Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Hinata Chronicles ❯ Unexpressed Feelings ( Chapter 13 )

The Hinata Chronicles

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Unexpressed Feelings

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“O-chan, one ramen please!” Naruto yelled. He didn't have the patience to wait for the waitress to take his order.

Suddenly he felt a small movement of air beside him he turned to stare into a deep pair of green eyes. He stumbled back and breathed heavily, heart beating three times faster. Where did she come from? Naruto was trying to add up the math.

“O-chan, one more ramen here” Kin motioned her finger pointing at the table.

Naruto stayed at the corner looking at the brown haired girl. Funny, she looks just like that Tamiko boy. Naruto concluded that they were related. He obviously missed the obvious. Both Shinju siblings had brown hair and had the same evil smirk. The only difference between the two is Kin's green eyes, while Tamiko's black.

 

“Ano, what are you doing?” Naruto asked after calming down. She didn't answer, instead she stared at him with interests. Naruto moved to the left, her eyes followed, to the left, her eyes followed. The annoyed Naruto stood up, hands on the table.

“What are you looking at?” he yelled

 

Kin knew what she saw. This guy knows the pain of loneliness. I can see it in his eyes. And yet, he's still so cheerful. Wonder what's his story? Kin wondered, unconsciously staring at the now annoyed blond.

 

“Ma, sorry, I was just looking at your hair. Eh hehe.” She tried to shake it off.

Naruto sat down, eyeing her suspiciously. She's weird. Their ramen arrived. Both naturally as if by reflex called `Itadaikimas' and dug in.

 

They swallowed the entire bowl clean. Naruto was quite impressed by how she was taking it in. Just when he was getting comfortable with her, she stared at him again.

“What?” Naruto yelled.

“Nothing, just thought you have really nice blue eyes.” Kin said smiling. Naruto blushed.

“Who did you get it from?” Kin asked with interests in her eyes.

“Huh?” Get what?” Naruto, dim witted as usual.

“The blue eyes. I got mine from my father.” Kin said trying to hide the saddnes in her voice. Most Shinju's still couldn't get over the ordeal that took the life many loved ones.

Naruto pondered for a while then smiled.

“I don't know. No one ever told me. I never met my parents. Who knows, maybe my father?” Naruto said cheerfully.

“You're not sad that you don't know who they are? How did they die?” Kin unconsciously interrogated.

“They were fighting for the village, to protect Konoha from the Kyubi.” His eyes, widened.

“How come I never wondered who they were? Do you think they were famous?” Naruto asked randomly.

“You're weird Naruto kun.” Kin said.

The two paid up and left towards the hospital. Hinata was getting discharge today. Kin wondered why Naruto was able to get out so early. She was told he took a big damage the last time. Still, she pushed away the weird ideas. Being too creative is not fun. I need to know him more. I have a feeling it would be beneficial. Kin grinned evilly within.

 

 

“Hinata sama, will you join us for a meal tonight?” Neji asked. He had come to see his cousin. He missed her. Being ANBU and jounin would be quite taxing sometimes. His eyes suddenly saddened at the thought where he would be it a few years time.

Hinata ignored the question. Seems that she was on a cheerful mood today.

“Neji nii san, when do you actually put on the ANBU uniform? I mean when are your missions actually on?” Hinata was a little overexcited after being able to leave the `Room of White Walls'. Three days were too long.

Neji smiled.

“Because I'm also a jounin, I work part time. ANBU missions usually take a few days to settle.” Neji looked at his cousin. She was smiling.

“I like it when you're smiling.” Hinata blushed.

“I also like it when you blush and_” he paused.

“I'm glad you left. I'm happy for you Hinata sama.” Neji complemented.

The two Hyuuga's locked eyes for a few seconds when someone entered the door.

 

“Sorry I hope I'm not disturbing.” It was Sai. Only Sai.

“No, Sai san, Where's Sakura?” Hinata asked.

Neji stood up.

“I'll go sign the forms. I'll be back.” Neji left through the door.

Both watched Neji left the room. He wouldn't be back for awhile. The Konoha Hospital was renowned for the making of forms that are long winded.

 

“Sakura's on a mission with Kakashi sensei. And since Naruto was just discharged, I'm the representative of team 7 to see you out of the hospital. Where are you team members?” Sai smiled. A genuine smile.

Hinata's heart skipped a beat. She blushed. If Sai noticed, he chose to ignore it.

“Yuu sensei and Tamiko are on a short mission and will be back by tomorrow.” Hinata replied. Still blushing.

