Chapter 62: Misplaced Anger
Hinata sat alone in her room, hands still trembling uncontrollably.
But compared to physical exhaustion, what proved even harder to endure was the anger and grievance in her heart with nowhere to vent.
Reason told her that resenting Father based on that "possible future" seen in the simulator was unfair. That hadn't happened yet.
But...
"I really can't control it..."
Why?
Why won't Father listen to me just once, seriously investigate the border's truth, or... discuss it with me?
He says I'm the main family heir... but when it truly matters, he only treats me like a child who understands nothing.
Self-righteously using the Caged Bird, thinking that can return everything to how it was before?
Really, Uncle Hizashi already told you "birds that have tasted free flight will never again adapt to caged life." When clan members awaken and finally realize those are shackles, will you still place hope in the shackles themselves?
Hinata couldn't help resenting Hiashi in her heart.
But she also knew she and Father weren't so different. Both couldn't find truly perfect solutions. And she still had the Life Simulator for constant trial and error, while Father only had one choice—whether or not to use the Caged Bird.
Before finding that method, she also hoped... clan members could continue sleeping.
Just then, gentle knocking came from outside her door.
Knock knock.
"Lady Hinata, hot water has been prepared. Please come wash up." The voice of the maid Hyuga Natsu came from outside.
"Mm, I understand."
Hinata responded quietly, palms pressing against the tatami beneath her as she tried to stand.
However, that earlier battle had nearly exhausted her strength. Just as she stood, her knees buckled beyond control...
"Ah—"
A short cry of alarm rang out as her body lost balance and pitched forward.
The floor in her vision kept enlarging. Just as she thought she'd crash into the ground, the door slid open with a whoosh. A pair of gentle yet strong arms caught her in time.
"My lady! Are you alright?"
Seeing the floor that had stopped approaching, plus Natsu's anxious voice, Hinata's taut nerves finally relaxed slightly.
"I'm sorry... Natsu, my legs have no strength left at all."
"It's alright, my lady. You needn't feel guilty about this." Natsu steadied Hinata's body and arm, using her own body as support to slowly help Hinata up.
"Come, watch your step. I'll help you to the bathroom. A hot bath will make you feel better."
The bathroom filled with rising steam. Natsu carefully helped Hinata inside, then began removing her sweat-soaked clothing.
"Lady Hinata, I could hear the sounds from the training hall outside earlier. The battle with Lord Hiashi must have been quite intense."
"Mm... it was alright."
When Hinata's clothes came completely off, her body was covered with glaring marks left by training. Her arms bore obvious bruises. Pressure point strikes left traces all across her shoulders. Against pale skin, they appeared especially shocking.
After past sparring sessions, she never had so many injuries. But today was different—she'd awakened her Byakugan.
"My lady!"
Natsu cried out, immediately crouching to carefully examine Hinata's injuries. When her fingers brushed those purple marks, her face filled with heartache.
"It's alright, Natsu... they're just surface wounds..."
Hinata shook her head, trying to appear stronger and dispel the worry in the other's eyes.
"How can you say it's alright?" Natsu's tone carried obvious reproach. "You only feel fine now because your body hasn't exited combat state yet! Once it does, you'll feel the pain. Soak for a bit first. I'll go ask Lord Hiashi for medicine."
Natsu helped Hinata toward the bath, then carefully assisted her into the water. Warm liquid enveloped Hinata's exhausted body, seeming to embrace her soul as well, making her release an involuntary sigh of relief.
"Is the temperature suitable?"
"Mm, very comfortable. Thank you, Natsu."
Hinata closed her eyes, feeling the hot water's comfort. But soon, her thoughts drifted back to the simulator.
Natsu then knelt beside the bath, picking up a towel to soak in water before beginning to gently wipe Hinata's body. Her movements were tender, afraid of hurting the wounds.
Amid the sound of rippling water, Hinata couldn't help asking, "Natsu... have you ever thought... if you weren't a maid, what would you do?"
Natsu's question made Natsu freeze. A trace of confusion and blankness surfaced in her eyes, but the hand holding the towel continued wiping Hinata's body.
"Not being a maid... you mean?"
Natsu murmured, repeating Hinata's question. She seemed to be struggling to contemplate this hypothesis that had never appeared in her life's trajectory. But ultimately... she only shook her head.
"I don't know."
"Why? Hasn't Natsu ever imagined a version of yourself completely different from now?"
"Never thought about it. Don't know how to think about it either." Natsu shook her head, tone as calm as if stating simple fact.
"Since Lady Hinata was born, I've always been by your side. In the future, I'll always stay by your side. Just being able to watch you grow up well—I'm already very satisfied."
Without question, Natsu's feelings were sincere. She truly thought this way. But such an answer made complex emotions surge through Hinata's heart.
When unable to change fate, people displayed powerful adaptability. The satisfaction Natsu showed now... might it only be because she never had choices from the start?
Hinata didn't know the answer. But continuing to ask would only make things difficult for Natsu. More importantly, if she woke her up yet couldn't provide help after she awakened, what was the point?
"Alright, you're all clean now. I'll go get medicine for you immediately."
Natsu wrung the towel dry and set it aside, then turned to leave the bathroom.
After she left, Hinata took a deep breath and completely submerged her head underwater. Then she opened her eyes, blowing bubble after bubble.
No special meaning. She just didn't want to think about those headache-inducing things anymore. She wanted... to play for a bit.
Glub glub...