Hinata of the White Lotus
Anticipation
The morning of the tournament had arrived.
Hinata sat cross-legged in the center of the eight-trigrams realm, her hands resting lightly on her knees. She supposed she should be nervous. No—there was no question about it. She was nervous. Her chest felt tight, her heartbeat quickened with every passing thought, and yet… there was a strange excitement mingling with the anxiety. For the first time, she felt something close to exhilaration knowing she was walking into battle.
This feeling wasn't hers alone—it was shared. Naruto's promise echoed in her mind, the determination in his voice bolstering her own. She would win against Gaara, earn Neji's respect, and free him from his hatred. Then she would face Naruto, not as a timid girl standing in the shadow of his brightness, but as his rival. Win or lose, she knew she would be content. She just needed to believe in herself long enough to make it to that stage.
The realm around her mirrored the solemn gravity of her thoughts. The eight-trigrams space was infinite, an endless expanse of darkness stretching in every direction. The only light came from the intricate eight-trigrams symbol etched onto the floor beneath her, glowing faintly like embers. Its soft luminescence was the only anchor in this void, casting faint, shifting patterns on Hinata's face and the surrounding emptiness.
The air was cool but heavy, like a quiet storm waiting to break. There was no sound but the steady hum of the glowing symbol and the calm, measured voice of Kali, who hovered above the center of the diagram like a wraith.
Kali's form was both ethereal and commanding, her translucent presence a stark contrast to the infinite shadows surrounding her. She gazed down at Hinata with her usual mix of detached humor and sharp insight, her glowing eyes betraying an affection she rarely voiced. She had been giving one of her characteristic pep talks—equal parts encouragement and cryptic warnings.
"Was it really okay with you, though?" Kali asked suddenly, her tone taking on a curious edge. "I thought you wanted to spend more time with Asura's reincarnation. So why didn't you two keep training together?"
Hinata opened her eyes, the faint glow of the trigrams symbol reflecting in her pale irises. She didn't need to think twice about her answer. "Of course I wanted to see him," she admitted, the boldness of her statement surprising even herself. "But there was no point in our promise if we kept training together."
It was true. She had wanted to stay by Naruto's side, to train and grow stronger together. But their promise had been clear: they would fight as equals, and that meant forging their own paths until the tournament brought them back together.
Kali studied her with a raised brow, her expression unreadable. "Well, at least you're more honest about it now," she said with a shrug. "I'll give you that. It's refreshing."
Hinata smiled faintly but said nothing. Kali had been with her every step of the way, guiding her, pushing her, and helping her uncover strength she never knew she had. And yet, there were still so many unanswered questions about this spirit who claimed to be her past self. She knew far less about Kali than she wanted to, especially considering how much Kali seemed to know about her.
The silence lingered between them, broken only by the faint hum of the glowing trigrams beneath them. Finally, Kali spoke again. "That aside, your training has gone well—better than I expected, given the short time we've had. It's far from what you'll need for the battles to come, but for today, it should be more than enough."
Hinata arched a brow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "If today's tournament is the least of my worries, I'm terrified of what you've planned for me in the future."
Kali chuckled, her voice like a ripple across the void. "You should be," she said bluntly, her tone briefly devoid of humor. Then, just as quickly, her teasing smirk returned. "But that's for another day. You've got plenty of challenges ahead of you right here, right now. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Her voice softened, and for the first time, there was a hint of vulnerability in her tone. "After all, I'm just a spirit from the past. Even I don't know what the future holds for you."
Hinata wanted to respond, to ask the dozens of questions that had been swirling in her mind since Kali first appeared. But before she could, a sharp throb pulsed in the center of her forehead, jolting her back to the present. She recognized the sensation immediately—someone from the outside world was calling her back.
"Good luck today," Kali said, her voice warm and sincere. A rare smile graced her face, one that spoke volumes more than her words. They didn't need to say anything else. They understood each other now, in a way that transcended words.
Hinata gave her a small wave, her own smile soft but resolute. "Next time I come back, let's talk about you for once," she said, her voice light with determination.
