Interlude: Hinata

Life is scary, unpredictable, and dangerous. You never wanted to be a ninja. Hurting others wasn't in your nature, and while Mother did her best to keep you from that life, it was inevitable that you'd become one. As the first in line for the Hyuuga clan head position, it was your duty to become a strong person.

"Again." Your father said, a serious, calm look on his face.

You followed his teaching, learning all you could... but it was never enough. You might have had the genetics, but your ideology and talent were lacking.

"There are branch children that can already use our clan's gift. I won't allow you to fall behind."

And so, you trained and trained. It was monotonous, exhausting, and stupid! Yet you every time you thought about speaking up, a crimpling fear settled into your bones. What if you did say something? Would he kick you out? Maybe father wouldn't want you as a daughter anymore. And then there was also your mother- she loved you. She loved you so much that you were sure she'd go with you.

It was scary, so you did what you were best at; you hid your true feelings and didn't speak. Eventually, this became a routine, and as more time passed, you found it becoming the core of your personality. You became shy and the simplest of conversations were marred in self-doubt, second guesses, and uncertainty.

You were scared.

Nevertheless, the life of a ninja isn't an easy one. Even as fear consumed you, you kept walking forward. Your sister was born, but she took your mother away. For the first few months, you hated her. Mother was the only one that understood you. She was your anchor in this crazy life. These feelings changed one day during a terrifying storm. Hanabi's cries refused to let you sleep, so you sneaked into her bed so she stayed quiet.

There, as the two of you stared at one another- you glaring at her, she gazing at you, everything changed. Her crying stopped, and a sunny smile split her lip. Those tiny hands of hers griped your nose and she laughed.

She had your mother's smile.

As the storm raged outside, your emotions rushed out of you. In the end, Hanabi was the one to quiet your wails and tears.

She was your sister- the last thing left of your mother. And her smile was something you'd fight tooth and nail to protect.

Unfortunately, this resolution wasn't enough to change your situation. Father still wanted progress and when you stopped showing it, he turned his attention to Hanabi. You cursed your weakness at that point. No matter how hard you tried, you just weren't a fighter. Your burden was passed to her. You were of the Hyuuga, and there was nothing you could do.

But then... you met a certain boy. He was an Uchiha, yet acted nothing like one. As time passed, he showed your classmates with help and a friendly attitude. Not even you could escape this.

Surprisingly, he helped you learn that there was always more than one way to get stronger.

So you opened your eyes and looked.

You wouldn't let Hanabi suffer anymore! It might take time, but you'd show Father your strength.

For her.