"Ughh," Hinata groaned, realizing that her day had technically just begun. Normally she would have already been up and begun her training by herself. However after the intense training that she went through the last 2 days? Last night? Well either way it's not that important. What's important is that she doesn't feel like doing anything right now.
She currently still has about 2 hours until she needs to be at the academy and that means that she has plenty of time that she could waste without leaving her room. If she were to leave the room that means that she would likely run into her father and she doesn't feel in the mood for that interaction anytime soon.
Although she doesn't plan to do any training right now, Hinata decided to get off the bed and do some basic stretches. She walked to the center of her room and began stretching her body and its flexibility to its limits.
'So how are you feeling about the graduation exam today? Are you confident?' Miku asked, trying to make small talk while Hinata did her stretches.
'It shouldn't be too hard, I'll control my written scores to get about 80 points so that I don't stand out too much. And for the physical part of the exam where we spar against an instructor, well I think I will "fight" for a few rounds, show some perseverance before I am ultimately "unable" to defeat them. It will make me seem less threatening to the Hyuuga household if I am a mediocre student.' Hinata explained.
Truth be told she could be considered one of the higher tier students, however because of the Hyuuga clan, and the village higher ups, she always felt that it wouldn't have been a good idea for her to stand out too much.
'Yeah, although I couldn't speak with you directly, it does not mean that I was not able to send you messages. Though they weren't actually messages in the traditional sense. Just the occasional feeling when you were about to make a decision that would harm you. For example, I sent you the feeling that it would be best to hide your strengths, as they say, the tree that stands tall attracts the strongest winds.' Miku explained, her voice languid as Hinata could imagine her curled up on her reclining chair as she nibbled on some chips.
'But was it not because I hid my abilities that father was disappointed in me?' Hinata began to doubt herself, if she were to be more outstanding, would her father actually show her some love.
'Hmm, not really. Hiashi cares more about the fate of the clan than he does his own children. He doesn't even care about Hanabi all that much, the only reason that it seems that way is the fact that he puts on an appearance that will make Hanabi more loyal to him, as well as make you feel inferior and feel like you need to earn his love.' Miku spat with venom, 'And it seemed to have worked too. Hanabi listens to his every word, at least until you come up, that's where she draws the line. Our sister really loves you.'
Hinata could physically feel the envy radiating off of Miku, Hinata knew it was because of the fact that Hanabi doesn't even know that she existed, and that means that they didn't have any clear bonding. Although Miku was there for all those experiences through Hinata, Hanabi does not know that. 'It's okay, now that you and I are able to speak like this, it means that you will be able to spend time with Hanabi on your own at some point.'
'Hmph, w-who wants to spend time with that brat? I am perfectly fine with the way that things are now.' Miku assumed the classic Tsundere stance, her arms crossed and her head tilted away.
'You're right, whatever was I thinking. I can't believe I made such an obvious lapse in judgement.' Hinata said, the mocking intention was obvious and it got Miku to pout at Hinata.
Hinata felt a jolt of electricity pass through her body and she heard Miku laugh at her, she knew immediately that Miku was the cause, but she couldn't figure out a way to get her back. So she decided to note this down in her mind, to punish Miku for it, and any other thing she might do to get on her nerves.
'Anyway, you should be able to easily pass the exams, the mock exams were so simple it seems like they were made for 12 year old kids or something. One thing you will have to note would be to consciously lower your reaction standards, after your latest training with the old man, your reflexes are nothing to scoff at. If you don't pay attention, you will be likely to just avoid all the attacks that are about to hit you, and that will reveal more skill than I guess you are willing to show.' Miku reminded Hinata about her dodge and counter muscle memory that she had just developed.
'Oh, you're right. I didn't even take that into consideration. That could have been a mistake waiting to happen if you didn't remind me.' Hinata said she realized quickly that if Miku did not warn her, she probably would have gone into the fight and responded as if she were still training, with her trying to dodge every attack that came her way.
'Yeah I hate the scenario where the main character gets a power boost, talks all this crap about how they are trying to hide their power, to stay unnoticed, and the first thing that they do is to reveal to the whole world that they got stronger out of nowhere.' Miku started to rant about what Hinata assumed to be some of the book storylines that Miku apparently likes to read in the library.
'I swear, it's like they're saying, "Hey look over here, I'm definitely suspicious, you should try to dissect me to see why I am so much stronger. What? You are trying to attack me because I gained a bunch of power out of nowhere? Junior you court death! Cut off both arms, then use the arms that you just cut off to cut your legs off as well, and let me brand a slave mark onto your soul and I will consider forgiving you." It happens so often that it is so frustrating. Like if you are going to hide your skills then do it properly or don't do it at all.' At this point Miku is basically huffing with what appears to be frustration.
Seeing Miku in that state Hinata did the only thing that she could do at that moment, she sent her a mental back pat and rub to soothe her emotions and calm her down. 'Here there. No need to get so worked up. Since you reminded me, that means that won't happen. And I really don't believe that anyone would act like what you said in the last part, that was obviously unrealistic. Right?' Hinata started but trailed off as she realized that there were people just like that, even in the Hyuuga clan there were people who acted like the world belonged to them and everyone was below them.
'Oh believe me, there are many people like that, they all have one thing in common too.' Miku said drawing a little suspense.
'Oh really? And what would that be?' Hinata asked just to play along with Miku's whims.
'They are all deathly ill with a terminal sickness.' Miku said with a dead serious voice, 'It's called Young-Master Syndrome, it is highly contagious and there are so many protagonists who suffer from it, one of the main symptoms is always assuming they're right and holding the moral high ground.'
'Hmm yeah, that does sound about right. I know a few kids belonging to the elder faction within the main family that act that way, especially towards civilians and branch family members.' Hinata said as she had finished her stretches and began to change her clothes.
'Ah yes, those worms. Don't worry, I have plans for those people for the way they have treated you. When I'm done with them they will have wished they met Yakumo Oomori instead.' Miku said with a wide smile as she spoke extremely cruel words.
Even though she did not know who this Yakumo Oomori person is, they made Hinata shudder at the mere mention of them, not in fear or anything of the sort, just sheer discomfort.
'Wait, wait. Choose the pale grey jacket today. I think it would match better if you put your hair in a short ponytail.' Miku quickly said while Hinata was choosing her outfit. Hinata was currently wearing a pair of black sneakers, tight black pants that hugged her waist, a white t-shirt that had a cinnamon roll printed on the front of it, and the grey jacket that Miku suggested
'I should probably start walking to the academy now. It is a decent way away, though it would only take me about 15 minutes if I rushed, but if I leave now I can walk slowly and experience the sights. And if I'm lucky, I won't run into my father if I leave right now.' Hinata said.
'Ah you jinxed it.' Miku said as they walked out of Hinata's room, and she was right. Not too long after leaving her room and she was nearing the gate Hinata heard a voice start to speak behind her,
"Hinata hurry up and finish with your exam. Once you do, make sure you come back immediately. You are finally graduating so it is time to apply the caged bird seal to you tonight." A deep and apathetic male voice sounded, speaking in a tone that does not expect any response, just a simple notice. Soon after he finished speaking he began to walk away.
Hinata just stood there, trembling slightly as she struggled to hold herself back, Miku also began to seethe in rage at the state that Hinata was in, she was like a machine that could only accept orders, one that only started to regain its humanity once the man began to leave.
Hinata stood there in silence before she whispered in a low tone, one that the man apparently didn't hear or pretended he didn't,
"I understand, Father."