Charlywood Presents: A Naruto Fiction
Grey/Label
Chapter 10: The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
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The sun hovered above the giant Konoha treetops, casting dappled shadows across the dense forest of oversized, chakra boosted Konoha trees. The heavy rustling of child-sized leaves caught in a passing breeze and the distant chirping of birds were the only sounds that filled the air.
Hinata sighed tiredly, forehead damp with a light sweat while dangling upside down from a giant sturdy tree branch about 3-stories above ground. Her ankles were securely bound by a length ninja wire with a few inches of slack. Any longer and the feeling in her feet and legs would go numb. She sighed quietly in thought. Kori-sensei had long begun adding stipulations and handicaps to their exercises…though her increased senses, reaction time, endurance, speed, sight, and more made it worthwhile on the backend. Sometimes she surprised herself when little extras to her ability and knowledge revealed themselves.
Sealing off further thoughts, the girl closed her eyes with focused calm, Byakugan preemptively activated beneath shuttered eyelids. She repetitively breathed in and out deeply to expand her lungs and oxygen intake while circulating chakra throughout her body to warm-up her muscles and coils. She then split her focus scanning for signs of Kori's position knowing he was nearby scheming the right moment to kick this off.
A glint of metal caught Hinata's eye 1-second too late, barely spotting her medic-sensei vanishing deeper into the trees for cover. Looking back, the kunai flew towards the tripwire with precision, cutting her free with a sharp twang of metal and stiff wire. A surprised gasp escaped Hinata as she braced herself, plummeting downwards upside down as gravity seized her in a steep decline. Her stomach lurching slightly as the world moved.
Freefalling, she minded Kori's teachings. Proper execution to minimize risk. Fear and a needless reliance on chakra here could stunt a ninja's resilience. Knowing timing and reason to use chakra rather than using chakra because she could.
Precision, strong basics, and detail to the little things was crucial for Hinata to further her gains as peak, overall improvement was the goal. And now, amidst a dizzying descent, the finer points to achievement ingrained by Kori didn't leave her. Her body, her training, and how she used her gifts were a testament to the subtle refinements rounding out the edges of her increased skills.
Tilting her head back with the wind in her hair, Hinata looked back to judge the fall, and spotted her landing. She bent at the waist, wrapping her arms around her legs, keeping them straight and together. She tucked into a graceful, slow flip against gravity to gain airtime, drawing several kunai from her thigh pouch. Her arm swung back and out in a fluid motion, the kunai whistling into targets at various angles with satisfying thuds. Hinata rotated again, into an off-axis flip, and touched down in a deep crouch, her impact kicking up clouds of dirt.
Crouching, her hips loaded, supporting her weight without strain, translating into her movement by her knees and ankles from an eccentric posture. She was immediately bound forward with concentric energy built up during her landing as she blitzed into a swift sprint, blurring with speed as she entered the obstacle course to face the first test.
Kori looked at his notepad, making notes to himself for review, making an entry about form, posture, and execution. He followed Hinata from the shadows. She thought the obstacle course was to test her overall ability and speed, and that was true…but her form, posture, and approach was most important as he gauged her mental and physical fluidity. He feared she might overly focus when fighting through the obstacle course - A habit that he was trying to break her of.
Hinata's Byakugan activated to track the swinging motions of four, large Konoha Oaks swinging horizontally from vines tied to a simple, pulley-like mechanism. She slowed to stop rather than speeding past the obstacle. Hinata tilted her head consideringly, suddenly perking up at the mental nudge of calm whispering to her ears - a soothing presence from within her mind, gentle but very firm.
Kori's eyes narrowed in observation as he quickly scribbled in his notepad, he'd never seen that from her before. He felt a sliver of concern, but mostly disregarded it. He frowned, looking up to meet her mischievous smile that fell into giggles tinkling with secrecy as their gazes met.
"Have I been pushing her too hard?" Muttering to himself with a sigh, he put his pad away, narrowing his eyes on the girl. Further interest and speculation followed when she shot a bright, challenging smile over her shoulder in his direction. His heart skipped a beat with a mix of…excitement? He wasn't sure why.
He remained clinical in his thinking, this was still a practice afterall. "...About to ignore my instructions?" Kori folded his arms tightly, hiding the smirk he felt.
The never questioning, ever obeying Hinata? Doing something other than what she was told, and ignoring a command? He proceeded to watch, a grin pulling his lips aside. "It's about damn time." He huffed, intensifying his gaze to get a response.
Hinata felt the influence of Kori's gaze upon her. She rolled her eyes somewhat dramatically, shaking her head subtly. She didn't speak, tossing her hair over her shoulder, adding emphasis upon her show of ignoring him.
Kori frowned, chuckling quietly to himself at her display. "Little girl thinks she fly." He said to himself, pocketing his hands into his coat.
"Mou, he is such a petty man isn't he?" The mental amalgamation of her 'ideal' huffed, mock pouting. "Does he not know that he's a walking contradiction, or does he just not care?" Ideal asked, idly sweeping a hand along the back of her head, through a portion of waist length hair. An air of bored arrogance coming off her in waves. "Tsk…always these good-conflicted types that act like this."
Hinata frowned, blinking curiously. "Meaning..?" She inquired, sounding at a loss.
"Sweetheart… I'm you, remember?" Ideal-Hinata pointed out with a grin. "You had to have had the thought in some form for me to articulate it."
