Avenger's Destiny: Chapter 27

Gosh! 815 reviews, thanks a lot to everyone! I was nearly thinking that it wouldn't hit 800… but anyway.

So, this chapter is dedicated to my 800th reviewer, luckiducki23! Congrats, and thanks a lot for the load of reviews! Also, I would like to appreciate FanFicHolic, Kurenai Chinoumi, ihearttoast09 and Defender of the Light for being some of my most loyal reviewers! I'll thank more of you next chapter, okay!

And I'm glad that most of you accepted Haku being alive, I was kinda afraid that people were going to tell me "Haku's dead, why can't you just let him stay dead?" or something like that ^^.

So… on with the story, hope you guys will like this chapter!

N

Chapter 27 – Hyuuga: A New Beginning
二十七 – 日向：新的开始

"Kakashi-sensei! Jiraiya-sama!"

The two men, who had been in quiet discussion under a tree, glanced up in surprise as they heard their names called.

A breathless pink-haired kunoichi sprinted towards them, with a noticeable lump slung over her shoulder. Kakashi's single visible eye narrowed – why did he feel as if he recognized that figure?

"Guess who attacked me in the Uchiha cemetery," Sakura panted, pausing to catch her breath.

"What were you doing in the Uchiha cemetery, of all places?" Jiraiya crossed his arms disapprovingly. Visiting a cemetery when you had no business there was a stupid thing to do.

He was ignored.

"Sakura…" Kakashi's voice had dropped, drastically. "Is that… Haku?"

His student nodded grimly, Striding forward, she gently put Haku down and propped his limp form against the tree, then stepped back to let the two shinobi have a better view of the Mist ninja.

"Kami-sama… how…?"

For the first time in his life, Kakashi was struck dumb. He knelt beside the young man, pulling up his shirt and examining the scar on his chest just as Sasuke had done, back in the cemetery.

"Hey, hey, what's going on?" Jiraiya demanded to know, feeling utterly lost in the proceedings. "Who the hell is that?"

There was a moment of silence.

"I killed this boy… five years ago… with Chidori," Kakashi spoke in a low, disbelieving voice, not quite having gotten over his own shock. "We buried him!"

"So his supposed to be dead?" the Toad Sannin quizzed, looking rather confused before the full impact of the words hit him, and he leapt backwards, letting out a rather girlish shriek. "Is that a ghost?!"

Sakura sighed in exasperation. Sometimes she could really comprehend why Jiraiya usually exited Tsunade's office by flying through a window or a wall – courtesy to a well-aimed punch from the Godaime.

"He's alive," Sakura said quietly. "I don't know how, but he is,"

"It would've taken a medic like you of Tsunade-sama and a complete heart transplant for him to be alive," Kakashi reasoned, his brow furrowing uncharacteristically. "Two highly unlikely events considering the time and place, but that's my theory."

Jiraiya regained his composure, but stayed away from Haku anyway. "Well… there isn't much you can do now, theories aren't going to help and you wouldn't want him here when he wakes up… so why don't you get him to Tsunade-hime first?" he suggested lamely.

The cherry blossom nodded, picking Haku up easily. Kakashi started to follow her, before something struck him as rather odd. Haku – if Haku was as strong as he remembered from five years ago, Sakura shouldn't have had an easy time handling him. So how did he end up unconscious?"

"Sakura," Kakashi started curiously. "How did you take him out on your own?" his eyes narrowed suspiciously at her.

"That's classified, sensei," the kunoichi grinned, starting off at a sprint to avoid further questions. The Copy Nin shook his head and followed after her. Jiraiya stood stunned for a moment, before hollering after them.

"Hey! Take the back road, you idiots, you'll have people panicking!"

N

"…the last one was harder, we didn't know where to look, but we got all three in the end."

Sakura heard a part of the conversation coming from inside the Hokage's office, but did not hesitate to shove open the door, barging into the Godaime's room as she had done so many times before.

"Sakura!" Tsunade whirled around, obviously annoyed at Sakura's sudden intrusion. "How many times have I told you not to burst in like that?"

