down. The cool, hard ground pressed against his cheek, and he realized he was down, pinned—Gai had slammed him to the ground.
As Neji tried to regain his bearings, pain throbbed through his face, his head ringing from the impact. Gai, moving swiftly, plucked the airborne senbon from its path. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it aside just as the explosive seal ignited. A loud boom resonated through the air, accompanied by a brief flash and a small cloud of smoke. Neji felt the vibrations through the ground, adding to his disorientation and the sharp ache that now dominated his senses.
Tenten smirked slightly, her frustration evident. "Oh, come on, sensei, let fate run its course," she taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Gai's foot firmly on Neji's neck kept him pinned, his eyes burning with fury but his body unresponsive to his desire to retaliate.
"I am done with this team."
Lee's grip loosened on Tenten, a mix of shock and confusion on his face. "Tenten, please," he started, but she was already walking away.
"Tenten!" Kurenai called after her, but Tenten paused only to look back at Gai. "I'll submit my resignation to the Hokage's office. I'm done with this team. If you want me back, sensei, he goes," she said, pointing towards Neji.
Without waiting for a response, Tenten strode off, her resolve clear. She had her pride, her dignity, and she wouldn't compromise that to stay in an environment where she felt antagonized.
Lee looked to Gai, lost for words, but Gai simply placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Let her go. Sometimes, we all need time to rekindle our youthful spirit."
As Lee nodded, accepting his master's wisdom, Kurenai glanced upwards, a half-joking plea escaping her lips. Oh, God, please, just give me some normal Genins to work with.
Tenten slumped onto a nearby sidewalk, her shoulders sagging under the weight of Neji's cutting words. A year of teamwork, of risking their lives together on missions that could have been their last—hadn't that earned her some shred of respect from him? Yet there she sat, wondering why she had ever expected anything different.
Could it really be that in Neji's eyes, only his feelings mattered? That he alone had the right to judge and decide what was correct?
Her hands clenched into fists on her lap as she fought the urge to cry. No, she told herself, tears would not fall today—not for him.
Neji was not worth the pain that now threatened to spill over. She breathed deeply, closing her eyes, the cool air brushing against her face as she worked to calm the storm inside.
Tenten was curled up on the sidewalk, her knees pulled tightly to her chest, when Naruto's voice broke through her swirling thoughts. "Tenten, why are you here?"
She glanced up, seeing him holding a carton of eggs. His expression shifted from curiosity to concern. "What happened?" he probed gently, setting the eggs aside and kneeling beside her.
"Nothing," Tenten muttered, burying her face deeper into her knees. But Naruto wasn't convinced.
"Then why do you look like you're about to cry?"
Tenten hesitated, then the floodgates opened. She recounted everything—Neji's harsh words, the confrontation, her frustration. As she spoke, Naruto listened in silence, his brow furrowing.
"Neji sounds like a pompous teme," he finally said, breaking the quiet with a blunt assessment that drew a snort from Tenten.
He then gently lifted her chin, ensuring their eyes met.
"Tenten, Hinata is thankful to you because she's improving, I'm thankful because I can now pass the Genin exams, and your father is proud to have you as his daughter."
Naruto continued, "The words of someone who doesn't see your value as an ally, as a friend, as a teammate, are the words of a blind man."
Tenten couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of calling a Byakugan user blind, but the truth in Naruto's words resonated deeply within her. She felt a warmth spread through her, buoyed by his belief in her.
"Don't let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of pursuing yours."
Tenten nodded, her heart lighter than it had been moments before. She took a deep breath, letting his words sink in and fortify her resolve.
"I want to lay down," she declared suddenly.
"On the sidewalk?"
"Yes, so get to it," she directed playfully.
"To what?"
"Just sit here," she insisted.
Reluctantly, Naruto sat down, and Tenten laid her head in his lap, staring up at the sky through the silhouette of his face.
They lay in comfortable silence, the world around them fading to a mere backdrop. After a few moments, Naruto broke the silence.
"Tenten, we have a party to go to," he reminded her.
