Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I own none of it.

Summary: A wife's plea answered, Their son would not be raised alone. Raised by the Toads Naruto is bound to become a fearsome Toad Warrior

Chapter 12 - Interlude I

"As the dust settles from the Chunin Exam preliminaries, confrontations brew and long-held truths shatter, setting the stage for profound changes in the lives of Konoha's young ninja."

Note: So there had been a chapter 12 before, but since rewriting chapters 10-11 which I found to be sub-par, I found 12 to be unsalvageable. So this is an entirely new chapter 12!

The Hokage's office was bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, dust motes dancing in the shafts of light that pierced through the windows. Despite the serene atmosphere, the air crackled with tension as Anko Mitarashi and Kakashi Hatake stood before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen sat behind his desk, his hands steepled, his face a mask of calm authority. But his eyes, sharp and assessing, betrayed the gravity of the situation. "Anko, Kakashi," he began, his voice a low rumble, "I trust you understand why I've summoned you."

Anko, her posture rigid and her jaw clenched, gave a curt nod. "Yes, Lord Hokage. Our... disagreement during the preliminaries."

Kakashi, his visible eye narrowed, remained silent. The tightness around his masked mouth was the only indication of his simmering anger.

Hiruzen sighed, the sound heavy with weariness and disappointment. "A disagreement is putting it lightly. Your public display of animosity was unbecoming of shinobi of your rank. It reflected poorly not just on yourselves, but on the village as a whole."

Anko's eyes flashed, a hint of defiance in their depths. "With all due respect, Lord Hokage, I couldn't stand by while Kakashi endangered his student. That curse mark-"

"Is none of your concern," Kakashi cut in, his voice cold as ice. "Sasuke is my student, my responsibility. I don't need a lecture on how to train my team from someone who's never even had a genin squad before."

Anko whirled on him, her coat flaring out behind her. "And that's exactly the problem! You're so focused on training perfect little soldiers that you've forgotten they're children! Children who need guidance, not just orders!"

Kakashi's eye narrowed to a slit. "How dare you question my commitment to my students," he hissed, his usually languid drawl sharp as a kunai's edge. "I've given everything for this village, lost everyone. And you think you can waltz in and tell me I'm unfit to train the next generation? The audacity-"

"Enough!" Hiruzen's voice cracked like a whip, silencing the bickering jonin. He rose from his seat, his robes rustling with the movement. "This petty squabbling ends now. You are both valued shinobi of the Leaf, and I expect you to act like it."

Anko and Kakashi had the grace to look chastened, their gazes dropping to the floor. "My apologies, Lord Hokage," they murmured in unison.

Hiruzen walked around his desk, coming to stand before them. His eyes softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "I understand your concerns, Anko. And I commend your dedication to your students' well-being. But Kakashi is Sasuke's sensei, and we must trust in his judgment."

Anko's fists clenched at her sides, but she nodded stiffly. "I understand, Lord Hokage. But..." She hesitated for a moment before squaring her shoulders. "I request permission to speak with Sasuke about the curse mark. I have... personal experience with it. I believe I can help him understand and control it."

Kakashi's head snapped up, his eye boring into Anko. "Absolutely not. Sasuke is my student-"

"And he is also a shinobi of this village," Hiruzen interjected, his tone brooking no argument. "If Anko believes she can assist in his development, I see no reason to deny her request."

Kakashi's jaw worked beneath his mask, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "Fine," he bit out, the word sharp and clipped. "But I will be present for this... discussion."

Anko's eyes narrowed, a venomous retort on the tip of her tongue. But a sharp look from Hiruzen had her swallowing her words. "As you wish, Lord Hokage," she ground out, the words like shards of glass in her throat.

Hiruzen nodded, a note of finality in the gesture. "Good. I trust that you both will handle this matter with the professionalism and discretion befitting your ranks. The Chunin Exams are a crucial time for the village. We cannot afford any further displays of disunity."

Both jonin bowed, the movement stiff and formal. "Yes, Lord Hokage," they intoned, their voices carefully neutral.

