Chapter Text
I.
Neji knelt before the Emperor, the heavy cloth of his formal robes weighing down on him. The crowd was silent around them, but even with his head bowed he was certain that they were all watching him now, even as the Emperor spoke.
“You have come to us from across the land, Lord Hyuga. We welcome your presence and the bond between our kingdoms.”
“It is my honor and the honor of my esteemed uncle to serve you,” said Neji, head still lowered. “I pledge you my fealty, unbound only as my life is.”
“You will serve us well, of that I have no doubt. I task you with the protection of my family, an order of the highest importance. You are hereby entrusted with the matter. You may rise.”
Neji lifted his head and rose to his feet, bowing deeply before the imperial family. The structure of this country was much different than his own, and in preparation for this role he had familiarized himself with their customs. But this was his first time seeing them in the flesh. He glanced up at them on the platform, the Emperor Danzo in his frailty contrasted by the Second Prince, who stood tall with arrogance and youth. Slightly behind them was the First Consort, who looked much younger than the paintings he had seen of her, and the Eldest Princess.
He saw now why the Princess was, by all accounts, considered the jewel of the Emperor’s land. She was dressed in a rich red silk hanging from her slim figure, her hair brought into knots atop her head by elaborate braids. Her face was striking, high cheekbones framing her petite nose and wide brown eyes. She smiled lightly, the corners of her doe eyes ticking upwards and he realized she had caught his gaze.
Neji lowered his sight quickly and turned, making his way down the long hall. Whispers surrounded him, and he heard the nobles chatter of the foreign lord come to strengthen the ties between their lands. And his eyes, one woman cooed, they are as white as snow.
In the outer chambers of the court he was met by Shikamaru, the Emperor’s lead imperial guard, who escorted him to his quarters. Shikamaru explained the layout of the grounds to him: Neji was stationed at the innermost ring of the palace, with the Emperor’s main consort and the children he shared with the deceased empress. This was the most decadent section of the palace, filled with luxuries, the finest paintings and pottery, and was always marked by the scent of camellia blooms. Each of the Emperor’s children had their own residence, standalone homes that they shared with a handmaiden or minder. Beside this area, across a small garden, were the Emperor’s kept women. There were nearly three dozen in the harem by Shikamaru’s count, but they came and went easily at the whims of the old man.
At his room, Neji marveled at its relative extravagance for a guard’s quarters. The size was nearly that of his bedroom at home and filled with dark wooden furniture.
“You will meet with the Emperor after lunch. Then he’ll introduce you to some of the members of the imperial family. There is a set of books in your wardrobe with Emperor’s family tree, if you would like to familiarize yourself with it. You can find a set of clothes prepared for you as well,” Shikamaru said, bowing out of the room and leaving Neji alone.
__________
Tenten raised her arms as her handmaiden helped her shrug off her top.
“Did you see his eyes, my lady?” said the petite woman folding the princess’ garments. “I have heard tales of the Hyuga’s eyes, but they are much more appealing in person.”
“Do you fancy him, Sakura?” the princess teased.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant,” the younger girl objected, her voice’s pitch raising before catching to her mistress’ joke. Her face now a slight pink, she moved to continue removing the Princess’ skirt.
“You know, I caught him staring,” Tenten grinned.
Sakura allowed herself a small laugh. The Princess, even had she not been the eldest and favorite daughter of the Emperor, could stop any man in his tracks. Sakura herself had been struck by the girl’s beauty when she first saw her and had seen quite a few men since gape at her.
“Him and many others.”
Finished undressing, Tenten slipped into a light robe and began to pick at the lunch on her table. The Hyuga lord was undeniably handsome and she looked forward to their less formal introduction. Sakura sat next to her, and Tenten pushed over a rice bowl to her.
“Have you seen Sasuke recently?” Tenten could see Sakura flush in the corner of her vision.
“Yes, my lady. But only in passing.”
“He’s always busy brooding, you know. And trying to make trouble,” Tenten said. Though the Uchiha clan was a part of the imperial court, and had been the official guards of her family for centuries, their standing had fallen when Uchiha Itachi had murdered the Empress almost a decade ago. “Be careful with that one.”
Sakura was silent. In the years that followed the murder of Tenten’s mother, the Uchiha were relegated to the outer rims of the nobility. Itachi had disappeared without a trace after the slaying, and the kingdom still sought retribution against him. The Sasuke she had known in her childhood had slipped away almost entirely as rumors swirled about his family’s treason and the royal court spurned him. Deep down Sakura still had hope that she could bring the old Sasuke back.
