Chapter Text
Even the Hyuuga’s den is big, and certainly extravagant. The Hyuuga certainly haven't been as financially strapped since the war. The walls have intricate wood carvings on the paneling and beautiful art adorns the shoji doors.
It’s more like the Uchiha's old compound than the new one. Fugaku steadfastly ignores it.
It’s just another thing to push to the back of his mind. The list of things to not think about just keeps growing.
He was raised better than to stare, but that doesn’t mean the thought doesn't occur to him. Fugaku can’t help but notice Hizashi standing to dutifully serve them all tea, while they take a seat. Each cup is balanced and poured by practiced hands. Hiashi and his wife pay no attention to it at all. Mikoto whispers a quiet thank you, but she's the only one who does. His own words stick in his throat.
Hiashi says,“I'm grateful you agreed to meet with us.”
Mikoto waves away any concern, her hand brushing the sentiment aside.
“You must realize you are not alone in your grievances against Kumo.” She asserts.
Hiashi scoffs, “It certainly seems that way. You saw Inoichi preening after the Hokage complimented him.”
She replies, “They just don't see it…not yet.”
How nice that Hiashi seems to notice insults when they're directed at his own clan. Fugaku tries to not let the bitterness cloud his thoughts.
Still, it must be nice for being overlooked in a meeting to be his only slight.
Fugaku figures he should speak for once. Mikoto probably wouldn't mind carrying the whole meeting. It's the easier option, probably would be better if she did anyway. Still, Hiashi might find it rude if he says nothing at all.
Even if Fugaku wants to do just that.
He says, “My clan was not asked to increase patrols when we would have been happy to. The fact remains, we received no orders but neither did ANBU act accordingly either. I wanted to let you know that I see the slight. I had hoped the Hokage would say something more promising than that.”
Straightford and to the point; Fugaku thinks he did quite well. Mikoto’s warm glance helps.
Hiashi says, “I know that the Hokage has his reasons, but I do think that Kumo should be pressed more on the matter. My clan should be shown the proper respect and apology that we deserve.”
Mikoto replies, “Oh, very true. We understand quite dearly, Lord Hyuuga.”
“To put it frankly, our clan has been given too few orders, even those who do their duty diligently.There have been many reassignments you see.”
“I’ve had quite a few complaints. Not everyone wants to be assigned to the KMPF.” Fugaku admits, “There just isn’t really anywhere else.”
It was meant to be an honor.
“I have noticed less Uchiha around town.” Hizashi notes quietly.
Thankfully, he’s not reprimanded. Fugaku is grateful for it.
“Has that been part of the reassignment?” Hiashi asks, “I was unaware of such restructuring. Your clan members should be assigned where they are most useful. It makes the most sense.”
Mikoto replies, “One would think, hm. You would think that sort of matter would involve greater discussion among the clan heads.”
She’s trying to push something. She's being coy, hiding her face bashfully behind her fan. Truthfully, she’d never looked more like her mother than she does now. It’s a bit unsettling when she gets like this.
Fugaku still is always grateful when Mikoto takes the lead.
Hiashi sighs, “I don't understand it. Lord Third doesn't seem open to my council, but still there must be a good reason. It’s still frustrating.”
She assures him,“It is so frustrating,”
It's better if Mikoto carries the weight. Hiashi is already hesitant enough to speak even the barest shadow of doubt. Mikoto knows what she’s doing, and she’ll be able to navigate any sudden curveballs. She makes it look easy.
Fugaku sips his tea. He still feels unsure what to do with himself, but he's content to remain quiet for now.
Mikoto chimes, ever so helpfully, “The Hokage certainly seemed open to hearing out Danzo's thoughts.”
She doesn't stop there.
Her voice drips with barely hidden venom, “ Lord Danzo has given our clan often unwarranted advice. He sees fit to offer his wisdom in matters he doesn't understand, nor involve him. He persists, nonetheless. It’s so very frustrating.”
“I see no reason why that man should have any say in clan matters.” Hiashi replies, “ I understand there is a trust between teammates, but perhaps it can cloud Lord Third's judgement at times, as it can us all. All the same, I will admit…that man has seemed off putting when it comes to kekkei genkai.”
Lady Hyuuga nods along to his admission.
Hizashi pours more tea into his cup.
Hiashi’s wife, Hanako, is a soft and silent creature. She keeps her head slightly bowed, just enough so that she doesn’t accidentally meet anyone’s gaze. Her long hair falls like a black curtain around her face.
