Road to Hokage: Save the Hyuga Clan

Prisoners

There was no missing Shikamaru as he walked through the Hyuga ancestral home. His high ponytail and tan skin sharply contrasted the sea of pale skin and white eyes. Shikamaru's eyes darted over the many face in front of him.

Anger.
Confusion.
Fear.

All emotions necessary to create trouble, Shikamaru thought to himself. He glanced to his left. Lord Hiashi was stone faced and eyes piercing as he lead the way to his private chambers. In between the leader and Shikamaru, Hanabi walked stiffly still. Her eyes were slightly red as if she had cried not too long ago. Lord Hiashi led them the end of the hallway in the most eastern side of the Hyuga Compound. He turned down another hallway and finally opened a room to his left. Inside, three aging Hyuga elders sat cross-legged in front of a table. Lord Hiashi, Shikamaru, and Hanabi lowered themselves down to sit across from them.

"As you know, my daughter and an heiress to our clan, Hinata was arrested earlier today for the recent explosions in the Hidden Village," Lord Hiashi started, solemnly. "This is a clear betrayal of the Hidden Leaf  against the Hyuga Clan." He turned to Shikamaru before he continued. "A representative from the Hokage is here with us." The elders began to stir at this statement.

This negotiation must be delicate. At least, Lord Hiashi hasn't immediately demand a vote, Shikamaru thought with a sigh. He positioned himself up on his knees to lower himself into a bow. He bowed respectfully to Lord Hiashi and Hanabi before he began.

"Thank you, Lord Hiashi for honoring the privilege of the Hokage to attend the Hyuga Clan elder meeting. Thank you for accepting my presence in his place." Shikamaru said. " The Hokage isn't able to be here tonight because he is currently advocating for Hinata. It is the opinion of the Hokage and his advisor.." Shikamaru turned to look directly at Lord Hiashi in the eyes. "...that there is not enough evidence against Hinata to warrant an arrest." Lord Hiashi's eyes widened at this.

"Then why was she arrested?" Hanabi's interruption surprised Shikamaru. Yet, he remembered Hanabi was Lady Hanabi within these walls. She had more than enough authority to question him in this moment. It was in best interest to honor that authority now.

"She was not arrested on the authority of the Hokage or myself. The council elders issued Hinata's arrest." Shikamaru answered, truthfully. The elders remained silent, but their eyes never left Shikamaru's face.

"Yet, I received a letter from the Hokage that Hinata's trail will be in 3 days. Is this what the Hokage believes to be advocacy?" Lord Hiashi countered. "Members of my clan are being killed, my daughter was falsely arrested, and I heard my son was placed under house arrest after protesting Hinata's arrest. Why should the Hyuga Clan not respond?"

"Lord Hiashi, Lord Sixth has the power to immediately call for the execution of Hinata for treason against the Hidden Leaf." Shikamaru answered.  "But he didn't —because he knows that would create a civil war within the Hidden Leaf. The Hokage is doing everything in his power to keep the village safe— that includes bring anyone involved to justice and the Hyuga clan remaining part of the village. As far as Naruto is concerned, I can't speak to his whereabouts." Shikamaru cautiously winked at Hanabi after that last statement. At first she stared back at him confused, then understanding began to dawn in her mind. Lord Hiashi noticed Hanabi's disposition change, but it was clear he didn't understand why. "I'm asking that the Hyuga Clan work with the Hokage within in the laws of the village to keep the peace at this time."

"Father, I'm just as upset as you are," Hanabi said quietly. "But I think we should listen Shikamaru. We shouldn't call a vote for succession."  She leaned towards her father and gently placed a hand on his arm. Lord Hiashi's face softened and his chest deflated alittle. Lord Hiashi looked to the elders. They continued to sit as still as stone. Silent in their agreement with Hanabi.