NejiHina - Gentle Fist, Gentle Heart

Mending the Divide

Neji wasn't sure as to why Hiashi was calling for him. Perhaps something to do with Hinata? But as if Hiashi-sama cares about Hinata-sama's training. 

He had finally reached the main hall, he gulped before steadying himself. He entered, Hiashi was in the far corner, a stern expression on his face. 

"You called for me Hiashi-sama?" Neji kneeled.

"Kurenai came to discuss the matter that Hinata's team will be entering the Chunin exams again this year. It's truly a waste of time she notify me of this. I've informed her that you will be taking care of Hinata.. I don't need to hear anything further." 

"Yes Hiashi-sama." 

"I have been speaking with the elders. Some understand that the divide between the Main and Branch family has gone on for too long, others are steadfast to the old ways." 

There was silence, Hiashi's expression softened somewhat.

"Hiazshi would be proud of you Neji."

Neji was taken aback, not used to Hiashi being so ... affectionate? 

"Thank you Sir." 

"You have become a fine shinobi, worth of the Hyūga name."

Such unexpected praise.. is he about to send me on a suicide mission..?

"Thank you again Sir.." Not letting his confusion show in his voice, although Neji was sure Hiashi was more than aware of it.

Hiashi took a deep breath.

"The elders will never agree to abolishing the ideals of the Branch family, however there is only one way to heal it. Your strength alone, but also to atone for my sins to my beloved brother - has lead me to one final conclusion."

Neji gasped, whilst learning the truth about his Fathers death was certainly an emotional moment, he never would have dreamed the head of the Hyūga clan would be on his side to abolish the Branch family.

"The way to heal the rift between the Main and Branch family is, in essence, fairly simple. You must marry into the Main family."

A heavy silence followed Hiashi's words. Neji agreed that the idea was simple - but such a thing had never happened. It was not unusual, in fact it was standard, for Hyūga relations to marry. To keep the bloodline pure and to stop any other clans getting their hands on the Hyūga Kekkei genkai. But a branch family member marrying into the Main family? 

Neji couldn't even open his mouth to speak. What was he to say? 

"As I said before," Hiashi continued, "Due to your strength alone, in my eyes you earned the right long ago to join the Main family."

"Would the elders truly accept it?" Neji asked, finally finding his voice.

"Leave the elders to me." Hiashi said, effectively shutting Neji down.

Hiashi closed his eyes, and rubbed his temples. "This is the simplest way, but of course it is easier said than done. I am unsure who in the main family would be suitable. Hanabi would be ideal, but given her age and how much training she has left, the elders would object."

Neji nodded.

"You will not utter a word of this to anybody. Theres no saying how some of the elders, or even some of the Branch family would react were word to get out."

"Yes. I understand." And Hinata-sama doesn't need the distraction, with Chunin exams beginning soon.

"You may leave, I will pounder this further and call for you when it is time."

"Yes. Thank you Hiashi-sama."

Neji stood and promptly left, calmly shutting the sliding door behind him - before running off into the night.