Tenten opened her eyes, a playful glint appearing.
"Hey, Naruto, can I touch them?"
"Touch what?" he replied, puzzled.
"Your whiskers," she said, her fingers already reaching towards his face.
"Sure, but why?" Naruto chuckled, slightly embarrassed yet amused by her curiosity.
"I don't know, just curious," she shrugged, her fingers tracing the unique marks on his cheeks. To her surprise, Naruto purred—a sound so unexpectedly fox-like that it made her smile.
Cute, she thought, her heart lighter than it had been all day.
Hanabi was quietly making her way through Naruto's apartment building when she suddenly stopped. A voice snapped her attention.
"Hey, you! Why are you spying on my niisan?"
Turning around, Hanabi was met with a peculiar sight—a camo curtain that was supposed to blend with the environment, except it was all wrong, clearly visible and awkwardly square. The curtain dropped, revealing a boy with short, spiky brown hair and a prominent forehead protector emblazoned with the Konoha symbol. His large, round eyes and notably thick eyebrows added to his determined expression.
"You villain! I won't let you assassinate Naruto Niisan for I am the great Konohamaru of Konoha," the boy declared, hurling a shuriken with such poor aim it sailed off the balcony.
"Hey, who threw that?" came a shout from below.
Hanabi's expression remained unimpressed.
"Ha, I knew it—you are a formidable villain, so I'll use my secret jutsu," Konohamaru announced, puffing up his chest.
"Oiroke no Jutsu!" he shouted, and with a puff of smoke, transformed into a tall, curvaceous brunette shrouded in strategically placed clouds.
Without a word, Hanabi walked over and swiftly kicked Konohamaru in a way that instantly dissolved his transformation, leaving him crumpling to the ground while clutching his groin.
"Ah, demon, demon!" Konohamaru cried out in pain, tears streaming down his face as he rocked back and forth.
Hanabi just shook her head. As the door to Naruto's apartment swung open, Hinata stepped out, her expression curious about the commotion outside. From the other side, Naruto and Tenten appeared.
"What's going on here?"
"Naruto Niisan, help me, this demon is trying to kill me!" Konohamaru wailed from the ground, pointing dramatically at Hanabi, who stood with her Byakugan activated.
"Come at me, chakra pervert. I'll save my sister from you!" Hanabi yelled, charging at Naruto who agilely dodged, causing Hanabi to crash into the wall and knock herself out.
"Yatta, you defeated the demon!" Konohamaru cheered from his spot on the ground.
Naruto, shaking his head, picked up the unconscious Hanabi and turned to Hinata. "You know her?"
Sheepishly, Hinata nodded. "She's my little sister."
"And who are you?" Tenten inquired, eyeing Konohamaru suspiciously.
"Tenten, Hinata, this is Jiji's grandson."
"And I am going to be the next Hokage after Naruto Niisan!" Konohamaru declared proudly, causing Tenten and Hinata to exchange bemused glances.
"Konohamaru, shouldn't you be grounded?"
"Yes, but I came to give you good luck for the exam. You will 100% pass!" Konohamaru tried to change the subject, his enthusiasm undiminished.
Naruto, Hinata, and Tenten smiled at his cheerfulness, then Konohamaru's curiosity got the better of him as he turned to the girls. "Now, who are these?"
"These are my girlfriends," Naruto said confidently, puffing out his chest.
Konohamaru's jaw dropped, while Tenten and Hinata's faces turned bright red.
Girlfriends?! Both thought, hearts pounding wildly.
"How did you manage to pull that off?"
"Well, these two are my friends, they are also girls, so girlfriends," Naruto explained, oblivious to the typical meaning of the term.
"You are so dumb, niisan," Konohamaru retorted.
"I'll show you dumb, you brat," Naruto threatened as he handed the carton of eggs to Tenten and rolled up his sleeves, ready to chase the mischievous boy.
"I think I heard Jiji calling for me," Konohamaru quickly said, darting away with Naruto hot on his heels.
Left behind, Tenten and Hinata looked at each other and burst into giggles.
