A New Path

The water before Hinata shimmered under the soft glow of the moonlight, gentle ripples distorting her reflection as if the universe itself could not decide what to make of her. Weak. A failure. A disappointment. The words of her father, the whispers of the clan, they all clung to her like a second skin, a suffocating cloak of inadequacy that no amount of effort seemed to shake.

She wrapped her arms around herself, seeking comfort in her own warmth. Tonight had been another reminder—another moment where she was cast aside, where her father’s cold, sharp eyes passed right over her as if she weren’t even there. His voice, so firm and commanding, had softened only when he addressed Hanabi. Encouraging, patient even. The way he had once spoken to her before he realized she was never going to meet his expectations.

She exhaled shakily.

Her chest ached—not from exertion, not from physical pain, but from the silent, invisible wound that had been carved deep into her heart over the years. She wanted to be strong. She wanted to be acknowledged. But more than that... she just wanted to be loved.

The sound of footsteps crunching against grass startled her from her thoughts.

She turned sharply, expecting Hanabi’s triumphant smirk or perhaps even Neji’s ever-present scowl, ready to throw more words at her that would cut deeper than any blade. But what she saw was neither of them.

It was an older woman, unfamiliar yet... strangely familiar.

Her hair was long and dark, like the sky on a starless night, flowing like liquid silk down her back. Her face was sharp yet kind, with high cheekbones and lips pressed into the ghost of a knowing smile. But it was her eyes that drew Hinata in the most.

The Byakugan.

The pale, unseeing yet all-seeing gaze of her clan, yet hers felt different—older, deeper, as though they had witnessed lifetimes beyond what the human mind could comprehend.

Hinata instinctively straightened her posture. Despite her sadness, her upbringing forced her into politeness. “Ah—um, w-who are you?” she asked softly, her voice uncertain but respectful.

The woman tilted her head, the corner of her lips curving upward in a small, amused smile. “Kaguya.”

Hinata blinked. That name—it was a name that held weight, one steeped in legend, one that should not belong to any ordinary woman standing before her. Her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “Like the Rabbit Goddess?” she asked hesitantly.

Kaguya chuckled, her laughter rich and warm, like the kind a grandmother might give a curious child. She gave a slow, knowing nod. “So, you know your history well. That is good.”

Hinata frowned slightly. “I have never seen you before… not in the clan meetings, not in the portraits of the main house.” Her voice was soft, laced with genuine curiosity.

Kaguya merely hummed, stepping closer, her gaze drifting to the lake with a contemplative air. “Tell me, child… why do you sit out here alone?” Her voice was smooth, like flowing water, yet there was something behind it—something unreadable.

Hinata hesitated, lowering her head. “It is not dangerous,” she mumbled.

Kaguya’s gaze sharpened slightly. “That is not what I asked.”

Hinata bit her lip. She felt small under that gaze, like the woman could see right through her, peeling back her layers one by one until there was nothing left to hide.

Still, she answered, “I just… needed time to think.”

A pause. Then, Kaguya nodded. “I see,” she said, and for a moment, Hinata thought she would let it go. But then—

“You are the Hyuga heir, are you not?”

Hinata stiffened.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of her sleeves, gripping tightly, as shame settled heavily onto her shoulders. “I… was,” she admitted quietly. “Not anymore.”

Kaguya turned her head, her Byakugan eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh?”

Hinata swallowed. “My father… does not see me as strong enough to inherit the clan. He has chosen my sister instead.” Her voice wavered, but she forced herself to finish. “I am… weak. A failure. I bring shame to my family’s name.”

Silence.

For a long moment, Kaguya did not respond. She simply stared at the young girl, her expression unreadable, the wind rustling softly through the trees around them. Then, slowly, she moved, stepping closer until she was beside Hinata, her gaze shifting back to the lake.

And then, to Hinata’s surprise—she sat down.

Hinata hesitated, unsure of what to do, but after a moment, she found herself sitting as well, hands folded neatly in her lap, staring at the older woman with quiet curiosity.

Kaguya finally spoke, her voice softer this time. “Tell me, Hinata… do you believe that?”

Hinata blinked. “Believe what?”

“That you are weak.”

Hinata opened her mouth to answer, but no words came.

Did she believe it?

She had been told it so many times, had heard it whispered behind her back, had seen the disappointment in her father’s eyes for as long as she could remember. Wasn’t that proof enough?

And yet…

She thought back to the moments when she pushed herself when she trained until her limbs ached when she fell and forced herself to rise again. She thought back to the small, fragile hope that had never quite faded, the voice deep within her that whispered—

No.

I don’t want to be weak anymore.

“I…” Her hands clenched. “I do not know.”

Kaguya hummed. “An honest answer. I admire that.” She turned her head, watching Hinata closely, as if evaluating her. Then, after a moment, she said something that made Hinata’s breath hitch.

“You remind me of myself.”

