A Letter to Hinata

_____________________________

Chapter 76: A Letter to Hinata

Jutsu of the day:

<Happy Birthday Hina-bunny>

Courtesy of Yours Truly.

_____________________________

Time: 2 months later. 27th December, Year 77 AFK (After Foundation of Konoha)

[A/N: From now on, I will use dates, as from this point of the story there is actually a working timeline available. I will link the webpage that I am using.]

Location: Hyuuga Mansion

[Hinata]

.

It was the 27th of December.

Cold winter wind brought powder snow, as Konoha was covered in a blanket of white. The temperature was anything but desirable. But I still had a warm smile gracing my face.

No, not because today was my birthday. No! Something much better was in store for me.

When I woke up, there was a package waiting for me outside my sliding door. Yes, it was a birthday gift. But that wasn't the important part. The important part was from whom it came.

The sender? Was of course, Mitsu-kun~

Seeing his name on the package was enough to brighten my day. My heart beat fast. Getting a letter from Mitsu-kun always made me happy after all.

But then, I also felt a bit sad…

I missed him.

It's been 2 and a half years since he left. Yes, he sends me letters every other week, along with pictures of his travels… But still. I missed him.

I looked towards my wall, where a picture was pasted… It was a picture of him and me in our yukatas. It was taken during the last Sakura festival.

Yes, we went with all our friends... But... It still felt like a da-da-date~

I blushed hard.

But it wasn't a proper date... Maybe I will ask Mitsu-kun for a date when he comes back? N-noooo! Too embarrassing!

I tried hard to get the thought out of my head. Took me a minute to calm down.

*Sigh*

I again looked at the picture. And a smile bloomed on my face. In the picture, Mitsu-kun was smiling.

He has a smile that always cheers me up.

He really knew how to make me happy... His letters are always encouraging. He also makes sure I am doing well.

He also told me that I was special and wonderful. He said those words many times. So many times in fact, it trumped over all the vocal abuse my clan had ever done to me. I started believing that as well....

His belief in me helped me thrive. I started to grow, as a ninja and as a person.

I did my best not to let him down. I kept trying and trying, and when I couldn't move, I tried harder. And the result was unbelievable...

The once trash of the clan... Was hailed as a genius?

I shook my head at that thought.

I still hated violence. I still hated hurting others. But I still remember Mitsu-kun's words,

'To defeat someone, you don't always need to hurt them.

Making them give up is the key, it could be through violence, words or even sheer force of will. Hinata, you are special as you want to protect everyone. Then you can do just that. But this time, learn to protect yourself.

Once you know how to protect properly. You can subdue someone without actually hurting them.

Actually, it's perfect for your clan's gentle fist style.

Make them give up with just a tap on their neck, gently make them lose their will to fight by blocking all their chakra points. Stop them flat from hurting you or your precious people.

You don't want them to hurt your own, now do you?'

Those words stuck.

Yes, I didn't want to hurt people, but I would loathe more to let them hurt my own, my precious people. My father, sister, friends, village…. M-mitsu-kun.

So I tried. I tried harder. I trained more everyday. But this time not to learn how to defeat with the gentle fist. But how to protect and subdue.

At first, my father was against it… But then, I showed results. I could protect myself from Neji-Niisan, much to his annoyance. I hate the fact... He doesn't like me... But I won't let him bully me anymore.

I can't beat him, not at all, but he can't beat me either. Not without using everything he has at least.

And because I can keep up with Neji-Niisan, I was allowed more time with my sister.

I started training with Hanabi-chan! She is so cute~! Having a little sister really was wonderful.

I smile every time she calls me Onee-sama. We spar whenever we have time. It's usually Hanabi-chan trying to hit me as I defend. While showing her, her flaws, where to improve and then I do my best to gently subdue her.

I started developing a new style based on the <Gentle Fist>. I was making quick progress. Mitsu-kun's advice really helped there.

My grades in the academy were top-notch. I only lose a bit of grade to the civilian girl with pink hair in academics. Sakura-san I think her name is. She is friends with Ino-chan, but she wasn't a part of our group.

But not having top grade in written exam was hardly an issue. I was still the best kunoichi. Which seemed to make Mitsu-kun really happy.