What's going on? Why am I feeling this way? Hinata wondered. Without realizing her she pointed her fingers together looking away. The old Hinata made another appearance.

“How well do you know Naruto?” Sai started a conversation.

“Since the academy days.” Hinata was glad she didn't stammer.

“Was he powerful then?” Hinata was quite surprised by his questions. It seems that Sai didn't know Naruto very well. Just then, she remembered that he was not Sasuke. Their resemblances were easily mistaken. Sai was the replacement.

Hinata shook her head. Sai smiled again. This time it was fake. Hinata could tell. A thought shout up her mind. That was suspicious. Why is he here? What business does he have with me? I don't even know him. Hinata's mind was telling her a million things at a time. That smile's too fake.

 

“Sai san, why are you here?” Hinata asked. He looked at her in surprise.

“Like I said before, Kakashi and Sakura are on a mission and Na_” he couldn't finish. Hinata's eyes were closed. Her eyebrows were tensing. A moment of silence.

When she opened her eyes, they were white.

“Why?” her voice was under control but Sai knew better. She was dangerous. The White's chakra was an unstable one. Allowing her to freely roam Konoha was risky. Tsunade dispatched a mission for him as ANBU to keep Hinata under watch.

To Hinata's surprise, Sai was honest.

“Hokage sama only wants what's best for us all.” He smiled.

Instantly, her grey taint was back in her eyes. Hinata was controlling The White chakra, she didn't want to risk unleashing it here.

 

Neji appeared at the door a few minutes later and escorted Hinata to the Hyuuga manor. Sai disappeared out of sight, but Hinata could feel his presence once in awhile. Right now, she had other things to worry for. Having a dinner with her family would be awkward but she couldn't turn it down. She had to do it. After all, she stilled carried the Hyuuga family name.

 

The dinner was quiet. Almost everyone in the entire Hyuuga clan was there. It was like the usual Hyuuga feast. Hinata was quite annoyed by the fact that her cousin said `dinner'. Dinner was an understatement.

Hiashi sat at the head of the low rectangular table that could seat at least twenty people. Hanabi as the heiress took a seat on her father's right while Hinata the left. Unlike before, Neji now sat beside Hanabi while another branch family shinobi filled in Neji's seat beside Hinata. Hinata didn't show any concern about the switch. She remembered the last feast well, and that it was her last as heiress many years ago.

 

Everyone in the dining hall exchanged looks as Hinata first walked in to take a seat on the left. To her, it wasn't a big deal. But she noticed the exceptionally wide grin in Hanabi's face. Hinata couldn't help feel glad that she was no longer the heiress.

As the food was served, Hinata ate quietly. Answering questions when asked and nod occasionally while smiling when someone mentioned her.

 

“Members, today I have an announcement to make.” Hiashi spoke after the chatters quieted.

Neji instantly looked down. He knew what was coming. Hinata noticed but she didn't know what was troubling him.

“The future of Hyuuga will be secured as Hanabi turns sixteen not many years from now. As the heiress, she will be wed to a suitor that can be her guide and protector at times of crisis.” Everyone looked at the heiress then to the ex heiress sitting on the other side. They felt sorry for Hinata, as they were aware that if she was still the heiress, this speech and feast would be held in her honor. Instead it was to the younger member of the head family.

Hinata didn't allow her eyes to display any emotions. She made sure none leaked out. She was overjoyed.

She couldn't contain her happiness knowing that she had been set free from that bondage. The bondage of responsibilities to a troublesomely traditional family. All burdens for the clan had been wiped away the day she jumped the cliff. She was glad.

Unfortunately her reverie was abruptly interrupted.

 

“The alders have decided that this generation, there will be some changes in the rules for marriage.” Hiashi paused. Everyone listen attentively, it wasn't often Hyuuga make changes in the traditions.

“Hanabi will be married to a branch member, and his seal be removed.” Everyone gasped. Some were pleased, some were not. Hinata wasn't. Who could Hanabi marry? I f he's from the branch, how can he let her marry him? That's ridiculous. Hinata thought. It never occurred to her that her cousin was `him'.

 

“Allow me to introduce the future husband of the Hyuuga heiress.” Hiashi paused stern eyes looking ahead. Neji stood. Hinata's eyes widened.

“Hyuuga Neji, my brother's son” Hiashi announced proudly. All members bowed their heads as a sigh of approval. Hyuuga Neji is after all the Hyuuga pride. He deserved this opportunity. Hinata was speechless. She never thought much of her relationship with Neji, but now that she knew he was soon to be married. She suddenly felt heavy hearted. She never wanted him for herself but she couldn't quite give him up as well.