She does not speak up. Perhaps it does not occur to her to say anything.
Hizashi keeps his thoughts to himself as well, but that's expected.
“I hope you do not mind if I ask about your eldest son's future?” Hiashi says “I know you have been firm in stating he will not serve. Still, it seems Lord Danzo is fixated on it.”
Of course, this again, Fugaku thinks glumly.
Hiashi adds,“Truth be told, there were rumors that you denied your heir entry to the academy as a show of discontent. I thought it was just a silly rumor.”
She replies, “Slanderous lies, I assure you.”
Mikoto can’t fully hide how much the mere suggestion insults her.
She bites one of the offered pastries with such ferocity Fugaku can only guess she’s imaging Danzo’s throat beneath her teeth.
Fugaku states, “My first born's life is not a political move. He’s my son.”
He thinks that explains it all well enough.
Mikoto obviously doesn't because she feels the need to add her own input.
“We must take our son's choices into account. His talents lie elsewhere. We want the best for his future.”
Hiashi replies with obvious humor sparkling in his tone, “Oh, I’ve seen his talents, as you say.”
“He would serve well.” Hizashi adds.
“I know that,” Fugaku says.
He does too well. It’s all anyone can ever talk about. Fugaku knows what the practical decision would be. Any father would sense would give his heir the order to obey.
Fugaku did not expect to have an heir like Ichigo.
“He said no.”
“No?” Hiashi asks incredulously.
Is the idea so absurd?
“Well, I suppose there’s nothing to be done about it.” Hiashi muses, “We all are quite aware of why you would rather keep your second son close to home, but all the same I’ve wondered what the Hokage truly thinks. Forgive our curiosity.”
What did he mean by that?
Fugaku asked genuinely, “what about my second born?”
The offense must show clearly on his face as Hizashi intercedes.
“He's seemed…fragile from infancy.” He says, “ I've heard he was born early, yes?”
Mikoto’s answer is brutal, but an honest assessment.
“It would've been a waste of life. Itachi would serve loyally, perhaps even become strong, but he wouldn't have survived long regardless.”
Hiashi nods, “Sensible.”
Hizashi’s response is more understandable in Fugaku's eyes.
He replies, “Simply put, you must be quite proud that your eldest son is an accomplished fighter. Your second son has a very promising intellect, and your youngest is cute as can be. You have a lovely family.”
Of course, Fugaku thought all those things were quite obvious.
“We've spoken enough about my son. The important matter at hand we must focus on is Konoha's indecisive response to Kumogakure's bloodline theft. I believe if the other clan heads are addressed, we can find a common solution that the Hokage will be open to.”
As if by fate, Fugaku's words are immediately proven moot.
They're interrupted, a sudden sharp knock catches them all by surprise. A young Hyuuga branch member sheepishly peeks her head into the room.
Dread fills him even before the girl speaks.
“There is a matter involving the Uchiha heir.”
Fugaku truly wonders how often in his life that he will hear those very words.
Mikoto acts quickly. Fugaku’s grateful for it because he’s struggling to get his thoughts together.
“Ichigo is an energetic boy.” She says, “ I'm sure we can discuss this.”
The Hyuuga girl blurts out, “He is demanding clan members explain the function and need for our cursed seal.” She covers her mouth, realizing she spoke out of turn, “ I apologize, Lord Hyuuga!”
Fugaku knows that he should've explained it. He'd hesitated, avoided it, and of course this would happen. His own cowardice and lack of foresight are to blame. Ichigo wouldn't be around asking questions he doesn't want to know the answers to.
Part of him did know, Ichigo would disagree more than most. He's an introspective boy for all he pretends he isn't. Everyone knows him as stubborn, but Fugaku knows his eldest son is unexpectedly kind.
“Lord Hyuuga, please excuse my son's rudeness.” Fugaku pleads, “He's inquisitive and means no insult.”
Ichigo has to know what this meeting could mean.
He's not foolish, if a bit absent minded at times. Fugaku noticed before that Ichigo seemed as if his thoughts were often very far away.
Ichigo must know they need allies.
Fugaku knows it. He's seen how small their clan is getting, and it keeps getting smaller. The dread he tries so hard to ignore just keeps building. They're clan is left out in the cold, trembling in fear, and looking to him to figure out where to turn.
He's warned Ichigo.
He's warned him time and time again.
This is no time for games.
