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The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the paper screens of the Hyuga estate's council chambers, casting long shadows on the tatami floor. Neji stood before Hizashi, his father and guardian, who now bore the weight of leading the clan's internal affairs after his twin brother Hiashi's death.
"Neji, you'll be turning six in a few weeks," Hizashi said, his voice calm but resolute. "You should attend the Ninja Academy."
Neji's brows furrowed slightly. "But otou-san, I don't need to go to the academy. I'm strong enough to be a Chuunin already."
Hizashi allowed himself a faint smile, but his gaze remained firm. "I know your strength, Neji. But this isn't just about you. It's about Hinata. She will be turning four soon. In two years, she'll join the Academy to acquaint herself with children from the other major clans. As her protector, you should be there."
Neji looked away, his lips tightening. "Hinata has also become pretty strong. She has awakened after losing her one Byakugan and her father's death. She doesn't need protection."
"I've noticed Hinata's growth," Hizashi said, walking slowly to the open screen, gazing at the gentle garden outside. "But it's not always about strength. She's closed herself off from everyone—but you."
There was a long pause.
"Make your preparations," Hizashi said softly but with finality.
Neji left the room silently, his thoughts turning inward. The words echoed in his mind, not because of their command, but because of the quiet truth behind them.
As he walked through the silent corridors of the Hyuga estate, the rhythmic sound of sandals against the polished wood mingled with the occasional bird call from the courtyard. Just as he turned the corner toward his quarters, something small and swift caught his eye—a blur of movement hopping from one pillar to another.
A tiny shadow tried to vanish behind a paper screen.
Neji narrowed his eyes and then called out gently, "Hanabi, come out."
There was a tiny gasp and then a high-pitched wail. "Waww! Bathaw caught me!"
Neji knelt down and opened his arms. "Don't cry. If you stop crying, I'll give you a three-colored dango."
Like magic, the tears paused mid-way down her cheeks. Hanabi's wide brown eyes sparkled like the stars in the night sky. "Dango? Thwee colors?" she whispered.
"Yes. Pink, green, and white. Soft and sweet," Neji said, his voice light and warm.
"Okay! I won't cwy," she declared, rushing toward him with tiny steps. She threw her little arms around his neck, giggling.
He picked her up effortlessly, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. "Let's go get some. But you have to promise to stay quiet next time you're sneaking around the house."
"Pwomise! I was pwaying ninja," she mumbled into his shoulder. "Like niichan."
Neji smiled, carrying her toward the side garden where a small bench sat under a blooming cherry tree. The petals danced around them in the breeze, and Hanabi stretched her hand out to catch one. He let her try for a while, then unwrapped the dango and handed her the stick.
"Here you go. Don't eat it too fast."
Hanabi studied it with reverence. "This is so pwetty. Niichan is da best."
Neji watched her take a small bite, her face lighting up with joy. He hadn't seen her this happy in days.
"Do you miss Papa?" he asked suddenly.
"No. But Mama says he watches fwom da stars."
"He does," Neji said softly. "And he's proud of you."
Hanabi leaned against him, chewing slowly. "Will you go 'way to da cademy?"
"I'll still be here," he said, brushing a cherry blossom from her hair. "I'll come back every day. And I'll still train with you and Hinata."
She nodded solemnly, her eyes still filled with questions she didn't yet know how to ask.
A moment later, she perked up. "Can I be ninja too?"
"Of course," Neji said. "You'll be the strongest ninja in the world."
"Stwonger than Niichan?"
He chuckled. "Maybe. But you have to train hard. No more sneaking around the halls."
Hanabi nodded firmly, then offered him the last bite of dango. "You can have this."
Neji took it, more touched than he expected. "Thank you, Hanabi."
They sat in silence for a while, the wind carrying the scent of blossoms and distant tea steam. Eventually, Hanabi dozed off on his shoulder, her tiny hands curled like petals. Neji carried her gently back to the inner house and laid her in her futon. As he tucked her in, he saw the quiet strength that ran through the women in their family—his mother, Hinata's mother, and now, little Hanabi.
Since Hiashi's death, the distance between the two mothers had lessened. Often, Neji saw them talking in hushed voices over tea, sometimes even laughing. Tragedy had forced a closeness that politics had previously denied.
Back in his room, Neji sat cross-legged and began to meditate. His thoughts returned to Hizashi's words.
Hinata needs you.
Not to fight for her. But to be there for her.
The Academy wasn't just about techniques or missions—it was about forging bonds, facing the world together. And if Hinata was going to step into that world, she deserved to know she wasn't alone.
As the moon rose above the tiled roofs of the Hyuga compound, Neji opened his eyes. Tomorrow, he would begin preparing. Not just to be an academy student, but to be the protector he had once sworn to be—not through strength alone, but through presence.
And in a quiet house lit by starlight, Hanabi dreamed of dango, ninja games, and her strong, kind niichan who always came when she cried.
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