At the table, the aroma of party food wafted through the air—sushi rolls neatly arranged, skewers of yakitori with just the right char, bowls of fluffy, seasoned rice, and platters of crispy tempura. It was a feast that made Naruto's mouth water, especially since he had only dreamed of such spreads at the celebrations he'd heard his classmates chatter about.
As he took in the lively scene, Naruto felt a warmth spreading through him. Tenten and Hinata were caught up in their own world, their laughter mingling with the festive atmosphere, seemingly lighting up the room and making the food even more appealing.
Off to the side, Hanabi and Konohamaru were huddled around an old game console, their competitive spirits in full swing. Hanabi's face was set in a fierce frown, determined not to let Konohamaru win. Naruto chuckled to himself, recognizing that fiery determination; Hanabi was just moments away from either throwing Konohamaru out of the building or finally beating him at the game.
"Naruto."
He turned to see Tenten holding up a green bottle, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sake?!"
Tenten's smile widened. "Tomorrow's a big day; you two officially become Genin. So, in celebration of your first step into the real world, let's give you your first taste of alcohol."
Hinata bit her lip. "But is that allowed?"
"Old enough to kill, old enough to drink," she declared, popping open the bottle.
The rich, potent smell of sake filled the air immediately, drawing a deep breath from Naruto as the aroma tickled his senses.
Tenten poured sake into three cups, handing one to Naruto and another to Hinata, keeping the third for herself.
"So, do we say something?" Naruto asked, lifting his cup awkwardly.
"Toasts," Tenten corrected with a pause, watching Naruto's confusion.
He looked puzzled. "I'm going to get the bread."
"Why?"
"You said toasts," he replied earnestly, only to see Tenten giggle.
"No, Naruto, I meant a toast as in a cheer, not bread."
Naruto blinked, his cheeks flushing. "Oh," he chuckled. He held the small cup more confidently now, ready to mimic whatever Tenten did next. Tenten raised her cup, her expression turning a bit more serious. "When we drink sake like this, it's traditional to make a toast—to honor a moment, celebrate a victory, or just wish for good luck."
Naruto nodded, his focus completely on Tenten as he absorbed every word. He noticed Hinata beside him, holding her cup with both hands.
"Let's make this toast about stepping into new beginnings and facing challenges with courage," Tenten proposed, her gaze shifting between Naruto and Hinata.
"To new beginnings and courage," Naruto echoed, lifting his cup slightly higher.
Hinata smiled softly, "To new beginnings and courage."
They clinked their cups together gently, the soft sound crystallizing the moment. Naruto took a cautious sip of the sake, the flavor bold and warming, spreading through him like a comforting fire. His eyes widened in surprise at the strong taste, but he welcomed the heat.
Hinata's reaction was more subdued; she sipped her sake with a slight grimace, unaccustomed to the alcohol's strength.
Naruto's eyes widened as Tenten gulped down her sake, clearly more accustomed to the sharp bite of alcohol than they were.
Naruto watched her for a moment, then turned his attention back to the array of food laid out before them. He picked up a piece of tempura, the crispy batter light and golden, and bit into it, the crunch satisfyingly loud in his ears.
"Speaking of graduation, what are you going to do?"
"Go in, do awesome, come out as genins," Naruto declared confidently.
"No, I meant after the exam," Tenten clarified, skewering a piece of yakitori and examining the char before taking a bite.
"Go home," Naruto replied, still confused. Beside him, Hinata delicately picked up a bowl of fluffy rice.
"Oh, you guys don't know. I forget they don't tell you to build up the tension for the second exam," Tenten said.
"Second exam?"
"Yeah, so Genins are divided into two ranks: Solo Genins and Team Genins. Academy graduation gives you the rank of Genin, but afterwards, when you are introduced to the Jonin leader, they will give you a test to determine if you are worth their investment," Tenten explained, pausing to sip her sake.
"Investment?" Hinata asked, her voice tinged with confusion as she paused in her eating, a piece of sushi halfway to her mouth.
