After most of the crowd had left, Hinata and Neji had already changed into training clothes.
The two bowed to each other in the center of the room, then began their spar.
"Hah!"
Little Neji struck first, aiming a blow at the face that Hinata blocked.
Hinata spun into two kicks, both of which Neji deflected.
Truly the old, established ninja clans: a three-year-old outside would be praised just for running without tripping.
Yet Hinata's movements were already crisp; though her kicks were stopped, the effort was obvious.
Only Little Neji was a bit dense—he didn't know how to hold back at all.
When his next face strike was stopped, he simply snapped a foot into Hinata's side.
It wasn't hard, but Hinata yelped and landed on her bottom.
Hands flung up to shield her face in fright; only then did Little Neji realize he'd gone too far. He quickly withdrew, pulling her to her feet.
Aoran shifted his gaze to Hiashi and caught a flicker of displeasure in the man's eyes.
Once Hinata and Neji had reset, they clashed again.
This time Little Neji pulled his punches, trading several exchanges with Hinata.
Four small hands cracked "slap-slap" through the air.
From the corner of his eye Neji glanced at Hizashi, whose pride was unmistakable.
At that moment Little Neji's joy nearly overflowed.
"Hah!" Little Hinata's palm struck Little Neji square in the face.
Instinctively he caught her wrist and tugged, sending her tumbling to the mat.
"All right, that's enough for today."
Before they could continue, Hiashi called an immediate halt.
Hinata shot Hiashi a timid glance; seeing no blame on his face, she relaxed.
From the side Aoran noticed Hiashi's expression looked somewhat forced.
What Hiashi truly thought, no outsider could tell.
Little Hinata and Little Neji left, sitting side by side on the veranda to rest.
Hiashi followed Hizashi over to Aoran.
"This is my elder brother, Hiashi."
Though they had met before, this was their first formal introduction.
Aoran bowed: "Lord Hiashi."
At the introduction Hiashi's brows twitched, but he quickly adopted a kindly smile.
"So you're Masahiko's child—impressive."
"Masahiko rendered great service to the clan. From today you're one of us; if ever you need help, find Hizashi—he'll settle it."
Aoran bowed evenly. "Thank you, Lord Hiashi."
Seeing such composure in a child, Hiashi nodded, clearly satisfied.
Yet his praise was not meant for Aoran alone.
Hiashi turned away to address several branch-house youngsters, offering each a few encouraging words.
Aoran kept a neutral face; saying little was safest when you couldn't act the child.
He stood nearer the door, attention fixed on Little Neji and Little Hinata outside.
Three-year-old Hinata was a tiny bundle; whenever she spoke, shy pink tinged her cheeks. Perched on the veranda, she murmured:
"Actually… I don't like training in taijutsu."
Little Neji beside her looked puzzled. "What are you saying?"
"You're the one who'll inherit the Hyuga estate—you should be brighter, more confident!"
Little Hinata drooped. "I wish Big Brother Neji could take my place… you're so strong."
Little Neji's eyes hardened. "No defeatist talk. I'll make you strong."
"When danger comes, I'll protect you with my life!"
At his words Hinata's eyes shimmered; a soft blush crept over her face, moved beyond words.
Hiashi always sternly pressed her down—this was the first time anyone had ever encouraged her.
"Big Brother Neji…"
Hinata lowered her head, throat tightening—when suddenly Neji exclaimed: "Lady Hinata, it's snowing!"
She lifted her face to drifting flakes, the weight on her heart melting away.
Neji beamed at the white expanse. "This morning Dad and I had a snowball fight—I hit him twice!"
Watching his smile, Little Hinata felt a flicker of courage for the days ahead.
Just then Aoran noticed Hiashi and Hizashi step outside. Hizashi bent to whisper something to Neji.
"Well then, I'll take Neji with me."
Without further words Hiashi collected the boy and led him toward the inner court.
Neji looked bewildered, unsure what awaited him.
Hizashi's gaze lingered on Hinata, his breath coming heavier.
Aoran drifted to Hizashi's side and casually asked, "Uncle, where's Neji going?"
Hizashi hesitated, forcing a smile:
"Nothing important. The morning ceremony's done—let Yuehua take you to lunch."
With that he again stared after Neji.
In his eyes churned resentment, pain, and a trace of barely hidden bitterness.
Aoran studied Hizashi for two silent seconds, then followed Yuehua to eat… Meanwhile—
Within Konoha Village the air was festive.
Bulletin boards and loudspeakers announced that Kumogakure would sign a peace treaty today.
Every villager's face glowed with excitement, eyes shining with longing for peace.
Few grasped the politics; they simply knew open borders meant trade, scarce goods would flow, and life would improve.
Konoha Leadership had erected a grand dais before the Hokage Building.
Under the public gaze Kumogakure envoy Nagasaki Hiroaki and Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi signed the peace accord.
As the two hands clasped—
"Pop… pop…"
Confetti cannons specially arranged sprayed into the sky.
The watching crowd cheered in jubilation.
"The treaty is sealed," said Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, descending the platform with Nagasaki Hiroaki. "The village holds a festival; Mr. Nagasaki, enjoy Konoha's sights at your leisure."
Together they walked down, exchanging polite officialities.
Nearly every clan had sent representatives, showing deference to Konoha Leadership.
Even the Uchiha Clan dispatched an elder.
Yet Nagasaki Hiroaki had already noted the absence of the Hyuga among the crowd.
The Byakugan, after all, is unmistakable at a glance.
[For them to skip such an occasion—clearly the rift between Hyuga and Konoha Leadership runs deep. A perfect opening.]
He mused while replying courteously:
"I've never had the chance to tour Konoha—today my wish is fulfilled."
Third Hokage Hiruzen let out a hearty laugh: "Hahaha, we won't disappoint you, Mr. Nagasaki."
…