"That…doesn't really help me here!" A mildly embarrassed blush followed as she heard her ideal laugh, entertained. "Let's just move forward, shall we?" She added, sounding exhausted.
Kori blinked, patiently waiting for Hinata to do something. He sighed theatrically. A rumbling huff born from Hinata's ignoring him and doing a good job of it. "Anytime today, Hinata!" He started clapping his hands together. "Just move it along please!" He continued clapping encouragingly. He couldn't tell what she was up to, but she seemed hesitant about it either way.
Hinata puffed out her cheeks in mock indignation. "Sensei-kun," she lulled, voice cutely decrying his impatience. "Must you always be so demanding? A girl can't just…breeze through an obstacle course without a little dramatic flair, can she?"
Kori's eyebrows raised, blinking wide and slow. "Say what now?" He asked himself.
Her gaze flickered away from the swinging contraption, a contemplative furrow creasing her brow. Another faint whisper, barely audible again, reached her ears – the voice of her ideal, the figment of her aspirations providing further wisdom and guidance.
"Take a moment," the voice murmured, elegance weaving through its ethereal tone. "Truly understand the mechanism before anything else, the Byakugan only requires a glance, so don't overthink it. Any minor miscalculation could lead to a dire outcome. Patience is also a weapon, Hinata."
"Okay, I'm ready." Hinata nodded to herself, gripping her hands into fists, burying her nails into her palms. Defiance simmered beneath the surface, a rebellious urge warring with the voice of reason. Kori wouldn't be moved by a cautious attempt, yet a straightforward approach was likely preferred. A bitter truth settled in her gut. Was she merely fulfilling the low expectations of her father's doubts, still?
Kori's words from their first meeting echoed: Theirs was a stopgap measure, delaying the inevitable failure Hiashi anticipated - Kori held a grim view of their chances to sway her father, already convinced of her limitations.
For Kori, the outcome mattered little to the Hokage. Success or failure wouldn't alter the rehab directive. It was all volunteer work on his part, a burden layered on his existing duties. He'd agreed to train Hinata on a whim that Hiashi was low-key desperate to avoid Hyuga and failure being associated - The real winner was Konoha.
The village received veteran guidance for a promising young Hyuga heiress and Genin, without disrupting a team with apprenticeship complications. There was little chance Hinata wouldn't be greatly improved from advanced, personal guidance no matter Hiashi's stance. All from a ninja's attempt at personal reform, a charade Kori couldn't shake.
Hinata believed failure undoubtedly rested solely on her shoulders, even if Kori's definition of success was utterly unorthodox. He pushed her, yes, but within a self-imposed limit she still managed to stumble over. Just recently, after yet another training-induced breakdown, Kori had patiently guided her back from the brink, not a single word uttered about the incidents in question. But the silence itself felt like a harsh judgment while she expected redress for it.
Kori, despite his unorthodoxy, thrived on a good show, likely results of being attached to names printed in local big, bold letters. He reveled in theatrics, showering her with praise during performance tests, even if it meant turning her accomplishments into a boastful spectacle.
"Ink on paper," she'd scoff, yearning for something more tangible. Even his genuine appreciation for her meticulous weekly analyses, a cornerstone of his training philosophy, felt hollow amidst the adrenaline rush of training itself.
Taking a deep breath, Hinata forced a confident mask onto her face, waving away all the excuses and negativity. She glanced towards Kori once more and reaffirmed her decision as his gaze locked on her with a cool, expectant glint. Ignoring the prickle of uncertainty, Hinata projected her voice, loud, confident, and clear.
"Alright, sensei! Watch me closely!" Her words carried a sureness of self and bravado that barely masked the tremor in her heart. This wasn't about playful defiance anymore. This was about proving herself, about proving she could be…
Hinata pivoted sharply, facing the first log closest to her. Doubt gnawed at her. Again she questioned if she should follow Kori's instructions of simplicity or take the opportunity to test her limits? Still, she took a deep breath, and settled into a Jyuken stance, her Byakugan pulsing. Confidence replaced tension and hesitation. An aura of chakra flared to life around her, a tangible force that surrounded her as she raised her fist, palm outstretched, towards the massive log.
A snap of movement and her hand thundered closer, an unseen blur. As the impact seemed imminent, Hinata unleashed surging chakra. Her fist, once bare, erupted in a brilliant sparkle of blue windmilling light. With a powerful step forward, she slammed her fist into the oncoming log. The effect was instantaneous and awe-inspiring. Chakra surged through the wood, causing it to erupt in a shower of splinters. Dust billowed, momentarily obscuring Hinata's triumphant form.
The dust settled slowly, revealing Hinata standing tall amidst the debris. A victorious glint sparked in her eyes, a flicker of defiance. Suddenly, her eyes bloomed a color that was shades thicker than the hint of lavender tinting her solid whites. Pale purple glowed faintly, framed by pulsing veins as a composed, yet stormy expression consumed her as she breathed a cooling breath. The thrill of the moment lingered, but before any semblance of triumph could fully bloom, another log hurtled towards her, this one thicker and heavier than the first. Her eyes snapped to it as it seemed to increase its speed.
Hinata's breath hitched. This drill was ruined and she could care less, she wanted to up the ante. Her Byakugan flared, increasing in sparkled glow as she dissected the trajectory, speed, and mass of the log in milliseconds. Dodging was the safer option, the one Kori likely expected. But the urge to continue pushing was a feeling to prove her own worth, and it roared within her.