"Yeah, Jonins are very important to the ninja village as a whole because of their power and skill. So when they take on a Genin team, they are essentially substituting their work hours to train a bunch of newbies. If the newbies don't show what the Jonin are looking for, then they fail the Genins. Genins that pass are called Team Genins or Genin Teams," Tenten elaborated.
"And what about the Genins that fail?"
"They are called Solo Genins, and they are essentially thrown into what's known as the Genin Reserves. As you know, being a shinobi is a dangerous job, and the mortality rate for Genins is 80%," Tenten said gravely.
Naruto and Hinata both sucked in a breath at that statistic.
"The Genin reserves mostly do E ranks and train since they can now access the shinobi library in the Hokage tower until the Chunin exams happen where Genins can apply either solo if they have a B rank jutsu in their arsenal or just team up with other reserve Genins," Tenten finished, setting down her cup with a soft clink.
Naruto chewed slowly, his mind racing with the new information. The sushi tasted less vibrant now, and even the char on the yakitori seemed to echo the burn of uncertainty. Beside him, Hinata quietly resumed eating her rice, her expression thoughtful and a little troubled.
"Will we pass?" Hinata asked quietly.
"You will definitely pass," Tenten replied confidently, her gaze then shifting to Naruto with a playful shrug.
"Hey," Naruto protested with a grin, feigning hurt. He knew Tenten well enough to catch her humor.
Tenten's expression turned serious as she continued, "Both of you have the capabilities to pass, but the second exam is different. Each Jonin has their own criteria—some look for teamwork, some for power, others assess the Genin's attitude or skill."
"What about bushy brows sensei?"
"He looked for our determination. That even if we are up against insurmountable odds, will we give up or stand tall," Tenten said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. She paused, seemingly lost in thought for a moment, then shook her head slightly as if to clear it.
"What do you recommend we do?"
"Try to ask your teacher about your team," Tenten advised, leaning back slightly in her chair.
"Why?"
"Well, Genin teams are chosen based on the overall evaluation of the skill and grade of the student, alongside recommendations of teachers who noted down compatibility between Genins while they trained. Asking your teacher can give you a general idea of who your teammates are and what you all bring to the table," Tenten explained.
"You can either talk to your potential teammates or just train," she concluded.
Naruto and Hinata nodded, absorbing the advice. Tenten's eyes brightened as she offered, "I think you two will pass both exams with flying colors, and to make the process a bit sweeter, I'm going to make you two custom weapons for the second exam. How does that sound?" "Hell yeah!" Naruto's outburst inadvertently caused Hanabi, who was engrossed in a video game with Konohamaru, to lose her focus—and the game. As Hanabi glared at him, Naruto winced slightly but quickly recovered, offering her a cheeky grin. "Do you need some tips?"
Hanabi huffed, clearly not amused, while Naruto signaled for Konohamaru to go not easy on her. Konohamaru gave a knowing nod and dove back into the game.
Meanwhile, Hinata toyed with her rice, each grain seeming heavier under the weight of Tenten's information about the upcoming exams. Her focus was broken when Tenten addressed her directly.
"Hinata," Tenten called, capturing her attention.
"I'm going to need to do some measurements for your Neko Te."
Hinata looked up, a small smile breaking through her nervousness. "Okay."
"Tenten, do you have some more sake?" Naruto asked.
"You'll regret it if you drink too much."
"Come on, it's a party," Naruto cajoled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you," Tenten relented, reaching for the bottle. She poured another round of sake into their cups.
[ Morning ]
[ You have slept on your couch. HP & CP are fully stored. ]
Naruto's head throbbed painfully as he blinked open his eyes, the light too harsh for his senses. The room spun slightly, a telltale sign of his first hangover. Groaning, he pushed himself up from the couch where he had apparently collapsed last night. His stomach churned uneasily, a reminder of last night's indulgence.
As he looked around, the aftermath of the party was evident. Empty snack plates and cups littered the floor, a few overturned. Streaks of spilled sauce stained his table, and there was a pile of napkins thrown haphazardly in one corner. The smell of stale food mixed with the lingering scent of alcohol made his stomach turn again.
