The Enlightened One Ch.76 (Patreon)

— Hanabi Hyuga —

She took her stance, staring at her father, who had his hands behind his back. He stared her down with scrutinizing focus.

“Begin.” He said simply and she blasted toward him, sending out a palm strike which he used one hand to deflect away with ease. She quickly followed up with another one, but that too met the same result. 

Her father lowered himself into his own stance as she went for a third strike, this time not only deflecting it, but following up with a well-placed two-fingered jab of his own aimed at her forehead, sending her falling on her butt. 

“A good attempt. Your strikes held power, but if you went up against anyone worthwhile in this world, you would be dead.” He told her in a cool tone as she stood up. He didn’t need to tell her that, if her father had even put chakra into his strike, it would have killed her if she was lucky. 

“Indeed, she must improve.” Her grandfather said from his place in the middle of the room. He took a sip of his tea before giving her a stern look. “Hanabi, your skill, perception, and potential are special, beyond most Main Branch family members in our clan’s long and powerful history. Had you been an only child, I could confidently say you have the most potential of any Hyuga in the last two hundred years…” 

“That being said, you’re not an only child and your sister happens to hold that title over you currently. You must strive to grow and surpass Hinata. Where she draws her strength from chakra and various needless techniques, you must pursue the path of a true Hyuga. Through the gentle fist you will rise above all others, this we swear.” Her grandfather finished with a small smile, as if he were imagining his dreams for her right now. 

A small frown tugged on Hanabi’s lips as she nodded, keeping her own personal feelings on the matter quiet. 

“Again.” One of the elders ordered and Hanabi dropped back down into her stance, ready to attack her father with all she had. Just as she waited for her father to announce the start of their spar, she noticed one of the side branch family members approach the open area that leads outside and drop to his knees. 

“Lord Hiashi, Lady Hinata has returned along with Lady Satsuki Uchiha and Lady Naruko Uzumaki.”

A beaming smile worked its way on Hanabi’s face before she quickly suppressed it. She had to act proper as a member of the Hyuga’s Main House and she could already hear the elders scolding her for even a minute display of such emotion. 

Her fathers stared at the man with widened eyes for a moment before waving his hand. “Then why must you keep them waiting? Bring them to me!” 

The Branch member bowed lower at his lords words and scurried off to bring her sister and her friends. 

Hanabi tried her best not to bounce in place from the sheer excitement she felt. Hinata and her friends had finished the Chunin Exams already! There was so much she wanted to know! 

It took the group less than a minute before they were standing in the opening. 

“Hanabi!” Hinata held her arms out. Ignoring the scolding looks of the elders, Hanabi rushed into her sister's embrace, getting a tight squeeze for the trouble. They stayed like that for a few seconds before Hinata looked up toward their father and gave him a gentle smile. “Father.” 

“I’m glad you are well, Hinata.” Hiashi returned her smile with a very small one, almost unnoticeable as he approached both of his daughters. He raised his hand, placing it on Hinata’s shoulder. “I’m curious to know what came of the exams.”

“Me too!” Hanabi practically shouted. She’d be in so much trouble later, but it was worth it if only to hear of the trials her sister had gone through in the Chunin Exams. 

“I look forward to it.” Hinata giggled at Hanabi’s excitement. “But first, we would like to eat.” 

“Yeah, I’m starving!” Naruko laughed, patting her stomach and giving Hanabi a cocky grin. “You look like you’ve been working hard, Hanabi.” 

“Mmm.” Hanabi nodded, much more shyly than she would act around Hinata. Unlike her relatively reserved sister and the Uchiha Head, Naruko was a brash troublemaker, one that made Hanabi loosen up when she was around, which was a bad thing for her, according to the elders. 

“Perhaps we can spar later…” Satsuki spoke out quietly, and a smile was put on Hanabi’s face.

“Mmm!” Hanabi gave Satsuki a beaming smile before catching herself and coughing into her hand. “...I mean, I would be grateful to exchange our skills in a friendly battle between clans.” 

“Indeed, I would be quite intrigued to see such a display from the Uchiha Head as well.” Her father nodded at Satsuki with a reserved smile, which she returned. “However, enough of that for now. Let us eat.” 

The Hyuga Head walked deeper into the house, and everyone minus the elders followed behind him. 

