A/N Hello Everyone!
It's been a while since I've posted a chapter of An Uchiha's Legacy. Forgive me for the delayed update. Between Writer's block, school and this Covid-19 Pandemic, it's been and still is a trying time. I suppose it's only fair I give you something to read this weekend to ease your minds.
This chapter was difficult to write because there's no Sasuhina loving and Hinata has to make some tough calls. But I hope you enjoy it all the same.
Thank you all for your reviews. I enjoy reading them a lot.
I give you Chapter 20, the first AUL chapter in 2020.
Enjoy
Konoha: Week 1
Hinata's first unsent letter to Sasuke
Dear Sasuke
It's been a week since you began your journey. Are you okay? Are you eating well? You haven't had any severe injuries have you? I'm sure that the missions Kakashi-sensei gives you and your other goals keep you busy, but I can't help but worry about you every so often.
Admittedly, it's not easy to have no communications with you at all. I understand that it's standard procedure that any communication that ninjas on missions are to have are limited to the Hokage and should only be mission based. In fact, I'm thankful that Kakashi-sensei was kind enough to let Akira and I know that you were successful with your first mission and that you were well on your way to your next one.
Speaking of Akira, he misses you a lot. When you left the village, I was a bit surprised when he started crying and calling you tou-san. For that moment, I had no idea what to do to calm him down because he hardly ever cries. But when he saw the fireball jutsu, he quieted down and declared that he would grow up a strong man just as you told him. I honestly cried, Akira is unbelievably cute and those words touched me right to my core.
I made up my mind then to do all I can here for him and for the clan while you're away. You can't be the only one working hard, right?
To be honest, I didn't think I would make use of the lessons I had on being a Hyuuga Head as the Matriarch of the Uchiha Clan. As a genin, because of my shortcomings, I knew I would never lead my clan yet here I am trying to lead the Uchiha. Well, not in the literal sense since you're the actual Head of the Uchiha clan; I can't help but imagine you whisper to me something along the lines of "In my absence you are still Head of the Uchiha". At least that's what I like to think.
We never really discussed in detail what I would do aside from taking care of Akira. For now, I've been resting at home and taking care of Akira. I've been teaching him about the history of the Uchiha clan, mostly from what I know, but I also took the initiative of researching all about the clan and share the knowledge with him. He's still too young to learn a lot, especially about our lives as shinobi.
My father encouraged this as well on our last visit to the Hyūga Compound. He said and I quote, "There's much to learn from the voices of the past"
He shared with me some knowledge about the history of the Hyūga and the Uchiha all the way back to the sage of six paths. I found it to be interesting and I hope to share it all with you. On another note, Father invited me to a meeting with some connections of his that is scheduled for next week. I'm optimistic about the outcome of the meeting, yet I can't help feeling wary about the meeting will go. Father did not hold back about how the Uchiha name might affect the meeting and that people may be sceptical about dealing with our clan. It's going to be a long difficult road. I wish you were here.
Naruto and Sakura have visited a few times to check on me, so have Neji, Hanabi and my team-mates. Their company is delightful as always.
Well, I have to get going. Akira will be up soon.
Come back to me as soon as you can
Love,
Hinata.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Hinata straightened her back and stared down at her completed letter. It wasn't very detailed to about her daily happenings, but she felt that it was sufficient enough. She put her pen down and turned her gaze to the rain from the comfort of the porch. It was one of those days when rain brought relief to the tedious heat of the summer season. It also made her happy that her flower and herb gardens would as well be enjoying the comforts of the rain. Taking an open fan with her left hand and fanning herself, Hinata turned to her right and found Akira napping with an open picture book faced down on his stomach. She smiled to herself and sighed softly.
A spark of chakra jolted her senses, making her activate her byakugan and extending her sight around the Uchiha clan grounds. She relaxed at the sight of the sixth hokage who was making his way to the manor. As Kakashi approached, Hinata created a clone and her to prepare tea and snacks.
"Good afternoon, Kakashi-sensei," Hinata greeted, giving a bow.
"Yo, Hinata! Lovely weather we're having," replied Kakashi, removing his footwear and sitting across from Hinata, "How are you?"
"Akira and I doing fine"
"Lovely"
Hinata's clone returned with a tray of brewed tea, cups and cinnamon rolls.
"Tea?" Hinata asked as she released her clones.
"Yes, thank you"
As Hinata poured the tea, Kakashi spoke, "I have a proposition if you will"
"Yes?" Hinata replied, handing Kakashi his cup.
"As you know, these times of peace are a little difficult for us shinobi and incoming shinobi as well. From a Hokage to the Uchiha Matriarch, I hope I can create a business arrangement. The numbers of the shinobi force are slowly increasing, but in this time of peace, it will be difficult to have jobs readily available for all shinobi of all ranks. Can I count on you for simple D-Rank missions for the genin who are fresh out of the Academy?"
Hinatat thought to herself for a bit before answering, "This arrangement between Konoha and the Uchiha, is it just for the genin?"
"I suppose you could say I'm trying to get in the good graces of the wealthiest Uchiha in Konoha," Kakashi laughed.
"Well," Hinata smiled, "it shouldn't be that hard to find something for genin"
"Lovely," said Kakashi, "I'll have a contract drawn and delivered to you"
"Alright"
A few minutes of silence pass as they sip their tea. In the background the rain has slowed down to drizzle and patches of sunlight can be seen through the clouds.
"I hear you will be meeting some merchants from the Fire Capital," said Kakashi.
"Yes," Hinata confirmed.