Naruto rubbed his temples, trying to ease the pounding in his head. Each movement felt like too much effort, his limbs heavy and uncooperative. He stumbled slightly as he made his way to the bathroom, the room tilting around him. He managed to turn on the shower, the sound of running water somewhat soothing. Stepping under the hot spray, he let the warmth wash over him, hoping it would wash away the remnants of last night's mistakes along with the splitting headache. As the water cascaded down, he closed his eyes, willing his body to recover and regretting not heeding Tenten's warning about the sake.
Stepping out of the steamy shower, Naruto felt the lingering ache of last night's party ease away. He quickly dried off, tossing the towel aside with a careless flick. The kitchen was his next stop; the morning light spilled across the countertop, casting a warm glow over everything.
As he scrambled some eggs, his movements were lazy but efficient, a stark contrast to his usually energetic self. Each stir of the pan was methodical, mirroring his attempts to organize his thoughts and shake off the fog of the hangover. The sizzle of eggs hitting the hot pan brought a satisfied smile to his face. Breakfast, he decided, was a good start to sobering up and facing the day with whatever it decided to throw at him.
His eyes sparkled with excitement as he mentally reviewed the glowing system window in front of him.
[ Name: Uzumaki Naruto ]
[ Status: Chakra Imbalance (Difficulty in controlling chakra, -70% performance in executing simple Jutsus) ]
[ Title: Academy Student ]
[ Level: 6 ]
[ Class: Shinobi of the Uzumaki Clan ]
[ Race: Human ]
[ HP: 447 / 447 ] (Base 352 + 20 from Jacket + 50 from Pants + 25 from Gambeson)
[ AC: 27 ] (Base 22 + 5 from Gloves)
[ CP: 14k / 14k ]
[ Racial Traits: ]
- [ Chakra Chains ] ( Locked )
- [ Mind's Eye ]
- [ Healer's Body ] ( Locked )
[ Class Features: ]
- [ Scrolls Arts ]
- [ Fuinjutsu ]
[ Feats: Observer, Weapon Master ]
[ Stats: ]
- [ STR: 17 ] (Base 12 + 2 from Jacket + 2 from Pants)
- [ DEX: 23 ] (Base 14 + 3 from Jacket + 3 from Pants + 3 from Gambeson)
- [ CON: 12 ] (Base 10 + 2 from Gambeson)
- [ INT: 13 ]
- [ WIS: 12 ]
- [ CHA: 9 ]
- [ VIT: 19 ] (Base 11 + 3 from Jacket + 2 from Pants + 3 from Gambeson)
- [ LUK: ? ]
[ Stat Points Remaining: 8 ]
[ Allies: - ]
[ Equipment: ]
- [ Weapons: Black Fingerless Gloves with Metal Back Plate ]
- [ Armor: Bright Orange Sleeveless Jacket ] - [ Magic Items: Dark Blue Gambeson ]
- [ Gear: Bright Orange Light Armored Pants ]
[ Exp: 15400 ]
[ Description: Uzumaki Naruto is the dead last of the Konoha Academy, having failed the graduation twice before and clearly not prepared to graduate. While most of his past is a mystery, Uzumaki Naruto has found his clan. ]
"All of this," Naruto thought to himself, "and I didn't even have to sit through those boring academy lectures."
His chakra control skill had been a mixed bag.
The skill made his chakra imbalance more manageable and even given him the skill academy clone jutsu but also boosted his chakra capacity from 10K to 14K points.
You win some, you lose some.
The relentless string of E-rank missions had proved surprisingly beneficial. They weren't just menial chores; they were experience goldmines.
Leveled up from 3 to 6, not too shabby, eh?
He scrolled through his skill list, a proud smile plastering his face as he noted each high-grade skill.