"This is urgent!" her student protested, keeping Haku's limp figure carefully balanced on her shoulder. Spotting Shino's father, Aburame Shibi, seated in one of the chairs facing the Hokage's desk, she dropped into an apologetic bow.

"Gomen, Aburame-san,"

"No, it's alright. I was just about finished here, anyway." The older man said courteously.

"She could still have waited," Tsunade muttered under her breath. Sakura knew how she despised interruptions.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, Hokage-sama…" Shibi moved towards the door, preparing to leave.

Tsunade nodded, and then focused her attention on her student, with the sheepish silver-haired Jounin standing behind her. The Hokage radiated displeasure, Sakura could feel the dangerous vibes in the air.

"Put that unconscious lump down and talk," the Godaime ordered, sinking into her chair. "And you better have a good explanation, Sakura, Kakashi,"

The kunoichi wisely kept silent while Kakashi sweatdropped. 'How is this my fault?'

Sakura propped Haku against the wall.

She got the reaction she expected, as Tsunade sprang out of her chair and was next to the Mist ninja in an instant. "I read his report – isn't he supposed to be Momochi Zabuza's companion?"

Both Kakashi and Sakura nodded.

"Haku… wasn't he – " Tsunade started.

"Supposed to be dead five years ago, yes," Sakura finished rather grimly.

"Is there any chance he might not have died?"

"Chidori, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said quietly. "Mine. Straight through the heart. He didn't stand a chance, at least from my point of view,"

"And we buried him," Sakura added in an undertone.

Silence.

"Where did you find him?" Tsunade continued with a question.

"He attacked me in the Uchiha cemetery," her student explained. "But judging from what he said, I doubt he remembers anything of his past,"

Tsunade looked thoughtful for a moment, running various possibilities through her mind. "Get him into the lab," the Godaime said decisively, walking across the room. She pushed open a door and entered an adjoining room.

"Hurry up!"

N

Tsunade examined Haku quietly and thoroughly, a true professional at work. Sakura and Kakashi watched quietly, marveling at her deftness. Few medics had the Hokage's kind of composure at work.

"I don't know how to explain this… theory of sorts," Tsunade straightened after several minutes, looking at her student. "Kakashi, sorry but could you leave for awhile? I need to speak to Sakura alone – I'll summon you later,"

The Jounin gave her a thumbs-up and disappeared through the door.

Sakura cast a quizzical look at her sensei, and noted the sudden mischievous glint in Tsunade's hazel eyes. She sighed inwardly. This could not mean anything particularly good for her. Completely ignoring Haku's issue for a moment, the Godaime turned to her student and spoke.

"Tell me… how did you sneak Sasuke out of jail?" Tsunade gave the kunoichi a sidelong glance.

"I didn't!" Sakura feigned innocence.

The Godaime raised an eyebrow. "Let me see… you were at the Uchiha cemetery, and the fact that you shouldn't have been able to take Haku out on your own…"

"Okay, fine, fine," Sakura caved in. "I just used Kage Bunshin, Henge and then a simple transportation jutsu, that's all," Sakura grumbled like a five year old denied candy.

Tsunade grinned slightly. "That's my smart girl,"

"Anyway, back to the main topic of discussion," Sakura rolled her eyes while barely containing a smile, pointing at Haku. "What do you think?"

There was a long while of silence as Tsunade's expression reverted to serious once again.

"I think?" the older woman said quietly, watching the young man lying on the hospital bed. "You'll think it's ridiculous,"

"Ridiculous?" Sakura laughed lightly, almost bitterly. "You know nothing's ridiculous for me anymore, shishou, not after my becoming a jinchuuriki… it's like nothing's impossible, once that happened,"

Tsunade stared at her apprentice for a long time. "I think he used my 'Creation: Rebirth' technique," she spoke slowly, allowing her words to sink in slowly, to make an impact.

"But – I thought that was unique… you created it, right?" Sakura asked, slightly confused.