Kali's smile widened slightly, but she didn't reply. Hinata didn't wait for an answer. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be pulled back into the real world.
When Hinata's eyes snapped open, she found herself back in her bedroom. The warm morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the walls.
"Nee-sama?" Hanabi's soft voice called from the doorway of Hinata's room, that having been what was pulling Hinata from her meditation. She peeked inside, her pale eyes scanning the space to ensure everything was as it should be. Her gaze landed on Hinata, who was still seated on the floor in a meditative posture, her breathing steady but her expression faintly distant.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, stepping cautiously into the room.
"I'm fine, Hanabi," Hinata replied gently, offering her younger sister a soft, reassuring smile. The concern in Hanabi's eyes brought a pang of guilt—Hinata knew there had been times early in her training when her abrupt returns from meditation left her with splitting migraines. Hanabi had witnessed those moments and had grown cautious about disturbing her. But the more time Hinata spent navigating the boundary between realms, the less frequent those episodes became.
She rose slowly from the floor, stretching her arms above her head and arching her back to work out the stiffness in her muscles. It had become part of her routine after long hours spent in meditation. Hanabi watched her carefully, still standing near the door, as though bracing herself to step in if needed.
"I came to wake you because your team is here," Hanabi explained after a moment, her tone light but purposeful. "Just like you asked." Her voice carried a faint eagerness, a subtle edge that hadn't been there before.
Hinata paused mid-stretch, glancing at her sister. Hanabi's posture was straight, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, but her expression held a flicker of expectation, as though hoping for praise. It was a facet of their relationship that hadn't existed before, this desire to please one another. Hinata couldn't say she disliked it—it was endearing, even—but she couldn't help wondering where the urge stemmed from. Was it a lingering effect of the truths they had uncovered during their family meeting? Or perhaps just a natural part of their bond deepening? Either way, she cherished these moments, rare as they once were.
"Thank you," Hinata said warmly, stepping closer to Hanabi. She reached out and ruffled her sister's hair gently, her fingers brushing through the soft strands. Hanabi giggled, a sound so light and unrestrained that it filled the room with a quiet joy. It was moments like these that made Hinata grateful for how far their relationship had come.
Ever since that fateful conversation with their father, the distance between them had begun to melt away. Certainly, there was still some lingering awkwardness, a hesitance in fully stepping past the walls they had built over the years. But those walls no longer felt insurmountable. They were simply obstacles to be navigated, one kind gesture, one shared moment at a time.
"Come on," Hinata said, her voice tinged with affection. "Let's not keep them waiting."
The two sisters set out together, walking side by side through the quiet halls of the Hyūga compound. The morning light spilled in through papered windows, casting soft patterns along the wooden floors. It was a short walk to the main hall where her team waited, but Hinata savored the time. Hanabi stayed close to her, their steps falling into an easy rhythm.
Hinata reached out, giving Hanabi's hand a small squeeze. Hanabi blinked in surprise but didn't pull away. Instead, she returned the gesture with a shy smile, and the two of them continued forward, together.
Before they even reached the final turn, the sound of excited barking and the unmistakable scratching of nails on wood echoed through the hallway. A white blur rounded the corner, bounding straight toward Hinata. Akamaru leapt into her outstretched arms, tail wagging furiously as he nestled against her with a happy yip.
"Good boy," Hinata giggled, scratching behind the ninken's fluffy ears. Akamaru let out a satisfied growl, his small body relaxing in her embrace. It had been some time since she had seen the little dog—or her teammates, for that matter. Though she had recently resumed training with Kurenai, Kiba had been off on a special excursion with his sister, and Shino had thrown himself into his own preparation for the tournament. Now, at last, they were all together again.
"Yo, Hinata!" Kiba's voice rang out cheerfully as he stepped into view, holding his arms open to call Akamaru back. The ninken leapt from her arms without hesitation, bounding to his master and disappearing into Kiba's jacket with a practiced ease.