Hinata’s eyes widened. “I do?”

Kaguya gave a slow nod. “There was once a time when I, too, was told I was not enough. That I was weak. That I had no place in my own clan.” Her voice was calm, but there was something beneath it, something old and lingering.

Hinata stared at her, the words sinking in. “What… what did you do?”

Kaguya’s gaze shifted back to the lake. “I learned,” she said simply. “I learned what they would not teach me. I learned the truths they tried to hide. I learned what it meant to be strong… not in the way they demanded but in my own way.”

Her eyes flickered back to Hinata. “And I can teach you.”

Hinata’s breath caught. “Teach me…?”

Kaguya nodded. “To fight. To see beyond what you have been told. To understand the truth of the Hyuga.”

Hinata’s heart pounded in her chest.

She should say no. This was strange, unexpected. And yet—

Somewhere deep within her, something stirred.

Hope.

“…Okay.”

And for the first time in a long, long while—Hinata felt as if she had taken a step toward something more.

Something greater.

Something free.

The air was crisp in the early morning, the grass damp with dew as Hinata stood across from Kaguya, her breath coming out in soft puffs. She had been training since the break of dawn, her body already aching from the repetitive movements Kaguya had drilled into her. Unlike the training her father put her through, this was… different. It wasn’t rigid or refined like the current Gentle Fist. It was raw, efficient, almost primal in its execution.

Kaguya stood before her, arms crossed, expression unreadable as she studied Hinata’s stance with the scrutiny of a veteran warrior. “You stand too rigid,” she chided. “The Gentle Fist your father teaches you—it’s all for show. Flashy, delicate, like a dance meant to impress nobles rather than kill an enemy.”

Hinata blinked. “B-But Gentle Fist is effective,” she said hesitantly.

Kaguya scoffed. “Effective? Perhaps. But it is nothing compared to what it once was.” She walked forward, her steps slow, deliberate. “The Hyuga have grown soft. Complacent. Back in my day, we did not waste time with exaggerated footwork or unnecessary movements. One strike. That was all it took.”

She stopped in front of Hinata and raised a single finger. “One. Strike.”

Hinata sweatdropped. “T-To kill?” she asked, unsure if she was horrified or just incredibly impressed.

Kaguya smirked. “Yes.”

Hinata swallowed. “Oh.”

The older woman tilted her head slightly, eyeing Hinata with mild amusement. “You seem surprised.”

Hinata shifted awkwardly. “It’s just… I thought the Gentle Fist was always like how it is now.”

Kaguya snorted. “That is because history has been rewritten to suit those in power.” She turned, looking off toward the Hyuga compound in the distance. “Long ago, the Hyuga were feared for their ability to end a fight in an instant. The Gentle Fist was not designed to incapacitate—it was designed to destroy.”

She faced Hinata again, eyes narrowing. “Pressure points? Please. That is a watered-down version of what we were once capable of. We did not simply shut down chakra networks. We shattered them.”

Hinata’s eyes widened slightly. “Shattered…?”

Kaguya nodded. “A single, well-placed strike to the heart could send a person into cardiac arrest. A strike to the stomach? Internal hemorrhaging. The throat? They would choke on their own blood before they even realized what had happened.” She stepped forward, tapping two fingers against Hinata’s shoulder. “Even a mere brush of our fingers could rupture muscle tissue and render an arm useless.”

Hinata stood frozen, trying to process the sheer deadliness of the ancient Hyuga style. She had always known their techniques were powerful, but this… this was something else entirely.

Kaguya smirked at her expression. “Ah, you look disturbed.”

Hinata quickly shook her head. “N-No! I-I mean… a little?” She fiddled with the hem of her sleeve. “It’s just… hard to imagine. The Hyuga are so focused on tradition now, but this sounds so… different.”

Kaguya hummed in agreement. “That is because what remains of our style is a shadow of what it once was. The clan became arrogant, obsessed with formality, with hierarchy. They lost their way.”

Hinata hesitated before asking, “Then… why did the old way disappear?”

Kaguya’s expression darkened slightly, but it was brief. She sighed, shaking her head. “Politics. Power struggles. The Main House feared what the Branch House could do if they mastered the original techniques. It was deemed ‘too dangerous.’” Her voice carried a hint of mockery. “And so, the Gentle Fist was… ‘refined.’” She practically spat the word. “Turned into something elegant, something that could be displayed in front of lords and daimyos. Something they could control.”

Hinata frowned. “That doesn’t seem fair…”

Kaguya arched a brow. “Life isn’t fair, child. But the question is—do you want to learn?” She gestured for Hinata to raise her hands. “Or would you rather remain shackled to a style designed to keep you weak?”

Hinata swallowed hard but nodded firmly. “I want to learn.”

Kaguya’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Good. Then let us begin.”

The training was unlike anything Hinata had experienced before.

