Road to Hokage: Save the Hyuga Clan

Hanabi's Dilemma

About half an hour later, the Hyuga sisters were having lunch and drinking tea in Hanabi's private room.

"Nee-CHAN!" Hanabi sang cheerfully, as a servant refilled her teacup. "It is so nice to see you. I can't believe Nii-chan let you out of the house today." Hanabi's giggled. When the servant turned away from them, she brushed a single finger across her lips signaling Hinata not to say anything.

"Hanabi, you shouldn't tease me so," Hinata answered after catching on. She looked bashfully into her teacup. Hinata started to blush. No matter how old they were, Hanabi never failed to tease Hinata to the point that she blushed.

The servant turned back to the two sisters, bowed, left the room, slid the doors close behind them. Hinata leaned forward towards her sister.

"Hanabi, what is going on? What just happened during the clan meeting?" Hinata asked in a low voice. Hanabi leaned towards her and placed her tea on the table in front of them.

"It all started a few days after you left for your mission. The entire clan agreed that we should honor Neji as a hero of the 4th Ninja War just as you and Naruto proposed to Father," Hanabi explained. She sighed and folded her hands into the sleeves of her Kimono dress before she continued.

"Father agreed. We decided to build the statue and have a dedication ceremony soon. Of course, we wanted to wait until you return home from your mission. Hyuga Hana is acting as a representative of the branch family and Father representing the main family. They were supposed to work together to promote more goodwill between both sides. Naruto inspired them both to try to heal the rifts that have developed in our clan," Hanabi continued.

Hinata nodded, knowingly.

Rifts.

The Hyuga Affair, which was her kidnapping, led to the death of her uncle and Neji's father, Hyuga Hizashi.

Neji's death. He died protecting her.

Two beloved branch members dead protecting her. Hinata still carried some of that guilt.

Then there was Hanabi's kidnapping two years ago. Hanabi's kidnapping and losing her Byakugan to Toneri during the moon mission.

Rifts.

"The branch family is making more and more demands of the main family. For the most part, both sides are finding ways to compromise. The Curse Mark is the one thing either side refuses to compromise on. Things are becoming more and more divided between clan members and communication is breaking down. It is in my best interest as the future clan leader that this is resolved before Father steps down." Hanabi explained. She lowered her voice again forcing Hinata to lean in closer.

"Today was more than a communication breakdown. How did it get to the point of Father activating the family jutsu?" Hinata asked, in confusion.

"The Curse Mark that is the correct name for it. We shouldn't refer to it as the family jutsu," Hanabi replied with the shake of her head. Hinata was surprised at her sister correcting her but not offended at her words. Hinata suddenly remembered how quickly Hanabi called on Hana in the meeting.

"You agree with branch family," Hinata realized. Hanabi lowered her eyes and reached for her teacup with a sigh.

"Hai, Hinata. I don't agree with placing the Curse Mark on the branch family. But I don't agree with Hana either. When Toneri stole my eyes..the world almost ended, Hinata. We can't let the Byakugan fall into the wrong hands ever again. It is not a question of whether I agree or not. Father and I must do what is necessary to ensure the future of the clan. We must do what's best to protect the Byakugan. Right now, that is the Curse Mark."

Hinata frowned, " But the clan? How will you resolve the issue between the main and branch families?"

"I don't know. I'm stalling and meeting with the branch family on my own. I need to think of a solution before something happens, Hinata. I feel like I'm running out of time. Threats are being made. Main family members are activating the Curse Mark more. What father just did..." Hanabi answered, dejected. Hinata reached to bring her sister into a hug. The sound of paper crinkling filled the room. Hinata reached into her pocket and brought the note Naruto gave her earlier.

Hanabi rose to her feet. " Give my best to Naruto. I'm going to check on Hana. I will keep you updated ."

"We will figure this out," Hinata said, as she unfolded the paper. She quickly read the content and then rose to her feet. Hanabi tried to peek at the paper over her sister's shoulder.

" What does it say?" She asked Hinata out of curiosity.

"I received an invitation from Lord Sixth to attend an event at the hospital today. If I hurry, I can still make it on time." Hinata answered.