"Hinata." Shino greeted her next, his voice calm and stoic as ever. He stood beside Kiba, his face unreadable behind his dark shades. But even his posture seemed subtly relaxed in her presence, an indication of his unspoken trust.
Just behind them stood Kurenai, her presence as poised and commanding as always. She rested a hand on her hip, smiling gently at her reunited team. Her gaze lingered on Hinata, her expression warm with pride.
They were the same as always. Steady. Reliable. Family.
"Kiba-kun, Shino-kun!" Hinata jogged toward them, her heart swelling with affection. Without hesitation, she wrapped them in a light hug. "I've missed the both of you," she said earnestly, the words flowing easily from her. Only now did she realize how much she had longed to see them, how much she had come to rely on their quiet presence in her life.
"…Likewise," Shino said, adjusting his glasses. His tone was even, but there was a faint stiffness in his movements, as if embarrassed by the sudden show of affection.
"You alright, Hinata?" Kiba chuckled, patting her back as he returned the hug with his usual exuberance. "I heard you took down Neji, but I didn't expect you to seem so… different." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "You're a lot more open, y'know?"
Hinata smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Her team may have stayed the same, but she had changed—and for the better.
"She's found her confidence," Kurenai said, her voice warm with approval. Unlike their conversation in the hospital, where her concern had been mixed with uncertainty, Kurenai now radiated pride. She had seen Hinata grow not just in strength, but in spirit, and she couldn't have been prouder.
"Well, I dig the new you," Kiba said with a grin. He seemed content to accept her transformation without questioning it, though the curiosity in his tone hinted he had heard rumors about her new abilities. "Still… I wish I'd been there to see Neji's face when you beat him." His grin widened as he imagined the scene.
"It was quite the sight," Shino said, his voice as composed as ever. He had been present for the fight, and though he rarely shared his thoughts, Hinata could sense the quiet respect in his words.
"We should get going," Kurenai interrupted, checking her watch. "We can catch up more on the way, but it wouldn't do for two of the contestants to be late." Her words drew a chorus of agreement, and the group began to move as one.
Before following them, Hinata turned to Hanabi, who stood waiting patiently. She bent down to hug her little sister, wrapping her arms around her warmly. "Thank you for waking me," she said softly, pressing her cheek against Hanabi's. When she pulled away, Hanabi smiled shyly, clearly pleased to have been of help.
As Hinata straightened, she caught sight of her father approaching from down the hallway. His steps were measured, his expression composed, but there was a softness in his eyes that was new, unfamiliar.
"Hinata. A word," Hiashi said, nodding politely to Kurenai in apology for delaying their departure. Hinata stepped toward him, her movements calm and deliberate, though her heart raced in anticipation.
Hiashi paused, his gaze lingering on her. He looked her up and down, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he smiled—a soft, genuine smile that carried none of the weight of past expectations, only quiet pride.
"Hanabi and I will be watching you," he said, his voice low but steady. "Fight well."
Hinata's chest tightened, warmth spreading through her at his words. It wasn't just encouragement—it was belief. She bowed deeply, not out of fear or duty, but out of genuine love and respect. "I will, Father," she replied, her voice firm and sincere.
For years, their relationship had been fraught with misunderstandings and unspoken pain. Now, standing before him, Hinata felt the beginnings of a new chapter. There was still much left unsaid, but for the first time, it felt like they were meeting as equals—not as a failure and an unyielding clan head, but as family.
"Good luck, Nee-sama!" Hanabi chimed in, her voice bright and cheerful. She stepped closer to Hiashi, standing proudly at his side. Together, they both bowed—not just to Hinata, but to her team as well.
Kurenai gave a polite bow in return before gently ushering her students forward. As the four of them set off toward the arena, Hinata couldn't help but glance back one last time. Hiashi and Hanabi stood side by side, their gazes steady, their presence an undeniable source of support.
For years, Hinata had carried the weight of their expectations, feeling as though she could never truly belong. Now, as she walked with her team, her family watching over her, she felt something she hadn't in a long time: peace.