Kaguya’s movements were swift, precise, and utterly ruthless. Every strike was meant to end a fight, not prolong it. Hinata found herself struggling to keep up, her body unused to the sheer efficiency of the older woman’s style.

“No wasted movement!” Kaguya barked as Hinata lunged forward, attempting to strike.

Before Hinata could react, Kaguya twisted her wrist and sent her stumbling forward.

Hinata caught herself but barely. “S-Sorry!”

Kaguya rolled her eyes. “You apologize too much.”

Hinata flushed, nodding quickly.

Kaguya sighed. “Listen, girl. The Gentle Fist you were taught is too focused on appearance. My way? It is practical. The way you were trained, you move like you expect your opponent to follow the same rules. But the world doesn’t fight with rules. The world fights to win.”

Hinata straightened her stance, nodding. “Understood.”

Kaguya smiled. “Good. Again.”

And so they trained.

Hinata found herself adapting, her movements becoming less predictable and more fluid. Kaguya was relentless, correcting her at every turn, forcing her to unlearn the habits drilled into her since childhood. It was exhausting, but it was exhilarating, too. For the first time, Hinata felt like she was learning something real—something raw and unfiltered.

At some point, as they paused for water, Hinata wiped her brow and glanced at Kaguya. “Um… if you don’t mind me asking…”

Kaguya took a sip from her flask, arching a brow. “Go on.”

“How old are you?”

There was a beat of silence. Then, Kaguya smirked.

“Older than you.”

Hinata sweatdropped. “Well… obviously.”

Kaguya chuckled, leaning back slightly. “Let’s just say I have seen the rise and fall of many Hyuga leaders.”

Hinata blinked. “Wait, that would mean—”

Kaguya smirked, tilting her head. “Would mean what?”

Hinata frowned in thought. “B-But you don’t look that old…”

Kaguya laughed, taking another sip of water. “That’s a matter of perspective.”

Hinata pouted slightly. “That’s not an answer…”

Kaguya merely shrugged, her smirk never fading.

Hinata sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. She wasn’t sure if she was ever going to get a straight answer from this woman. But as she looked at Kaguya—at her strength, her confidence, her undeniable presence—Hinata realized something.

For the first time in her life, she wasn’t just being trained.

She was being prepared for something greater. And for once… she felt like she was truly walking a path of her own choosing.

The sky had darkened, streaked with hues of deep blue and violet as the sun dipped below the horizon. Fireflies blinked lazily over the lake’s surface, casting faint golden glows in the air. Hinata stood in the clearing, her breath still heavy from the intense training session with Kaguya. Her fingers twitched slightly, muscle memory already absorbing the movements she had been taught.

She had never trained like that before. Never felt so… unrestrained. Free.

But before she could dwell on it further, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

“Hinata-nee?”

Hinata flinched slightly, startled by the interruption. She turned around to see Hanabi standing a few feet away, arms crossed, her sharp, pale lavender eyes narrowing with suspicion. She was dressed in a formal kimono, as was required for dinner within the Hyuga compound. Even at such a young age, Hanabi carried herself with a certain pride, a natural confidence that Hinata couldn’t help but envy at times.

The younger girl’s gaze darted to the empty clearing before returning to Hinata. “Who were you talking to?” she asked bluntly.

Hinata hesitated, blinking in surprise. “I—” She turned her head slightly, expecting to see Kaguya standing behind her. But—

Nothing.

The space where Kaguya had been just moments ago was completely empty. The grass was undisturbed, the air silent, as if no one had ever been there.

Hinata’s breath hitched. Had she imagined it? The training, the woman’s sharp voice, the sheer presence she had exuded—it had all felt so real. But now, with Kaguya completely gone, doubt crept into her mind.

Was she just tired? Was she seeing things?

Hanabi’s brow furrowed, stepping closer. “Hinata-nee?”

Snapping out of her stupor, Hinata quickly shook her head, forcing a small, nervous smile. “I-It was no one,” she murmured.

Hanabi gave her a look, unconvinced. “No one?”

Hinata nodded firmly. “Yes. I was just… talking to myself.”

Hanabi stared at her for a long moment before huffing, clearly not believing her but not pressing further. “Whatever,” she muttered. “It’s time for dinner. Father won’t like it if you’re late.”

Hinata swallowed, nodding again. “O-Of course. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Hanabi gave her a final suspicious glance before turning on her heel and walking back toward the compound. Hinata remained rooted in place, staring at the empty spot where Kaguya had been.

She clenched her fists slightly, feeling the lingering ache in her arms and legs from the training session. If it had been a dream or a delusion, then why did she feel it so clearly in her body? The techniques, the words, the history Kaguya had spoken of—it had all been so vivid.

Was it possible she had imagined her?

Hinata bit her lip, unsure.

A cool breeze brushed against her skin, rustling the leaves overhead. A strange sense of unease settled in her chest, but at the same time… there was something oddly comforting about the thought of Kaguya. Whether real or not, that woman—her presence, her teachings—had ignited something within Hinata. A flicker of determination she had never felt before.

