Paths of Divergence

Cursed Chains

Chapter 48
-Cursed Chains

     The heiress to the Hyuga clan waits outside her compound even arriving far before Neji. She patiently waits, enjoying the mild morning before the heat arrives. Soon enough she spots Shizake approaching the compound, giving him a polite bow as he gets closer.

     "Good morning, Shizake," she says.

     Shizake bows in response, "Good morning lady Hinata."

     "Y-you don't have to be so formal, I promise," she nervously stutters.

     The Uchiha sheepishly grins, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry. Force of habit from living here so long," he replies.

    "It's okay! A-actually I wanted to talk to you before Neji shows up," she says.

     Shizake nods, "about what?" he asks.

     "Just, well... I know Nitatchi is your adopted brother and everything and your heart is in the right place," she begins, " But when we meet with father y-you shouldn't let your emotions get in the way o-otherwise he won't listen to a word you say. A-as an outsider to the clan he's already skeptical about this meeting but he's willing to hear you out."

      "I see. I'll try my best. I know I have very little pull if any at all in regards to this matter. To put it simply... I don't want to see him suffer any longer," Shizake says.

Hinata nods with a small smile, "That's very noble... hopefully your words will sway his heart. Hmm, we should head in. Father is waiting for us... I'm not sure where Neji is though. It's unlike him to be late."

     Shizake nods, following Hinata into the meeting room. Once inside the dimly lit and minimalistic room they spot lord Hiashi sitting in the middle of a tatami mat on his knees. A few candles dot the room in various places with a prayer shrine sitting at the far back.

     Hinata bows to her father, taking a seat adjacent to him. They both look to Shizake who bows as well. Hiashi nods, gesturing for Shizake to take a seat across from him.

     "Thank you for this meeting lord Hiashi," Shizake says.

     The head of the Hyuga clan clears his throat before setting his hands on his knees. "I understand you have some matters you wish to discuss with us. We'll get to that momentarily. Formal meetings like these should be accompanied by tea though," he says.

     A Hyuga servant enters the room carrying a tray containing a kettle and tea cups all with a similar floral design printed on them. The servant places the tray down on the middle of the mat, spreading the tea cups around the tray. She takes the kettle in both hands, pouring Hiashi his tea first. She then pours the heiress, Hinata a cup as well before turning to Shizake.

     Shizake shoots a quick glance at Hinata whom nods her head as to tell him 'take the offer' before the Uchiha nods at the servant as well. The servant pours him a cup as well and places it on his respective side.

     Hiashi asks the servant to pour two more cups which she does ever so elegantly. The woman places the kettle back in the center of the tray before excusing herself with a bow and leaving the meeting room.

     Shizake conceals his curiosity, gazing at the two extra cups. While he deduces one is obviously for Neji he cannot fathom who the second one is for. Smoky trails from the incense burner snake around the room slowly but surely. The aroma proves to be quite calming to the nerves allowing for both clarity of body and mind. Shizake takes a deep breath, inhaling the sweet aroma of the incense.

Suddenly the door slides open and two figures step inside. Shizake turns his head around and sees Neji first and then to his surprise, Nitatchi as well.