And with that peace came strength.
Kiba and Shino walked ahead, their voices carrying back to Hinata and Kurenai. "Shino, I'm telling you, you gotta play to the audience a little. Show some flair!" Kiba said, throwing his arms wide for emphasis. Akamaru yipped from inside his jacket, as though agreeing.
"I don't see how that would affect the outcome of the match," Shino replied, his tone as even as ever. He adjusted his glasses, his stoic expression betraying no hint of amusement at Kiba's antics. "Why is that? Because the objective is to win. I fail to see how 'flair' plays into that."
"Man, you don't get it!" Kiba groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "It's not just about winning—it's about winning with style! You think people are gonna remember a guy who just stands there and wins? No! They're gonna remember the guy who takes risks, who pulls off flashy moves, who—"
"—who gets knocked out because he was too busy showboating," Shino interrupted dryly. Kiba stopped mid-sentence, glaring over his shoulder. Shino's lips twitched upward ever so slightly, though it was hard to tell if it was intentional or not. "Besides," Shino added, "your definition of 'flair' often involves unnecessary barking and dramatic lunges. I will stick to what works."
Kiba let out an exasperated sigh, muttering something about Shino being hopeless as they continued their banter. Behind them, Kurenai and Hinata walked in quieter companionship, their footsteps falling in rhythm.
"Things seem to be going well with your family," Kurenai observed, her tone light but thoughtful. Her crimson eyes flicked to Hinata, soft with genuine care. Kurenai had been one of the few people to see behind the veil of the Hyūga clan's internal struggles. She had watched over Hinata for years, supporting her quietly after her rights as the clan's heiress had been revoked. Even so, the exact details of what had happened that day were shrouded in secrecy—something even Kurenai hadn't been privy to.
"We're working through it," Hinata replied, her voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. There was no hesitation in her words, no need to hide her truth from her teacher. "My father is coming to watch me fight today. I don't want to disappoint him." Her words were honest, but the meaning behind them had shifted. She no longer feared his disappointment—she wanted to earn his pride, to continue the fragile but growing connection they were building.
"You won't," Kurenai said firmly, her voice carrying quiet confidence. But after a pause, her expression darkened slightly, her tone growing more serious. "I'm just making sure—you have some kind of plan, right? Your opponent is Gaara of the Sand, after all."
Hinata's shoulders tensed, but she nodded. Together, they had watched the grainy recordings of Lee's fight against Gaara in the preliminaries. Though the footage was far from perfect, it had been enough to convey the brutal nature of the battle.
Lee had fought with unparalleled determination, pushing himself beyond the limits of what most shinobi could endure. He had opened five of the Eight Gates, his body radiating raw power as he matched and even surpassed Gaara's speed. But it wasn't enough. The strain of the gates had left Lee vulnerable, and in the end, Gaara's sand had caught him. The memory of it played vividly in Hinata's mind: the sickening crack of bone as Gaara crushed Lee's leg and arm with a casual cruelty that made her stomach turn.
The thought of that same fate befalling her sent a shiver down her spine. She took a deep breath, willing herself to stay composed. "I know what I must do," she said quietly, though the words felt more like a mantra than a declaration. Even with all the confidence she had been cultivating, the looming threat of Gaara cast a shadow over her resolve.
Kurenai studied her for a moment, her sharp gaze softening. "We'll be cheering for you," she said, her tone warmer now. She gestured ahead to Kiba and Shino, who were still engaged in their lighthearted argument. "And if things look bad, just remember—none of us would hesitate to jump in for you."
Hinata's heart swelled at her teacher's words, a deep gratitude blooming within her. She knew Kurenai meant every word, as did her teammates. They had always stood by her, even when she was weak and unsure of herself. Now, she had to repay their faith. She had to stand strong, not just for herself, but for them as well.
"I won't let it come to that," Hinata said softly, her voice firm with quiet determination.
