The midday sun filtered softly through the paper windows of the Sarutobi compound, casting pale gold across the tatami floor. Birds chirped distantly above the murmuring of leaves, and for once, Konoha felt like it was holding its breath.
Hinata Gin was kneeling in quiet meditation when the knock came at her door. A heartbeat later, the scent reached her—fresh pine and wild fur.
"You're early," she said before opening her eyes.
The door slid open to reveal Kiba Inuzuka, arms crossed and grinning, his partner Akamaru lazily trailing behind him. Beside him stood Shino Aburame, composed and silent as ever, his high collar just brushing the edge of his dark glasses.
"We just got back from a mission," Kiba said. "And when we found Kurenai's letter saying you'd already arrived, well... we decided to come see for ourselves."
"Together," Shino added simply.
"Couldn't help it," Kiba shrugged. "Thought we'd steal you for a bit. Lunch? Talk? Maybe complain about how training nearly killed us more than once?"
Hinata's expression softened. "I'd like that. Give me a moment to change."
Minutes later, she stepped out in a more casual kimono, her dark green-marked forehead mostly hidden beneath loose hair. As they began to walk through the garden paths, Kiba glanced around with his usual curiosity.
"So... where's she?" he asked. "It's weird not seeing Kuro around you"
Hinata gave a knowing smile. "She's been roaming on her own since we arrived. Probably visiting old places... seeing things I wouldn't think of. She's sentimental, in her own way."
Kiba chuckled. "Figures. That mutt's got more attitude than some chūnin I know."
"And she's twice as smart," Shino added without turning.
"Fair."
They continued along the shaded road that exited the Sarutobi compound, the guards giving small bows as they passed. Just a few steps behind, Kenshiro and Masaru followed with quiet vigilance. Though dressed plainly, their posture made it clear—they were samurai, and she was someone important.
"It's strange being here again," Hinata said softly as they entered the market district. "Things feel smaller... and larger, all at once."
"You're... taller now." Shino murmured.
Kiba scratched the back of his head. "We all have. All that training? Brutal. Sis says I've gotten lazy because I sleep too much now."
Shino's nod was so faint it was almost imperceptible.
Hinata smiled. "Rest is part of growth too."
The market around them buzzed with life—vendors shouting, children darting between stalls, and the distant aroma of grilled skewers and sweet dumplings in the air.
For the first time in a long while, the three friends walked side by side, letting the moment unfold naturally—as if the years and scars between them had never existed.
And somewhere far above, hidden in the shadows of tiled rooftops and the folds of drifting clouds, one sharp eye watched silently. Kuro kept her distance, but never strayed far.
<<<< o >>>>
The celebration was spontaneous.
Neji Hyūga had only just returned from a mission with Team Gai—his old team, though now it felt like years since they had truly traveled together. The mission had ended well, and Lady Tsunade had officially named him a jōnin of the Leaf. There wasn't much ceremony, just a few words and the passing of a scroll—but his teammates insisted that such a moment deserved at least a shared drink.
They had just entered the bustling heart of the Konoha market district, searching for a place to sit and celebrate, when they encountered two familiar figures.
Kiba and Shino were standing in easy conversation. Beside them, a woman in an elegant kimono moved with effortless grace, hands gesturing slowly, every word chosen with delicate poise. Neji had no reason to look closer—until he caught the glint of a dark green symbol, partially obscured behind her loose hair, marked subtly on her forehead.
The mark.
A chill ran down his spine. He knew it without question, and yet… she had changed so much. Taller. Composed. Regal. The seal on her forehead was not concealed—but neither was it displayed with defiance. It simply was.
Hinata.
Behind her walked two samurai. Their clothing bore a stylized version of that same seal, embroidered in black and silver. There was no doubt. This was a statement. Not a challenge, but a truth.
Neji stepped forward. There was no hesitation, no edge in his voice—only quiet clarity.
"Hinata."
She turned at the sound of his voice, and for a moment, surprise flickered in her expression. Then she smiled—gentle, warm, and unreadable.
"Neji-niisan."
He bowed his head. "I… I owe you an apology. For how I treated you. For placing the weight of the clan's injustice—and the burden of my father's sacrifice—on your shoulders. I blamed you for a legacy you didn't choose, for pain you shared more deeply than any of us. You were a victim too. Perhaps even more than I was."