— Lei Senju (Hours Later) —

I walked through the nighttime streets of Konoha with my head down and my mind racing. 

Anko’s soft body was tightly held against mine not even an hour ago. I could still feel the softness of her lips pressing against mine. 

For as long as I’ve known Anko, I never really thought I’d ever be with her in any meaningful way. She’s always been a playful tease, but that’s just her nature. I never expected more than a casual encounter, perhaps a one-night stand years later. Yet, here I was, having shared a surprisingly intimate moment with her in the privacy of my house.

Now, I didn’t know what to think. 

With a heavy heart, I tried to clear my mind as I obediently followed the task I was given hours earlier. I was heading to the Hyuga Compound. 

Hinata, Naruko, and Satsuki were there right now and had been there since we left the exams. Apparently, they wanted to spend time with Hanabi for the rest of the day before beginning their training for the Final Exams. I had skipped out on doing the same to deal with Karin's situation, but now that Karin was asleep and my schedule cleared up, I would see what they were doing. 

I entered the compound, passing the stationed Hyuga guards as I continued on the stone path to the Main House. 

After a couple of minutes of walking, I rounded the Main House and headed to the back, where I sensed the girls and Hanabi. 

“That’s amazing! I knew sis was strong!” I smiled slightly at Hanabi's voice. Turning the corner, I saw my three girlfriends sitting with the smaller Hyuga girl.

Hinata was the first to notice my approach, followed by Satsuki and then Naruko and Hanabi.

“Hey, Lei!” Naruko grinned, jumping up from the porch of the house and running over to me. I caught her in my arms as she crashed into me, giving me a tight hug, which I returned. 

“You’re later than expected.” Satsuki smiled as both she and Hinata stood up and walked over to me. 

“Yeah, sorry. Things went smoothly, but settling her into my place was a process,” I explained with a chuckle. Naruko’s eyes widened at that, as she brought a hand down to my chest. 

“Then…she’s okay?” she asked quietly. I gave her a nod and a reassuring smile. The way Naruko’s concern shifted into relief slowed my heart a bit. Ever since I told them about my plan to help Karin out, Naruko had been very stressed out. All her life, she thought she was the last Uzumaki, so hearing that there was another one not only around but also their age and in danger, she wanted nothing more than to see them safe. 

I glanced at Hanabi who was standing a bit further back, her hands behind her back as she avoided my gaze. A grin tugged at my lips as I stepped forward and roughly started messing with her hair.

“L-Lei!” She shouted in surprise but did nothing to stop me from running my hand through her hair wildly. 

“This is your punishment for being so quiet!” I laughed before stopping and pulling the younger girl into a tight hug, one she returned instantly. 

The Hyuga clan's strict policies were always something I didn’t like, and they practically forced Hinata and Hanabi to act more reserved when in public. Of course, I absolutely destroyed their teachings in Hinata’s mind, allowing her to grow more confident, but Hanabi was mostly around her father and the elders, so they had it more rooted in her. I know I shouldn’t interfere with another clan's members, especially not the Heiress and her little sister, but these were two people I cared a lot about, and I’d be damned if they bottled up their emotions around their friends.

I’d need to spend more time with Hanabi to let her see that she doesn’t have to act so hesitant. Maybe I should introduce her to Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon. I doubt she has any friends at this point, but I’m sure she could grow to like the trio.

“That’s adorable!” Hinata cooed, walking up behind me and pressing her body into my back. She wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head in the crook of my neck. 

After a few more seconds I gently let Hanabi go, making the young Hyuga frown, and Hinata pulled back. 

“Lord Lei.” 

I turned to the house and saw Hiashi Hyuga standing there with a small smile, making me raise an eyebrow. Sure, sure, it was small, but it was one of the few times I have ever seen his lips go that far upward. 

“Lord Hiashi, how does this day find you?” 

His smile grew just a tad as he walked forward. “Quite well, Lord Lei, but I believe I permitted you to address me informally.” 

I tilted my head at that as I fell back into thought. Did he? I don’t remember him doing that, but then again, I’ve been hit in the head so many times since I last saw him. 

“I see; thank you for such an honor, Hiashi. Please call me Lei as well.” 