With a final glance at the darkening lake, Hinata turned and hurried back toward the Hyuga compound.

She would have dinner with her father and Hanabi as usual, sit quietly as Hanabi answered their father’s questions, and fade into the background as she always did.

But something felt different now.

A change had begun within her.

And whether Kaguya was real or not—Hinata was ready to embrace it.

The first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of soft lavender and warm gold, casting long shadows over the Hyuga compound. The estate was still quiet, the world caught in the fleeting stillness that existed just before the day truly began.

Hinata, however, was wide awake.

She had barely slept the night before, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the training, of Kaguya, of the strange, almost surreal experience she had gone through. Was the woman real? Or was she merely a figment of Hinata’s imagination—her subconscious manifesting the longing she had always had for guidance?

But as soon as the first rays of sunlight filtered through her window, she made her decision. She had to see for herself.

Slipping into her training clothes with practiced ease, Hinata hurriedly tied her obi, brushed her hair back, and rushed out of her room.

She didn’t slow down as she dashed through the compound, her feet barely touching the ground as she weaved through the halls and corridors.

“Lady Hinata?!” A servant yelped in surprise as she nearly collided with him.

“Hinata-sama!” A clan member exclaimed as she brushed past him.

"Oi, watch where you're—!"

Shocked voices followed her wake as she sprinted forward, disregarding the gasps and whispers from the Hyuga members she practically bowled over. None of them had ever seen the reserved, soft-spoken Hinata move with such excitement before.

But she didn’t care.

She had to know.

The moment she burst past the last set of doors leading to the estate’s outer grounds, she felt her breath hitch at the sight before her.

Kaguya was standing by the lake, just as she had the day before.

As if she had never left.

Hinata skidded to a stop, her breath uneven from the sprint, but her chest swelled with relief.

"You're real,” she murmured, half in awe, half in disbelief.

Kaguya turned at the sound of her voice, the faintest of smiles playing at her lips.

“I see you are quite eager this morning, little one.”

Hinata straightened herself, stepping forward hesitantly. The excitement was still there, but so was a lingering confusion. She had seen Kaguya vanish yesterday—right before her eyes.

With a slight frown, she asked, “Where did you go?”

Kaguya tilted her head, the corners of her eyes crinkling in amusement.

“I went with the night.”

Hinata blinked. “With the night?”

It was a vague answer, as ambiguous as the woman herself. But before Hinata could press further, Kaguya reached out, gently fixing a stray strand of hair that had come loose from Hinata’s hurried dressing. Hinata stilled at the gesture, her breath catching slightly. It was so… motherly. So foreign. Hiashi never did things like this. Not for her. Her throat tightened, but she swallowed the emotion down.

Kaguya withdrew her hands and regarded her with a keen gaze. “Are you ready for your next lesson?”

Hinata nodded, her previous questions momentarily forgotten in her eagerness. “Yes.”

Kaguya smiled slightly at her enthusiasm. “Good. Today, we will be mixing the traditional Hyuga combat with the modern Gentle Fist.”

Hinata’s excitement faltered, replaced by confusion. “But… I thought you didn’t like the Gentle Fist,” she said hesitantly.

Kaguya let out a soft snort. “I do not. It is a mere shadow of what it once was. The Gentle Fist used to be deadly—it did not need excessive movement, nor did it need to ‘showcase’ strength. One strike should have been enough to kill.”

Hinata sweatdropped. “That… sounds terrifying.”

Kaguya smirked. “Perhaps. But that was the way of the old Hyuga.”

Hinata hesitated. “Then… why do you want me to mix them?”

Kaguya folded her arms, studying her intently. “Because you, little one, represent the future.”

Hinata blinked. “The future?”

Kaguya nodded. “The old ways were strong, but they were rigid, harsh. The new ways are weak, diluted, and corrupted. You—” she gestured toward Hinata, “—must become the balance. You must carry both the old and the new and forge something greater. And, most importantly, you will rid the Hyuga of its corruption.”

Hinata stiffened slightly at the last part. “…Corruption?”

Kaguya sighed, shaking her head. “You do not know, do you?”

Hinata shifted uncomfortably. She had always felt that there was something off about the way her clan worked, but she never truly questioned it.

Kaguya’s voice softened. “Tell me, child… do you truly believe that your failure is why your father cast you aside? That he favors your sister because she is simply ‘better’?”

Hinata bit her lip, looking away. “…I don’t know.”

Kaguya watched her for a long moment before speaking again.

“You will.”

A chill ran down Hinata’s spine, but before she could ask what she meant, Kaguya stepped back and clapped her hands once.

“Enough talk. Let us begin.”

Hinata took a steadying breath and nodded.

She didn’t know what Kaguya meant just yet. But something told her that she’d find out soon enough.

