"Brother Takao, can you take me to visit Uchiha Itachi?"
Hinata bowed earnestly, but Takao knew he couldn't grant her request. As the two most prominent clans in the Leaf Village, the Hyuga and Uchiha were far from friendly.
"Young Lady, I…" Before Takao could finish, Hinata read his troubled expression and understood his refusal.
With a soft sigh, she hid her longing behind a smile, silencing Takao's explanation. Turning, she walked toward the bustling streets of the Leaf Village.
A year ago, shortly after the Cloud ninja's failed attempt to kidnap Hinata, they signed a peace treaty with the Leaf, exploiting their advantage. The war ended, and the Leaf finally welcomed long-awaited peace. After the Third Great Ninja War, which left no victors, the Nine-Tails' chaos that killed the Fourth Hokage, and Orochimaru's defection, the weakened Leaf secured peace through a humiliating concession.
Hizashi Hyuga, in a sense, was the hero who brought this peace—not in life, but in death.
Strolling through the Leaf's streets, Hinata saw children under their parents' care, but also many without guardians. The baby boom around the Nine-Tails incident left many of her peers orphaned. She also frequently spotted Uchiha clansmen in Leaf guard uniforms, patrolling or mingling in shops. The streets felt more like Uchiha territory than the Leaf's.
This made sense—the Uchiha, tasked with village security, had become the Leaf's dominant clan in this era of depleted ninja ranks post-Nine-Tails. Their pride was understandable.
The aromas of grilled squid, takoyaki, steamed buns, and roasted corn wafted from stalls, tempting Hinata's appetite. But the Uchiha's prominence, combined with her interest in Itachi, shifted her focus from food to the clans' differing statuses. Seeing so many Uchiha, she grew curious about the absence of Hyuga ninja in the village.
"Takao-nii, why don't I see our clan's ninja around? Are they all staying home?"
Unable to take her to Itachi, Takao could at least answer this non-sensitive question. "The Uchiha handle village security, so they're visible. Our Hyuga, with the Byakugan's advantage, work alongside the Inuzuka and Aburame in external intelligence and tracking. In the village, the Uchiha are the face, the Anbu the shadow—so you rarely see Hyuga here."
Hinata nodded, her gaze shifting from a patrolling Uchiha. Though young, she sensed the Uchiha's dominance wasn't ideal. The Hokage wasn't an Uchiha, after all. Their prominence could breed resentment among other clans and ninja.
But what's that to me? I just need to find Itachi and get the knowledge I want. If only the Hyuga and Uchiha weren't so at odds.
Dismissing concerns beyond her control, Hinata focused on finding Itachi alone and securing the meridian knowledge she needed. Lost in thought, she wandered from the lively street to a quieter one.
A scene ahead ignited anger in her gentle heart. A small figure in dirty athletic clothes huddled against a wall, sobbing faintly amidst cheerful shouts. A group of older children circled, taunting the child with cruel words.
Fury surged. Before Takao could react, Hinata rushed forward, channeling her scarce chakra into her hands. With practiced Gentle Fist strikes, she knocked the jeering children away, scattering them.
As the bullies groaned in pain, Hinata stood before the small figure. Extending her hand, she said softly, "Are you okay? Those mean kids can't hurt you now."
The figure looked up, revealing a gaunt, tear-streaked face framed by dull blonde hair.
"Everyone says I'm bad luck. Don't help me—you'll get unlucky too," the child murmured.
The lifeless blue eyes fueled Hinata's anger toward the bullies and her resolve to help. She'd seen that expression on Neji's face a year ago and hadn't ignored it then. She wouldn't now.
"Bad luck? You think you're unluckier than me?" Hinata said. "Come on, girl, stand up. It's just some kids' taunts. Stand tall and make them eat their words."
Her outstretched hand didn't waver. She grabbed the child's collar, pulling her up with effort. So light, Hinata thought.
"Listen," she continued, "you think you're the only one mocked? I'm the Hyuga heir, but they say I'm a failure at being a ninja. You know what it's like to be called 'Young Lady' to your face and 'useless' behind your back? Don't act like you're the world's saddest kid. If you're mad, stand up, climb higher than they ever will, and make them regret their words."
"They think I can't be a ninja? I'll show them—I'll reach the top and become Hokage."
Their shared plight broke Hinata's usual restraint. Her emotions poured out, her dream of becoming Hokage meant to rouse the lifeless child.
"Can I? If I reach a height they can't, will people play with me and stop calling me bad luck?"
"Absolutely," Hinata said. "You can do it."
"Then… I'll become Hokage too!" the child declared.
A spark lit her dull blue eyes. Breaking free from Hinata's grip, the frail figure raised a bony hand, proclaiming her newborn dream.