As they straightened, Hiruzen's gaze softened, a hint of understanding in his aged eyes. "You are both exceptional shinobi, and I have the utmost faith in your abilities. Remember, you are not just teachers, but guides. Your students will look to you in these trying times. Be the leaders they need."

With those parting words, Hiruzen dismissed them, watching as they filed out of his office. The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving the Hokage alone with his thoughts.

He turned to the window, his gaze sweeping over the village sprawled out below. The Will of Fire burned bright in the hearts of his shinobi, he knew. But even the strongest flames could flicker in the face of adversity.

It was his duty, as Hokage, to ensure that those flames never wavered. To guide and nurture the next generation, to mold them into the protectors and leaders the village needed.

The Hokage's musings were abruptly shattered by a blur of orange and blond crashing through his window. Shards of glass tinkled against the hardwood floor as Naruto Uzumaki tumbled into the room, his landing less than graceful but his eyes alight with determination.

"Old Man!" Naruto exclaimed, brushing off shards of glass as he straightened. "We need to talk!"

Hiruzen, to his credit, barely flinched at the sudden intrusion. Years of shinobi instincts had him reaching for a kunai, but he relaxed upon recognizing the vibrant chakra signature. "Naruto," he sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness in his tone. "I do have a door, you know."

Naruto had the decency to look sheepish, rubbing the back of his head with a grin. "Sorry, Old Man. I've seen Pervy Sage do it, and it looked a lot cooler in my head."

Hiruzen shook his head, a chuckle escaping him despite the situation. "I'll have to have a word with Jiraiya about appropriate entry methods." He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Now, what's so urgent that it couldn't wait for a proper appointment?"

Naruto's face sobered, the mischievous glint in his eyes replaced by a steely resolve. He plopped down into the chair, leaning forward with his hands on his knees. "It's about Karin. The girl from the Grass Village, the one who came back with us."

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Ah, yes. The unexpected addition to your team during the second exam. What about her?"

Naruto's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. "They're gonna send her back, aren't they? Back to Grass."

The Hokage was silent for a moment, his eyes assessing the young genin before him. "It's a complex situation, Naruto. She is, technically, a shinobi of the Hidden Grass. We can't simply-"

"She can't go back!" Naruto burst out, shooting to his feet. "You didn't see her, Old Man. In the forest. She was terrified, desperate. She begged us not to let them take her back."

Hiruzen held up a hand, silencing the impassioned genin. "Naruto, I understand your concern. But there are protocols, diplomatic considerations. We can't just-"

"She'll die." Naruto's voice was quiet, but the intensity in his words filled the room. "If she goes back, they'll kill her. Or worse."

The Hokage's brow furrowed, a flicker of concern in his aged eyes. "What makes you say that, Naruto? Did she tell you something?"

Naruto shook his head, frustration evident in the tension of his shoulders. "She didn't have to. I could see it in her eyes, Old Man. The same look I've seen in the eyes of cornered animals, the ones who know they're out of options."

Hiruzen was silent for a long moment, his gaze distant as he considered Naruto's words. The boy had always had a way of seeing to the heart of matters, of understanding people on a level that defied his age and experience. If he said the girl was in danger...

"I can't make any promises, Naruto," the Hokage said at last, his voice heavy. "But I will look into the matter. I'll speak with Karin myself, try to understand her situation."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "About that, Old Man..."

Flashback to a few minutes ago

Naruto walked through the sterile corridors of the hospital, his footsteps echoing off the white-tiled floors. The scent of antiseptic and healing chakra hung heavy in the air, a familiar yet unsettling blend. He stopped outside a nondescript door, double-checking the room number before knocking softly.

"Come in," a quiet voice called from within.

Naruto pushed the door open, his usual exuberance tempered by the gravity of the situation. Karin sat on the bed, her vibrant red hair a stark contrast to the dull hospital gown she wore. Her eyes, usually so sharp and assessing, were downcast, staring at her hands folded in her lap.

"Hey, Karin," Naruto greeted, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "How are you feeling?"

Karin's head snapped up, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Naruto? What are you doing here?"

Naruto's eyes lit up, a cheeky grin on his face. "Didn't someone order a dashing hero to save a damsel in distress?"