The morning air was crisp, tinged with the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves. The lake shimmered under the rising sun, its surface rippling faintly as the wind carried the sound of two figures moving in tandem.

Hinata’s feet barely made a sound as she glided across the ground, her arms flowing fluidly as she struck forward. Her movements were precise, her form refined—yet they were no longer purely Gentle Fist. They carried an edge of something older, something deadlier.

Kaguya watched, her sharp eyes catching every minute flaw, every hesitation, and every unnecessary movement.

“Again,” she instructed her voice even.

Hinata, panting lightly, nodded. She steadied herself, dropping back into her stance. Her fingers curled into the familiar shape of the Gentle Fist, but this time, she adjusted, shifting her weight slightly, following Kaguya’s previous corrections.

She struck forward—faster, sharper.

Kaguya’s lips twitched slightly in approval. “Better. But you are still holding back.”

Hinata’s breath hitched. “H-Holding back?”

Kaguya stepped forward, slowly circling her like a predator analyzing prey. “Your strikes lack intent. You aim to disable—but not to kill.”

Hinata stiffened slightly. “I-I don’t want to kill anyone.”

Kaguya stopped, folding her arms. “A foolish sentiment.”

Hinata frowned but said nothing.

The older woman sighed, tilting her head. “Do you know why your strikes are weak?”

Hinata hesitated, then shook her head.

Kaguya lifted a hand and, with a speed that was near imperceptible, flicked Hinata on the forehead.

Hinata flinched, rubbing the spot as she looked up in confusion.

“Because you lack conviction,” Kaguya said simply. “Strength is not just in the body. It is in the mind. You are trained to hesitate. To doubt yourself. That is why you fail.”

Hinata bit her lip. It wasn’t as if Kaguya was wrong.

“…How do I fix it?” she asked, her voice softer.

Kaguya regarded her for a moment before nodding approvingly. “You ask the right question.” She gestured for Hinata to take her stance again. “Conviction is built through understanding. If you wish to truly grow, then you must first understand why you fight.”

Hinata blinked. “…Why I fight?”

Kaguya hummed. “Tell me, little one, what do you know of your clan’s history?”

Hinata hesitated. “…Not much.”

Kaguya clicked her tongue. “Of course not. They would not teach you.”

Hinata frowned slightly. “W-Why?”

Kaguya exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. “Because knowledge is power. And they would rather keep you ignorant and complacent than informed and questioning.”

Hinata’s hands curled into fists.

Kaguya watched her reaction carefully before continuing.

“The Hyuga were not always bound by the laws of Konoha,” she began, pacing slowly around the training ground. “Before the village was formed, we were a proud and powerful clan. Feared. Respected. Coveted.”

Hinata listened intently, hanging onto every word.

“But as the world began to change, so did the power struggles. Clans sought dominance, alliances were fragile, and war loomed over the lands like an endless shadow.” Kaguya’s eyes darkened slightly. “The Hyuga were one of the most hunted clans. The Byakugan was a coveted treasure—one that many sought to claim as their own.”

Hinata swallowed. She had always known that their dōjutsu was special, but she had never considered the implications.

“The Hyuga were forced to make a choice: continue fighting alone and face annihilation, or seek protection from a greater force.”

Hinata’s breath hitched slightly. “The Hidden Leaf.”

Kaguya nodded. “Yes. The Senju and Uchiha were the first to unite. And after them, the Uzumaki.” She turned to glance at Hinata. “Hashirama Senju was a man of peace. He sought to end the cycle of war. And when the Hyuga came to him, he promised protection.”

Hinata’s fingers curled.

“From that moment on, the Hyuga became part of Konoha. And for our status as one of the first clans to swear loyalty, we were granted nobility. Wealth. Power.”

Hinata lowered her gaze. “But… it came with a price, didn’t it?”

Kaguya’s lips curled slightly. “You are quick.”

Hinata didn’t feel pride in that.

Kaguya’s expression darkened slightly. “Yes. It did come with a price. The Hyuga became secure, yes. But security breeds complacency. And complacency breeds corruption.”

Hinata swallowed thickly. “The… the Branch and Main Family system?”

Kaguya let out a quiet hum. “It was not always this way. Once, there was only one family. No divisions. No shackles.” She exhaled sharply. “But fear makes men desperate. And desperation makes them cruel.”

Hinata felt a pit form in her stomach.

Her entire life, she had struggled. She had felt less than, felt wrong—and now, she was beginning to understand why.

“…Then why do we stay?” she whispered. “If the Hyuga were once so powerful, why do we stay bound to this system?”

Kaguya turned to face her fully.

“Because little one,” she said, voice softer now, “fear is a powerful chain.”

Hinata felt her breath catch. The clan she loved, the people she had always wanted to be accepted by—they were afraid. Afraid of change. Afraid of losing power. Afraid of returning to a time when they were hunted, and vulnerable.

Hinata clenched her fists.