“If you are so kind as to allow it, then I graciously accept.” Hiashi nodded. “You seem quite busy, and I do not wish to interfere with your time, Lei, but I have matters to discuss with you.” 

I glanced back at the group of girls who looked at me with smiles and nods. 

“Go ahead; we’ll all be at home if you need us!” Naruko gave a thumbs up at me, which only further added to my confusion about their rather content and happy looks. Did they know something I didn’t? My eyes glanced over at Hanabi holding Hinata’s hand. Was she going as well? 

“I see, alright, I’ll see you all soon.” 

“Yes, you will~” Naruko teased, sending a shiver of fear down my spine. 

…I knew Naruko enough to know when she was doing something I wouldn’t like. She was plotting against me; whether it was my downfall or a mild inconvenience, I had no idea, but I knew I’d be pranked or incredibly surprised in the next four hours. 

— Hiashi Hyuga —

As he watched the backs of the girls he had spoken to just hours ago about the Hyuga’s future, he turned to Lei and placed a hand on his shoulder, aiming to establish a more informal air to their current and future relationship. 

“Please, follow me.” He gestured toward the house and walked forward; his smile grew just a bit larger as he heard the soft taps of Lei’s feet against the earth beneath them. A subtle sign of trust that he was displaying. Most of the time when shinobi were in secluded areas or were untrusting of their surroundings, they would subconsciously keep their footsteps from making too much noise, but Lei doing the opposite expressed his comfort in the Hyuga Lord’s presence. 

They entered the house and walked through the halls before Hiashi turned to a room and slid open the door, allowing Lei to go in first and Hiashi to follow in after. 

It was Hiashi’s favorite room in the house, a tea room that held a variety of tea sets and tea bags. 

“Have a seat.” 

Lei nodded and walked to the opposite end of the table and took a seat. Hiashi went and grabbed the kettle of his favorite set off of the stove and placed it on the table. He had already prepared to have this talk with the Senju Head, now it was time to put his plans into action. 

“Which tea would you like?” Hiashi asked in interest. 

“Any is fine; I can’t say that there is a tea I dislike.” Lei shrugged, making his smile grow a bit. If Lei didn’t have a preference, they would drink the finest tea he had to offer. Luckily, he recently got tea, which was his favorite, and he didn’t mind sharing it with the younger clan head. 

Hiashi grabbed two Oolong tea bags and placed them in the cups before pouring the hot water from the kettle into them. He then walked over to Lei and offered him the cup, which the Senju Head graciously took. 

“Thank you, Hiashi. I’m curious; what did you wish to speak to me about?” 

Hiashi took his seat, a small smile on his face as he gave the tea a stir, giving it a moment to let the tea bag do its work. 

“Yes, I believe I have left you in the dark long enough.” Hiashi nodded. “Tell me, Lei, what are your intentions with my daughter, Hinata?” 

After asking, Hiashi studied the boy’s face. If Lei was surprised by the question, he wouldn’t have shown it; instead, he would have fallen into his mind to ponder it. The Lord of the Hyuga could see the gears turning in his head.

“...I wish to marry Hinata and start a family with her,” Lei answered after several moments of silent thought.

Hiashi’s smile grew a tad as he nodded, finally reaching down to his teacup and taking a sip, humming at the pleasant taste. 

“I assumed as much.” Hiashi gestured to Lei’s cup, and the Senju head nodded, taking a sip of his own cup of tea. “That makes things easier.”

“Easier?” Lei asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, I will not beat around the bush any longer. The Hyuga Clan, myself, and the elders all wish to see Hinata betrothed to you, the Lord of the Senju Clan.” Hiashi said, his voice growing a tad more serious.

“...I see.” Lei nodded, not looking too surprised. “I expected as much, but I didn’t think we’d be having this talk so soon.” 

“I apologize for that.” Hiashi frowned slightly. “However, the elders have been rather adamant about what a union between our two clans could mean; they wish to see such unification before their own eyes as soon as possible.” 

“Yeah, I thought as much.” Lei sighed. “Listen, Hiashi, I love Hinata. When I marry her, she’s going to be my first wife, and I plan on honoring the Hyuga clan as much as I can through the bridge our two clans will forge.”

“I sense a turn approaching.” Hiashi took another sip as Lei rubbed the back of his head with an awkward frown. 