An awkward silence descended, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between them. Naruto shifted on his feet, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. "So, uh, nice weather we're having, huh?"

Karin blinked, a look of incredulity crossing her face. "We're inside, idiot."

Naruto laughed, the sound nervous and forced. "Right, right. I knew that."

The silence returned, stretching on for long, uncomfortable moments. Finally, Naruto sighed, his hand coming up to scratch at his head as he let out a sheepish chuckle. "I just realized, with everything that happened in the forest, I never properly introduced myself." He stuck out his hand, a broad grin splitting his face. "Naruto Uzumaki, at your service!"

Karin's eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion in their depths. "Why aren't you being used by your village, like I was? Aren't you... you know, like me?"

Naruto's grin faded, a shadow passing over his face. "Used? No, no, the village doesn't use me like, inappropriately or anything. I mean, they use me plenty, don't get me wrong. That's actually kind of a funny story..."

He settled into the chair beside her bed, his expression turning thoughtful. "Well, you see, I don't really know much about my parents or anything. But I was given the name Uzumaki in honor of the clan because of... well, because of what I am." His eyes met hers, a silent plea for understanding. "I was raised by the Toads for the village. And you're a sensor, right? So you can probably figure it out..."

Karin was silent for a long moment, her gaze assessing as she studied the blond shinobi before her. She could sense it, the roiling, malevolent chakra that churned beneath his own bright, vital energy. A jinchuriki, a human sacrifice.

But there was more to it, she knew. Secrets layered upon secrets, a tapestry of lies and half-truths that shrouded Naruto Uzumaki in mystery. And yet, looking into his eyes, those brilliant blue orbs that shone with such sincerity, she couldn't help but want to trust him.

Naruto, sensing her unease, took a step forward, his expression earnest. "Karin, I know we don't know each other very well, and I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. But I promise you, as an Uzumaki, that I will do everything in my power to save you from whatever is waiting for you back in Kusa. I never go back on my word. Believe it!"

Karin's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening at the sheer conviction in Naruto's words. He meant it, she realized. Every word, every syllable, was infused with a determination that bordered on unshakable.

And in that moment, despite the uncertainty that still clouded her future, despite the secrets that still hung heavy between them, Karin felt a flicker of hope ignite in her chest. A hope that maybe, just maybe, she had found someone who would fight for her, who would stand by her side no matter what.

End Flashback

Naruto grinned sheepishly at the Hokage, his hand still rubbing the back of his head. "So, uh, I might have already made a promise to Karin. As an Uzumaki. To do everything I can to help her."

Hiruzen sighed, shaking his head with a mix of exasperation and fondness. "Of course you did, Naruto. Of course you did."

The young shinobi's grin only widened, his eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and determination. "What can I say, Old Man? I'm an Uzumaki. We stick together, no matter what."

The Hokage leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful as he regarded the genin before him. Naruto's compassion, his unwavering loyalty to those he considered family, was both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. It was a trait that would either make him a legend or lead him to ruin.

But looking at him now, seeing the fire that burned in those blue eyes, Hiruzen couldn't help but believe that Naruto was destined for greatness. That he would change the world, one act of kindness at a time.

Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples. "Naruto, you can't just go around making promises like that. There are protocols, diplomatic considerations..."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, a stubborn set to his jaw. "I don't care about protocols, Old Man. I care about Karin. She's been through enough, don't you think?"

Hiruzen was silent for a long moment, his gaze thoughtful as he studied the young shinobi before him. "Naruto," he said at last, "the process of accepting Karin into the village would be much smoother if a major clan or organization were to sponsor her transfer. It would provide a legitimate reason for her to stay, without directly challenging Kusa."

Naruto's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. "A clan sponsor? That's perfect! I'll find one, Old Man. I'll find the best clan in the village to take Karin in!"

The Hokage held up a hand, forestalling Naruto's enthusiasm. "It's not that simple, Naruto. Clans have their own politics, their own agendas. You can't just..."

But Naruto was already on his feet, his mind whirling with possibilities. "Don't worry, Old Man. I've got this. I won't let you down. And more importantly, I won't let Karin down."

With a jaunty wave, Naruto bounded out of the office, leaving a bemused Hokage in his wake.

