That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Hyuga compound, Hinata made her way to Hanabi's room.
When she arrived at Hanabi's door, she hesitated for a moment before softly knocking. A few seconds passed, and the door creaked open. Hanabi stood there, her expression neutral but with a hint of surprise at seeing her sister.
"Sister? Is something wrong?" Hanabi asked, her voice steady.
Hinata smiled gently, trying to ease the tension she felt. "No, not exactly. I just... wanted to talk. About you and Shoi."
Hanabi's eyes flickered with a momentary hesitation, something that didn't go unnoticed by Hinata. "Shoi? What about him?" Hanabi replied, her tone carefully controlled.
Hinata stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I've heard some things, and I'm concerned. if there's anything troubling you, anything at all, I want to help. You don't have to handle it alone."
Hanabi's expression softened slightly, but there was still a guarded look in her eyes. "Sister, there's nothing to worry about. Shoi is just... someone I've been helping. It's nothing serious."
"Helping how?" Hinata pressed gently, not wanting to back down just yet.
There was a pause, and Hanabi looked away, as if weighing her words carefully. "He's a friend. A guest who's staying with us for a while. I've been making sure he's comfortable. That's all."
Hinata studied her sister, searching for any signs of distress or unease. "Are you sure? You're not being forced into anything, are you? If someone is making you do this—"
"No one's forcing me," Hanabi interrupted. "It's my choice, Sister. I promise, there's nothing more to it."
Hinata wanted to believe her, but the nagging feeling in her chest wouldn't go away.
Still, she knew when to step back. Hanabi wasn't one to easily share her burdens, and pushing too hard might only drive her further away.
"Alright," Hinata finally said, her voice softening. "But if anything changes, if you need anything, please tell me. I'm here for you."
Hanabi nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know. Thank you, Sister."
As Hinata left Hanabi's room, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than her sister was letting on.
But for now, she would trust Hanabi's words, even if the unease lingered in the back of her mind.
As Hanabi let out a sigh of relief after Hinata left her room, she tried to shake off the lingering nerves. She was grateful that her sister didn't press further into her relationship with Shoi. Hanabi wasn't ready to share those feelings yet; she was still sorting them out herself.
The next morning, as the sun cast a warm glow over the Hyuga compound, a messenger arrived at Hanabi's doorstep with a summons from the Hokage's office.
Surprised but ever dutiful, Hanabi prepared herself promptly and made her way to the center of the village where the Hokage's office stood tall and imposing.
Upon arriving, she was ushered into the office where the current Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, sat behind his desk, a friendly yet serious expression on his face.
"Hanabi! Good to see you," Kakashi greeted warmly, gesturing for her to take a seat.
"Good morning, Lord Sixth," Hanabi replied respectfully as she sat down.
Kakashi leaned forward, his demeanor shifting slightly to a more formal tone.
"I have a mission that requires someone of your skills. It's not particularly dangerous, but it's important and will take some time to complete."
Hanabi listened attentively as Kakashi explained the details.
The mission involved accompanying and providing security for a diplomatic envoy traveling to several allied villages to strengthen ties and negotiate trade agreements.
The journey was expected to take about three weeks, accounting for travel time and meetings.
"I believe your presence will not only ensure the safety of the envoy but also represent the strength and reliability of the Hyuga clan," Kakashi concluded with a confident smile.
Understanding the significance of the assignment, Hanabi nodded. "I accept the mission, Lord Sixth. When do I depart?"
"The envoy leaves tomorrow morning. Take today to prepare and settle any affairs you need to at home," Kakashi replied.
"Understood," Hanabi said as she stood up, bowing respectfully before exiting the office.
As she walked back towards the Hyuga compound, Hanabi's thoughts turned to Shoi.
She had been personally overseeing his training for some time now, and their daily interactions had brought them closer than she ever expected.
"I need to make sure he's taken care of while I'm gone," she thought to herself.
Upon arriving back at the compound, Hanabi sought out her father, Hiashi Hyuga, to inform him of her mission. She found him in the training courtyard, observing some of the younger clan members practicing their techniques.
"Father," Hanabi called softly as she approached.
Hiashi turned to her, his gaze steady. "Hanabi. What brings you here at this hour?"
"I have been assigned a mission by Lord Sixth. I'll be accompanying a diplomatic envoy for the next few weeks," she explained.