“That being said…I don’t want to rush into anything. I will marry Hinata; that much is certain, but I don’t want to rush her into anything. I want us to take our time and go through the steps naturally without feeling like we have to rush for the sake of the greater good.” 

‘Oh, he has no idea…’ Hiashi thought idly with a small understanding smile. From the long talk he had with Hinata, Naruko, and Satsuki, he learned just how much Hinata takes after her late mother, and it was only a matter of time until Lei saw that as well. 

“That is quite alright.” Hiashi waved his hand. “I would not want my daughter to feel pressured into anything either, but I think you would be surprised by my eldest daughter’s…passion.” 

“I already know how Hinata can get, but I don’t think she fully understands what she wants.” Lei shook his head. Hiashi, for the first time in a while, dropped his mouth open in surprise. 

…If there was anyone who knew what they wanted, it was his eldest daughter, and she had made that vividly clear during their earlier meeting. 

“I see, well then I wish you the best of luck going forward. I leave my daughter in your hands for now until the day you fully take her as your wife.”

“...Thank you, Hiashi,” Lei said with a hesitant smile, downing the rest of his tea and standing up. “I’ll help myself out; it was nice talking to you.” 

“Likewise, Lei. Enjoy the rest of your day, and good luck.” 

Lei nodded and walked out of the room, causing Hiashi to let out a sigh and look at the closed door with a strained smile. 

That boy had no idea what the hell he was about to unleash upon himself once he returned to his home. Hiashi sent a silent prayer to his wife, smiling as he fully understood just how much Hinata took after her. If Lei were lucky, she wouldn’t be as…adamant as his wife had been. 

— Hinata Hyuga —

The group entered Lei’s house and immediately started making their way to the door of their newest arrival, Karin Uzumaki. 

The name alone was enough to still the ever energetic knuckleheaded shinobi Naruko. Hearing someone else had her last name had sent the blonde girl into a spiral of emotions, most of them positive.

It was nice to see honestly. Hinata knew just how much Naruko wanted a family, even if she already had one with them. One of Naruko’s dreams was to bring honor and glory to the Uzumaki name, and after finding someone else who held the same name, it goes without saying that Naruko wanted to familiarize herself with the red-headed girl. 

They walked up to the door, Naruko stopping just in front of it with her hands grabbing at her pants. Hinata could see just how nervous Naruko was, and as the Hyuga activated her byakugan, she could see that not only was Karin awake, she was aware of their presence just outside of her room. 

“Naruko.” Hinata placed a hand on her shoulder. 

“...I’m sorry.” Naruko shook her head and slid the door open, revealing the surprised face of their newest roommate. 

They all stood there in silence as Naruko remained unmoving for several seconds. 

Hinata, realizing just how awkward this moment was for Karin, stepped forward past Naruko and clapped her hands together. 

“It is so nice to finally meet you, Karin. My name is Hinata Hyuga, this is my little sister, Hanabi, my friend Satsuki Uchiha, and our resident knucklehead, Naruko Uzumaki.” 

Karin’s eyes widened at hearing her family name and she locked her gaze on Naruko. Both staring at each other without saying a word. 

“Y-You’re an Uzumaki?” Karin asked slowly, earning a hesitant nod from Naruko. It was unlike Naruko to be so shy, but Hinata couldn’t blame her. This was a rather delicate situation and the last thing Naruko wanted was for Karin to end up disliking her. 

“Another Uzumaki?” Hanabi asked in quiet fascination. The knowledge of how powerful the Uzumaki clan had been was rather uncommon, but Hanabi being a member of the Main Branch family knew enough about all other clans that had any relationship with Konoha. 

“We didn’t mean to bother you, Karin, but since we sleep here quite often and you are now living here, we decided we would introduce ourselves.” Hinata bowed slightly with a warm smile. 

“...O-Oh, I see.” Karin nodded, rubbing the back of her head. She got off of the futon she had been sitting on and stood up. “Y-You all…you’re friends of Lei?” 

“More than friends,” Satsuki answered before anyone else could. “Besides her.” The Uchiha’s eyes locked on Hanabi, who looked around in confusion. 

“More than friends…Oh, I-I see.” Karin stared at the ground, understanding Satsuki’s implication. 

