Forged Beyond

Insiders

HELLO GUYS! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE VOTES YESTERDAY!! and the answers you gave in the comments yesterday were really helpful! PLEASE COMMENT MORE!! I LOVE READING THEM!!

Hinata walked through the rain-soaked streets of Konoha, not as a shinobi, but as the Hyuuga leader. The village was unusually quiet under the heavy downpour, the rhythmic patter of rain against her white umbrella matching the unease settling in her chest. Another clan meeting—another gathering of Konoha's most powerful families: the Yamanaka, Nara, Aburame, Akimichi, and... Uchiha. Presiding over it all would be the Hokage, along with the ever-watchful village elder, Danzo.

Ever since her father, Hiashi, had passed, the weight of the Hyuuga clan had shifted onto her shoulders. Too young, too inexperienced, and the only female among the clan heads—Hinata felt the silent judgment at every meeting. But she had no choice but to endure.

She adjusted her grip on the umbrella, fingers tightening momentarily as an old memory surfaced.

The Uchiha will be there... I wonder... She thought of Team 7—before shaking the thought away. This was not the time for sentimentality.

Beside her, Neji walked a step behind, his black umbrella casting a shadow over his sharp features. His presence was reassuring—steadfast, unwavering. Behind him, four bodyguards followed in formation, each holding their own umbrellas.

By the time they reached the Hokage building, the guards at the entrance stepped aside. The bodyguards remained outside, as only the leaders and their right-hand men were permitted entry. Hinata and Neji stepped inside, the warmth of the room stark against the cold drizzle outside.

A circle of figures sat on traditional handstitched mats, their gazes shifting toward her as she entered.

"Ah, Lady Hinata, you're here," Shikaku Nara said smoothly, stepping slightly aside in silent acknowledgment of her position. The other leaders followed suit, allowing her space. Shikamaru, his father's right-hand man, stood behind him

Hinata offered a respectful bow. "Good evening to all the leaders present."

A chorus of short nods followed before Danzo's voice cut through the air.

"Let's begin this meeting without further ado."

The room settled into silence as the discussions began.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated at the head, cast a watchful gaze over the assembly. "Let us start with the Hyuuga clan. Have you faced any issues within the Hidden Leaf or with other clans? Any concerns or requests?" His voice was calm, yet firm.

Hinata folded her hands neatly on her lap, her posture straight despite the quiet nerves fluttering inside her. "The Hyuuga come in peace," she began, voice steady but carrying the weight of responsibility. "We do not wish to start or be involved in conflicts with other clans. We remain loyal to the Hidden Leaf. Although the burden of leadership is heavy at my age, I can assure you that nothing is being planned within the Hyuuga against Konoha or any other clan. All my members remain loyal to me and to the village."

Hiruzen nodded in approval before moving on. One by one, the clans stated their positions, all echoing similar sentiments. Until finally—

The Uchiha.

Fugaku Uchiha's voice was measured but edged with tension. "We remain loyal to the village," he said, "but I doubt that will last long."

The air in the room seemed to shift.

Fugaku's eyes narrowed, scanning the room. "Uchiha members are going missing."

A murmur rippled through the assembly.