Inspired, Hinata nodded stiffly and casually set herself into another Jyuken stance. This time she didn't focus her chakra into a fist. Instead, she channeled it along her outstretched palm and fingers, transforming her chakra into a deadly blade around her hand. As the log loomed closer, she yelled, a blinding white light erupted from her hand. "A-hyaa!" The air crackled with raw energy, a testament to the power she unleashed.
The impact was deafening and crisp as her chakra bladed palm knifed cleanly through the log, shaving its outer bark before severing it in two with a thunderous crack. Both halves of the log spun uncontrollably, careened off course, and fell from their suspension, embedding themselves harmlessly on the ground next to her feet.
Kori licked his lips hungrily at Hinata's display. The unexpected sight caused his heart to still at the feeling of raw power and precision within the miniscule bit of chakra Hinata had wielded. He gulped, swallowing with difficulty, stunned silent by Hinata's sudden and overwhelming display. He didn't even flinch when a rather large, wooden splint blurred past his head, barely missing his face with a rush of air. His breathing labored as he inhaled shakily, and moved closer. Appreciation and wariness battled within him, his pupils dilated as he brought the back of his hand to the corner of his lips, nearly drooling with excitement.
If anyone knew what Hinata was capable of after this time, it was Kore. It was getting her to let go and lean in that he thought might be impossible for her to do.
What brought this on? Did I miss something in her performance analysis? Did the equipment miss something? Was the analysis bullshit? Was he overestimating its usefulness - over-relying on it? Was that truly Hinata? That was truly Hinata! FINALLY, dear god, finally!
Kori's mind continued to whirl with questions, relief, and unbridled happiness that made him feel lightheaded in addition to the sudden rush of adrenaline. He hadn't failed, he hadn't failed her…he held up his end, kept his word, and that more than anything helped release the weight of stress, worry, and exhaustion that culminated from an entire month of trying to get Hinata to buy in to his words, his process, his help…to help her over the mighty bump in the road.
If he'd simply decided to do this, to help her simply to see if he could it wouldn't have been as big a deal, but in his arrogance he'd gambled unnecessarily. He helped Hinata, yes. But Hinata had just redeemed him. "Thank you, Hinata-chan. Thank you…so much!" He thought, eyes closed as he bit his lip, grateful.
Truly, he could faint, he could cry, because as he gathered himself to control his emotions and lay eyes on Hinata to make certain this was reality - Hinata didn't appear tired, she just blinked, nodded, and moved to deal with the last two logs. What was more, she didn't appear satisfied.
Hinata exhaled deeply, releasing a breath with a fumes that made Kori stiffen in morbid fascination. She licked away a stray bead of sweat that trailed down her cheek near to her lips, and sighed out a heavy moan. She glanced at her arms, her chakra expenditure summoning a barely noticeable, dull ache in the muscles of her arms - easily ignored given her body's boosted defensive and recovery from treatments of Kori's Three-Banded Armadillo and Axolotl respectively.
A ringing silence filled Hinata's ears, soon broken by the soft rustle of settling dust, leaves, and debris. A pleased smile teased her lips. She'd defied both Kori's expectations and her own doubts.
However, the moment was shattered by the unmistakable groan of another simple mechanism. She quietly eyed the heavy swaying motion of the tree, annoyed by it for some reason. This one was thicker than the previous two combined. Hinata's Byakugan dissected every detail with a glance. She clicked her tongue, an unseen vibration disturbed the air from the dissatisfied sound. She could see the faint vibrations find the log, causing it to simply disintegrate into so much dust.
Kori's jaw dropped, blinking with uncomprehension. "That was one of Songbird's jutsu! So simply?!"
"Mou!" Hinata deeply pouted. This just wouldn't do! As divine as she felt, formerly mixed pieces of herself, like a puzzle, shifted and fell into their proper place. Dismantling those log rams. It still…it just wasn't enough. This was no longer a test of her Jyuken prowess, ability, skill level - but a calculated challenge of her endurance, consistency, and competency. If it were ever that.
But something stirred within her, acknowledgement and disagreement alike. She wasn't wrong, but she was missing the point. Another piece fell into place and suddenly, a callous memory flashed before Hinata, a reel of scenes replayed in vivid detail - a horrifying recollection, not so horrifying now as it had been initially.
Her father's voice, laced with icy calculation, details stripping her of the birthright passed to her by her mother. The clan, a sea of grim faces, nodding their approval.
She was to be cast aside, her title bestowed upon Hanabi, her own flesh and blood. Enslavement, that's what they wanted from her – a life stripped of purpose, relegated to the fringes of the Hyuga like a useless, discarded tool. Disowned, ostracized, and erased from the family tree as if she never existed.
Shove her into a gilded cage, a useless link with no claim to the family name. Useless trash. No! The injustice choked her, fueled a white-hot rage. An outright ban into obscurity This wouldn't be her downfall. This wouldn't be her silent demise. The simmering anger within her boiled over, transforming into a fiery resolve. She'd claw her way back from the abyss if she had to! She'd become a force to be reckoned with, a testament to her lineage, and a searing rebuke to those who dared brand her as trash!
Not against Hanabi, she wasn't to blame. But against the suffocating whispers that threatened to bury her alive. She'd become a storm, a testament to her blood that would silence the vipers who even once dared to deem her expendable.
