the hidden lotus (naruto Isekaid fanfic)

"What is it, Danzo?" asked the Third Hokage, his sight never leaving the gathered paperwork on his office desk.

"Is she the former Jinchuriki's daughter?" he asked with an unreadable expression and clear conflict.

It was Hiruzen's turn to look at him, puzzled. 'What is he talking about?' He looked at his old friend, trying hard to read him.

Suddenly, his eyes widened after understanding the meaning behind Danzo's words.

He replied quickly, "No, she isn't. Her origin is still unknown, as she is an orphan."

Danzo scoffed, not believing him, because how could a pure-blooded Uzumaki pop out of nowhere? An orphan, no less.

Needless to say, something was clearly missing. However, Danzo didn't push further, as he hadn't come here for that.

"It seems like the Grass are willing to pay us more in exchange for medical support."

Hiruzen's eyes turned serious; it seemed like the negotiations hadn't gone as planned.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Yumiko got ready to meet the big boss of the Hyugas. She didn't do much, as her mood lately wasn't good, to say the least.

The only thing keeping her mind intact was her Fuinjutsu training. She had learned some spying seals, but as for the suppressing seals, she still hadn't made much progress.

'It is raining today too... a bad omen.' Yumiko grimaced at the thought, already worried about her upcoming meeting.

'There is no good in thinking about it now.' Shaking her head, Yumiko got out of her apartment. She was wearing a hakama for a change and a cloak since the weather was cold.

It took her half an hour to reach the Hyuga compound, and that was while walking slowly. When she reached her destination, she found a maid waiting for her outside the compound, holding an umbrella.

Yumiko felt a little bit guilty for making her wait that long but shrugged the thought away.

"Good afternoon, Yumiko-san. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please follow me."

Yumiko nodded at her before following behind.

It seemed like the maid took her to a familiar dojo, but unlike how she remembered it, it was empty—for now, at least.

Yumiko sat on her knees and got comfortable, a nonchalant expression on her face as she faced a big scroll attached to the wall with the words "Clear Mind" written on it.

"I will inform Hiashi-sama about your arrival. Please wait here."

Yumiko kept staring at the scrolls attached to the wall as if they were an interesting sight—that is, until two people walked into the room.

The clan leader entered the dojo, followed by an old man with white eyes. Yumiko looked at them while they stared at her, taking in all her details and expressions as if trying to find an emotion in her eyes—which, luckily, they didn't.

Yumiko didn't bow in greeting. She kept staring, too.

'I wonder when he'll stop this... it's becoming annoying.' Yumiko had no intention of stopping her staring contest with the clan leader—until the old man next to him cleared his throat.

"Please begin your report."

Yumiko opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by the door opening.

Hinata Hyuga, followed by Neji Hyuga, entered the dojo.

"Father, you summoned us..." Hinata mumbled while folding her fingers nervously. Their training session had ended in the morning, so why had he summoned them again this afternoon? Unless it was an extra session—which didn't happen frequently.

Yumiko turned her gaze to Neji, only to see him already staring at her, his eyes calculating, as if he had something in mind.

"Yumiko-san..." Hinata mumbled, wide-eyed as she looked at Yumiko.

Yumiko nodded at her before smiling faintly. "Hello, Hinata-chan. Long time no see."

Hinata's eyes widened even more when Yumiko remembered her name.

'Even though we didn't know each other back at the academy, she still remembers my name... Why is she here? I hope she didn't get in any trouble with Father and the elder.'

"That's enough talk. Hinata, Neji, start your sparring session," said Hiashi with an unreadable expression.

Neji took his stance, activating his Byakugan, and Hinata did the same. Then, they started sparring.

"Start," the elder ordered after both the clan leader and he sat ahead of her.

Yumiko turned her gaze to the floor, trying to remember everything.

"It all started before the mission to the Grass Village, where we were tasked with guarding the negotiation team. From that day onward, Natsuki started distancing herself, mainly by avoiding interaction with us.

I didn't pay too much attention to it since it wasn't my place to ask her. But Seiza took it upon himself and asked for my help. He told me that the Hyuga clan put seals on their young clan members to protect the Dojutsu. However, the seal takes away their 'freedom,' making them nothing more than slaves to the main branch."

Both men narrowed their eyes dangerously, tension filling the air between them. Fortunately, it was broken by Hinata's cry of pain.

Yumiko looked at the sparring duo while pondering. "From the looks of it, something happened that made Natsuki rebellious. From what Seiza told me, it was because of the rumors about the clan leader's brother being killed because..."

The sound of a palm hitting echoed in the dojo, this one strong—delivered by Neji.

"It turns out that a rogue ninja manipulated Natsuki into thinking she was trapped because of the seal. She killed Seiza—her teammate—and was ready to kill me too. If it wasn't for Elder Danzo, a fight would've probably broken out."

"We've heard that you trapped him with your sealing jutsu. For a young Chunin to be able to immobilize a Jonin-level ninja, it's an impressive feat," the elder complimented. However, his tone was anything but praising.

"Neji, Hinata, you are dismissed."

Finally, Hiashi ordered an end to the spar.

After asking Yumiko more questions, they dismissed her too.

'Becoming rebellious at that age isn't new to this clan... However, to think it would lead her to do all this.' Hiashi sighed heavily.

The Caged Bird Seal was only made to protect the clan's Dojutsu. Hiashi had no intention of using it against his clan.

Unfortunately, the youngsters in their clan thought otherwise.

He didn't blame them, though—having their lives at his mercy wasn't something comfortable, to say the least.

"Hinata, you can come out," Yumiko said to the hiding girl after stepping out of the dojo. A small gasp was heard as Hinata realized she was caught.

"I-I'm s-sorry, Yumiko-san! I wasn't—"

Yumiko cut her off. "It's okay, I'm not mad."

Silence followed. Yumiko waited patiently for the girl to talk. Unfortunately, they kept staring at each other, with Hinata folding her fingers nervously.

"If there is something on your mind, you can speak freely. I don't mind."

Looking to the side, Hinata tried to gather her thoughts.

"I-I'm s-sorry for what Natsuki did to you... I don't k-know her, but I feel responsible for her actions... It's because of us that the clan members are living in fear."

Hinata bowed her head as tears streamed down her face.

"You are right... However, Natsuki could've chosen another path instead of betraying the village. From what I could tell, your father has no intention of hurting the side branch for no reason—as long as they are loyal to the clan and village, at least."

Yumiko patted Hinata's head. The small girl flinched at the contact.

"So please, don't apologize. It's not your fault to begin with. If there is anyone to blame, it's your clan elders."

Small sobs were heard from the young girl. She stood up from her bowing position, eyes puffy with tears.

Hinata wasn't able to speak with how much she was crying, but a small smile of relief graced her face. She wanted to hear that for a long time... If only Neji thought the same.

"Nee-sama!"

A small girl ran towards Hinata before hugging her protectively. She glared at Yumiko hatefully before demanding, "What do you think you're doing? Stop bullying my sister!"

Ignoring her, Yumiko continued, "Hinata-chan, if you want to train with me, don't hesitate to ask. After all, I am your senpai. Plus, I don't mind having company since I've been feeling lonely lately. I'll be in Training Ground Four."

Yumiko didn't wait to hear her answer and instead walked away.

"Neesan, please don't train with her... I don't want you to be hurt more" Hanabi whispered to her sister.

Hinata was in another world, many thoughts filling her young mind.