Hiruzen shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "That boy," he murmured, "he'll either be the making of this village or the death of me."

But as he turned back to his paperwork, the Hokage couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. For if anyone could achieve the impossible, if anyone could find a way to save one lost soul, it was Naruto Uzumaki.

The Will of Fire, it seemed, burned bright in the next generation. And with shinobi like Naruto leading the charge, the future of Konoha looked brighter than ever.

Back in the hospital nurses and orderlies hustled to and fro as Anko leaned against the doorframe, her eyes fixed on the hospital bed. Naruto's animated voice carried through the room, his hands gesturing wildly as he spoke to the red-haired girl propped up on the pillows.

"Don't worry, Karin! Everything's gonna work out, believe it!" Naruto's grin was infectious, his blue eyes sparkling with determination. "My Uncle-Raiya, he's one of the Hokage's old students. He'll make it happen! All I gotta do is find a clan or organization to sponsor you, and you're set!"

Karin's crimson eyes widened, a flicker of hope dancing across her features. She opened her mouth to respond, but Anko's presence caught her attention. She nudged Naruto, trying to get him to notice their visitor.

Anko shook her head, a smirk playing on her lips. Her genin had done well, making it to the Chunin Exam Finals as rookies. Shino and Kiba had stuck around long enough for her to congratulate them properly, but Naruto? He'd vanished the moment the exams ended, leading her on a merry chase through the village.

With a flick of her wrist, Anko sent a kunai whizzing past Naruto's head, grazing his ear. The boy reacted instantly, snatching the blade out of the air before it could endanger Karin. He spun, whipping the kunai back at Anko, suspicion etched on his face.

Anko caught the kunai between two fingers, her smirk widening. "You'll need to work on that, Gaki. Your little girlfriend even tried to warn you." She twirled the weapon before tucking it away.

Naruto's cheeks flushed a bright red, his hand rubbing the back of his head as he laughed nervously. "Ah, sorry, Anko-sensei! And uh, Karin's not my girlfriend. We saved her in the forest, and she asked for help. And get this! She's an Uzumaki! I just gotta help her, y'know?"

Anko cocked an eyebrow, her tone laced with amusement. "With how most clans work, being an Uzumaki would make her more likely to be your girlfriend. But with that hair? I can believe it. Surprised to see one show up from Kusa, but that's the way the world works, kid."

Naruto opened his mouth to explain his plan, but Anko held up a hand, cutting him off. "I heard, Gaki. I'll even try to help if you want. But right now, we need to talk about you. You're facing Sasuke in a month, and I just royally pissed Kakashi off. I need to show that prick what's what, so you need to STOMP on Sasuke in your match."

Naruto's eyes lit up, his previous nervousness forgotten. He leaned forward, eagerness radiating from every pore. "What'd you have in mind, Anko-sensei?"

Anko's grin turned sadistic, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, you know. This and that." Her laughter echoed through the hospital room, a promise of the grueling training to come.

As Hinata made her way through the sprawling Hyuga compound, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The ancient stone pathways, worn smooth by generations of footsteps, wound through meticulously tended gardens filled with vibrant flowers and carefully pruned bonsai trees. The air was heavy with the scent of jasmine and the gentle tinkling of wind chimes, a serene backdrop that belied the turmoil within Hinata's heart.

She paused for a moment, her pale eyes drawn to a particularly stunning painting that adorned the wall of a nearby building. It depicted a fierce battle, Hyuga warriors with blazing Byakugan eyes facing off against a horde of faceless enemies. The brush strokes were bold and confident, each one conveying the strength and pride of the Hyuga clan. Hinata couldn't help but feel a twinge of inadequacy in comparison.

As she continued her journey, her thoughts drifted to her time with Team 7. Training with Sasuke had been a revelation, pushing her to heights she had never thought possible. They had spent countless hours honing their skills, refining their techniques, and forging a bond that went beyond mere teammates. Sakura had often been left behind, unable to keep pace with their relentless drive. Hinata had felt a pang of guilt at first, but the results spoke for themselves.