The path ahead grew shorter, and before they realized it, the arena loomed before them, its massive structure casting long shadows across the ground. The hum of anticipation filled the air, the promise of battle electrifying the atmosphere.
As they approached the gates, Hinata took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. Her teammates' chatter faded into the background as her focus narrowed. She wasn't just fighting for herself today. She was fighting for her family, for her team, and for the person she was striving to become.
Kurenai placed a gentle hand on her shoulder as they reached the entrance. "You're ready, Hinata. Don't doubt that."
Hinata nodded, her nerves settling as the warmth of Kurenai's words enveloped her. She glanced ahead at her teammates, at Kurenai, and then at the looming entrance to the arena. This was her moment. This was her chance to prove, not just to the world, but to herself, how far she had come.
And she would face it head-on.
"Kiba and I are this way," Kurenai said, nodding toward the audience entrance. The competitor entrance loomed ahead, a pathway that seemed to radiate both excitement and tension. "Good luck, both of you. I'm proud to have you as my Genin team." There was a warmth in her voice, but also a quiet acknowledgment that this might be one of the last times she referred to them as Genin. Depending on how Hinata and Shino performed today, promotions to Chūnin weren't just possible—they were likely.
"Do your best!" Kiba shouted, his voice carrying above the hum of the crowd. The volume drew a few curious glances, but he paid them no mind. "One of you better win this whole thing, you hear me?" Akamaru barked in agreement, his little head poking out from Kiba's jacket as though seconding the challenge.
With a final wave of encouragement, Kurenai and Kiba disappeared into the flow of spectators, leaving Hinata and Shino standing alone at the threshold of the competitor entrance.
The atmosphere around them shifted, heavy with unspoken words and anticipation. Neither was the type to fill silence needlessly; they both preferred the quiet presence of the other, often letting Kiba take the lead in conversations. Yet this moment was different. Today, they weren't just teammates—they were competitors. Rivals. And the possibility of facing each other in the final round loomed over them.
Hinata glanced sideways at Shino. His posture was as composed as ever, his hands tucked neatly into his pockets, his face unreadable behind his dark glasses. Despite his calm demeanor, there was something different in his presence—an energy that hinted at the excitement even he couldn't fully suppress.
"Shino-kun…" Hinata finally broke the silence, her voice quiet but steady. She knew this was a moment that required words, no matter how much easier it might have been to let the silence stretch. "Good luck in your matches." She smiled softly, her words carrying genuine warmth. "I hope… we can both make it to the final round."
Shino tilted his head slightly, as though considering her words. Then, with deliberate care, he nodded. "Thank you. I also wish you success in your match, Hinata. I have been… curious about the full extent of your new abilities." His tone was as measured as ever, but there was a glimmer of something more beneath it—an almost imperceptible eagerness. "If we both win our matches, I look forward to testing myself against you."
Hinata blinked, surprised by his candid admission. "You mean… you want to fight me?" she asked, her cheeks flushing faintly.
"Of course," Shino replied simply, his tone matter-of-fact. "You've changed significantly, Hinata. Not just in strength, but in confidence and presence. To test my skills against yours would be both an honor and a challenge. I believe it would be a valuable experience for us both."
His words were encouraging, yet delivered with such evenness that they almost sounded clinical. Even as he extended his hand to her for a handshake, his movements were precise, almost businesslike.
Hinata couldn't help but giggle, her earlier nerves melting away in the face of Shino's characteristic seriousness. She reached out and clasped his hand firmly, meeting his gesture with equal sincerity. "You're right, Shino-kun," she said, her voice bright with newfound determination. "No matter what happens, let's fight with everything we have."
For a moment, Shino hesitated. Then, in a rare break from his usual stoicism, he gave the faintest of smiles. "Agreed."
As their hands parted, Hinata felt a surge of warmth for her teammate—not just as a friend, but as a rival who respected her strength and potential. The realization filled her with a quiet confidence. Shino's support and belief in her were just as meaningful as Kurenai's pride or Kiba's boisterous encouragement. They had been through so much together, and now, they stood on equal footing, ready to face whatever the tournament brought.