Gritting her teeth, seething at the memory, Hinata channeled her chakra once more. Adopting a flowing, circular stance with an unseen grace and smoothness Kori had never witnessed - Byakugan deactivated. She didn't need it as she had previously, she could see clearly. Before her it wasn't solid, but broken into so many circular pieces, exposing its age. As it loomed before her… "Eight Trigrams Palms: Revolving Heaven!" She huffed, a haughty tenor in her voice as she initiated the Hyuga clan's secret technique. Her body rotated into a blinding blur, a whirlwind of motion and chakra that defied the naked eye. A speed that defied conventional physics.
From Kori's perspective, Hinata became a shimmering mirage, her form a continuous loop of white and blue. The approaching log met this spinning dervish, and a high-pitched, grinding whine filled the air. The wood groaned in protest, then splinters began flying off in a deadly hail, followed by large chunks of wood. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, the log began to shrink under the relentless assault of Hinata's actions. The slow pace didn't last long as it was eaten away quicker by the second.
When the technique finally ceased, a pile of sawdust lay at Hinata's feet, all that remained of the once-formidable obstacle. Her breathing was labored, her legs wobbled slightly, but her eyes shone with renewed glimmer and sheen. She had not only conquered the course, but pushed herself beyond her perceived limits. Now, she turned to face Kori, a silent question hanging in the air: now what?
She felt her body buzzing with electric thrill as she recovered her breath, shivering gently from the rush of adrenaline she'd never felt before.
Behind her, a shadow moved up behind her with the silent grace of an alpha predator. Kori Genya, the former special-jonin turned disgraced chunin, followed after her. His wraith-like looming heightened Hinata's sense of urgency, chillingly nibbling at her heels. His eyes were cold and calculating, scorching her back with hostile intent.
Hinata gasped and turned on him, immediately defensive.
Kori's jaw hung slack, his eyes wide with a mix of astonishment and disbelief. It was as though the world had tilted on its axis, and he was the only one left standing upright. A stray splinter, a cruel twist of fate, had nicked his earlobe, but he felt no pain even as it bled down the side of his face. His entire being was consumed by the spectacle before him.
"S-sensei…your ear." Hinata said slowly, eyes wide and wary at the image he presented.
Hinata stood amidst the wreckage, a statue of power and grace even as she stammered. The once intimidating log lay in shattered pieces at her feet, a testament to her strength and determination. A low whistle escaped Kori's lips, a sound filled with equal parts awe and respect. Hinata blinked when he clapped, his hands stinging from the impact but the pain a distant echo compared to the thunderous applause echoing in his mind.
"You...you," Kori stammered, searching for the right words. "That was...unbelievable. Absolutely incredible." His voice, hoarse with emotion, was barely audible over the pounding of his heart. He'd seen many talented shinobi in his time, but none had displayed such raw power and control. Hinata had shattered his expectations, shattered his preconceived notions about her capabilities.
Hinata's eyes widened into doughy saucers as she witnessed the surge of pride and utter relief washed over him, his faint hued eyes teary. "I…apologize." He kneeled before her.
"Sensei?" Hinata's lips quivered and she took a step back. She believed she knew what was happening. She'd dreamed about it, prayed for it, yearned for it, cried for it, and pined after it. And now that it was here…she didn't know what she should do.
"I'm not your fucking sensei!" He barked. An irrational emotion sparking through him. He didn't deserve the title. These results today had nothing to do with him, he'd built an advanced institute upon the foundation of a technology that didn't make muster.
"S-s-sen, eep!" She jumped back swiftly, her hands shooting up to cover her mouth with fearful shock and awe when he sneered and attempted to strike her.
"Damn girl…" He muttered angrily at himself before sighing.
"You thought it was me all along. I swear I saw something in you, but I wasn't resolute. I doubted you, questioned your resolve, your drive, and desire. Most of all, your desperation. That was 2-weeks ago and now here you stand. A testament to the indomitable spirit of your Hyuga clan." He looked up to meet her eyes to see the girl spilling tears.
"I haven't changed, but you have. You've evolved and in doing so have earned my most profound respect." He smiled, sighing with relief. The unseen weight he'd been carrying far before he met her simply melted away. His respect for her transcended their teacher-student relationship. There would be some hard truths to reconcile with her, he knew. She still hadn't bothered him with questions after learning about his past, but he could smell her wish to do so. He supposed she was just waiting for the right time, but he knew she wouldn't let it rest for much longer.
"Sensei…" The word died on her lips. "I mean…" She tried, tentatively reaching a hand out to touch his shoulder.
Overcome with emotion, Kori silently pulled the girl into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around her like a shield against the world. The scent of sweat and determination clung to her, a potent reminder of the personal battle she had just won. "You've done it, Hinata," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Your training is complete." His hold tightened, a silent promise of unwavering support. "I got nothing more for you here. But learning is eternal."
Hinata, her heart pounding in her chest, returned the embrace with equal fervor. Tears of joy and exhaustion blurred her vision, but she savored the moment. "You're wrong, I couldn't have done it without you, sensei," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. "You pushed me harder than I thought possible. We made each other better, don't be so self-centered."
Kori huffed stubbornly as he released Hinata, looking at her flatly, and shrugging to say he gave up. The teenager was in a pleasant mood, and she was going to show it by ignoring his irrational outburst. She'd call him sensei out of principle alone.