[ Skill Tab ]
[ Ninjutsu:
- [ Substitution Jutsu - Level: 7 ]
- [ Transformation Jutsu - Level: 8 ]
- [ Academy Clone Jutsu - Level: 2 ]
- [ Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu - Level: 2 ]
[ Taijutsu:
- [ Kunai Bukijutsu - Level: 10 ]
- [ Shuriken Bukijutsu - Level: 10 ]
- [ Uzumaki Clan Taijutsu: Swirling Kata - Level: 10 ]
- [ Scroll Arts - Level: 10 ]
- [ Senju Clan Taijutsu: Flash Fist - Level: 10 ]
[ Genjutsu:
- [ None ]
[ Senjutsu:
- [ None ]
[ Kenjutsu:
- [ None ]
[ Fuinjutsu:
- [ Class Features: Fuinjutsu - Level: 10 ]
(Click to check Fuinjutsu Scroll Library)
[ Description: ]
- [ This tab displays the current skills and abilities mastered by the player. Each category lists the skills along with their respective levels, indicating the player's proficiency and expertise in each domain. Users can explore detailed descriptions and potential upgrades by clicking on individual skills. ]
The Weapon Master feat had turbocharged most of his physical skills to level 10. According to Tenten's evaluation, my shuriken skills are at a high Chunin level.
So, it's safe to say level 10 is now going to be the benchmark for high Chunin level.
He slapped the table playfully.
I wonder what skills are going to be affected by the Observer feat.
So glad I skipped that academy for some actual experience.
He tapped his foot impatiently as he addressed the system, "Come on, give me the graduation quest."
[ Alert: World Quest ]
[ Quest Title: You Can Do It: Pass the Graduation Exam ]
[ Objective: Successfully complete all parts of the ninja academy's graduation exam. ]
[ Rewards:
- 1000 Experience Points.
- Award of Konoha Forehead Protector.
- Skill Stone Rune. ]
[ Penalty for Failure:
- 500 Experience Points.
- ?
- ? ]
[ Action Required: Acceptance or Declination of Quest ]
Storm gone
In the quiet
Light shines
A new page
Etched in the heart
Dawn's light
Old fears' shadows
Disappear
Whispers of wind
Invite courage
On unknown paths
Step by step
The soul finds
New strength
Filled with awe
New beginnings
Invite with open arms
Gently unburdening
The weight of the past
Each morning
Rising anew
Drawing hope
In the midst of change
Life begins anew
[ Author Note ] This chapter was 14k words long, so I hope you enjoyed it.
Anyway, in this chapter, I didn't use anything from Within Interest by Silent Songbird. Yay! Lol.
1. The Hyuga Clan: Holy shit, this was the most annoying thing to write, especially with how the main and branch family members are divided. We only get one example of it in Naruto: Hiashi and Hizashi, which annoyed me because they are both sons of the previous clan head. If one of them went to the branch family, how does one become a main family member? It can't be just the family head and the next heir because they can be easily assassinated by a branch member if they were the only main family members, so there must be more. And like always, Kishimoto didn't give us much information.
So, in my fanfic, I gave this explanation: When the Hyuga clan was being formed, they chose a leader and a couple of elders who were, by tradition, obligated to have two children. The firstborn goes to the main family, and the secondborn to the branch, and rinse and repeat until the present day.
2. Hiashi's Characterization: You might have noticed that I characterized Hiashi differently than most fanfics. Most fanfics either make Hiashi a pompous, arrogant villain or a good guy secretly pushing Hinata to fall for Naruto for political power, and so the evil Hyugas can't harm her, blah blah blah.
My interpretation is more nuanced: Hiashi is a man who wanted to improve his family but was broken by the world taking so much from him. In his fears, he tried to mold Hinata into someone she wasn't, putting too much pressure on her. I am not excusing Hiashi's actions as justified, but giving more nuance to the character. Hiashi meant well but couldn't see that his actions were too much. Tell me how you like this interpretation and the solid character arc for Hiashi in this chapter.