"We've always worked as a team," Hinata said after a moment, her gaze meeting his. "Even as rivals, that won't change. No matter the outcome, we'll still be teammates."
Shino adjusted his glasses, the light catching the lenses and obscuring his eyes. "Yes," he said simply. "The results of the tournament will not affect our bond. However…" He paused, his tone gaining an edge of playful competitiveness. "I do intend to win."
Hinata laughed softly, the sound light and genuine. "Then I'll just have to make sure you don't."
Shino gave a small nod of acknowledgement, and the two of them turned toward the competitor entrance. As they walked side by side into the arena, the tension eased, replaced by a shared sense of purpose.
No matter what happened today, they knew one thing for certain: they were stronger together. As teammates, as friends, and even as rivals.
The roar of the crowd greeted Hinata and Shino as they stepped into the arena, their footsteps crunching softly on the packed dirt floor. The sheer size of the audience was overwhelming, a sea of faces and vibrant colors cascading around the circular structure. Flags bearing the insignias of various villages fluttered in the wind, representing nations both allied and competitive. The energy in the air was electric, charged with the excitement of a crowd eager for the spectacle of battle.
Hinata's ears buzzed with the noise, her nerves igniting with every cheer and shout. This was unlike anything she had ever experienced. This wasn't just a fight—it was a performance for the entire shinobi world. Above her, banners and streamers rippled in the breeze, the weight of countless eyes bearing down on her. For a moment, the thought of being seen by so many made her stomach twist, but she steadied herself. This wasn't just for her promotion. It was for her family, her village, and her own growth.
As her gaze swept across the arena, the scope of what this event represented sank in. These fights were more than personal battles—they were a showcase of their village's strength, a means of solidifying alliances and securing missions. Every movement, every decision she made here would be scrutinized not only by her peers and seniors but by shinobi from every corner of the ninja world. Her actions would ripple far beyond the confines of this arena.
The arena itself was deceptively simple. The central field was a flat expanse of dirt, patches of grass scattered haphazardly across its surface. In one corner, a small grove of trees stood as a natural barricade, their thick trunks and dense foliage casting cool shadows. Nearby, a shallow pond reflected the sunlight, its surface rippling gently in the breeze. The tall stone walls that encircled the field stood as both a barrier and a silent reminder of the countless matches fought here before. Every detail offered opportunities for strategy—though she doubted her opponent would need to rely on such subtleties.
Hinata's gaze shifted upward, drawn to the highest level of the stadium where the most important spectators were seated. The Hokage and Kazekage sat side by side in a shaded box, their presence commanding immediate attention. The Hokage, with his weathered features and kind eyes, radiated wisdom and strength. Hinata felt a flicker of warmth; he had always been kind to her and, more importantly, to Naruto. That alone earned her unwavering trust in him.
The Kazekage, by contrast, exuded an unsettling aura. His expression was unreadable beneath his veil, but his presence was suffused with quiet menace. He was Gaara's father, and though Hinata knew little about him, his reputation alone was enough to make her wary. Subconsciously, she activated the Nichiren Byakugan, her vision expanding as she studied him. There was little to glean beyond his intimidating demeanor, but even that was enough to unsettle her.
Lowering her gaze, Hinata scanned the rows of spectators. Her father and Hanabi hadn't yet arrived, but she knew they would be here soon. Nearby, Kurenai and Kiba had already found their seats alongside Shikamaru's team. Kiba was leaning over the railing, waving wildly and shouting down at her. His enthusiasm earned a few curious glances from nearby spectators, but Hinata couldn't muster the courage to wave back in front of so many people. Instead, she offered a small, private smile in his direction.
She continued scanning the crowd until her eyes landed on Neji. He was seated next to Tenten, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable. As impossible as it seemed from this distance, their gazes locked. In that moment, Hinata could feel his challenge as clearly as if he'd spoken aloud. His words from the hospital echoed in her mind: Defeat Gaara, and then we'll talk. This wasn't just a promise—it was a test. Neji was waiting for her to prove herself, and she nodded subtly, reaffirming her determination.