“Yes, Lei is rather close to all of us, and now that you are here, we want to grow close to you as well.” Hinata offered, walking toward the redhead. “More than that, you are a member of Naruko’s clan, her family, and that makes you family now.” 

“She’s right.” Naruko stepped forward as well, riding off of Hinata’s momentum. “I…I’ve never met another Uzumaki before. I don’t think there are many of us left.” Naruko hung her head sadly and Hinata could see Karin’s eyes water. “-But you’re here now!” 

Naruko paused for a moment before shaking her head, her resolve steeling before all of their eyes. The blonde walked forward, forcibly grabbing Karin’s hands as she looked into her red eyes. “We…we can be a family, we can stay together and learn together, and we can honor our clan together…what do you say?” 

Karin was stunned by the sudden affection she was being shown and shrunk back into herself, her eyes locked on the ground as she nodded slowly. 

Naruko’s face immediately lit up; a beaming smile tugged at her lips as she pulled Karin into a tight hug. 

Hinata watched the two embrace, holding onto each other as if they feared the other would disappear into thin air if they ever let go, with a smile on her face. It looked like both of them needed it right now. The Hyuga Heiress glanced at her little sister and Satsuki and nodded at them both. They returned it, and the group of three girls walked out of the room, leaving Naruko and Karin to grow closer to one another. 

“That was rather nice, don’t you two think?” Hinata asked the pair walking with her. 

“We can only pray Karin is nothing like Naruko…I don’t think I could deal with two knuckleheads.” Satsuki said with a smile. 

“She had really pretty hair,” Hanabi commented quietly, earning a soft giggle from Hinata. 

“Then you’ll have to ask her to let you play with it when you get a chance.” Hinata teased, making Hanabi blush. 

“...Why must you tease me, big sis?” 

“Why must you be so adorable, dear little sister?” Hinata cooed, pulling Hanabi’s cheeks, making the younger girl snap away as she rubbed her adorable little cheeks. 

“But why me? I thought you were going to tease big brother Lei?” Hanabi asked with a small frown, making Hinata pause then giggle uncontrollably. 

Oh, her dear little sister was so innocent~ 

But she wasn’t wrong. She made an agreement with her father and the clan elders, and she intended to keep it. 

— Lei Senju —

I walked into the house with a slight frown. I had disregarded everything Hiashi and I talked about simply because it changed nothing, at least in the near future. 

Ever since I brought Ao’s head back to the Hyuga Clan, I could tell they viewed me differently, which is exactly what I wanted. I wanted them to understand that I was someone they should trust and respect, someone who would soon hold much authority over the clan. Sure, I wasn’t gonna take the Hyuga name, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t run the clan by Hinata’s side. 

I knew all of that would become a reality the moment Hinata and I started our relationship, so thinking about it now did me no favors. 

No, I was still caught up on the moment I shared with Anko. It was short-lived, but there was emotion in it, emotion no one saw from Anko. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to turn around and seek her out right now, but I knew I needed to give her some space. I would be leaving the village soon anyway, so I could talk to her when I returned. 

I let out a tired sigh as I turned the corner and stopped at the door to my room. I could hear whispers from within, which made me smile. I hoped they were up; I wanted to talk to them before sleep hit me like a brick. 

I opened the door to the room and paused immediately. My smile slowly fell off of my face as I stared at the three girls, all of them sitting on the edge of the bed-

“H-Hey Lei, y-you’re home!” Naruko stuttered out with a face redder than any tomato I’ve seen, standing up and pushing out her chest covered by an orange lacy bra.

“W-We’ve been waiting for you…” Satsuki got up with rosy cheeks, standing beside Naruko in her own pair of black lacy underwear and a matching bra. 

“You look tired…” Hinata strutted over in a pair of purple lace, stopping just in front of me and placing her hand on my chest. She brought her mouth just inches from my ears as her finger slowly drew circles on my chest. “Let us help you relax.” 

She pulled back to stare into my eyes. I could see the embarrassment she felt clear as day, but a willing, hopeful look was dancing in her soft eyes. 

With three beautiful girls in front of me wearing nothing but sexy underwear, I did only what any reasonable man would do in this situation. 

I walked backward and closed the door. 

— Chapter End —

Beta Reader: @Dragonboy1