Road to Hokage: Save the Hyuga Clan

One Week Later: Hinata, Tsunade, and Sakura

When a Hyuga dies, they are buried in the family cemetery in the Hyuga compound. Neji was the exception. He was hailed as a hero in the Fourth Great Ninja War. His body was buried among some of the fallen heroes of the Hidden Leaf in the village cemetery.

Hinata stood at his grave cradling a bouquet of pure white lilies. A gentle breeze carried their scent up to her face. She inhaled the fragrance and calmed herself. Visiting his grave never became easier, but she felt drawn there all the same.

Especially, when she was troubled.

"Hello, Big Brother Neji," She greeted, her voice was barely above a whisper. She knelt into a sitting position and placed the flowers on his grave. "I'm sorry I haven't visited in a while. So much has happened. Hanabi, Naruto, and I are still working with our clan to honor your memory. Your statue in the training grounds is beautiful..." Her voice died with the wind's breeze.

Hinata felt heartbroken to continue. She brushed her hand across the front of his tombstone. A tear begins to form in the corner of her eye. The recent events were beginning to take their toll.

"The branch and main families are fighting over the Curse Mark. But the clan is in mourning right now. There was an accident...an explosion at the hospital. Hanami is presumed dead. Hana is devastated to lose her oldest daughter. Naruto is blaming himself for not saving the victims. He's throwing himself into training and researching his clan. I'm worried he is feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders again and will isolate himself from me." Even uttering the words, produced a physical pain in Hinata's chest. She subconsciously placed a hand over her heart. Tears began to run down both of her cheeks.

"Neji, I haven't forgotten my way of ninja. When I vowed to protect him, the enemies were Akatsuki, Pain, Uchiha Madara, and Kaguya. I never thought the enemy could be his self-reliance to become Hokage. Or village elders who don't think much of me especially in the role of the Hokage's wife." She said voicing her concerns out aloud for the first time that week. The wind slowly died down as if it too, wanted to hear Hinata's conversation with Neji.

She paused enjoying the silence and gathering her resolve. She couldn't lose hope now.

"I will not abandon my way of ninja, Neji. Whether I am fighting with him in war or beside him as his wife in peace," Hinata vowed, rising to her feet. "No matter the enemy, I will protect him." Hinata wiped her eyes and rose to her feet. She brought her hand back to her heart as she continued her solemn vow. "I will help Hanabi bring peace to the Hyuga clan again. I will continue to bring honor to the sacrifice you made."

Hinata turned to leave the cemetery and found herself face to face with an Anbu. The tiger masked shinobi extended a nod in her direction.

"Uzumaki Hinata, please come with me. I have a summons for you from Lady Tsunade." Tiger said.

***

Hinata shivered. Two medics led her down a spiral staircase. The deeper the descent the colder the air grew. Lady Tsunade was waiting at the bottom of the stairs with a troubled look. Hinata felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach at her expression.

" Hinata, thank you for coming so quickly." Tsunade began immediately. Hinata followed her down the corridor to a room at the end. She turned to face Hinata. " We believe we have found the body of Hyuga Hanami. I know what I'm about to ask you to do is difficult, but I believe you are strong, Hinata. We need you to verify her identity."

"I understand, but protocol calls for the clan leader and immediate family to — " Hinata started to reply.

" It has to be you," Tsunade answered firmly. " When you see the body, you will understand." She placed her hand on the sensor pad next to the double steel doors. The doors slid back into the walls allowing the women to enter the room.