Chapter Text
"Hinata-sama, you'll never understand what it's like to live in a cage, where your choices mean nothing."
Perhaps Nico should have stayed home and tried making a burger.
"B-but I just wanted..."
Unfortunately, Tenshi is currently stuck between two Hyugas.
"You, born free, are not meant to know what it's like to be enslaved."
Okay, this is getting tiresome.
"How long will this drama continue?"
The question arose. Nico usually doesn't mind drama, but fifteen minutes of going around in circles was getting quite tiresome. Apparently, her voice startled the Byakugan wielders, because both of them abruptly assumed a fighting stance.
"How long have you been here?"
Considering that she was already at the training grounds before those two arrived...
"From the very beginning." Neji lifted his head proudly, looking at Tenshi, while Hinata seemed to be trying to disappear.
"This is clan business. Outsiders should keep out of it."
This tone was probably meant to frighten Nico, but now she felt only fatigue and irritation.
"I didn't know this training ground belonged to the Hyuga clan. And if you don't want your conversation overheard, then maybe you shouldn't shout like that."
The boy clearly didn't like this, as he activated his Byakugan.
"You..."
To his regret, Nico had just finished training and wasn't about to put up with someone else's rudeness.
"I heard your story, and yes, slavery is terrible. But will you just accept it?"
"What do you know!"
The shout was emotional, and therefore honest.
"I know no one will do anything until you try. The Hyuga clan stigmatizes its own people for its stupid principles, and if you want to change that, you have to act on your own."
"B-but…"
Hinata finally spoke up. Niko felt a little sorry for the children, but Tenshi quickly realized that this world was cruel, especially to children.
"No one will help you. No one will even listen to you. But if you truly want to change the system, you'll have to become strong, earn respect, and build connections. Only then will you be able to right the wrongs your clan has done."
The children froze, but Niko refused to look away. Tenshi couldn't help the Hyuga clan gain freedom—they would have to act on their own. Finally, Hinata spoke, a little hesitantly, but with each word, her resolve growing stronger:
"I… I will try. I will become stronger and change the clan. So please, help me, Neji-ni-san."
Niko looked at the girl, who bowed, and then turned her gaze to the boy. The Hyuga seemed hesitant, but eventually extended his hand.
"Alright, Hinata-sama. Let's change our clan."
***
The genin exam was over, and standing with the headband in her hand, Niko couldn't understand how she'd managed to pass.
"Congratulations, Tenshi. You're a shinobi now."
There's nothing to congratulate about. Well, never mind. Tenshi has more important matters to attend to today.
"Are you sure extracting the Kyuubi won't affect Naruto?"
Okami clicked her tongue.
"Naruto is an Uzumaki, and this clan is renowned for its resilience. Especially since we don't completely extract the bijuu."
That seems even more dangerous. Izuna shook her head.
"Don't worry. After all, didn't Shinigami say he'd help you?"
The shinigami did indeed promise Tenshi assistance with the first separation. Especially since the Kyuubi is sealed in a seal he made himself. Everything should go well.
The tengu sighs and looks at Tobirama.
"Everything is almost ready. All that's left is to bring Naruto to the Forest of Death."