His gaze searched her, still taking it all in as his hands lingered on her shoulders for a moment. He was certain her little show wasn't a snapshot in time, this Hinata was here to stay. She stood confidently, her eyes were strong, back straight, head held up. She no longer hunched or shrank into herself.
In response a small, defiant smile tugged at her lips. "So, what's next?" Her question hung in the air, a challenge, a promise of continued growth.
"Now comes the hard part, Princess." He said grimly, his voice laced with a mixture of pride and apprehension as he stood to his full height. He placed his hand to her head, gently combing his hand through her hair to fix soft, frayed strands into place. Hinata bowed her head into his hand slightly, seemingly pleased, but he didn't pay it much mind. His next words wouldn't be pleasant.
"You need to go home, Hinata. You need to show them who you are, who you really are. The girl you always have been. Prove to them that you're not the weak, useless shadow they think you are. That they overlooked you, misjudged, misunderstood, underestimated. They value strength above all else? Let them know they didn't break you, they never did. Show them the strength you've cultivated. Don't let them dim your light, don't ask for permission."
Hinata's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of excitement and trepidation. She wanted to savor this victory, to bask in the glow of her accomplishment. But Kori's words were a sobering reminder of the world beyond these training grounds. "I know," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "But can't I at least wait until tomorrow? I need to process this."
Kori shook his head, a firm expression replacing the earlier warmth, filling her with disappointment. "No, Hinata. The sooner you face them, the better. This isn't about you being ready. It's about them realizing they were wrong. Delaying it will only fuel their doubts." His voice softened. "But I'll be with you, every step of the way. If anything happens, hold it together until you can get away. You know where to find me."
"I understand," Hinata replied quietly, managing a small smile.
Kori smiled and shook his head. "Hey, don't worry. I'm not sending you off just like that. Let's head back to the institute and get your things. We still have most of the day to ourselves." He grinned, patting her on the head before glancing around.
"Besides…" He blinked, realizing the mess. "I'll have to pay for a D-rank mission to clean this up, thanks to your little show. Any chance your team would...?"
"Not a chance, sensei," Hinata replied with an indignant pout. "Don't even joke about that."
Kori shrugged, chuckling softly. "Worth a try. Let's get moving, we need to check in with Hokage-sama and let him know what's going on. We'll get Rin-sensei started on your discharge."
"Yes, sir!" Hinata saluted playfully, practically skipping as they made their way back to the village.
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"Ohayo!" Hinata greeted as she and Kori arrived at the Hokage's waiting area.
"Hinata-sama, good afternoon." The Hokage's secretary smiled, momentarily distracted from jotting down scheduling reminders.
"It is that," Kori added, stepping in behind Hinata with a grin as he approached the secretary's desk.
"Kori-san. You…look well" The woman nodded slowly, a hint of wariness in her voice. "How can I help you?"
"Not much," he replied, reaching into his vest pocket beneath his medical haori and pulling out an envelope. "We need to check in with the Hokage. And can you send this out with the next mail run? It's for my sister." He handed her the envelope.
"I see," she nodded. "Yes, I can do that. Your timing is good; he has ten minutes free now. You can go ahead, and I'll announce your arrival." She offered a tentative smile.
"Much appreciated." Kori grinned, suddenly inspired. "Here. I've got a couple of passes for the Songbird events around the village in the upcoming months. They're gearing up for the finals." He placed them on the desk. "You've dealt with a lot of my frustrations, so consider it a thank you."
"Wha-...but…" The secretary was speechless as she looked at the laminated passes. Working as the third Hokage's secretary wasn't easy, and the long hours mirrored the Hokage's own dedication. While the job was rewarding, it required resilience.
"These are good for multiple events. You shouldn't have to pay for anything unless it's merchandise or memorabilia," Kori shrugged. "It's not a bribe. Do with them what you will."
"T-thanks…" She examined the passes. Perhaps her patience was finally paying off. With the Chunin Exams, there was some downtime, allowing her a bit of free time.
Hinata stood aside, smiling brightly as Kori took the lead. "That was very kind, sensei," she whispered.
Kori winked, returning her smile as he ruffled her hair. "I've caused her a lot of stress over the years, but she never treated me unfairly. Once, she even warned me about betraying the Hokage again—said she'd kill me if I did. I believe her." He chuckled, turning to knock on the Hokage's door.
"Sensei, you're awful," Hinata admonished playfully. It seemed Kori had alienated nearly the entire village at some point.
"I know, Princess... believe me, I know." He sighed with a touch of regret.
"At least you're trying," she said, smiling warmly.
The Hokage's voice called out, granting them permission to enter.
Hinata and Kori entered the Hokage's office, despite the open atmosphere of the office, the air was thick with expectation. The space filled with maps and scrolls, books and paperwork, and the near wall holding framed pictures of every village leader to date - reflected the village's past, standards, responsibilities as burdens of honor.
The Hokage, a man marked by years of experience, wasn't behind his desk for once but working on a rather abstract painting of some sort. However, his gaze was steady on the newcomers, peering at both entrants as he paused and calmly raised to his feet.
"Hinata-chan, Kori-kun," he began, his voice tinged with weariness. "If I'm not mistaken, we didn't have anything scheduled." He smiled, moving to sit behind his desk as he waved them in. "Still, it's good to see you both, now to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Kori and Hinata stepped forward. Sarutobi quietly noticed Hinata's confident posture as she dipped into a deep, gracious bow.
