Rebirth of Legends

Chapter 13: A Failure's Strength

Tsunade glanced at the smug Hyuga Elder and Hiashi, who were standing to the side of her office. It was the day after they had made their...request. Now, they were waiting for Hinata and Naruto to enter so that they could take Hinata away. She felt so angry. She was the Hokage and she couldn't do anything! It was a clan affair and out of her jurisdiction, unless it affected the village.

Shizune opened the door. "Lady Tsunade? Team Naruto is here as is Kushina Uzumaki."

The announces entered and bowed to the Hokage and the Hyugas. Hakaru stood forward. "So, you have heard our request?"

Naruto's eyes gave away nothing at what he was thinking. "Yes."

"And you are here to comply?"

Naruto shook his head. "No. We are here to fight your request."

Hakaru and the others stiffened. "What?" Hiashi smiled as the smug look disappeared on all of their faces.

Hinata smiled. "I called the traditional right to challenge the Hyuga Elder's claim by combat."

"No! We do not accept this!" Hanako shouted, stepping forward. "That tradition is  ancient!"

"But it was never stopped. It is still in practice, isn't it, Lord Hiashi?" Naruto asked, a small smile hiding on his lips.

"Indeed. As per clan tradition, Hinata has the right to fight this claim. She must fight a Hyuga of the Elder's choice, with the exception of those directly related to her by blood. That means that myself, Hanabi and Neji are not available to fight her."

The Elders all glared at him, but Naruto and the others all smiled. So did Tsunade. "Very well. Do the Hyugas have a defender ready?"

"Unfortunately, our obvious choice is unavailable. It will take us some time to find a proper combatant." They all glared at Hiashi, who smiled innocently.

Hinata also gave them all an equally innocent smile. "Then we will give two weeks to find and train a proper combatant.  Until then, I still have the right to stay at the Namikaze residence. Good day."

Team Naruto and Kushina solemnly left the office. As soon as they were outside the Hokagae's Tower, Kushina burst out laughing. "Did you see the look on their faces? Priceless!"

Hinata hugged Yugito. "Thank you! I owe you so much!"

"It wasn't just me. Thank the Namikaze for keeping such excellent records."

[Flashback]

They all gathered around the letter. It stated that the Hyugas Elder's intent on bringing Hinata back to the side branch, including giving her the Caged Bird Cursed Seal. None of them spoke for several moments. Hinata had buried her head into Naruto's chest to try and hide her tears.

"Why can't they leave me alone? Why can't they let me be happy just once?"

Naruto held her. "I'm not giving up yet. Let's take a look at what the Namikaze's record say.

The five of them quickly gathered every scroll on the Hyuga clan's traditions and history. After two hours, Yugito had actually found their hope for salvation. "Here! This could help!"

[End Flashback]

Naruto smiled. "Well, we have bought some time. But now, we have a lot of training to do. Hinata, we need to make sure you are ready for this fight."

Hinata nodded and so did the others. "All right. Let's get going."

Throughout the next two weeks, a flurry of training began in both the Namikaze and the Hyuga estate. The Hyuga Elders had a member of the branch family training almost non stop, being absolutely merciless. In the Namikaze dojo, Kushina, Naruto and Gentaro all trained Hinata, giving her encouragement and helping her along. By the end of the time limit, both groups agreed to the combat in the Chunin finals arena. News had leaked out and on the morning of the battle, the remaining members of the old Rookie 9, their senseis and all of Team Guy were present.