She had grown stronger, faster, more confident. Her Byakugan had become sharper, her Gentle Fist more precise. She had even begun to develop her own unique style, incorporating elements of water release and genjutsu into her traditional Hyuga techniques. And yet, despite all her progress, she couldn't shake the feeling that it had gone largely unnoticed by her clan.

Until the preliminary matches. When she had faced off against Sakura, Hinata had expected an easy victory. After all, everyone had seen her growth, had witnessed the hours she had put into her training. Sakura, for all her intelligence and chakra control, simply couldn't compare. And yet, as Hinata had stood across from her pink-haired teammate, she had felt a flicker of doubt.

What if the match had been rigged? What if the village higher-ups, in their infinite wisdom, had decided to give the Hyuga heiress an easy fight? It would make sense, in a way. The Hyuga were one of the most powerful and influential clans in Konoha, and Hinata was their future leader. Ensuring her success in the Chunin Exams would only strengthen their position.

But then the fight had begun, and all of Hinata's doubts had melted away. Sakura had fought with a ferocity and determination that had caught everyone off guard. She had used every trick in her arsenal, every bit of knowledge she had gleaned from her studies. But in the end, it hadn't been enough.

Hinata had emerged victorious, her body battered but her spirit unbroken. She had proven, not just to her clan but to herself, that she was worthy of the Hyuga name. That she had the strength and the skill to lead her people into the future.

And then there was Neji. Her cousin, the prodigy, the one who had always seemed an insurmountable obstacle in her path. He had faced off against Shikamaru Nara, a genin from a clan known more for their intellect than their combat prowess. It should have been an easy win for Neji, a chance to showcase his genius and cement his place as the Hyuga's rising star.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans. Shikamaru had proven to be a formidable opponent, his razor-sharp mind more than a match for Neji's Byakugan. In the end, it was the Nara heir who emerged victorious, leaving Neji beaten and broken in the arena.

Hinata couldn't help but wonder if there was a lesson to be learned from Neji's defeat. For all his talk of fate and destiny, had his own bitterness and resentment been his undoing? Was the universe trying to tell him that his path of fury and isolation would only lead to ruin?

As she walked, lost in her thoughts, Hinata barely noticed the Branch House members who bowed deeply as she passed, their faces filled with a newfound respect. Even some of the Main House elders, usually so stern and unyielding, offered nods of acknowledgment and murmured words of congratulations.

It was all so surreal, so different from the life she had known. For so long, Hinata had been the overlooked one, the disappointment, the one who could never quite measure up. But now, with her performance in the Chunin Exams, everything had changed.

She had almost reached her father's study when the sound of his voice, stern and commanding as ever, jolted her from her reverie. "Enter, Hinata," Hiashi called, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Hinata paused, her hand hovering over the polished wood of the door. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, a drumbeat of anxiety and anticipation. This was it, the moment she had been both dreading and eagerly awaiting.

She had come so far, had proven herself in ways she had never thought possible. But facing her father, the man whose expectations had always seemed an impossible weight upon her shoulders, still made her palms sweat and her mouth go dry.

With a deep breath, Hinata steadied herself. She thought of Naruto, of his unwavering courage and determination. She thought of Sasuke, of the strength and confidence he had helped her find within herself. She thought of her team, of the bonds they had forged through blood, sweat, and tears.

Drawing on their strength, Hinata squared her shoulders and slid open the door. She stepped into her father's study, head held high, ready to confront her past and claim her future. Come what may, she would face it with the courage and resilience of a true Hyuga.

As Hinata entered the study, she was immediately struck by the opulence of the room. The walls were adorned with intricately woven tapestries depicting the history of the Hyuga clan, each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship and artistry. The floor was a rich, polished hardwood, the grain so fine it almost seemed to glow in the soft light that filtered through the rice paper screens.

But it was the portrait that hung behind her father's desk that truly caught Hinata's eye. It was a beautiful painting of Hiashi, a pregnant Hitomi, and an infant Hinata, all smiling and full of life. Hinata felt a pang of sadness as she looked at her mother's face, so young and vibrant. She had been taken from them far too soon, when Hanabi was born and complications had arisen.

