Pivotal (Sasuke and Hinata)

Stronger

It has been 3 weeks since Hinata started learning Medical Ninjutsu. Sakura agreed to teach her and she was a really good teacher. She even surprised that Hinata learns it quickly. Actually, Neko-chi's healing power help her to learn. But Hinata got tired quickly as if the chakra inside her body drained out every time she used Medical Ninjutsu. 

"Ahhhh... so tired," uttered Hinata as she laid on her bed. 

She returned home after the meeting with Lady Tsunade.

"Sorry for the sudden summon, Sakura, Ino, and Hinata. I want all of you to help me with something," said Lady Tsunade.

"It's okay, Lady Tsunade. What can we help you with?" asked Sakura.

"A small village near the mountains was attacked by bandits and there were a quite numbers of people are seriously wounded. So, I want all of you to help them as there are not much medical staff at the village and as for you, Hinata, I want you to gain more knowledge about Medical Ninjutsu," explained Lady Tsunade.

"Thank you so much, Lady Tsunade. I'm sure this will help me to learn more about it," said Hinata.

Hinata was hoping that she could help others as much as she can. She wanted to show that she is not useless.

A sudden voice outside her room startled her. 

"Why did Hyuuga-sama called for his daughter to attend tonight's meeting?"

"I heard that Hyuuga-sama wanted to make Neji-sama as the next leader of the family"

"Shhhh, be quiet. Someone might hear us"

Then there was a knock on the door of Hinata's bedroom.

"Hinata-sama, your father wanted to see you"

Hinata opened the door and nodded a bit. She changed her clothes and went to see her father in the meeting of the family. She sat beside her father and noticed that Neji was there too. Usually, the both of them are not required to attend the meeting. But tonight was different. By the conversations that she heard earlier, she knew what's going on. 

"Neji should be the next family leader!!"

"NO! That's not the right order! Hinata should be the leader because she's from the main family!!"

"A leader should have power and dignity!!"

"You're picking the wrong person!!"

The bickering makes Hinata stayed silent not even moving from her place. She only dropped her head every time someone mentions her name. Anger, sad, embarrassed. These emotions conquered Hinata's heart. Listening to the arguments stabs her already low, self-confidence. 

"STOP!!" A familiar voice shouted out. 

Hinata looked up and saw Neji was on his feet. The others also stare at Neji. 

"You can't just decide the leader with arguments. Please...give time for me and Hinata to think. This matter will not end if no one come out with a firm decision. So, let's stop this meeting," said Neji. 

Then he walked towards Hinata and grabbed her hand. He dragged Hinata out of the room and went quite far from everyone else. Hinata just followed Neji without saying a word. Neji knew that it was hard for Hinata to be in the meeting. He knew how fragile Hinata's is. Neji stopped and let go of Hinata's hand. As he turned to see her, Hinata was already teary and holding her sobs.   

"Hinata...," uttered Neji.

"N-Neji-niisama, I k-know that I'm not capable of being a leader but I work so hard so that I can meet their expectation. Is it not e-enough?" said Hinata while holding her tears.

"Hinata, listen to me. No matter what they said, you're the next family leader. I only came from a branch family-," Neji didn't finish his words when Hinata cut off.

"-but you are stronger, more reliable and... and much more suitable to be the leader...," said Hinata.

Neji puts his hand on Hinata's shoulder and said "That's enough. You're tired. Go to your room and rest. I'll settle things at the meeting."

Hinata nodded and Neji made his way back towards the meeting. Hinata watched the back of Neji as she thought to herself...

"How useless I'm"