I giggled softly, remembering the letter he sent to congratulate me for being number 1 Kunoichi last year.

He was so happy. He even sent me a special delicacy from the Island of Paradise to congratulate me.

I blushed, thinking about that.

But enough about that, it was time to start the day proper.

Changing my clothes after taking a warm shower, I took the package and was ready to open it.

The reason I hadn't opened it the moment I got it was...

*Thud* *Sliding door opens*

"ONEE-SAMA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" My cute little imouto came in running as she hugged me.

"Thank you, Hanabi-chan." I hugged her with a chuckle.

"Ne, ne Onee-sama~ Did Onii-sama send you a present yet? Oh no? Don't feel bad. Let's go out to celebrate your birthday! We can send an angry letter to Onii-sama later!" My little sister fired off questions and answered them herself as I watched her expressions change three times a second.

"Of course, Hanabi-chan. Let me just open Mitsu-kun's present real quick." I said with a soft chuckle.

"Ohhhh~ Mitsu-Oniisama didn't forget to send you a present? That's good! Whaaa~ Did he send me more candies?" Hanabi asked excitedly.

She loved Mitsu-kun like an elder brother. She was still 4 when he left on his journey. But apparently she still remembers him vividly.

Well, Mitsu-kun did spoil her rotten with candies. He sends some every time with my letters.

Those two created a special bond of some sort. Which I remember Mitsu-kun saying, a bond between CF haired people?

[A/N: Cannon fodder hair]

I giggled remembering that.

Sometimes Mitsu-kun acts so eccentric. But I-I st-still find it cu-cute.

I blushed slightly, but shook my head back to reality.

"I don't know Hanabi-chan. Let me check." I said as I opened the box. And just as I thought the first thing on the box was a packet with a note that read, 'For Hanabi-chan, so your Onee-chan can open the presents in peace.'

He knew us so well that it warmed my heart.

I didn't even need to tell Hanabi to get the packet, as she grabbed it quickly and ran away, saying, "I will see you later onee-sama! I need to umm... do some... um training!"

I shook my head with a smile at my sister's antics. But the content of the box grabbed my attention.

The first thing was a letter addressed to me, "To Hina-bunny."

I laughed seeing that. He still adds bunny to my name. He has been using that since he saved me from those bullies.

At first I thought it was because of my timid nature. But he denied that, saying, 'that's for me to know and you to get it out of me~'

Sometimes his playfulness annoys me. But… somehow I… like that about him too.

'I am hopeless…' I thought with a shake of my head.

But quickly concentrated on the letter on hand.

||

My dear Hina,

Happy Birthday. I wish you another wonderful year and hope for many more to come.

I really am sorry for not coming to your birthday again. Forgive me my hime, but I am currently in the land of Snow. You might have heard about the change in leadership. Now I am helping the new Daimyo with her lands.

You might already know her, as I remember you liked her movies? Don't worry, I already got you her autograph. It's attached with this letter.||-

And just as he said, there was a picture attached with the letter. It was Princess Gale and Mitsu-kun in the photo. And there was also her signature.

But for some reason, the image annoyed me... I... I will think about it later.

-|| Yes, it's part of your wonderful birthday present! And yes, there are more!

I prepared something specially for you, considering you will graduate soon.

You will find it right under this letter. ||-

I looked at the box and there was a new set of ninja gear in Purple. With a very light under armor mesh shirt and a breast plate that's meant for wearing under the mesh.

I smiled at the color.

'He remembered my favorite color. I remember only telling him once...'

He also sent a pair of fingerless gloves fitted with chakra conductive metal that went up to my arms.

A leather boot with a 3inch stiletto, plated with chakra conductive metal.

All in all, the whole set looked fashionable, and yet practical.

I smiled as I put the outfit away, and started reading the letter again.

-|| I hope you like it. I had it made specially for you.

I engraved storage seals on the gloves, gravity seals that you can control on the boots. For your training, of course. And many other fancy seals to make the clothes resistant to almost... everything.

Other than that, in the box you will find many high grade paper seals that I have prepared for you. Those will come in handy during missions. So make sure you get familiarized with each type!