"What do you hope to achieve?" Kakashi asked.
"Information"
"Care to explain?"
"I want to understand how trade operates between civilian states and where clans can fit in. By understanding the cycle of goods that are in demand, I can find a way to facilitate trade of goods within Konoha and outside. Since the Uchiha Clan is few in numbers, I figured it would be easier to start out in trade to generate income. It will help with creating a good name for the Uchiha Clan"
"Are you saying the Uchiha Clan will no longer serve as shinobi to Konoha?"
"No," Hinata answered hurriedly, "At the least, I can't say anything on that without Sasuke"
"Duly noted," Kakashi replied. He stood to his feet and stretched his arms a bit.
"I think I've been away from my office long enough. It was good to see you, Hinata," Kakashi grinned.
"Um, if it's alright, please tell Sasuke that we're doing alright and that he should take care of himself"
"Will do"
"Thank you. Have a good day!" Hinata waved as Kakashi left.
Konoha: Week 2
Hinata's second unsent letter to Sasuke
Dear Sasuke
I just found out from Kakashi-sensei that you encountered dangerous rouge shinobi but he said you made it out safe. I know you are a capable shinobi and I should hardly be worried about anything, but the truth is I still am. I have asked Kakashi-sensei that should you need anything, or at the very least medical supplies and food rations, he should let me know so that I can have them prepared and sent to you.
Its times like these that frustrate me the most because I have no idea if you are doing well.
Akira and I are doing fine. He's growing up a lot everyday and his speech has improved by a mile. He still asks for you, but not as much as before. I think it's because he's adapted well to Konoha and the play dates with Mirai are also a big help.
The meeting last week with the merchants from the Fire Capital was an interesting affair. From what I gathered, the Uchiha Clan were getting most of their supplies directly from the merchants in the Fire Capital, not from within the village. It was one of the reasons they were able to sustain themselves well. But it was mostly purchase of these goods with money; there hasn't been trade of goods or services on the part of the Uchiha Clan. One of the merchants was helpful in suggesting that I check the historical records of the Uchiha Clan to see what can of trade they did. That should help in generating income. It surprised me that the merchants had nothing against the clan; in fact, they generated income from Uchiha Clan's purchases. In terms of information, the meeting had gone well, but I was not able to conclude any trade agreements. There's more to look into than I realised.
I wonder if you have found success with your search for the rest of the Uchiha Clan. I can't help by hope that somewhere in the world, there are still members of the Uchiha Clan that are still alive. Then the Compound can be lively again.
Speaking of the Compound, I'm in the process of doing something that I'm not sure if you would be okay with, yet it was something I couldn't ignore. I suppose the story starts where I took Akira out for lunch at Ichiraku's yesterday where we met Naruto. It was a chance for us to catch up on many things. His hokage training is going well for him; although, he does complains about the fact that there's too much paperwork. He mentioned that sometimes he wishes he could be like you, on the field like you. But a dream's a dream.
Look at me getting carried away like this. What I wanted to say is that Naruto spoke about how he could do more for children who are orphans of war. The capacities of the orphanages in Konoha are struggling to accommodate for the children. Sure the situation is not as bad as the months following the war, but that doesn't make things better. Funds are tight and there's so much Naruto and the Hokage can do to assist. As of now, Naruto is working on raising funds for food and clothing for the children; I made a donation in support of this cause. Its slow progress but the important thing is recognition that these children need our help.
I realise that what I'm about to say is not only rash but a bit presumptuous of me to do. I want to open an orphanage in one part of the clan. I think it would be a good to assist the village in having a facility here. I also think it's good for reducing the distance between the village and the clan. Do you agree?
I won't try anything without you. After all, this is your home, your family's land. I imagine you would be surprised to find people in a place that belongs to your family.
So I will wait for you to return and we can discuss these matters a length. There's only so much I can do on my own. This is not just my clan, it's our clan.
I will be patient for your return, but my heart is not.
I know it's a selfish thought, but come back home.
I miss you
I love you
Hinata
Somewhere in Konoha
(I should really have thought up something more interesting to say)
"Are you telling me the shinobi we hired died and that Uchiha brat is still alive?" Lady Koharu demanded, slamming her hand on the table.
"It would seem so, my lady," Eiji answered, "Sasuke Uchiha is a formidable foe. He's only adversary at this point is Naruto Uzumaki"
"Then we will have to resort to other means. Keep track of his movements. I want to be updated on where he is and who he's with. In our next attempt, have a skilled assassin deal with him; preferably a woman who resembles his wife, not just in looks but in character. I don't care if it's at a brothel or if the assassin has to act as someone in distress as long as they have fit that specification. We can only hope that he will lower his guard long enough to have the assassin do the job," instructed Lady Koharu.
"As you wish, Lady Koharu"
"Where's Rika?"
"She's keeping an eye on Hinata Hyuuga and the boy, my lady," Eiji answered.
"Any sign of a child?"
"None yet"
"Hm. Keep a close eye on her. As soon as a child is confirmed, notify me at once. Her death is one that we have to handle delicately. It's important that it happen after Uchiha's death is confirmed. Understood?"
"Yes, my lady"
Hinata: Week 3
Hinata's 3rd unsent letter to Sasuke
Dear Sasuke
I think I'm pregnant
Author's Note
And that's a wrap.
Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter.
Review please and criticise if nicely if you will.
I just realised I haven't put up any cover picture for this story on this site. It just defaulted one with my profile picture. If any of you are good with creating a cover picture, please PM me or reply in the review.
Until next time
Jiang-sama