Chapter 8: Family Business, secrets and dates.

It didn't take long to know things wouldn't be easy. Our Hyuga escorts guided us not toward a guest room, a reception room, or even the yard with the nice little pond, cute little fish, and the peaceful clacking of a shishi odoshi. No, our destination was the family dojo.

The paths we took were familiar, like an old dream I could never properly remember but never really forget. They were the same manicured paths, tall walls, and a severe atmosphere. I remembered running down this path many times, only to be scolded by Father. I remember moving to follow the path on the left, toward the inner yard, and sitting by the pond watching the cute, colorful fish while Mother fussed with my hair. I remembered walking past tall family members and feeling uber uncomfortable as they bowed to me.

I shared a glance with Ino. Her back was tense, eyes a little wide. Shisui didn't seem bothered. His stride was steady, unrushed, his face calm with a hint of a smile. Was he seeing something I wasn't?

At the dojo's entrance, I stumbled into the first conundrum: Should I remove my shoes?

Removing shoes to enter was a sacred dojo rule; I should enter barefooted. However, the choice of meeting place was highly suspicious. This was something they insisted upon, a meeting which the Hokage was also participating in. Meeting here could be an insult, a power play, or just general disregard toward me and the Hokage.

Perhaps this was how they told me I wasn't a part of the clan anymore. That I didn't deserve a meeting in the formal reception hall. Maybe this was a challenge and not a discussion.

The dojo was a place of training, discipline, and combat. Not for political discussions.

What other meaning did meeting here have, aside from violence?

And what about the Hokage? Forcing Shisui to meet them inside a dojo was more than a snub at his position. The Hokage position was one of military strength, but the settings were all wrong. Was Hiashi trying to make a statement, that these were the Hyuga lands, and they operated by their own rules? Or worse, the Hokage's presence was just tolerated, and he had no authority regarding the outcome?

I looked at Shisui. His face was still peaceful, the hint of a smile still present. He didn't seem bothered by any of what was happening. He strode to the door, took out his shoes, and walked inside like it was just another Tuesday.

This might be a calculated insult, most likely some form of power play. I wasn't willing to be the first to start a war, so to speak. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt before anything else.

It might be that they genuinely believed meeting in the dojo was the best option.

…Yeah, as if.

I shrugged, walked after the Hokage without removing my shoes. Behind me, Ino gasped. I heard angry hisses from the ones escorting us. I didn't look back, nor did I stop.

The dojo was even more impressive than my faded memories told me. Massive, with polished wooden floors stretching far and wide. Lanterns hanging from thick dark beams. Walls lined with calligraphy banners displaying the Hyuga words of wisdom.

The racks with training weapons I remembered from my childhood weren't here. Instead, most of the sparse furniture had been removed. Along the walls sat a lot of people in seiza. They were all dark-haired, white-dressed, with white eyes glaring at me and my shoes.

I smiled at them, waved cheerfully.

By doing so, I ended up looking back. Best Girl Ino hadn't removed her shoes either. I didn't know if I wanted to hug or slap that silly girl. Why was she picking a fight here? She should have done the same as Shisui. Warm, bubbling feelings accosted me, and I didn't fight the slight reddening of my cheeks and the impish smile. But still, I was going to have words with her about acceptable levels of recklessness. Even though I appreciated the support, she shouldn't have done that. I had nothing to lose. She had a whole clan to think about.

At the center of the dojo was the main family. Hiashi sat on a cushion center stage, Neji on his right, Hanabi on his left. Behind him, there were a lot of others from the clan. Familiar faces I hadn't seen in almost a decade. Elders and high-ranking members of the main family.

Hizashi sat behind and to the right of Hiashi. His eyes were calm. Not angry or judging. Just serious and focused.

Without meaning to, my eyes wandered and stopped on a woman behind and to the left of Hiashi. Her eyes found mine, and I had to fight not to lose my composure. Hinata's mom. My mother. Was she my mother? I didn't know. Her eyes were full of something I couldn't decipher. She didn't seem happy with the situation. Was it because I was here or because of what was happening? The warm feelings from Ino were replaced by a stab of pain.

I missed Mom, both of them.

None of the people inside got up to greet the Hokage, let alone me. A few meters away from Hiashi was a single cushion meant for Shisui. Yep, well, that clarified things: calculated insults. I guess I didn't need to worry about causing problems or my shoes. They were good enough on my feet.

Shisui stopped by the cushion, looked at all the stern-faced people around us. He looked back at me. The question was easy to interpret. I gave him the briefest nod I'm sure every Hyuga in the room saw. I appreciated his gesture. This was almost the same as shouting that he was in my corner. That made me feel a lot better.

The Hokage smiled, sat on the cushion.

I walked to his side. Lots of eyes were on me. Hiashi's face was a mask of indifference. Neji looked possessed, teeth gritted, veins bulging from his forehead. I guess he still wasn't over his defeat. Hanabi glared, which was a shame. Dear little sister looked at me like I was a monster.

I rummaged through my prepared supplies. I hadn't thought I would use this so soon. I might have to thank the Ero-Sennin later.

Out of my seals popped two stools. I arranged them by Shisui's side. I gestured for Ino to sit. Then I also sat. I folded one leg over the other and shifted to get more comfortable. Next time, I would store whole chairs instead of stools.

I ignored the angry mutterings and hissed words. A quick look told me there were no refreshments prepared for the guests. Well, that was easy enough to solve. I got up. Out popped a piece of fabric, which I laid before our group.

I rummaged through my pouches. I made no attempt to pay attention to people around me, their hissing, angry muttering, or pointed glares. I compared the seals. Which one? Good impressions v2? Casual Picnic v3? I shrugged, chose the casual picnic pack.

Out popped an assortment of cakes, cupcakes, pudding, and other goodies. From another seal popped a jar with juice — mango juice — and cups. I walked around and gave the cup to Shisui and Ino. Under his amused gaze and the hostile glare from the whole crowd, I served him and Ino and offered the sweets.

"I apologize for the lack of manners," I said, letting my voice carry out.

Ino, bless that pretty girl, giggled. She took a pudding, ate it. Shisui took a sip of his juice, nibbled one of the cupcakes.

"Thank you for the refreshments, Hinata-san," he said.

It was the first words uttered since we entered.

"Eh, it's fine," I shrugged, returned to my stool, sat with pudding in one hand and a cup of juice in the other.

I looked at Hiashi and all the agitated elders behind him. Mom had an even stranger look on her face. I wanted to get up and serve her but decided against it. Shrugged again, took another sip of my juice.

"So, what do you want with me?" I asked, not bothering with nice words.