Also there is a box of chocolate from the Land of Honey, medical training books (I think you should start learning medical ninjutsu, you will be awesome with it) and finally you will find a storage seal scroll at the bottom.

Open it in your courtyard and make sure no one is around you in a 5 meters radius.

And finally, I am returning to Konoha soon. Maybe in 3 months or so? I still have some work in the Land of Waves after this.

So wait for me till then hime.

Love,

Mitsu ||

I blushed as I read the end, and hugged it on my chest. My long hair covering my growing blush.

I let my hair grow, since the day he told me I would look great with long hair. And I think he was right. I looked closer to my mom, and she was so pretty.

"Will he find me pretty?" I muttered.

I smiled as I took out the sealing scroll he talked about and went to my courtyard.

But before I could open the scroll, I heard noise coming towards me.

Feeling curious, I turned to see that Ko and Hanabi-chan were escorting a few people. They were coming to where I was.

"HEY HINATA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Naruto-san shouted as soon as he saw me.

I smiled and greeted him and the others with a wave.

I smiled as I noticed, Ino-chan, Shikamaru-san, Shino-san and Choji-san were with them.

Noticing 2 people missing from our group, I asked Ino-chan, "Where are Kiba-san and Sasuke-san?"

Ino-chan sighed in exasperation. She was about to answer,

But Naruto-san beat her to it, "The bastard and Dog breath had another fight, and got by Mikoto-san and Hana-chan. Now they are teaching those two bastards a lesson! They will join our celebration at the restaurant though!"

I laughed when I heard what happened. It was so like them.

"Anyway, enough about boys! Happy birthday, Hinata! But why are you outside? Don't you want to go to the restaurant?" Ino-chan asked curiously.

"Well…" I blushed. "Mitsu-kun sent me a present in this scroll and told me to open it in my yard."

Ino-chan's face twitched a bit, but she forced herself to smile. Though I knew it was fake.

"OH? What did Boss send? Show us, show us!" Naruto-san was super excited.

"Troublesome blonds… She can't show you unless you give her the chance, Naruto…" Shikamaru-san answered.

I laughed as I could see Hanabi-chan was also super excited to see what her Onii-sama had sent, but she couldn't show her excitement. Doing her best to act like a proper little lady.

"Hahaha, alright, alright, can you all please move to the engawa? He said no one should be around a 5 meter radius from the scroll." I told them and they moved.

This wasn't a blood seal, so I simply entered some of my chakra, and with a puff of smoke, the content inside came out.

And I was flabbergasted as I stared Owlishly. So was everyone else.

There were.

Flowers.

A LOT OF FLOWERS.

Surrounding me in neatly placed pots.

Flowers of different kinds and colors. Most not native to Konoha.

I was mesmerized.

I could see Ino-chan and Hanabi-chan gaping at the flowers as well. While the boys were stunned.

It was simply spell bounding.

I hid my face in my hands as I was blushing madly.

'You really know how to make me speechless, don't you… Mitsu-kun.'

I smiled.

Naruto-san was making weird noises as he saw the flowers before shouting, "AMAZING! OF COURSE BOSS WOULD DO SOMETHING SO COOOL!"

The others agreed. Though I could see that Ino-chan was looking hurt... I... Will need to address that soon...

"Troublesome… He is going to make all other boys look bad…" Shikamaru-san called out. And I couldn't deny that fact. Mitsu-kun simply goes above and beyond.

"Sigh… I wish Onii-sama was here, then it would have been perfect!" Hanabi-chan said with a sad smile.

That reminded me.

I turned to my friends and smiled brightly, "Well, I received a letter and he said, he will be returning soon. He said, it will be around 3 months or so!"

That cheered everyone up.

"I am glad he is coming back… It's been way too long, huh?" Ino-chan said longingly.

I smiled.

It indeed has been too long…

I then returned to my friends as we were going to go out to celebrate my birthday in Mitsu-kun's restaurant.

We all got ready to go as I looked back at the flowers.

I smiled again.

"Come back safe and sound, Mitsu-kun." I whispered to no one in particular.

.

_____________________________

[A/N: Hey there beautiful people! I am working on a new Cover Image for this Fic. It's still in progress, but you guys can check the progression on Discord. I posted the line work there.

If you want to join the discord! The link is on the synopsis!]