Below the portrait, sitting atop an ornate scroll cabinet, was a photograph of Hiashi and his twin brother, Hizashi. Hizashi's headband had been framed alongside the picture, a poignant memorial to the loved one Hiashi had lost. Hinata wondered if her father had always been the stern, unyielding man she knew, or if the losses he had suffered had hardened him over time.

Hiashi sat before her, his face an impassive mask as he placed his calligraphy brush down with a soft click. He was the very image of a clan leader, his posture perfect and his gaze sharp. The weight of his responsibilities seemed to hang in the air around him, a palpable force that Hinata could almost feel pressing down on her shoulders.

Every Hyuga was born with the Byakugan, and every Hyuga was trained as a shinobi. The clan numbered in the hundreds, and Hiashi was the one who guided them all. It was a heavy burden to bear, and Hinata could see the evidence of it in the deep lines that had begun to etch themselves into her father's face.

Hiashi let out a sigh, the sound seeming to echo in the stillness of the room. "I understand you used Suiton Ninjutsu during your battle with Sakura," he said, his tone making it clear that it was a statement, not a question.

Hinata nodded, her throat suddenly dry. She braced herself for the lecture she was sure was coming, the same one she had heard countless times before. The strength of tradition, the might of the Hyuga clan, the importance of adhering to the old ways.

But to her surprise, Hiashi's lips quirked up in a smirk, an expression Hinata had never seen on his face before. "And yet Neji, our most illustrious prodigy in years, a true disciple of our ways, failed to advance while you succeeded."

He stood then, making his way around the desk with measured steps. Hinata felt her heart begin to race as he raised a hand, a sudden, irrational fear that he might strike her flashing through her mind. But instead, the hand came to rest on her shoulder, a gentle pressure that made Hinata's eyes widen in shock.

Hiashi lowered himself to her level, his pale eyes boring into hers with an intensity that made her want to look away. But she held his gaze, a new strength burning in her chest.

"I was wrong, my daughter," Hiashi said, his voice softer than Hinata had ever heard it. "I was wrong to think you weak. You didn't immediately excel in the Gentle Fist the way Neji did, the way I did, the way your sister does. I may as well have abandoned you, all I could see was a remnant of the woman I loved who would be unable to bear the weight I carry."

Hinata felt her breath catch in her throat as Hiashi's arm encircled her, pulling her into a hug. She was stiff as a board, her mind reeling as she tried to process what was happening. Her father, the man who had always been so distant, so cold, was holding her like she was something precious.

"No more, Hinata," Hiashi murmured, his breath ruffling her hair. "You are my daughter, and you will have my full support. The full support of your clan. You've proven yourself worthy even without us. You are the future of the Hyuga, even if that future is less... traditional than the elders would like."

He released her then, stepping back with a small smile on his face. But Hinata barely noticed. She was shaking, her hands clenched into fists at her sides as a rage she had never known coursed through her veins.

Before she knew what she was doing, she had lashed out, her palm striking Hiashi's abdomen with a burst of chakra. He stepped back, his eyes widening in surprise even as he hid a grimace of pain.

"I was never weak!" Hinata shouted, her voice raw with emotion. "I never had the hands-on care Neji received from his father before he died. You were too busy with the clan, and it only got worse when Mother passed and you expected me to already be versed in the Gentle Fist."

Tears were streaming down her face now, hot and angry. "By the time I had learned enough to hold my own, you made me fight my little sister! Hanabi, who had received every moment of attention I had been denied. A child who was so proud of being strong like her father, a child who had grown up without ever knowing a mother's love. How could I fight her earnestly? How could I strike out at her and shatter her core belief about herself? How could you have made me do that? How could your great all-seeing eyes have not seen what was so obvious to me?"

Hiashi stood there, stunned, his mouth opening and closing as he searched for words that wouldn't come. Hinata didn't wait for him to find them. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the study, slamming the door behind her with a force that made the walls shake.

Inside the room, Hiashi sank to his knees, his shoulders shaking as tears began to fall from his eyes. They splashed onto the polished wood of the floor, each one a silent acknowledgment of the pain he had caused, the mistakes he had made.

For the first time in a very long time, Hiashi Hyuga wept.