Hinata finally turned her attention to the other competitors. Across the field stood the Sand trio. Temari and Kankurō lingered nervously near Gaara, their unease palpable even from afar. Gaara himself stood apart, glaring up at the Kazekage with an intensity that sent a chill down Hinata's spine. His body was still, but the oppressive aura around him was impossible to ignore. His sand gourd sat heavily on his back, and Hinata could almost feel the malevolence emanating from it. This was her opponent—a force so feared that even his own teammates seemed reluctant to approach him.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Hey! Hinata!" Naruto's shout broke through the din, and she turned to see him waving enthusiastically. His grin was as wide and bright as ever, a beacon of reassurance amidst the tension. Beside him stood Shikamaru, looking less enthused, his hands stuffed into his pockets as though trying to disappear into the ground. The two stood at a cautious distance from the Sand trio, their positions mirroring the tension between the villages.
"Hinata." Naruto greeted again as she and Shino joined them. "You ready for this?" he asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
She nodded. "Naruto-kun. Shikamaru-san," she greeted, her tone polite but warm. Despite her nerves, seeing them grounded her. They were her peers, her allies—people who understood what she was feeling in this moment.
"Yo," Shikamaru replied with a lazy wave, though his eyes flicked warily toward Gaara. "Thanks for the save back then," he muttered under his breath, clearly referencing the hospital incident. His voice was low, but the gratitude was genuine.
"Where's Sasuke?" Shino asked, his calm voice cutting through the conversation. His observation was astute—Sasuke's absence was conspicuous. It wasn't like him to be late, especially not for something this important.
"My opponent, Dosu, isn't here either," Shikamaru added, glancing toward the entrance. His tone was casual, but there was a flicker of unease in his expression.
Before they could speculate further, the proctor stepped forward. "Ahem." The Jōnin cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. His demeanor was relaxed, but there was an air of authority about him. "Name's Genma," he said, the senbon between his teeth twitching as he spoke. "I'll be your proctor for this exam… and there's been a slight change in the lineup."
He held up a revised roster, and Shikamaru let out a surprised grunt. The name Dosu was notably absent, leaving only eight participants. The rounds were mostly unchanged, though Shikamaru now had one less fight—something he seemed quietly relieved about.
Hinata frowned as she scanned the revised lineup. Dosu had been one of the competitors Kiba had warned her about during the preliminaries. His sudden absence was unsettling, and she couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him.
The weight of the arena settled over them again, but Hinata steeled herself. The matches were about to begin, and her path forward was clear: she had to win. For herself. For her team. For everything she was striving to become.
"What about Sasuke?" Naruto asked, glancing around as if his rival might suddenly appear out of thin air. The match was scheduled to begin at any moment, but the Uchiha prodigy was nowhere to be seen.
"If he's not here in time, he'll be disqualified," Genma said flatly, the senbon in his mouth continuing to twitch slightly as he spoke. The words landed like a blow, heavy and final. The crowd, already restless, erupted into a wave of mutters and dissatisfied murmurs. Sasuke wasn't just any participant; he was a favorite, the last Uchiha, a prodigy everyone wanted to see fight. The prospect of him being disqualified before even stepping into the ring was met with growing frustration.
Naruto's brows furrowed, but his reaction wasn't the panic Hinata expected. Instead, he grinned with a confidence that felt entirely out of place given the circumstances. "He'll be here," he said firmly, no doubt or hesitation in his voice. "Sasuke wouldn't miss this."
Hinata's chest tightened at his unwavering faith. For Naruto, this fight wasn't just about the tournament—it was about proving himself to Sasuke. Their rivalry ran deeper than anyone truly understood, and Naruto had staked his pride on this moment. She admired his belief in his teammate, even as the clock ticked down and Sasuke remained absent.