She blinked, stunned for just a moment, before her eyes softened.
"I don't carry resentment. That match… it showed me something I hadn't been able to see. The chains that bound us all. And once I saw them, breaking them was simple."
Neji was silent.
Rock Lee, eyes already beginning to shimmer with pride, clapped a hand on his friend's shoulder. "It is fate that we meet like this! We must celebrate! Did you know Neji was promoted to jōnin today?"
"Truly?" Hinata's smile grew. "Then that deserves a toast."
Tenten laughed. "Looks like we're having a real party. Come on, you three."
Shino and Kiba exchanged looks, then nodded.
As they turned toward a nearby teahouse, Lee leaned closer to Hinata.
"You know, the last time I saw you fight… It was incredible. Would you ever consider a sparring match with me?"
Hinata shook her head gently. "Perhaps another time. I promised Kiba and Shino a match of our own. One that needs no audience."
That answer gave pause to everyone, even Gai.
Neji said nothing, but his thoughts were a whirlwind. Hadn't she lost her chakra? How could she fight like that now? And who were these silent samurai that followed her so closely?
Only Tenten seemed immune to the tension, nudging Neji. "Come on. It's your day. Try to look like it."
To everyone's surprise, it was Hinata who raised a hand and led the first toast.
"To grow… and to find new strength in odd places."
Gai, eyes narrowing, caught Lee's wrist before he could take a sip of sake. Hinata chuckled, the reference not lost on her—or perhaps, only just remembered.
The afternoon rolled on, bright and peaceful.
<<<< o >>>>
Night had already fallen over the Hyūga compound when Hiashi sat in quiet contemplation at his desk. The shadows of the lantern light stretched long across old scrolls and open ledgers. His eyes, sharp as ever, scanned the notes with increasing unease.
For a week now, strange reports had crossed his desk: samurai seen wandering the village, wearing garb marked with the symbol of the caged bird. In recent days, more unsettling details emerged—documents misplaced, elders complaining of missing sandals, records inexplicably rearranged, light pranks, odd holes in the courtyard, disappearing meals, even mutterings about ghosts.
Hiashi had seen this pattern before. Long ago. And its return unsettled something deep within him.
Just then, the door slid open, and Neji stepped inside. He smelled faintly of alcohol—unusual for him—and wore an expression of someone who had wandered through a dream and returned changed.
"Neji," Hiashi said, straightening. "What brings you here at this hour?"
"Three things," Neji replied, unhesitating. "First, Lady Hokage promoted me to jōnin today, after our team returned from the mission. Gai-sensei and the others insisted we celebrate."
Hiashi gave a small nod. "A well-earned recognition."
"Second..." Neji hesitated. "I ran into Hinata in the market. She's... different. Composed. Mature."
Hiashi narrowed his eyes, the mention of Hinata lingering in his thoughts longer than expected. Despite himself, he felt a subtle shift beneath the surface—a stir of guilt, of something like longing, or regret. "And the third?"
"When I returned home, my apartment was completely empty. Cleared out. No sign of forced entry. I suspect her dog. I think Kuro followed her back to Konoha. And she's not exactly happy with me after what happened during our fight."
Hiashi leaned back, fingers steepled in thought. "This is a delicate situation. Especially given Hinata's current position."
Neji tilted his head, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"She was adopted by the samurai Takama Gin," Hiashi said. "Reports reached my desk describing the stylized mark worn by those accompanying her—silver and black renditions of our seal. I investigated further. Takama Gin is now the Daimyō of the Land of Iron. That information hasn't circulated widely due to the nation's isolation from shinobi affairs."
Neji exhaled slowly. "That explains her grace... the way she carries herself."
Hiashi raised an eyebrow. "You're certain it was the dog?"
Neji nodded. "No proof. But no doubt either. It's her."
Hiashi allowed himself a quiet breath. "Very well. I'll discreetly hire someone who knows how to deal with... unconventional canines. Perhaps they'll be able to manage the situation. In the meantime, it may be time to formally speak with Hinata again."
Outside, beyond the paper screens, a breeze stirred the trees—and something unseen slipped silently between the eaves.