Itsu No Hi Ni Mo

: before :

: time before (an) event happens

_____

"Where are you going, father?" Hanabi asked as she crossed her arms, "Real suspicious..."

"It's just an interclan meeting," Hiashi said, staring straight into his daughter's eyes, letting her know that she should calm down and mind her tone, "One where I do not need an heiress"

Hinata watched from the window of her window, a pair of knitting needles in her hands.

Her eyes squinted as she watched Hanabi slowly bow down to their father.

Something was off.

"Father!"

Hiashi's heart almost dropped as his attention was called by his eldest daughter.

She sound determined. She sounded like she knew something.

Looking up at Hinata leaning out from her window, she gripped the windowsill tight as she yelled "Take me with you, father!"

Pale eyes met another.

They were staring each other down.

"No need, Hinata" Hiashi said.

Hinata clicked her tongue and jumped down, she gracefully landed and walked towards her father, eyes burning bright with determination.

Hanabi could only stare at her in awe. Her older sister.

"You're taking most of our best men" Hinata pointed out, her eyes briefly looking at the group of Hyūga men, fully geared, behind him, "Let me fight with you"

True. Hinata is indeed one, if not, the best, fighter the Hyūga has.

They'll need her in the fight to at least cut a bigger chance of winning.

But-

"Don't let Hinata take part in this, Hiashi"

For her...

Hinata suddenly felt encouraging and warm hands on her shoulders, one that she's never felt for a long time.

"All is fine, Hinata" Hiashi said, nothing but warmth in his voice. And for the first time in so long, he smiled encouragingly at her, "After I get back, let's have a talk"

Unlike all of the other times he said that to her, this time, she was looking forward to something promising. Not a scolding, not some criticism.

Her eyes watered as his hands left her shoulders and one rested on her head, "But, for now, finish that scarf you're making, and give it to him"

Her heart fluttered as her cheeks warmed up. He... Knows?

Her father was... Encouraging her?

Eyes suddenly bright, and lips curved in a beautiful smile, Hinata excitedly nodded and said "Of course, father! I will be eagerly waiting!"

Hanabi suddenly froze as their father then looked at her, then almost forgot how to breathe as he smiled at her, "Try to watch over your sister, Hanabi"

Her eyes shone as bright as her sister's and saluted, "I'll do my best, father!"

Hiashi nodded and looked at his daughters.

"This time, as your father," He thought, "I shall put a stop to this"

He turned around and nodded to his men, then starting their long stride to their destination.