"Like with every other technique, 'Creation: Rebirth' may have variations developed by others," Tsunade explained, her tone heavy. "He may have found a way, theoretically, to use it, but had no need to try it out before, having his absolute defense as it is… but still, it's dangerous, trying to force your body to produce new cells at an alarmingly high rate can really kill a person, especially if your body isn't used to taking a lot of strain,"

"You still do it," Sakura said pointedly, raising an eyebrow.

"There are only a few things I value above my appearance, Sakura," Tsunade smiled. "But my guess is that he started the jutsu seconds before Chidori hit, and his cells multiplied fast enough to heal his heart, even if it was a slower healing. He may have started it as a last resort, not caring whether or not if he died… maybe the 'Haku' you buried was simply a bunshin, maybe he escaped elsewhere and collapsed… and maybe, the severity of the jutsu wiped his memory entirely,"

"So… a real 'rebirth', then," Sakura said softly.

Tsunade nodded.

The teacher and student stood in silence, observing the unconscious man. He looked so peaceful… an emotion Sakura had not felt for the longest time.

"Well, let's patch him up, then," the Godaime suddenly reverted back to her brisk, business-like self, examining Haku's scorched limbs.

"Scorch marks… Katon, I presume. Yours or the Uchiha's?" she questioned with a sly grin.

"Partly mine," Sakura grinned back.

"I swear, your bloodline is going to be a hell lot useful, Sakura… if only you hadn't sealed off – "

"We've been through this before, shishou. No more nagging, please," Sakura mocked annoyance. "It's sealed, and that's that,"

Tsunade replied with an easy shrug, and continued working in silence, Sakura assisting her.

"Tsunade-sama…" the pink-haired kunoichi remembered something she had wanted to ask.

"Yes?"

"Your meeting with Aburame-san… and his mission with Shino… what was it about?"

The Hokage regarded her with a passive face for a moment.

"Akatsuki."

Sakura jolted, remembering their encounter with the dreaded organization all too well. Sasuke…

She shook her head to get rid of those thoughts. "Neji and Shikamaru told you about our mission progress, didn't they?"

"Yes, and everyone was at the debriefing except for you," Tsunade pretended to look disapproving.

"Wasn't my fault…" Sakura muttered.

"Anyway, your team leaders said you're supposed to be in a 'hell lot of trouble'," her mentor cast her a sidelong glance. Sakura gritted her teeth and made a mental note to kill both Neji and Shikamaru at first opportunity. Was it wrong to want to help her own sensei after she promised him?

"But no, the Aburame mission was not regarding the Akatsuki members you encountered," Tsunade continued before Sakura could protest.

"Then?" Sakura was puzzled.

Tsunade had finished healing Haku. She led Sakura back into her office, requesting Shizune to keep an eye on the unconscious young man. After settling into her chair and having Sakura sit opposite her, she continued.

"It's not so much about the Akatsuki members themselves, Jiraiya is already working on that, it's more about the rings that they wear,"

"Rings?" Sakura thought for a moment, then realization struck. She'd read about this somewhere, having had full access to the Hokage's personal archive of information. "Oh… you mean the ones they use to seal the Bijuu into that statue – the one that Neji saw with his Byakugan when we were outside the Akatsuki hideout to rescue Gaara?"

"You're catching up fast," Tsunade approved. "They use a forbidden technique, 'Fuin Jutsu: Genryuu Kyuu Fujin' (1) to draw the Bijuu out of the jinchuuriki while standing on the statue finger that corresponds to their ring finger. We're not exactly sure if all ten Akatsuki members are required to be present, but Jiraiya's still working on it,"

Sakura knew that jutsu, Chiyo had explained it to them awhile ago. She shuddered involuntarily, trying not to imagine what would happen to her if Akatsuki ever managed to capture her and Naruto. Death?

"Here. Take a look at this," Tsunade slid a file across the desk. Sakura accepted it and tentatively flipped the plain hardcover open.

The first page showed a list.