His son is dragged into the room by his shoulder. He protests and curses the whole way, but the bigger Hyuuga keeps a firm and steady grip on his wiggling boy. There’s not a hint of shame on his face. Fugaku hadn’t really expected there to be. His brown eyes shine with that same burning determination they always have. They seem to glimmer with gold.
Ichigo is thankfully unharmed if a little ruffled. His obi is partially untied and his brow is pinched in harsh displeasure.
He's like his mother, always willing to go the extra mile for others, but still far too different. Mikoto learned obedience at her mother's knee. Ichigo has no such qualms. He never has.
It’s terrifying.
“There has been some unsettling chatter, Lord Hyuuga.” The Hyuuga man explains, “Kinosaki was asked, she's drunk and well…”
Of all the people, Ichigo could ask--- it had to be Hyuuga Kinosaki. Of course his son would manage to find one of the most openly resentful women in the Hyuuga clan.
These two Hyuuga were probably ordered to bring Ichigo to Hiashi while Hinosaki was dealt with.
Before the man can say more, Ichigo interrupts.
He demands, “So what's this bullshit seal I've been hearing about?”
Fugaku can't fathom why his son thinks he's in a position to dictate anything at all.
Still, he isn't wrong.
Fugaku knows what he believes. A caged bird can never truly know freedom. Hizashi's lot in life is a cruel happenstance, even more so for his young son. Had Hizashi been born first, it would all be different. They did not ask to be born to serve.
Gossip claims that Neji was already proving to be a more promising heir than Hiashi's daughter. Some people say it's why the clan made subtle pushes for a second child.
They’re different clans, and Fugaku can’t say he agrees with it.
Uchiha do not subjugate their own kin. The Hyuuga think the Uchiha are arrogant fools for believing their eyes won't be stolen without protection.
He also knows what the Hyuuga believe.
The Hyuuga clan do not support change. Disruption to normal of any kind is unwanted. They claim to breed strength and talent, and cherish tradition because of it.
To change, to evolve, and grow---that is how the Uchiha believe they will protect their children and eyes.
It still doesn't matter. For now, he can set it aside.
If things keep going the way they have been, they'll all be at risk.
Both he and Mikoto share a look before they stand and bow.
“I deeply apologize for my son's rudeness. Please allow me to offer my deepest apologies for any unintended offense.We came to meet you in good company to discuss international matters, not private ones.”
Ichigo proceeds to interrupt, again.
“No, he should apologize to his twin brother.”
“Be silent!” Fugaku snaps.
He truly didn't mean to sound so harsh. Fugaku can clearly see the hurt and confused look that flashes across Ichigo's face. Mikoto also shoots him a look of surprise. It does make Ichigo stop talking for the moment before he can make things worse.
“Curiosity is normal. I accept your apology, Uchiha.” He addresses Hyuuga clan members who brought Ichigo to them, “the matter will be dealt with. Inform Hansaki to report to me later”
His tone is absolute and final.
Ichigo, for whatever reason, decides to make things worse.
“ You said our clans didn't always get along and that it was due to the caged bird seal. You said that! You didn't even tell me why!”
“Ichigo!” Fugaku yells. “That is enough!”
It does make Ichigo freeze. Fugaku knows he doesn’t yell, not unless it’s absolutely necessary. He certainly doesn’t yell at Ichigo. It's never been necessary before. Mikoto bows once again and apologizes for the display, but Fugaku barely notices.
“But dad!” Ichigo protests.
Fugaku finds that words finally come easily. He’s too angry to even realize it.
“No, you've proven I have been too lenient. I don't want to hear another word. How dare you do this?” He demands, “After all the faith I have shown in you, how could you be so full of disregard! I told you again and again, and still you can’t listen! I feel like I'm wasting my time trying to even get you to understand.”
“I was just asking! I don’t know what I did wrong. I promise I wasn't being rude.” He argues.
Fugaku states, “I told you to behave. I told you not to fight, not to cause trouble. You directly disobeyed me.”
“Dad, come on…”
Fugaku grips Ichigo’s shoulder as he tries to force his son to bow. Of course, it’s harder than Fugaku expected it to be but he does manage to make him bend his head.
“I said not one more word. Will you listen for once when I tell you that enough is enough.”
Ichigo doesn't resistant as he’s lead out of the room. Mikoto follows behind, but Fugaku can still feel Hiashi’s harsh gaze following them out the door.
“Dad…I’m sorry.”
Fugaku can’t deal with this, not today.
If Mikoto wants to, she can try to manage the unruly boy.
His head already aches enough.