Chapter 26: Hinata with Enthusiasm
In the original storyline of Naruto, Hyuga Hiashi killed the Kumogakure ninja on the spot, which led to Kumogakure later accusing Konoha of murdering a "diplomatic envoy."
At that time, Konohagakure was in a weakened state. Not only had they lost Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage, during the Nine-Tails' attack, but their overall military strength had declined. Worse still, although the Kumogakure shinobi had clearly attempted to kidnap Hyuga Hinata for her Byakugan, Konoha lacked concrete proof.
The situation became a political trap.
Kumogakure demanded justice.
And Konoha
Was forced into the humiliating position of "handing over the killer."
In the end, to prevent war, Hyuga Hizashi, Hiashi's younger twin brother, sacrificed himself as a substitute. This tragedy later became the root of Hyuga Neji's hatred toward the Hyuga main family, as revealed during the Chūnin Exams.
Stay calm.
Always stay calm.
That was the true lesson.
Of course
If Chinatsu imagined herself in Hiashi's position, she knew very well she wouldn't be nearly as restrained.
Slap him?
No.
She would've kicked him straight into the afterlife.
You dare touch my daughter? You're twenty thousand years too early!
Fortunately, her fox mask hid the ridiculous grin forming on her face.
Nearby, Hatake Kakashi, who had been observing silently, finally stepped forward. In a blur of motion, he appeared beside the trembling Kumogakure ninja and delivered a precise strike to the neck, knocking him unconscious instantly.
Efficient.
Clean.
Very ANBU.
"Hyuga-sama," Kakashi greeted calmly.
Hiashi glanced at him, then at Chinatsu, his expression softening slightly.
"I've never had a particularly good impression of ANBU… but this time you did well."
It was a rare acknowledgment.
After all
They had saved his daughter.
Hiashi stepped forward, intending to take Hinata from Chinatsu, but she subtly shifted her stance, clearly unwilling to let go just yet.
Instead, she spoke.
"Hyuga-sama… how did a mere Kumogakure shinobi manage to infiltrate your compound and abduct the heir of the Hyuga clan?"
Her tone was calm.
But her words
Sharp.
"Is your security that weak? Or… do you simply not value this child enough?"
Silence.
Even among ANBU, few would dare question the head of the Hyuga clan so directly.
But Chinatsu showed no hesitation.
Trouble?
She didn't fear it.
And besides
You're the head of the Hyuga clan… but I can still call myself the head of the Uchiha, even if there are only two of us left.
Hiashi's expression tightened.
He wanted to refute her.
But
Looking at Hinata in her arms, small, fragile, still recovering
His words faltered.
Because deep down
He knew.
He hadn't given her enough attention.
"…You're right," he said finally, his voice low.
Seeing that he had begun reflecting, Chinatsu nodded slightly and handed Hinata over.
That was enough.
The rescue itself had already planted the seed.
Even with a mask, Hinata had heard her voice.
Recognition would come later.
Beneath the mask, Chinatsu smiled faintly.
Everything is going according to plan.
Meanwhile, Kakashi hoisted the unconscious Kumogakure ninja over his shoulder.
"We're leaving," he said briefly.
The situation couldn't remain here too much attention would draw suspicion.
He glanced at Chinatsu.
She shrugged and followed.
In an instant
Both ANBU vanished into the darkness.
Hinata, now in her father's arms, stared in the direction Chinatsu had disappeared.
Her pale eyes widened slightly.
"…So cool…"
Hiashi froze.
His expression subtly stiffened.
Daughter… that's not a good influence…
ANBU was not a place for admiration.
Moments later, Hyuga guards rushed into the area in a panic.
"Lady Hinata ah?!"
They had been about to report her disappearance
But stopped when they saw her safely in Hiashi's arms.
"Huh? Did Lady Hinata wander off? That's a relief… you scared us, milady, being so mischievous…"
One of them laughed nervously, scratching his head.
Smack!
Hiashi's hand struck him down instantly.
The guard collapsed to the ground.
"What are those smiles for?" Hiashi's voice turned ice-cold. "Do you think you fulfilled your duty in protecting the Hyuga bloodline?"
The surrounding guards trembled.
"All of you leave the Hyuga clan."
His words fell like a hammer.
Expulsion.
Within the Hyuga clan, divided between the main family and the branch family, such punishment was devastating. The branch family existed to serve and protect the main house, bound by the cursed seal known as the Caged Bird Seal, which could control or destroy them at will.
Losing that position
Was equivalent to losing everything.
But Hiashi showed no hesitation.
Failure had consequences.
After dismissing the guards, Hiashi carried Hinata back into the compound.
His thoughts were already moving ahead
Relocation of her residence.
Increased patrols.
Tighter internal security.
No more mistakes.
In his arms, Hinata blushed deeply, her small hands fidgeting as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the courage.
It's been so long… since Father held me like this…
Slowly, she reached out and grasped his sleeve.
Hiashi paused.
Only then did he realize
He was still holding her.
Carefully, he set her down.
Silence followed.
Their relationship wasn't cold
But it wasn't warm either.
Hinata lowered her head.
Hiashi looked away.
Neither knew how to bridge the distance.
"…F-Father?"
"Hm?!"
At her timid voice, Hiashi immediately turned back.
"I… I will work hard," Hinata said, her voice trembling but sincere. "I'll become stronger… a ninja worthy of the Hyuga name… someone who can succeed you…"
Hiashi's eyes widened slightly.
Those words
Were exactly what he had longed to hear.
For so long, he had believed Hinata lacked the determination to lead. That was why he had begun placing expectations on her younger sister, Hanabi.
But now
Perhaps he had been wrong.
A rare smile appeared on his face.
Even a quiet laugh escaped him.
"…Good," he said.
Hinata lowered her head again, her face burning red.
Because there was something she hadn't said out loud
I want to become strong…
Strong enough to be like that masked big sister from before…