 

Neji bowed then turned to look at Hinata. Her eyes were emotionless. He feared that The White might choose to make an appearance but deep down he trusted her. He had wished that it was Hinata he was to wed, not Hanabi. He remembered Hinata's coldness when she pushed him away as he hugged her. He didn't know if it was love, but his felt miserable just looking at her. Hiashi sat down and everyone continued eating. That's when the unexpected happened.

 

“Hiashi sama, I wish to be released from this family.” Hinata said, eyes closed.

Instantly the dining hall fell to a pin-drop silence. All eyes were towards the main table.

Hiashi looked at his eldest daughter with widened eyes. Speechless. He never thought Hinata would go so far. He always believed her cold attitude was a tantrum that would fade off within a month or two.

 

“Hiashi sama, I wish that you release me from this family.” Hinata repeated louder this time.

“Hinata sama_” Neji tried to intervene when Hiashi spoke up.

 

“No”

 

“Hiashi sama, I want you to release me from this family.” Hinata said again.

The elders beside them shook their head and started to mumble.

 

“I said no” Hiashi's reply was stern.

 

All the other members began whispering.

“What an ungrateful child”

“After all her father had done, she is still so disobedient.”

“I think some demon had possessed her.”

“If she stays, she'll be given the seal. She would be a branch member like us”

 

The last statement should have not been said. Hinata opened her eyes, they were white. Everyone silenced and became the tension in the room increased.

“Fine, then I shall leave this family.” She stood up to walk away when Neji reached up to grip her wrist stopping her for the moment.

 

“Hinata, don't do this. There is a way. You don't have to do this. Stop behaving like a child, this issue is not to be joked around.” Neji pleaded with a stern voice.

 

Hinata turned to reply, this time her Byakugan was activated. Neji instantly knew what those eyes were capably of. He wouldn't doubt if Hiashi would feel the pain too but he still held on to her.

 

“Baka, there's nothing left for me in this cage. The only reason of me stay here is already taken away. I don't want to feel the pain of loosing something that was once precious to me.” She looked at Hanabi. Everyone knew what she meant.

 

Neji.

 

“I have been a failure and my exile will be for the benefit of all Hyuuga members. I don't see any reason why I should stay.” Hinata continued. The heiress was staring at her sister teary eyed. She didn't like her sister, but she never meant to loose one.

“That is not true, we need you! You don't have to go! You don't have to put on the seal! I don't care! O neechan!” Hanabi yelled tears rolling down her eyes.

 

“Baka.” Hinata whispered then pushed up her right sleeve to the top. There, around her upper hand was a seal. It was a phoenix, coiling up into her shoulder. Everyone gasped. Hiashi and Neji were the only ones that knew.

 

“Stop lying to yourself. I know what you want. Take it. As a farewell gift.” She made Neji release her hand.

 

“Hinata, don't do this!” Neji's voice was slightly louder.

Hinata looked at her father then stepped towards the exit. All eyes followed. Her eyes were grey again. Softer and filled with unknown emotions.

 

“There's no reason to.” She turned and walked away.

 

“Hyuuga Hinata” Hiashi called. She paused.

 

“We will meet again….”

Hinata continued walking.

“….daughter..” Hiashi's last words were a mere whisper. Hinata heard them.

 

She went to her room to pack whatever that was worth carrying along, she didn't plan on ever returning. As she arrived at the main entrance. Neji was there.

 

“Hinata sama” Neji's voice was a mere whisper. His eyes were tear-filled.

He looked down and sobbed as Hinata brushed past him. The door creaked open as her footsteps were heard. Suddenly it stopped.

 

Neji looked up as he suddenly felt two cold hands wrapping around him. She held him for a moment then spoke.

“Treat her well” Hinata said and walked out the door.

 

Neji stood there trying to understand what had happened. Trying to understand what it all meant. Memories of the time he first met his cousin flooded into his mind. He remembered hating her. He remembered despising her and labeling her as a dropout and a weak link, but now he realized when it was already too late….. He had loved her and always will.

 

Kin greeted Hinata with a hug. She wiped the tears off her comrade's face. She knew something like this was bound to happen.

“It's alright. We're here.” Kin whispered as she gathered Hinata into her arms. She cried till she fell asleep.

 

Tomorrow's going to be a new day.

 

 

 

Author's Note

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By the way, I did not include what Hinata went through in the anime filler.