The tension in the arena grew unbearable. At Genma's signal, the competitors lined up, facing the audience as tradition dictated. Hinata's heart pounded as she stood in formation, her palms damp with nerves. Above them, the Hokage rose to his feet, his presence commanding instant silence. He began his speech, recounting the history of the Chūnin Exams and their importance in fostering alliances and showcasing the strength of young shinobi.
But even the Hokage's words couldn't fully pacify the crowd. Restless murmurs rippled through the stands, the audience growing impatient. Every passing second without Sasuke only fanned their dissatisfaction. Hinata glanced toward Naruto, expecting to see worry etched on his face, but instead, he stood tall, unwavering, his arms crossed and his expression resolute. He really believed in Sasuke.
Then, a flicker of light caught her eye. A glint from high in the stands—a reflection, repeated twice. A message, though she couldn't decipher it. Genma seemed to understand, his gaze sharpening as he stepped forward.
"Uchiha Sasuke has not yet arrived," Genma announced, his voice cutting through the noise. The crowd erupted in groans and complaints, some even booing softly. Genma ignored them, raising a hand to silence the dissent. "Ordinarily, this would mean he is disqualified. However, we have decided to grant him additional time. For now, the first match of the tournament will be moved."
Hinata's pulse quickened, dread creeping into her chest as Genma's gaze flicked toward her. No, not yet. She wasn't ready.
"Instead, the first fight will be Gaara of the Sand versus Hyūga Hinata."
The crowd's mood shifted in an instant, dissatisfaction replaced by a surge of excitement. Cheers erupted, loud and thunderous, as if the air itself had been charged. This was the fight they wanted—two heirs to prestigious lineages, two wildly contrasting styles, pitted against each other. The hype for Hinata versus Gaara had been building for weeks, and now it would begin the proceedings. The energy in the stadium became almost suffocating in its intensity.
Hinata swallowed hard, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She felt the eyes of the crowd, her village, and the shinobi world bearing down on her. Forcing herself to breathe, she reminded herself why she was here: to prove herself. To show her growth. To fight for her future.
As the other competitors began to file toward the waiting area, they paused to offer her encouragement.
"Good luck, Hinata." Shikamaru gave her a pat on the back, his expression filled with unspoken worry. He had been there in the hospital, standing beside her and Naruto when Gaara had nearly killed them all. That memory lingered between them now, though he didn't voice it.
"Hinata." Shino's calm voice steadied her. He stopped beside her briefly, his words quiet but resolute. "You've grown stronger. Show them that strength." He wasn't just speaking of her power—he meant the quiet confidence she had found within herself. He trusted her, and that trust was something she couldn't let down.
Finally, Naruto stepped forward, his grin wide and unshakable. He extended his fist toward her, just as he had before. "We're still meeting in the next round," he said, his voice filled with absolute certainty. Even with Sasuke missing, even with Gaara standing in front of her, he believed in her victory. Just as he believed in Sasuke's arrival.
Hinata's lips curved into a faint smile. "Yeah," she said softly, bumping her fist against his.
With that, the others departed, leaving her alone on the field with Genma and Gaara. The proctor leaned slightly toward her, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "Don't sweat the big stuff, kid," he said, his senbon twitching as he spoke. "I won't let anything happen to you."
His reassurance was kind, but Hinata barely heard it. Her focus had shifted entirely to the boy standing across from her. Gaara was still as a statue, his hands hanging loosely at his sides, but his eyes… they burned with the promise of death. He radiated an aura of malice so intense it felt as though the air itself had thickened.
Hinata forced herself to meet his gaze. Her own eyes, lit with the soft glow of the Nichiren Byakugan, didn't waver. She refused to back down, refused to show fear. She wouldn't lose.
Genma's voice cut through the tension. "Hyūga Hinata versus Gaara of the Sand," he announced, raising his hand. The arena fell deathly silent, the anticipation so thick it was almost tangible.
Hinata's heart pounded, but she steadied herself, repeating her mantra in her mind: Win.
Genma's hand dropped.
"Begin!"
The world seemed to hold its breath.