“What shall I wear later?” Tenten slanted her head thoughtfully. She walked to her closet and browsed through the fine dresses in hanging in her wardrobe. “White, perhaps? Or is that too somber?”
Sakura joined her, their hands skimming the silks in the closet. “Pink suits you, and complements the flowers in your hair.”
She pulled out a flowing pale pink skirt embroidered with light green branches and ran her fingers over it. She laid the skirt and matching top and scarf across the Princess’ bed.
“So who will be at the introduction later?”
“Kabuto and the twins, of course,” Tenten said. “And Ino.” Her father’s First Consort was a year younger than her, but Tenten found her likable enough.
“Yamato, too, I think. He was supposed to return from training yesterday. Father only allowed him to skip this morning’s ceremony because he was ill. And I suppose some of father’s other consorts may join if he allows it. I’m sure he fears the Hyuga stealing the hearts of his women.” Tenten moved to lie on the chaise and rubbed at the hua dian on her forehead.
“How long ago was it that Yamato left for the military?” Sakura asked.
“Almost four years ago. I reread the first letters that he sent from the base a few days ago. I couldn’t believe it had been that long.” Tenten’s eldest brother had joined the army, in preparation for his accession, and seemed more suited for a life of fighting than dealing with the clamor of the court. She missed him greatly but his letters reflected a happier Yamato, who was free of the constriction of the palace.
“I’m sure he will be thrilled to see you.”
Tenten nodded. “Although Kabuto won’t welcome his return. You know how he gets with Yamato.”
Sakura said nothing as she cleaned the dining table. She found Tenten’s second brother unsettling, though she would never admit it openly.
“Which is foolish,” Tenten continued, “because Yamato has little interest in power. Kabuto is just paranoid. There are other reasons why he might be concerned.”
The handmaiden’s ears perked at this. There were whispers of bad blood between the brothers, though Sakura did not know the extent of Tenten’s knowledge of this. But before Tenten could speak further, a scream erupted, followed the thumps of feet.
“Give me back my hair pin!”
A laughing boy ran into the room. “I didn’t take it!”
Tenten surveyed the twins, sweaty and disheveled.
“We have a meeting with father soon,” Tenten panned to her younger siblings, who straightened immediately.
“Ah, don’t be like that!” said Hinoe. The boy scrunched his face. “It’s just to meet the new guard.”
“The new emissary,” stressed his twin. “He’s the nephew of Emperor Hiashi Hyuga. Not just some guard, dummy.”
“That’s right,” Tenten cut in. “And you really should be excited to see him. All the things they say about the Hyuga eyes are true.”
Hinoto gasped at her sister. “You saw him already?”
“Get back to your room and dress, and maybe you can make it in time to introduce yourself too.”
__________
Yamato was looking forward to seeing his sister, and that was about it. There were the twins, too, but they had been so young when he left for the army that he doubted they would remember much him. He had returned the day prior and already dreaded the stifling politics his father would surely maneuver him into as soon as he could. And of course there was his younger brother to keep at bay. Kabuto had grown hungry for power in his teenage years and was always looking for a way to jump him in the line of succession.
But he was pleased that his father had recruited help from the nearby kingdom. Something was brewing, and he could feel it. The court was abuzz with rumors of unrest, some of which he had seen himself traveling the country. But more immediate threats existed within the palace walls, his brother included.
“Yamato!” Tenten shouted happily from across the corridor. She ran to him and pounced and he embraced her readily.
“You haven’t come to see me since you got back,” she pouted.
“Calm down, I’ve been puking and washing the grime off of me since I stepped foot in the palace,” he laughed. “Besides, are the spoils of war I sent you not interesting enough?”
“They were kites that you bought! More suited to the twins than me,” Tenten huffed playfully. “But I am happy you are back safely. I’m sure you and the new guard will get along trading army stories.”
“We’ll see. Come on, let’s go see who has shown up to this.”
They made their way to the chambers, Sakura following a few paces behind.
“Where is your assigned guard?”
“I told him to go to the hall early. I was meeting you anyways,” Tenten said.
Yamato’s face grew serious. “Father recruited a new guard and you send yours away so easily?” Tenten looked guilty and he regretted his harshness. His sister had been under the protective spell of their father for her whole life. He turned to Sakura. “See that it does not happen again.”
The long foyer where their father was to hold the Hyuga’s introduction was peppered with concubines and their handmaidens when they arrived, the women all covering their mouths as they gossiped amongst themselves. Kabuto was already there, leaning smugly against the wall, and Sakura could feel herself shudder. He approached their triad and greeted Yamato with little courtesy.