"Sandaime-sama," Kori followed with a bow of his own. He grinned knowingly as he glanced at the leader's painting in progress and back again, the scent of paints lingering on the air. "How goes the painting."
The Hokage smiled and shook his head. "Relaxing, but getting it to look how I imagined is almost an exercise in futility." He chuckled. "Now, I'd like to finish sometime today. Now, no more stalling. Out with it."
Kori shrugged gently as Hinata looked up to him and he nodded.
Smiling brightly, Hinata addressed the old Hokage to deliver the good news. "Lord Hokage, I'm pleased to report that I've completed my training with Kori-sensei and my previous injuries have long since healed. I'm ready to rejoin the village as an active shinobi, as soon as I'm able."
"I see…" The Hokage nodded, a little taken aback as he looked to Kori to hear his piece.
Kori nodded, a supportive smile on his face. "It's all true. She's pushed herself beyond my expectations, Hokage-sama. The sample size is admittedly small, given she's just started her career but I believe she's prepared for any challenge. I'll even say that her body is in even better condition after rehabilitating. I'm prepared to sign-off on it."
The Hokage leaned forward, relieved by Kori's admittance, and his eyes intent. "Better than before? Interesting." Hiruzen mumbled before nodding. "Very well then," he said, his tone measured as he turned to address Hinata with a kind smile. "I will return you to Kurenai's responsibility, activated for duty. We look forward to your continued progress and expect great things from you, Hinata."
Hinata bowed respectfully. "I won't disappoint you, Hokage-sama."
"And Kori, thank you for your hard work. I know times have not been all that kind or easy for you." Sarutobi added. "Know that your dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. That said, I hope you'll not simply cut ties with your junior now that she's no longer your student, although I know Kurenai will be quite pleased to have her back."
"Hinata will always have my support, I'm loyal like that." Kori winked, chuckling at the irony of his statement. "We'll see you later." As they exited, Kori turned to Hinata with a proud grin. "Well done, Hinata."
Hinata returned his smile, a wave of accomplishment washing over her. The road ahead was still very uncertain, but she felt a profound sense of peace, and a sense of balance she hadn't experienced since her mother passed.
As the glow of the early evening fell over Konoha, Hinata and Kori stood outside of the entrance gates of the Hyuga estate. Two, silent, stony-faced Hyuga branch members stood outside on either side of the entrance gates as Kori saw Hinata home.
"Good work today, Hinata. Truly." Kori smiled keenly. "Remember what I said earlier, and come by the house tomorrow at noon, after you've had a chance to see Kurenai-san. We'll start tweaking some things and work on some seal work, not necessarily in that order. Tomorrow starts a new path for you."
"I know, and thanks again." Hinata bowed slightly. "Also, don't you forget what I said…together, we did it together, right?" She smiled brightly in her usual soft spoken way.
"No worries," Kori said as he bowed deeply to the girl. As he leaned down, he placed a hand to her head as he moved to kiss her briefly on the forehead, causing Hinata to blush fiercely. Both guards nearby acted as if they hadn't noticed the interaction. "Now, off you go and we'll see you tomorrow, heiress." Kori winked knowingly as he turned to go home.
Hinata smiled appreciatively, still blushing as she placed a hand to her forehead. She could still his lips from the gesture. "Good evening," Hinata bowed.
"Hinata-sama," both bowed as she made her way past and stepped through the gates. Once she had, both guards looked at one another, their expressions edging on surprise and asking each other the same question.
One shrugged, as if to say, 'who knows?' They shared a knowing grin for all of a second before their blank expressions returned and they stood at attention like before.
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The Hyuga compound was peacefully quiet in the late evening, it was well after dinner, and Hinata helped the kitchen staff get the kitchen cleaned up afterwards - sharing in conversation amongst the Hyuga staff there as many asked how her time with Kori went. Many were genuinely curious and without bias or judgment having heard as many positives as negatives about Kori. Only a few had worked with the young man before, but no one from the branch family.
Now, the cool breeze rustling the leaves of the ancient trees that stood as silent guardians over the quiet, large estate as she found time to herself. Hinata sat on the veranda, her eyes closed as she meditated, trying to center herself after the intense training and another full day with Kori. Her thoughts were a swirl of emotions and reflections, but she found solace in the calm of the moment.
Hanabi approached quietly, her steps hesitant as she neared her sister. She paused for a moment, watching Hinata with a mixture of admiration and uncertainty. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke, breaking the silence.
"Hinata-neechan," Hanabi's voice was soft but steady, "Can we talk?"
Hinata opened her eyes, her serene expression turning into a warm and welcoming smile as she looked at her younger sister. "Of course, Hanabi. Come, sit with me." She tapped the open spot next to her.
Hanabi took a calming breath as she sat down beside her older sister, the tension between them palpable but slowly eased into a comfortable silence. They sat in that still silence for a moment, the shared quiet grounding them.
"Kori-san...he made me realize some things a while ago, after I kind of…followed him home one day." Hanabi began, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "About you, about our clan. I didn't understand why you did certain things before, but now I see you were trying to protect me."
Hinata's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of gentle understanding, and not at all surprised that Hanabi had done that. "I did what I thought was best, Hanabi. Our father...he can be harsh, and I didn't want you to bear the brunt of it. But I see now that maybe I wasn't giving you enough credit. You've grown so strong."
Hanabi frowned, her gaze fixed on the ground. "I always felt like I was living in your shadow, but now I realize that you were doing everything you could to keep me safe. It must have been so hard for you."