AKATSUKI: RINGS, SYMBOLS AND WEARER

～零 (rei)  "Zero", worn by Pain　
～青龍 (seiryuu) "Azure Dragon", worn by Deidara
～百虎 (byakko) "White Tiger", worn by Konan
～朱雀 (suzaku) "Vermilion Bird", worn by Uchiha Itachi
～玄武 (genbu) "Black Tortoise", worn by Zetsu
～空间 (kuchin) "Void", formerly worn by Orochimaru
～南斗 (nanju) "Sagittarius", worn by Hoshigaki Kisame
～北斗 (hokuto) "Northern Star", worn by Kakuzu (dead)
～三台 (santai) "Three Levels", worn by Hidan (decapitated)
～玉女 (gyokunyo) "Virgin", worn by Sasori (dead, now worn by Tobi)


She skimmed through the list, subconsciously memorizing the details. Also noting that the page was rather frayed and yellowed with age, with plenty of added notes in Tsunade's handwriting, Sakura placed the file back on the table.

"So…" she began uncertainly. "From what I overheard… Shibi-san and Shino found three rings – and since the rest are constantly worn by the Akatsuki members, I suppose that they found Kakuzu's 'Hokuto', Hidan's 'Santai' and Orochimaru's 'Kuchin', then…"

Tsunade nodded tiredly.

"And I suppose 'Kuchin' would have been the hardest to find because Orochimaru was still having it," Sakura theorized.

"Smart girl. Shibi and Shino retrieved Kakuzu's ring at the site of your battle, luckily Naruto's Rasengan Shuriken hadn't destroyed it completely. Shibi doubts Hidan even noticed his ring was gone, his bugs simply slipped the ring off underground, where Shikamaru buried that Jashin (2) fanatic," Tsunade sighed.

"And Orochimaru's?" the cherry blossom queried.

"Long story short, they found it at Orochimaru's last hideout, the location revealed by Pakkun who split up with Kakashi halfway through their mission. Apparently, the snake bastard just left it there… probably got tired of the reminder about Akatsuki,"

"It was as easy as that?" Sakura was surprised. "I mean, knowing him as one of the 'Legendary Three Sannin', I expected something more… spectacular,"

"We're not what we used to be, Sakura…" Tsunade's voice dropped as she swiveled her chair to face the window, watching the glorious evening sun set. For the first time since she had met the Hokage, Sakura realized that Tsunade was getting old. Maybe her skin had no wrinkles, maybe she still looked twenty, but then again…

Her hazel eyes had suddenly lost their spark, their brightness. She looked so tired, worried.

And Sakura suddenly felt afraid. She had always assumed that Tsunade would always be there, the thought of her teacher being plain human had never really occurred to her. So what if Tsunade wasn't there anymore?

She had grown too comfortable, the past five years. Sinking back into that old habit of taking everything for granted, like she had done with her grandfather, her parents, her brother. Everybody that mattered. Sakura never thought of how life would be without them before their deaths, she dwelled on it after they died, and now she was forgetting that lesson.

She felt a wave of regret wash over her senses, but her reverie was suddenly broken by the sound of pattering footsteps.

Shizune hurried into the room from the adjoining lab, reporting to Tsunade.

"In case you want to know, Tsunade-sama, Haku's awake,"

N

Hinata was swathed in an elaborate, embroidered kimono by her servants while Hanabi pulled her sister's hair into a neat twist, held together by a simple snowflake pin. The kimono was a milky white colour, embroidered with silver snowflakes and feathers. The pale blue obi went around her waist, expertly twisted into a bow at the back by the Hyuuga seamstress.

The servants were given the order to leave once they finished dressing the Hyuuga heir, leaving the two sisters alone in the large room belonging to the Hyuuga heir. Despite its size, Hinata's room was simply decorated, with small items that she valued instead of extravagant designs.

Hanabi sat down next to her sister, unusually quiet for once. Hinata often thought of how much Hanabi reminded her of Naruto, even though she was no match for his loudness. Like her namesake, fireworks, Hanabi was born to shine, with more natural talent than her elder sister. She possessed more confidence and poise, always sure of what she could do. Hinata, on the other hand, lacked that particular fiery spark of her sister's, and had to rely on hard work to compensate her lack of confidence.