“…Then what can I do?”

Kaguya studied her for a long moment before a small, approving smile graced her lips.

“You must be the one to break the chain.”

Hinata inhaled sharply. She didn’t know if she could. She didn’t know if she was strong enough. But as Kaguya gestured for her to resume her stance, she made a silent vow. She would try her hardest to break the cycle.

Weeks turned into months.

Hinata had grown stronger—not just physically but mentally. Her strikes had sharpened, her confidence had solidified, and her movements no longer carried the hesitation they once did. She kept her training with Kaguya hidden from everyone—her father, her sister, and even the Hyuga elders who always had their piercing eyes on her.

She learned how to mask her strength, how to move without detection, and most importantly, how to keep her emotions in check.

But then he had to ruin it.

Hinata’s fingers curled tightly into her sleeves as she sat near the lake, waiting for Kaguya to arrive. Her body still ached from earlier—her rough encounter with Neji replaying in her mind like a cruel echo.

His words had cut her deeper than any physical wound.

"You are weak."

"Your existence is proof that fate is unfair."

"You will never escape your destiny, Lady Hinata."

Her breathing hitched slightly. She knew Neji resented her, but today… today had been different. His anger had been palpable. There was no cold indifference, no masked contempt—only raw, unfiltered hatred.

Why?

Why did he hate her so much?

Hinata clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. She flinched slightly as a gentle hand rested atop her head.

“You are troubled.”

Kaguya’s voice was calm as always, but there was an undercurrent of knowing.

Hinata didn’t look up, keeping her gaze locked on the rippling water. “I had a… rough encounter with Neji today.”

Kaguya hummed, waiting for her to continue.

“He despises me. I can see it in his eyes, in the way he speaks to me.” Hinata’s voice grew quieter. “I always knew he hated me, but today, I—” She hesitated before whispering, “I don’t understand why.”

Silence stretched between them.

Then, Kaguya turned away. “Come.”

Hinata blinked, looking up in surprise. “W-Where?”

Kaguya didn’t answer. She simply walked, her long robes barely making a sound against the grass.

Hinata hesitated for only a moment before quickly following. Kaguya led her deeper into the Hyuga compound—past the training grounds, past the secluded gardens, until they stood before the tall stone walls that separated the Main Branch from the Branch Family.

Hinata frowned. “Why are we—?”

Kaguya lifted a finger. “Silence.”

With a single hand sign, a wave of chakra pulsed outward.

And then, Hinata’s vision blurred.

The world around her shifted, and suddenly, she was no longer standing in the serene courtyard of her clan.

Instead, she saw memories—scenes from the past, playing before her like a cruel performance on an invisible stage.

She saw Neji’s father, Hizashi, kneeling before the Hyuga elders. His expression was impassive, but his clenched fists trembled at his sides.

"For the sake of the Hyuga, you will take Hiashi’s place."

"You are a sacrifice, Hizashi. Be honored."

Then she saw the Chunin Exams, years ago. She saw Neji, younger than he was now, standing in the middle of a room—his face blank, his eyes hollow.

"This is your fate, Neji. You will serve, and you will never rise above your station."

"The seal will ensure your obedience."

Hinata flinched as the vision shifted again—this time, she saw something that made her stomach drop.

A Branch Family child, no older than five, cowering on the ground. An elder stood over them, hand raised in a half-seal.

"You must learn obedience."

And then—the child screamed.

Agony unlike anything Hinata had ever heard before tore through the air. The veins in the child’s temple bulged grotesquely, their body writhing violently against the floor.

The Caged Bird Seal.

Hinata’s breath hitched.

The vision shifted again.

Now, she saw her father—Hiashi Hyuga—standing before a group of elders.

"The Branch Family has served well." One elder mused. "And so long as they do, there is no need for change."

Hiashi did not object.

He did not speak against it.

He merely stood there, silent.

Unmoving.

Uncaring.

Hinata staggered back, clutching her stomach. The bile rose in her throat as the realization settled in.

She had known that their clan was strict, that their ways were old-fashioned, and that there were rules and traditions that even she did not understand. But she had never thought—never imagined—it was this monstrous.

The pedestal she had placed her father on crumbled into dust. Hiashi Hyuga, the man she had spent her life trying to please, the father she had sought approval from, the man she had loved and respected—

—was nothing but a coward.

A man who knew of his clan’s corruption. A man who saw the injustice and did nothing.

Her hands trembled.

Her breathing was shaky.

Her heart pounded in her chest as a single word echoed in her mind over and over again.

Coward.

Hinata clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.

A slow, suffocating anger burned in her chest—an emotion she was not used to, an emotion she had always pushed down, always ignored.

But now…Now, she let it burn.

Kaguya watched her in silence, eyes sharp, gaze unreadable.

“…Now you understand,” she said quietly.

Hinata swallowed thickly. Her throat felt raw. Her hands were still trembling.

But she understood now.

