I panted as a senbon was pointed at my throat. He had gotten even stronger than when we first met.
"I can't believe I lost again," I said, letting out a sigh.
"Your taijutsu has become much better; it'll soon reach the level of a high-level chunin," Haku replied with a smile, trying to console me.
"As kind as it is for you to say that, kind words won't help me get stronger."
"You've trained more in speed, knowing well you would have a better chance at beating your opponent in speed rather than strength, and you succeeded. If you keep training, you can become faster than the average jonin. You're also agile and flexible, but it's very obvious you'll soon reach your limit. Unless you can find a technique or jutsu to get faster, you will soon reach your limit; you won't be able to beat Lord Hiashi."
I let out a chuckle as I stared at the sky, "My limit…" I mumbled to myself, "Oh yeah, I forgot I was supposed to hang out with Hanabi and Hinata today!"
I ran off, waving bye to Haku as I thanked him for his help.
As I finished changing into clean clothes, I was about to leave to meet up with the two when I sensed someone's chakra approaching.
"Can I help you, Father?" I asked as I turned around to see Father, his head held high, his gaze as emotionless as ever.
"I would have thought by now you would stop treating her as though she were your sister. Even after my multiple warnings–"
"Why would I treat her like anything other than my sister when that's what she is?"
"Hanabi is a member of the side branch," he replied. I could feel him getting angrier. "She is not your sister; she hasn't been for a long time."
"Just because you disowned her does not mean I did. She is my little sister, and I would put my life on the line for her without hesitation."
"I have turned my gaze away from your actions for far too long. After the chunin exams, people have begun to speak; they whisper about how the heir of the Hyuga clan does not possess a Byakugan!" he exclaimed as he walked towards me.
I couldn't help stepping back, I hated to admit, but his presence could be overwhelming sometimes.
"It's mere rumors; as long as it's not confirmed, there's nothing to worry about."
"Rumors have power. Neji, a member of the side branch, showed more talent than you or Hinata. He showed what a Hyuga member should look like. The elders question if you are fit to be heir to the clan. Prove your worth, or I promise you I shall not hesitate to dispose of you, Hinoka," he said, walking past her.
He was seriously threatening me?! How trash of a father do you have to be to say such a thing to your kid?!
"Hinoka, over here!" Hanabi exclaimed as she waved, Hinata sitting next to her.
I couldn't help smiling as I walked over to the table.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," I said, sitting down.
Hinata smiled as she said in her usually soft voice, "It's fine, we haven't been here for long."
"That's a lie; we've been here for more than 30 minutes!" Hanabi said, pouting.
From what I could tell, she was dying to eat but didn't want to start without me.
I couldn't help chuckling as I asked, "If I let you get whatever you want, will you forgive me?"
"Yeah!" She exclaimed, immediately grabbing the menu.
"Don't get too many desserts; they aren't good for your health," I chipped in.
"Then you shouldn't have picked a dessert shop," Hanabi replied with a mischievous smile.
"Yeah, I should have known better," I mumbled to myself, defeated, while Hinata couldn't help chuckling.
My gaze landed on Hanabi's forehead as I hesitated before saying, "You're not covering your seal."
It was rare for Hanabi to leave the Hyuga compound, but I had thought that if she did, she would hide her seal as Neji does.
"Why would I?" She asked, confused, "Grandfather said the clan has to go to extremes sometimes to protect our secrets, and everyone has a set path in life that they must endure. This is merely mine."
Hanabi hesitated before continuing with a smile on her face, "Maybe if I can follow the path Father laid out for me. Maybe if I become as strong as the two of you. Maybe if I show him how strong I've gotten since the seal was placed, Father will love me; maybe he'll consider me his daughter once again."
I hated it. I hated how much I understood how she could still crave a parent's love after everything they've done.
I hated that there was once a time when I was in Hanabi's exact position, where I pushed myself and chose the path opposite to my happiness just because I craved the love of a parent.
"You are enough, just as you are, regardless of their approval," I said with a smile as I cursed the fact that such a young and pure child had to have such a father.
"Hinoka's right, Hanabi; I hope you'll prioritize your happiness," Hinata continued.
"No matter what Father says, you are our little sister and always will be."
Hanabi looked at us with a disgusted look on her face as she said, "The two of you are so sappy, I think I'm going to lose my appetite."
But I could see the slight smile on her face that she tried to hide with the menu. "Stop trying to act so tough; you know you love us," I replied as I grabbed her and gave her a nuggie.
Hanabi finally got out of my grip as she pouted, saying, "I will become stronger than."
"So cute," I replied, squeezing her cheek.
Hanabi turned in the other direction, mad at me, while I just laughed.
"Oh yeah, big sis, have you confessed to Naruto yet?" Hanabi asked.
Hinata's face turned bright red as she asked, "Why would you think I like Naruto–Kun?!"
Hanabi and I just stared at her, grinning from ear to ear while Hinata tried to deny liking Naruto.