Yet they were sisters, and sometimes, Hinata felt that that was all that mattered.

"I'm nervous, somehow," Hinata confided softly.

"Aren't you always?" Hanabi grinned, rolling her eyes.

"Hanabi! You're not helping!"

"I'm your younger sister, I'm supposed to bully you, not help you," the younger girl teased with a mischievous expression. "C'mon, nee-chan, it's just a meeting! Besides, you killed that traitor Hakujo, I bet everyone will be at your feet – literally,"

"That's not a very nice thought," Hinata commented dryly. "And this isn't just any meeting…" she trailed off into silence.

It was true. The ceremony tonight, before dinner, symbolized her coming of age as a Hyuuga, at seventeen. According to tradition, she would be ready to take on serious apprenticeship under the clan leader, namely her father, from this day onwards, to prepare her for her role later as Hyuuga clan leader.

Hanabi became somber. "So… you're going to tell them? Tonight?"

Hinata nodded. "It's my coming of age ceremony… if I don't tell them now, I never will have the chance – it wouldn't be proper after this, like I'm withdrawing because I'm scared of the heavy duties,"

"What about chichioya? Have you told him?"

"If you count hinting that I will say something rather shocking at the meeting, then yes, I've told him,"

"I think he knows, in a way," Hanabi smiled. "But it's your path to choose,"

"Yes… and Neji-nii-san deserves the honour," Hinata said quietly. "Maybe, with this decision, I can make a difference in the way things are done in the Hyuuga clan. Maybe I can make us all equal,"

"You know, when you first told me your 'dream', I was thinking you wanted the impossible," Hanabi admitted. "But you've come really far, in five years… so I wish you all the best, no matter what,"

"Thank you," her elder sister returned a smile.

A sudden, sly grin crossed Hanabi's face. "Tell me, did Naruto-kun give you this crazy idea?"

"Sort of," Hinata whacked her sister on the arm to wipe off the annoying grin. "When he was fighting Neji-nii-san during our first Chunin Exams – when he said he'd change the Hyuuga clan when he became Hokage – I started wondering why we needed someone else to change us, why we couldn't just get over our pride and admit the problem, and change ourselves instead… but it was my idea to give up my position as heir and find a counter for the Hyuuga Curse Seal – Naruto-kun simply gave me the courage to do it," Hinata reprimanded, trying to sound severe.

Unfortunately, it only resulted in more teasing – Hanabi started sounding like a broken train whistle. "Isn't that just romantic…"

"Shut up, you little brat," Hinata laughed.

"Ooh, nee-chan's being rude!" Hanabi laughed even harder.

"You're impossible," Hinata shook her head and crossed her arms, mock sighing.

Glancing out of the open window at the beautifully crescent-shaped moon, Hinata found her thoughts drifting towards the loudmouth blonde.

'It's funny how you change lives, Naruto…'

N

Those seated in the Hyuuga mansion's meeting hall rose as Hiashi walked in, followed by Hinata, escorted by Neji. All three were dressed in fine traditional robes bearing the Hyuuga emblem on the back, and all three were seated at the far end of the long hall. The coming of age ceremony had been completed before dinner, and Hinata now bore the Hyuuga emblem in black on her left arm – a mark for every Hyuuga that turned seventeen.

The hall fell silent as Hiashi rose and began to speak, beginning with the usual introductions, thanking everyone for attending. People began to perk up as he started on the main topic of discussion.

"This year, my eldest daughter Hinata turns seventeen," the clan leader spoke in his baritone voice, each word ringing across the specially designed hall clearly. No one fidgeted, no one whispered while he spoke – the Hyuugas had always been brought up that way. "I believe that she is now ready to learn, to take on the responsibilities of a clan leader as our tradition dictates."

