Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Hinata Chronicles ❯ Switch Personalities ( Chapter 8 )

The Hinata Chronicles

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The Chunin Exam: Switch Personalities

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“Cheers!”

Team Yuu toasted to all three of them who made it to the next round.

“Tamiko, you were great! Finishing it off like that was so cool” Yuu praised him. He blushed and turned aside. Kin landed a fist on Tamiko's head in jealousy causing him to tumble to the ground..

“Me? What about me? I think I ended mine better.” Kin tried to steal the attention. Hinata decided to play along.

“Actually, I think Tamiko's finishing attack was better.” Tamiko shot up from the ground and accidentally bumped his head on the table. They all laughed. Apparently, none of them were in any shock at how Hinata reacted. Only those who knew the old Hinata would feel it.

 

She was always stammering, blushing at simple remarks and fainting. She was so gently, and fragile. She used to be soft spoken and kind. Her battle with Neji three years ago was a clear contrast to what happened today. Everyone, including Choji and other unfamiliar people knew Hinata had changed. Only dim-witted Naruto sensed nothing and was practically jumping off his seat upon seeing Hinata in battle. He too made it to the next round after defeating a shinobi from Konoha.

 

“Hinata!” Naruto yelled as he took a seat beside Tamiko squeezing into the two-sitter diner chair ignoring the other empty seats.

“Naruto kun” Hinata called sounding exactly like before.

“You were great! I'm so glad you're back! We should practice together some day. Maybe you can teach me some of your moves! O-chan! Ramen please!” Naruto was so excited he was practically yelling.

“Ai, ai. Stop being so loud Naruto.” Sakura said appearing at the door. Sai tailed behind.

Both of them noticed Hinata's change. Just a few hours ago, she was a totally different person, now she seemed almost like before.

“Yuu san, mind if we join you?” Sakura asked politely.

“No no, take a seat. Order a drink, my treat,” Yuu smiled.

Tamiko instantly leaned over the table to place his face inches away from Sakura's face. “Your beauty's radiance competes with the moon. Will you kiss me?” he motions his lips towards Sakura.

Instead of a kiss she gave him a hard whack with her fist.

“Get away you pervert!” Sakura yelled. Then later apologized to Yuu who brushed it off.

Over the night, Sakura could have sworn Hinata was just like her old self, blushing deeply when ever someone compliments her.

 

It was late, way past their bed time.

“Time to go kids. It's late.” Yuu got up while paying the bill. His eyes almost popped out of it's sockets when he saw the bill.

“Ha ha! You're the one who said `my treat'.” Kin laughed at her sensei.

Yuu smirked. I was speaking to our three guests. You three pay up!” He placed his hands out. Everyone sweat dropped. As the three reluctantly paid up, a messenger came in with a letter for “Hinata sama” as he put it. Inviting her for a Gratitude Ceremony held at the Hyuuga compound the next morning. It seems that Hiashi was beginning to re-acknowledge her as Hyuuga once more. Hinata didn't want to go, but she had to.

 

The next morning, dressed in her normal attire, she entered the Hyuuga compound to be greeted by a servant girl who insisted that she changed her attire to the formal Hyuuga robes for women. Seeing no point in arguing, she obliged.

As she stepped out of the room, she was swept by a wind of nostalgia. No, I don't belong here anymore. She fought the thought back. Even if I am to remain in Konoha, I'll never.. never.. She couldn't finish that thought. Looking around, she suddenly felt homesick. At that very moment she wished she didn't change.

 

“Ohayo Hinata sama” A voice behind her called. She knew that voice. A voice so similar, how could she forget.

“Hanabi” Hinata turned.

Hanabi was smiling. A very fake smile. Hinata could tell. The two siblings never got along since the day their mother died. Hinata partially blamed her sister for the death of their mother.

“Otou san wants too see you in the tea house.”

Hinata simply nodded and went her way ignoring her still smiling sister.

 

Why did you have to come back? Hanabi angrily cursed her sister.

 

“Hiashi sama, Neji nii san.” Hinata greeted as she took a seat.

“Hinata sama” Neji responded.

“I'm quite surprised you came, I thought you never wanted to have ties with this family anymore.” Hiashi said while Neji poured tea for Hinata.

Hinata looked into her fathers eyes and smiled.

“I could leave if you want me to, but then why take the trouble to prepare this kimono if you `thought' I wasn't going to come?” Hinata stirred accusation and innocence into a perfect blend.

Neji let out a cough.

“Looks like someone has forgotten her roots. Never forget, no matter how tall tree can grow, the roots are the ones that holds it secure.” Hiashi said in as a matter of fact.

Silence in the room. Both father and daughter refused to let it go. If looks could kill, now is the time. Neji sensed the tense in the air and decided to change the topic.

“Hinata sama, where did you learn to us Kaiten?” Neji snapped back as two pair of grey eyes turn to stare at him. Bad move.

“I learned it myself. Yuu did have some writings about a few clans in Konoha.” Hinata took a sip of her tea. As the cup reached her lips she paused.

“What? Afraid we might poison you? Hiashi said in an insulted tone.

Hinata shifted her gaze from her cup to her father.

“I just thought I missed this smell.” She said a little softer this time, then took a sip.

 

“Hyuuga have the best tea, and all that has the word `Hyuuga' on it is the best. Even if they don't acknowledge it.” Hiashi said. Booth of them smiled. They look so alike when they smile. Neji sigh inside him, seeing the possibilities that the relationship would mend.

Hiashi was head of the clan, he needed to maintain his prestige, Hinata was rejected and now suddenly wanted again. It was definitely something challenging.

 

At the ceremony, everyone was happy and the air was light again. Somehow the feeling was like an explosive tag waiting to explode. Harmless at first glance but hazardous in the inside. The morning was pleasant. Even Hanabi was enjoying herself after having a little `chat' with Hinata. Hinata asked to be excused and left while everyone was still eating. Neji followed her. Something was wrong.

 

Hinata was walking the other direction to where she said she was heading to.

“Where are you going? Kurenai sensei?” Neji called.

The `Hinata figure' poofed into revealing a woman that dressed in red.

“A genius is a genius, I was about to doubt your abilities.” Kurenai said.

“You are aware that this is useless. It's not going to solve the problem.” Neji said.

“Neji, what Hinata needs now is her family to accept her, I spoke to her last night. She practically dismissed the whole idea. Over the years, her heart had hardened.” Kurenai sighed.

“At least now, the bridge might be held tighter” Kurenai added.

“Has Kiba returned from his mission yet?” Neji asked.

“Hai, he just returned yesterday. He'll be at the arena today. I'll be meeting his later, will you..”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I'm only playing my part.” Kurenai looked away. “It's the least I can do.”

 

 

 

 

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Author's note

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I'm beginning to like the story development. Heh heh. ;)