3. The Cursed Seal: The cursed seal is supposed to be a forbidden Fuinjutsu that makes the victim obey, but I portrayed it differently. Essentially, the cursed seal holds a poison that can kill, hurt, and liquify the victim. The poison is a reference: its name is the Poison of Bashe. The Bashe is a legendary snake from Chinese folklore, known for its immense size and appetite for elephants.
The cursed seal operates like it does in canon, but its creation is different. Since we have no idea what it's created from, I gave my own take on it. But why poison? The seal is always depicted as green in the anime, and I liked this thematic and symbolic representation of the cursed seal as a poison that chains freedom in the name of protection. Tell me your thoughts on this in the reviews.
4. Hinata's Mom: Her name or what happened to her in canon is unknown. But since the fan wiki for Naruto calls her Nanami Hyuga, I went with that. Nanami is from the branch family, which gives more credibility to my interpretation of Hiashi's character: he wanted the Hyuga to change because of his wife, his brother Hizashi, and his daughter Hanabi—all from the branch clan. Her being from the branch clan gave me the perfect opportunity to give her a powerful death, protecting Hinata and Hanabi from Kumo's kidnapping. Her death causes Hiashi to change.
Since she is somewhat an OC in this fanfic, how did you like her characterization, especially the bit where it's revealed that she is a horrible cook, which is funny since Hinata is an amazing cook?
5. Kumo's Kidnapping Attempt: I was confused about how to explain this kidnapping because somehow a Kumo ninja was able to kidnap the Hyuga princess despite her being protected by the Hyuga, who have 359° vision. My answer is the Thousand Face Jutsu. Essentially, Hikaru, the Kumo ambassador, took a piece of Hiashi's chakra, disguised himself as Hiashi, and sneaked into the clan because his face and chakra matched Hiashi perfectly. If he were caught, he would get himself killed by the main family so that Kumo could demand the corpse of the main family member.
Also, the "breeding cow" line was meant to make Hiashi angry enough to kill him. I am not comfortable writing Kumo, a major village in the story, as one that wants to turn kidnapped women into breeding cattle. I know it's kinda canon since Kumo did try to kidnap Kushina and Hinata, but I feel disgusted writing that as a plot point, especially when Naruto interacts with Kumo. If any readers say it's canon, I will ignore it because I am not comfortable with such a plotline.
6. The Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fist: Some fans might argue that Hinata created the Twin Lion Fist, but that's not entirely accurate. In the anime, the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists was credited to her. However, the databook entry says the jutsu is a secret high-level Gentle Fist technique taught only to the main house of the Hyuga Clan. While Hinata is the only user of the technique in the series, theoretically, Neji should be able to use it if he trained for it. Hinata did improve the technique over time, increasing its strength and potential, especially after receiving Hamura's chakra.
In the filler, she created the technique, but in canon, she developed an already existing technique to new heights, similar to what Naruto did with the Rasengan.
7. Neji and Tenten's Fight: I know the fight between Neji and Tenten wasn't much, as Gai and Kurenai intervened. I already mentioned that Neji could have exploded Tenten's heart, and Tenten could have decapitated Neji with her Iai. But I am going to ask:
Had this been a fair fight, both combatants in a proper arena with no sneak attacks, who do you think would win: The Herald of Hephaestus Tenten or Pre-Chunin Exams Incomplete Rotation Neji?
8. Genin Role Expansion: How did you guys like the expansion on the Genin role in this chapter? Also, should Tenten remain a solo Genin for the Chunin exams, or be convinced by Gai or Lee to participate as a team?
9. Tenten's Custom Weapon for Naruto: Tenten is going to make a custom weapon entirely out of chakra metal for Naruto. What do you want Naruto to wield? It can be any weapon because Naruto can wield any weapon.
10. Naruto's Skill Stone Rune: Since it's clear Naruto can easily graduate and get a skill stone rune, which gives him a random skill from any class, my question is: what skill should Naruto get? To narrow it down, Naruto will get a Shinobi class skill, particularly Earth Style. Suggest what you think Naruto should get.
Thank you for your support and for enjoying my work. I upload every week on Sunday.
I hope you have a blessed rest of the day, and please share your thoughts in the reviews!