This time, a murmur rippled across the room. Hiashi continued, in a quieter tone. "We have known her, for many years, as a shy girl with no outstanding abilities – and I must confess that I lost all faith in her – perhaps all too soon, because Hinata has proved to me that this girl before us today is no longer a girl, but a young lady who is worthy of our confidence and our respect,"

The man paused for a moment, to let his words sink in. "Hinata has taught me much, for the past year. I learnt that perhaps, one without talent at birth can blossom into something truly remarkable, quietly. Some things that we do not see before our eyes, exist despite our not realizing it, and Hinata's potential, to me, is one of those things. Therefore, I hope that all of you here will be able to accept her, guide her and have faith in my daughter to lead us all through the difficult times ahead… I believe we know what threats Konoha faces,"

Again, there was a ripple of whispers in the hall. Hiashi could pick out several discontented ones.

"Hinata has proven her worth," Hiashi's words came out strongly. "We know that she has killed the traitor Hakujo, and I believe her capable if we are willing to trust her abilities."

The stately leader resumed his seat, and motioned for Hinata to step forward, to speak. The shy girl rose, trembling slightly, but trying not to show her fear. That, at least, had to be admired.

She raised her voice slightly to make herself heard, bowing. "Thank you for coming today," Hinata paused for a moment, unsure of what to say next. She wasn't going to follow the given speech, that was for sure. She took a deep breath.

"I was born – and fated, destined, to be the Hyuuga clan leader after my father," Hinata clasped her hands before her. "At least, that is the general opinion."

There were several laughs to this comment. It was common knowledge that most of the clan had actually expected Hiashi to allow his second daughter to succeed him instead.

Hinata let herself smile a little. Time to drop the bomb. "But – I do not choose this path,"

Deathly silence fell. Before anyone could contradict her, Hinata continued firmly, gaining confidence with each passing moment. She had spent so long preparing herself for this occasion, she couldn't blow it now.

"The Hyuuga clan has been divided for generations – which is, in my opinion, quite long enough. We constantly spend our days talking about fate and destiny, the inescapable truth that we are so famous for, but we have forgotten what is most important – family, and humanity. Nobody deserves to be forced to serve another human being without options, without a willing heart, but that is exactly what this clan is implying by setting up a Branch House and  Main house," the opaque-eyed girl forced herself to meet the eyes of her audience. They hadn't expected this, she could tell. For years, this bitter truth was a fact that lay unspoken of.

"We have forgotten that humans are not ranked by birth nor by blood, but by their own characters, goals and capabilities. We brand Branch members with that abominable Juinjutsu (3) of ours, but for what reason? Aren't we all equal? What gives the Main house any right to make the Branch serve us, what gives us the right to inflict pain on them as we please? And don't tell me that the Juinjutsu is there to remind them of their placing – because there never was any 'placing', because they're not of a lower class!"

Neji sat, straight-backed, listening, absorbing every word. He'd been helping Hinata memorize the prepared speech, and what she was saying now – it was completely unplotted. Nothing like the stoic, boring speech about how she would serve and lead the Hyuugas well.

Honestly, he preferred this impromptu version. It was the truth, exposing everything as it really was.

"We are a clan. A family," Hinata said quietly. "I think we've forgotten the mutual respect that all of us deserve. The Main and the Branch houses are no different, only our ridiculous attitudes have created differences. You probably think I'm just sentimental because I'm a woman, but please. Stop trying to fool yourselves with illusions of the Main House superiority, because we've been living in our own perpetual 'genjutsu' for long enough,"

Several members of the clan weren't too happy with her words, Hinata could tell. Oh well, if she'd started, she might as well finish it, right?

"My father is ready to pass on his role of clan leader to me. But as I said at the very beginning, this is not the path I choose. I am not a worthy candidate for this post and I will not accept it. I may have killed a traitor, but I feel no glory because that simply stemmed from my inclination to protect my friends," Hinata paused, swallowing. "I cannot be all that you expect a Hyuuga leader to be, because that isn't who I am,"

"And you are proposing…?" an elder spoke up skeptically.

