Child of the Moon

Hyuga vs Hyuga

Aiyanna watched as Aki gently lifted Akamaru into her arms, following the stretcher that Kiba was on. She smiled gently.

"She likes to act tough, doesn't she?" Tsukiko said fondly.

"Yeah," Aiyanna's smile widened. "You know, she was more interested in the healing thing. Wanted to be a ninja vet."

"She could still do that," Tsukiko said. "After all, there are a lot of ninja animals that work with the ninjas. Specifically ninja hounds."

Aiyanna looked back over to where Kiba was and saw Hinata was offering him something. Ayame took it from her, clearly chiding Kiba about something, while Aki was giggling.

But then their expressions turned serious, and Aiyanna wondered what they were talking about. Eventually, Aki seemed to cut in, and tell her something with a smile, and then the group made their way to the sickbay, and Hinata turned to return to the stands.

"We'll now pick the names for the next match," the proctor called out.

After a little shuffling, the next names to flash on the board caused Tsukiko-sensei to suck in a surprised breath.

"Hinata Hyuga vs Neji Hyuga."

"Damn, I wanted a chance to smack him around," Aiyanna sighed.

"That... might still be an option," Tsukiko said looking conflicted.

"Sensei?"

"Neji is very strong," she said slowly. "A prodigy, or so I hear. Hinata is no slouch, but she doesn't have that same drive. I'm concerned her kindness may be detrimental in this fight."

"Ah..."

The two stood opposite each other, and Aiyanna could see the poor girl shaking from where she was.

"I never thought that I would have to face you, Hinata," Neji stated.

"Nor I, brother," Hinata replied.

"Wait, what?!" Katsu yelled.

"What'd she call him!?" Sakura exclaimed.

"Brother!?" Naruto grabbed onto the railing. "Those two are... brother and sister?!"

"They're both descended from the Hyuga clan," Kakashi explained. "One of the most ancient and honorable families of the Hidden Leaf Village. Not actually brother and sister."

Aiyanna looked over to Tsukiko, who nodded quietly. "Like you and Aki."

"Got it," she turned her attention back to the fight. "Almost like us. I guess, once upon a time, they might've been close?"

"Hopefully, they can be again," Tsukiko said. "If he can learn to let go of his rage."

Aiyanna stared down sadly.

"What do you mean?"

"There's some bad blood between the two branches of the family," Tsukiko explained. "Unfortunately, Neji has gotten himself caught up in that."

"Oh..."

Aiyanna overheard Katsu and Mikio discussing the feud, suggesting that pretty much the whole side branch of the family hated the main branch.

"Not fully," Aiyanna cut in. "Nanami is Neji's twin, right? She's only ever looked out for Hinata and is always saying nice things about other clan members."