“You have returned from your adventures, brother,” Kabuto said. “We thought you might stay with the army forever, hearing the stories of your successes there. Yet here you are, back with us.”
“I am pleased with your kind reception, younger brother. Perhaps I will soon hear of your successes.”
“There will be many to come, I assure you of that.” Kabuto stood tall and stepped towards Yamato. “And you will be the first aware of them, elder brother.”
“I am sure that you will lead our family to continue its prosperous reign,” Tenten cut in, a porcelain smile on her face. She looked at them both, addressing each at once. Sakura could never get used to these games, she thought to herself, no matter how long she was at the palace.
A guard announced the Emperor’s entrance, and the siblings’ awkward silence was put to a merciful end.
Emperor Danzo led the Hyuga behind him and the crowd in the room turned to face them, their heads lowered in respect. The Emperor’s face was stony as he scanned the room.
“Out with the women. Only the children stay.”
The concubines scurried out, like ants from water, and the room emptied.
“Ino,” he warned. The girl shot back a defiant look but acquiesced and sulked out. Sakura wondered if she should leave too, but Tenten grabbed her hand tightly. The twins had appeared during this, and made their way toward the Emperor.
“Yamato, your return is welcome. The kingdom will appreciate the stability your presence brings.”
“Thank you, father,” Yamato bowed.
“Now,” Danzo turned to Neji. “Onto our guest. Lord Hyuga Neji has come to us from the Leaf Country as an extension of our kingdoms’ friendship. He will join the Imperial Guard on temporary notice until his skills are no longer needed. As a member of the Guard, he has sworn loyalty to our family. You may trust him above others.”
With that the Emperor sat. “Is there anything you wish to say to my children?”
“I am honored to be at your service.”
Kabuto scoffed. “I’m sure you are truly here for our family, Hyuga.”
To Neji’s credit, he did not waver or show even a hint of displeasure, Tenten noticed.
“Let us introduce ourselves,” Yamato cut in. “I am Yamato, the Emperor’s eldest son and crown prince.” He gestured at his siblings, each bowing as he called their names. “Kabuto, my second brother; Tenten, my lovely sister; and the twins, Hinoe and Hinoto. We appreciate your presence, Lord Hyuga, and hope that your services are not needed for our protection.”
Yamato bowed and his siblings followed his lead.
“So, tell us about you, Lord Hyuga,” Yamato said.
“I am the nephew of the Emperor Hyuga. I was raised alongside the Emperor’s daughter and heiress, my cousin, Princess Hyuga Hinata, and served as her personal bodyguard after time with the military. I am trained extensively in weapons and physical combat, and specialize in close quarters hand-to-hand fighting.”
“But what do you like to do!” Hinoto squealed. “What’s your favorite food?”
“I enjoy herring soba. My hobbies are training and meditation.”
“Boring!” shouted Hinoe. “Can you teach me some of your moves?”
“You’ll have plenty of time to bother Lord Hyuga for his moves,” said Tenten. “How have you found our lands so far? Do they differ from your own? I have never visited the Leaf country,” she added, turning to Neji.
“I have found it quite interesting. The Land of Root’s prosperity is apparent.”
The Emperor looked pleased. He beckoned to Shikamaru. “I have allotted the Hyuga’s schedule for the first month. He is to be stationed to the twins until the guard Choji returns from familial leave, then to Tenten.” The twins would serve as a healthy test for the Hyuga’s patience until he could get a better sense of him.
“Dismissed.”
The Emperor’s children filed out of the room, their guards and Sakura in tow. Neji shadowed the twins alongside the Shikamaru, who was their primary guard. Kabuto split off from the others, who Yamato was leading toward the interior gardens. “Shikamaru, take the twins to their suites. Lord Neji, I would like a word.”
With some groans the twins followed Yamato’s command, and headed back to the outer rooms.
“Tenten, you as well.”
“It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Hyuga. I trust we will find more time together.” The girls turned and Sakura did not miss the mischief in the princess’ face. This time their guard, Lee, accompanied them closely.
Alone in the innermost sanctum Yamato sighed. “I’m sure that my father has spoken to you. About why you have been brought here.”
Neji inclined his head. The Emperor had told him about the tumult the palace was facing.
“The handmaiden Sakura, may be a good start in your inquiry. She is close with the Uchiha boy and may have information to share on his movements. He will likely lead you to Orochimaru.”
“Yes, my lord.”