"My sister Hanabi has also told me that she refuses to hold this position, therefore, I choose my cousin, Hyuuga Neji, to take my place."

The whole room froze in complete silence, staring at Hinata who was defiantly staring back at them, daring them to challenge her word. Neji's eyes were wide with shock; Hiashi was sitting stark still (even though he had somewhat expected this) and the rest of them looked as if someone had just told them that Maito Gai was changing his haircut.

Then came the reaction.

"You can't – he's got the Curse Seal!" someone protested angrily from the back. "What rubbish is this, I disagree!"

Hinata almost enjoyed the sight of the stoic Hyuugas on the border of panicking. This was quite a change, indeed. The room suddenly felt like it had a bit of life to it.

"Neji-nii-san, show them," the girl said quietly, trying to keep her annoyance in check.

Still slightly dazed, the prodigy stood and slowly removed his headband.

The fabric fell away. Several gasps could be heard.

That green seal on Neji's forehead – it was gone.

"What – "

"Impossible!"

"How – "

"I found a way to reverse the seal," Hinata commanded attention with quiet dignity, returning silence to the room. "I don't believe that any of us should be branded like cows,"

She watched their faces carefully, amused at the expressions. She would have to store this image in her mind for recollection later, it was priceless.

"So, who wants to tell me that he isn't equal to any of us, now?"

Several people looked angry. "He's still a Branch – "

Hiashi promptly stood out, feeling a new spark blazing within him. He had let his brother be sacrificed for his sake, for his life years ago, and he blamed himself for not having more of a backbone to prevent it. He didn't want the same thing to happen to Hinata, or Neji.

"I support Hinata's choice,"

"Hiashi-sama!" one of the elders started.

"My nephew, as all of you know, is a prodigy beyond any known Hyuuga, restricted only by our short-sighted views on how our fates control our paths!" Hiashi glared him down, strangely enjoying this defiance.

"That's completely out – "

"Listen to me!" Hiashi spoke fiercely, defending his daughter and nephew. "My brother was relegated to the Branch House simply because he was born second, after me. Years ago, I let him be sacrificed as my body double, an act that I regret to this day – but he died protecting us, hoping that his death would make us realize what's truly important! My daughter finally speaks the truth that we have evaded for generations, and you think she is insane? She was willing to find out exactly what was wrong with our clan, she made efforts to change our perception of how humans are 'ranked' – every word she has spoken is the truth, whether we like it or not!"

"But Neji – Branch member – head of clan – unacceptable!" one man spluttered disbelievingly.

From there began a chaotic, heated argument over the topic, some supporting Hinata's cause, some strongly opposing it while several others simply looked confused. Neji sighed, rubbing his temples. Sometimes… he just wanted to blow his top at them.

Hinata looked exasperated. Just as the noise level built to a maximum, her voice rang out. Not loudly, but clearly.

"That's quite enough,"

It was as if someone had pressed the 'pause' button on a remote, the effect was immediate. Everyone and everything fell silent, focused on Hinata. She drew a breath, speaking calmly.

"What is the use of having the Byakugan, if we see everything but the truth?"

With one last, passive glance at the frozen Hyuugas in the room, Hinata swept out, Hiashi and Neji following her.

N

That's it! Chapter 27 done! ^^

Some terms:

(1)Fuin Jutsu: Genryuu Kyuu Fujin – Sealing Technique: Illusionary Dragon Nine Consuming Seals. It's the jutsu used by Akatsuki members to extract Bijuu from a jinchuuriki and seal it into a statue.

(2)Jashin: a wayward religion that Hidan followed in the manga, it focuses on hurting people.

(3)Juinjutsu: basically, this is another term for the Curse Seal.

I hope this chapter was informative on the Akatsuki rings, because that will be pretty important later in the story, so pay attention, okay! And also, there will be more about Haku next chapter, be patient!

The next chapter will be pretty long, and hopefully, I will be able to finish it by next week before I leave on holiday… so make sure you guys review, okay!!!!

That's about it, ja for now!

-Rave-chan-