She understood Neji’s hatred, why he resented her, and why he saw her as weak.

And most of all…

She understood that the Hyuga Clan—the clan she had once loved and looked up to—was nothing more than a gilded cage built on the suffering of others.

Slowly, Hinata took a deep breath, steadying herself.

Then, she turned to Kaguya.

“…Teach me more.”

Kaguya’s lips curled ever so slightly.

“As you wish, little one.”

Time passed. Hinata Hyuga had grown into something far beyond what anyone in her clan could have imagined. The girl who once flinched at raised voices, who stumbled under the weight of expectations, who had been cast aside as weak—she was gone. In her place stood a kunoichi with unwavering resolve, her strikes sharp, her movements fluid, her mind clear. She had mastered everything Kaguya had taught her—the lost traditions of the Hyuga, the forgotten lethal arts, the secrets buried by time itself. The past and the present had been woven together in her fists, in her stance, in the quiet fire burning in her lavender eyes.

And yet, despite all her progress, despite all the lessons she had endured, tonight felt… different.

Hinata sensed it before Kaguya even spoke.

The woman stood by the lake, her robes flowing like rippling water, her pale eyes watching the reflection of the night sky. She looked as she always had—ethereal, untouchable, like a ghost of the past lingering in the present.

But something was wrong.

Hinata stepped closer. “Kaguya-sensei?”

Kaguya turned to face her, and Hinata’s heart clenched at the softness in her expression. There was no stern gaze, no cryptic words—only a quiet fondness, tinged with something bittersweet.

“It is time,” Kaguya said gently.

Hinata blinked. “Time…?”

“I have taught you all there is to learn. You no longer need me.”

Hinata felt her breath hitch. Her fingers twitched at her sides, but she forced herself to remain steady. “But… what do you mean?”

Kaguya stepped forward, raising a hand. With the same careful grace she had always possessed, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind Hinata’s ear, adjusting her appearance as she had done so many times before.

“You have surpassed expectation,” she murmured. “You are no longer the frightened girl who once doubted her place in the world. You have found your strength, your resolve.” She tilted her head, studying Hinata’s face as if memorizing every detail. “You are ready to walk this path alone.”

Hinata’s throat tightened.

No.

She had known, deep down, that this moment would come eventually. But she hadn’t prepared herself for the weight of it.

For the past months, Kaguya had been her silent guardian, her mentor, her guide in the darkness of the truth she had uncovered. And now—just like that—she was leaving?

“I—” Hinata swallowed hard. “Will I ever see you again?”

For the first time, Kaguya smiled. It was small and faint, but it was real.

“Look to the moon,” she said. “When the night is quiet, when the sky is clear—look up. I will be there.”

Hinata’s eyes burned, but she refused to cry. Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Kaguya, holding onto her as tightly as she could.

“…Thank you,” she whispered.

Kaguya did not return the embrace, but she did not pull away. She stood still, letting Hinata cling to her for just a moment longer.

Then, just as quietly as she had come into Hinata’s life—

—she was gone.

Hinata’s arms closed around nothing. The warmth, the presence—it had all vanished as if she had never been there at all. The night was still. The only sound was the rustling of the leaves and the gentle lapping of the lake’s water. Slowly, Hinata tilted her head back, looking up at the sky.

A half-moon hung above her, glowing softly in the darkness.

Her fingers curled into fists.

She would not cry. She would not break. Instead, she took a deep breath and straightened her spine.

“Kaguya…” Her voice was steady, her words firm. “I promise you.”

Her lavender eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

“I will change the Hyuga Clan,” she vowed.

“For the better.”

And for the first time in her life—she knew, with absolute certainty, that she would.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and the distant chirping of birds. The Hyuga Compound was always quiet at this hour, save for the soft murmurs of servants tending to their daily tasks. Yet, today was different.

Today, something was brewing.

Hinata Hyuga strode purposefully through the compound, her pale lavender eyes hardened with determination. Every step she took sent ripples through the household—branch members whispering in hushed tones, main house elders narrowing their gazes in suspicion, servants nearly stumbling over themselves at the sheer presence she exuded.

It was as if the meek, stuttering girl of yesterday had vanished overnight.

Hinata knew the traditions. The old ways. She knew what had to be done if she truly wanted to change the Hyuga Clan. If she wanted to fix the broken system, she had to take the heir title back. And so, she walked straight to the heart of the compound—her father’s chamber. The large sliding doors to Hiashi Hyuga’s meeting hall were already open when she arrived. The Hyuga Elders were present, seated in a perfect semicircle, their expressions unreadable. At the center of them all sat Hiashi himself, his imposing figure stiff with an air of silent authority. Hanabi stood beside him, her small frame deceptively at ease, arms crossed as she observed her older sister approach. Her sharp gaze flickered with curiosity, but also with challenge.

Hinata stopped just before them, her back straight, her chin lifted. She breathed in deeply, letting the tension settle before she spoke.