Hinata reached out and took Hanabi's hand, squeezing it gently. "It wasn't easy, but I did it out of love. Our clan has so many expectations, so many burdens. But I believe in you, Hanabi. I always have. You're more than capable of standing on your own."
Hanabi looked up, her eyes meeting Hinata's. "And what about you, sister? What do you hope for in the future?"
Hinata's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a quiet determination. "I want to prove myself, not just to our clan, but to myself. I want to show that kindness and strength can coexist. And most important, I want us to support each other…to be there for each other through everything. Nothing more."
Hanabi nodded slowly, her thoughts aligning with her sister's. "I want that too. I want us to be a family, not just in name but in spirit. I don't want our father to remove you from the clan. I thought I wanted to be heiress, but I was just jealous. I don't want it if it means you're forced from the clan. And Kori-san...he's helped me see things more clearly. Father seems to think highly of Kori, and I think he wants us to succeed, in his own way."
"He's tough, but he's fair," Hinata agreed. "He's pushing me to be my best. I'm sure you can tell that he wants us to face our fears and overcome them...to come together, and I think we can learn a lot from him. In that same way, he can also learn from us."
The two sisters sat in silence again, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. They had faced many challenges, but now, together, they felt ready to take on whatever the future held. Their individuality helped them come together in more ways instead of some artificial rivalry driven by the Hyuga elders.
"Let's make a promise, Hanabi-chan." Hinata said softly, turning to face Hanabi fully. "No matter what happens, we'll always have each other's backs. We'll support each other and work together to make our clan better, to make ourselves better, and maybe assist Kori with his own struggles… He doesn't show it, but he has just as much, if not more, stress and pressure on him as well. Maybe you should come with me tomorrow while we get some practice in."
Hanabi smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile. "That sounds great! And I promise, Hinata. We'll face the future together."
They embraced, the warmth of their sisterly bond enveloping them. In that moment, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them united, stronger than ever before.
The soft twilight glow cast long shadows across the Hyuga compound as the sisters sat together, feeling a restored, yet newfound closeness and understanding. The moment of serenity was abruptly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Both Hinata and Hanabi turned to see their father, Hiashi, striding towards them with his usual stern expression.
"Hanabi," Hiashi's voice was firm and authoritative, "I need to speak with your sister alone. Please, leave us."
Hanabi glanced at Hinata, worry flickering in her eyes, but she nodded obediently. It was not a request. "Of course, Father." She squeezed Hinata's hand once more before standing and walking away, casting one last look over her shoulder before she disappeared into the house.
Hiashi waited until Hanabi was out of sight before turning his full attention to Hinata. His gaze was sharp, scrutinizing every inch of her.
"Hinata," he began, his tone cold, "I have been monitoring your progress under Kori's guidance closely, as well as I have met with him in recent days. In light of exchanging ideas, I have thus far refrained from questioning his expertise."
"I understand. But…" Hinata spoke quietly, but without stammer, and sureness that Hiashi couldn't recall ever seeing in his eldest daughter.
If Hiashi were taken aback, or otherwise surprised by Hinata's tone, he didn't show it. Simply continuing with his thoughts.
"That he has seen it fit that you return home, discharged from his medical responsibilities speaks to a favorable position for you, and I will agree with his position…until shown otherwise. Therefore, despite this sign of acceptable progress, I feel it prudent to remind you of your current reality… It is crucial that you do not waste his time, and continue along this path as you have the winds at your back. Kori-san is an exceptional ninja, one who takes great pride and joy in his work without sacrificing consistent success, and his efforts should not be squandered on someone who cannot uphold the dignity of our clan."
Hinata straightened, meeting her father's gaze with a calm determination and an understanding that his words, for once, did not come as a threat, but as a statement to remain disciplined, dutiful and mindful…although she was never once either one of those things. "I understand, Father. I am doing my best to improve and not disappoint Kori-sensei. On the contrary, I hope to heighten his expectations."
Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your best has often been insufficient, Hinata. Remember that your position in this clan is precarious, even now. I have not changed my mind about making Hanabi the heiress if you continue to show weakness. However, I will concede to considering allowing you to retain your birthright. Just know, any one mistake can and most likely will, sway my decision the other way again."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Hinata felt a familiar sting of disappointment and pressure, but she refused to let it overwhelm her as her father's concession brightened the light at the end of the tunnel just a little bit more. "I shall not let you down, Father. I will do everything in my power to prove myself. Kori-sensei wishes to continue working with me as I return to active duty."
Hiashi's expression remained stern, but there was a flicker of something in Hiashi's eyes—doubt, perhaps, or a sliver of hope. "Good. Focus on yourself, Hinata. Do not let Kori down. He has taken a great personal risk by training you, and it is your responsibility to show him that his faith in you is not misplaced."
Hinata nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I understand. I won't let him down. I will honor our clan."
Hiashi studied her for a moment longer, as if weighing her words. "See that you do," he said finally. "You may return to your activities."
He turned and walked away, leaving Hinata alone. She watched him go, her heart heavy but her spirit unbroken…strengthened. The conversation had been a stark reminder of the expectations placed upon her, but also of her own inner strength and determination. As well as responsibilities to herself, not only Kori.
As the evening deepened, Hinata rose to her feet. She would train for a few hours, perhaps dig into the Rhythm Release scroll to gain a better understanding of this technique's machinations. To push herself beyond her limits. She had made a promise to herself, her father, the Hokage, Kori, and now…Hanabi. And she intended to keep it. She would not let Kori down, nor would she allow her father's doubts to define her.
