A classical, luxurious Japanese-style manor.
The moment the servant's voice rang out, the young Hinata had already opened her eyes. In those clear, awake pupils, there was none of the sleepy attachment a child her age should have for the warmth of her bed.
"I'm already awake."
At her signal, the servant slid open the door and entered, carrying a basin of steaming water and a white towel.
Like a porcelain doll, Hinata was gently dressed and groomed in the servant's careful hands, becoming ever more exquisite.
"Miss, today is the opening ceremony at the Ninja Academy."
Hinata nodded slightly. "Where is Father?"
"The clan head has important matters to attend to," the servant replied.
At those words, the brightness in Hinata's eyes dimmed slightly. "I see…"
The servant didn't notice the change in her gaze. As she tidied the room, she added,
"However, there's another child in the clan who's reached school age. The clan head has arranged for him to be in the same class as you—he'll be taking care of you."
"Taking care of me?" Hinata murmured softly.
Catching the subtle tone in Hinata's voice, the servant took a quiet breath and said earnestly, "Miss, that is the duty of every member of the Branch Family."
Duty…
The young Hinata didn't truly understand what that word meant. She only knew that Father and Brother Neji often spoke of it.
What made her sad just now wasn't really that Father was too busy—but that she wanted to tell him, I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself.
After breakfast, the servant escorted her to the gate. There, a boy about her age had been waiting for quite some time.
He was handsome, but Hinata's eyes weren't drawn to his face—they were fixed on his forehead.
On that smooth forehead was an indigo mark: a cross with two curved hooks branching in opposite directions.
She remembered that when Brother Neji was younger, he too had walked around with his forehead uncovered, unmarked. But then, one day, he began to wear a band across it—and from that day on, he never smiled at her again.
She hadn't dared to ask why. Not until much later did Father tell her what the "Caged Bird" meant.
In the Hyūga Clan, everyone except her father and herself covered their foreheads—sometimes with a forehead protector, sometimes with bandages, sometimes a hat…
But this boy was different from anyone Hinata had ever seen. Dressed in the plain white robes typical of the Hyūga, he stepped up to her and inclined his head politely, every movement reflecting the clan's disciplined grace.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Hinata. I'm Hyūga Seimi."
His voice was soft—not especially melodious, but warm and pleasant to hear.
"Mm."
Hinata gave a faint nod, her reply no louder than a mosquito's hum—but Seimi heard it clearly.
The two children walked side by side toward the academy. Unlike the other noisy, chattering students on their way to school, they were utterly silent, eyes fixed straight ahead.
Passersby often turned to stare at the two quiet children in surprise—but once they caught sight of those pale, pupil-less eyes, their curiosity melted into understanding.
"Oh, Hyūgas. That explains it."
Rigid adherence to ancient etiquette—unpleasant to some, perhaps, but still better than those Uchiha.
There were only a few people in the classroom. Aside from Hinata and Seimi, there was one other student: Inuzuka Kiba, with a little white dog perched proudly on his head.
Unlike Hinata, whose every movement carried the poise of a well-bred young lady, Seimi's demeanor seemed to loosen the moment they stepped outside the Hyūga compound.
He leaned on one arm, chin propped on his hand, gazing lazily out the window. His blank white eyes made it impossible to tell whether he was daydreaming or simply bored.
"Oh?"
He noticed Hinata's gaze flitting repeatedly between the little white dog and the empty blackboard.
So she likes that dog, huh?
Well, she was still a little girl. At that age, it was hard to resist something that cute.
After a moment's thought, Hyūga Seimi stood and walked over to Inuzuka Kiba.
"Hey there. I'm Hyūga Seimi. Mind if I get to know you—and your partner?"
Kiba blinked, clearly not expecting anyone to approach him so enthusiastically on the first day of school.
"Ah—hey! I'm Inuzuka Kiba," he said after a quick cough. Then, with more solemnity, he introduced the dog in his arms. "And this is my partner, Akamaru."
"Woof! Woof!" barked Akamaru, tail wagging.
Seimi wasn't exactly experienced with children, but with someone like Kiba—who wore his weakness openly—he knew exactly what to do. Compliment the dog, win over the boy. Two birds with one stone.
Hinata sat quietly, following every rule her father had taught her, but when Seimi's cheerful voice drifted over, she couldn't help glancing that way—her gaze shimmering with barely perceptible envy.
It was the first time she'd seen a Hyūga act so… improper.
The Hyūga Clan—one of Konoha's two great houses—were known for being formal and polite, while the Uchiha were seen as proud and arrogant.
But those who truly knew them understood the truth: the Uchiha only seemed unapproachable, and the Hyūga only seemed approachable.
To Hinata—and to every Hyūga—what Seimi was doing now was akin to a noble lowering himself to befriend a commoner.
She didn't understand. Wouldn't he be scolded for that?
If only I could be as brave as Seimi… Maybe that winter night, I could've learned his name…
"Miss Hinata."
Seimi's voice suddenly called out beside her, pulling her from her thoughts.
"I'm here," she answered instinctively—too quickly.
Realizing it, Hinata turned toward him—just in time to see him setting the little white dog on her desk.
"Miss Hinata, Akamaru seems to like you too."
Her pale eyes met Akamaru's dark ones. The puppy barked cheerfully, then leaned forward, sniffing her hand.
Hinata froze, glancing between Seimi and Kiba.
Then, slowly, she reached out and placed her hand atop Akamaru's head, her thumb brushing gently through his warm fur.
[Hinata Hyūga feels happy because of your actions. Freedom Attribute +1.]