"I, Hinata Hyuga, challenge Hanabi Hyuga for the title of Hyuga Heir."

Silence.

The room seemed to be still as the weight of her words crashed upon them all. A murmur passed between the elders. Some widened their eyes in disbelief, others furrowed their brows, clearly displeased. Hiashi, however, remained unreadable, his pale eyes boring into her. His voice, when he finally spoke, was calm—but heavy.

"Do you understand what you are asking, Hinata?"

"I do." Her voice did not waver. "If I wish to change this clan, then I must be its leader. And for that, I must reclaim my place as heir."

Hiashi closed his eyes for a brief moment, exhaling through his nose. "It has been years since an heir challenge has been issued. This tradition was abandoned for a reason."

Hinata did not flinch. "Then revive it. If I am not strong enough to lead, I will lose. That is the way of the Hyuga."

Hanabi finally spoke, her lips curving into something between amusement and challenge. "Are you sure about this, Nee-san? I won’t hold back just because you suddenly decided you want the title again."

Hinata turned her head to meet Hanabi’s stare. There was no hesitation in her gaze.

"Neither will I."

The challenge had been accepted.

By midday, the entire Hyuga Clan had gathered within the courtyard to witness the duel. It was tradition—an heir challenge could not occur without the presence of the clan’s elders, the main house, and the branch house. The outcome of this match would determine the future. A wide stone platform stood in the center of the courtyard, encircled by Hyuga clan members watching in silent anticipation. Hiashi sat at the front, flanked by the elders. His expression remained impassive, though his fingers interlaced in his lap spoke volumes. Hinata and Hanabi stood across from one another, both clad in their traditional white Hyuga robes. The sunlight cast long shadows between them, the wind gently rustling their hair.

A branch member stepped forward, his voice clear and even.

"The rules are simple. The first to be knocked flat on their back loses. The winner shall take the title of heir. This is a test of strength and skill—no weapons, no outside interference. Do both parties accept?"

Hinata nodded.

Hanabi smirked. "Of course."

The referee gave a single nod. "Begin."

In an instant, both sisters moved.

Hanabi was the first to strike, her foot barely touching the ground before she lunged, a blur of speed.

Hinata anticipated it. She sidestepped, twisting her body as Hanabi’s palm shot forward, the air whistling from the force. Hinata’s hand snapped up, deflecting the strike with a sharp parry before twisting her wrist, forcing Hanabi to pull back.

But Hanabi was fast. Faster than Hinata remembered. A second strike came immediately—this time a feint. Hinata saw it at the last second, but Hanabi had already shifted, her leg sweeping toward Hinata’s ankle. Hinata barely evaded it, flipping backward into a defensive stance. The spectators watched in hushed awe. There were no wasted movements. No hesitation. This was not the same Hinata who once lost to Hanabi so easily years ago.

Hanabi clicked her tongue, her lavender eyes narrowing. “You’ve improved.”

Hinata didn’t respond. She didn’t need to. Instead, she exhaled slowly, adjusting her stance.

And then, she attacked.

A sharp burst of chakra surged through her palms as she struck forward. Hanabi reacted instantly, blocking with her own Gentle Fist technique. The air between them crackled as chakra met chakra, shockwaves rippling outward. But Hinata was relentless. She weaved between Hanabi’s defenses, striking from unexpected angles. A traditional stance here, an unorthodox feint there. Every movement was calculated, every strike a mix of the old and the new.

Hanabi struggled to keep up.

And then—Hinata saw it. A small opening. A brief misstep in Hanabi’s footing.

 Hinata exploited the weakness. Her palm shot forward, meeting Hanabi’s chest with a precise, controlled strike. Hanabi’s breath hitched—her body wavered—And then, with a sharp exhale, she fell backward. The moment her back hit the stone platform, silence fell.

It was over.

Hinata stood above her fallen sister, her breathing steady, her stance unwavering. She lowered her hands, allowing her chakra to settle. Hanabi, flat on her back, stared up at the sky, blinking in sheer disbelief. Then, a soft chuckle escaped her lips.

“Well…” she murmured. “Guess I lost.”

The crowd remained still, waiting for the final verdict. The referee stepped forward, his voice ringing through the courtyard.

"Winner—Hinata Hyuga!"

Murmurs spread through the gathered clan members. Some were shocked. Others merely observed in quiet contemplation.

Hinata turned toward her father and the elders, her gaze never wavering.

Hiashi stared at her for a long moment. His expression was unreadable, but something in his eyes had shifted.

Finally, he spoke.

“Very well,” he said. “The title of Hyuga Heir… is yours once more.”

Hinata bowed her head in respect, but inside, she felt the weight of this victory settle on her shoulders.

This was only the beginning.

If she wanted to change the Hyuga Clan—if she wanted to break the cycle of cruelty—then her real battle had only just begun.

And she would not fail.