Hinata watched as her father walked away, the heavy conversation leaving her with lingering questions and a growing curiosity about Kori. Determined to understand more about the man who was now her mentor, she quickly made her way after Hiashi, catching up to him just before he reached the inner hall of the compound.
"Father," she called, her voice steady. Hiashi paused, turning to face her with a raised eyebrow. "May I ask you something?"
Hiashi regarded her with his usual stern expression, but he nodded stiffly, giving her permission to continue. "You may."
"Why do you have a favorable view of Kori?" Hinata asked, her tone respectful but filled with genuine curiosity. "Despite his past with Orochimaru and the role he played in Anko Mitaraishi's kidnapping years ago, you seem to trust him implicitly. Can you tell me why?"
Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered her question. He took a moment before answering, weighing his words carefully. "Kori's past is indeed dark, and his actions under Orochimaru's influence were reprehensible…betraying the Hokage as he did. However, people are not solely defined by their past mistakes, and Kori is no better example of that. He has shown a willingness to atone for his actions, shown positive overall growth, and a dedication to using his skills for the betterment of others."
Hinata nodded, absorbing her father's words. "But what can you tell me about Kori as a person? What made you decide to trust him enough to stay your…decision and give him the chance to mentor me? "
Hiashi's expression softened slightly, a rare occurrence that caught Hinata by surprise. "Kori was once one of the most promising ninjas in our village, even now, as unpopular as he is…he is still regarded as one of the best iryo-nin outside of Tsunade Senju and Ren Nohara. His skills as a medic-nin and seal master are exceptional, and his strategic mind is unparalleled. Despite his betrayal, he has spent years proving his loyalty to Konoha, bettering himself and others, enhancing his craft, and often undertaking dangerous missions and personal risk to protect our village. He's never asked for forgiveness, never said he's changed. Instead he's chosen to lower his head and to let his actions speak for him."
He paused, his gaze distant as if recalling old memories. "When he returned to Konoha, he sought forgiveness and redemption. The Hokage, along with the council, believed in giving him a chance to prove his worth. That he was indeed worth saving. I have seen firsthand his dedication and the lengths he will go to make amends. And as a result his training methods may be harsh, but they are effective, and his knowledge is invaluable."
Hinata listened intently, her respect for Kori growing with each word. As well as her father, in light of this altruistic side of him she'd never seen before. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Father. I will do my best to learn from him and honor the trust you and the village have placed in him."
Hiashi nodded, his stern demeanor returning. "See that you do. Kori's guidance can be the key to unlocking your potential, but it is ultimately up to you. Do not dwell on his past but focus on what you can learn from him and how you can grow."
Hinata bowed deeply, showing her respect and gratitude. "I understand, Father. I will work hard and strive to become a ninja worthy of our clan."
With that, Hiashi turned and continued into the hall, leaving Hinata standing alone. She felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Understanding more about Kori's past and his efforts to redeem himself only strengthened her resolve to learn from him and grow stronger.
She walked towards the training grounds on the Hyga clan property, ready to face whatever challenges awaited her, determined to honor her family's legacy and her mentor's trust.
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The Hokage's office was a fortress of strategy, a command center where the fate of the village hung in the balance. Today, it was filled with an atmosphere of grim determination. Around the imposing wooden table sat the village's elite: the Jonin, each a seasoned warrior, their faces etched with lines of experience and unspoken resolve; and the silent, shadow-like figures of the ANBU, their presence a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond the village walls.
At the head of the table sat the Hokage, his weathered face a testament to years of leadership. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, scanned the room, assessing the readiness of his forces. "The intel is clear," he began, his voice low and measured. "Sound and Sand are planning a joint attack during the Chunin Exams. They intend to use the chaos as a smokescreen to infiltrate the village."
A murmur rippled through the room, a low growl of anticipation and anger. The Jonin exchanged grim glances, their hands unconsciously tightening around the hilts of their swords. The ANBU remained impassive, their faces hidden behind the familiar masks, but their postures spoke volumes about their readiness.
"We cannot allow this to happen," the Hokage continued, his voice rising slightly. "We must be prepared to meet their forces head-on. I want every available Jonin and ANBU deployed to key locations within the village. We need to protect the civilians, the exam proctors, and most importantly, the Genin participants."
A beat of silence followed, broken only by the soft rustling of papers as the Jonin commanders made notes. Then, one by one, they began to voice their strategies, their plans for defense and counterattack. The room buzzed with activity, a hive of tactical minds working in unison.
The Hokage listened intently, his face a mask of calm as he absorbed the information. When the last suggestion had been made, he nodded slowly. "Good. We have a plan. Now, let us hope it is enough."
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AN: You may or may not notice a difference in the level of detail and less dialogue. This will likely be the way from here on out. I'm a professional among hobbyists, that much is clear and a few platforms are looking more and more attractive. And I refuse to drown here, where loyalty and comfortability stayed my hand. I got two big projects I'm writing, with two soon-to-be-employed artists, an editor, and assistant writer that I have to be responsible for (as stated in my profile)
The Whirlpool's Very Own update has made it very clear my time isn't valued here. Not a single comment, but readership is in the high hundreds. I don't know when I'll update next, it could be a few days to never again. That's where I'm at right now. It is what it is.