I-Its not like I wanted to show you this because I like you, Baka!

Irrelevant-Kirino or Always-Totally-Relevant-Kirino?
と、とにかくちゃんと読みなさいよ。バカ兄貴！

Way back when, I was enamored with the idea of forum-based RPGs. Complete with somewhat elaborate game systems, levels, equipment and items, combat stats - the whole 9 yards. And don't get me wrong, I STILL think that kind of thing is awesome, but as with everything in life, it comes down to a matter of time and not enough hours in the day.

But none the less, to the point of the matter. In my semi-recent rekindling of my writing spark I came across a post I had worked on for a Naruto RPG. We had to have a character approved, and then if we wanted them to belong to a specific established ninja clan, write a post that would showcase our ability to role-play to maintain a sense of prestige or quality. That said, this was my application to become a member of the Hyuuga clan - showcasing my characters discovery of her Byakugan, and a realization that she had been a Hyuuga all along.

Its by no means perfect and remains in its unedited state from a few years ago, however I do think its at least on the right track to being good~

Enjoy this bite-sized writing sample and stay tuned for more Sword Arte Online!

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The night air was still, its calming tranquility disturbed only by the soft chirping of crickets and the rhythmic thump of the shishi odoshi. Making more noise than she should, Hikari slipped open her window, placed a foot on the ledge and leapt out into the nearby trees. She couldn't stay in her room any longer, she needed to get out. Landing gracefully on a large branch, she continued off into the darkness, not concerned with her destination, focused only on the journey itself. Clenching her jaw, she could feel the frustration build up inside. Recklessly leaping ahead, not even stopping to flinch as stray twig and branches scratched against her clothes, she fumed. I don’t believe them!  I can’t put up with this bullshit any longer, I need to get out of here! 

Slowly, the village buildings grew sparse, being replaced with increasingly large trees, marking the village boundaries. Were her mind more calm, Hikari would have instantly recognized the dangers that lurked within the forests surrounding Konoha, especially at night, for an unarmed Genin such as herself. She was not so lucky.

As the wind whipped at her face, she could feel the familiar warmth of tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Cursing yet again, she angrily rubbed her eyes with her sleeve. Crying, now? What am I, some whiny little princess? Come on, get a hold of yourself! Not bothering to stop running through the trees, Hikari failed to notice a particularly long, sharp branch angled towards her. Without warning, she brushed past it, catching her off balance and causing her to lose her footing. 

Falling to one knee, she looked back at the branch, casting it a glare that showed nothing but contempt. She was angry enough to lash out at anything that got in her way. Feeling a familiar pain run straight up her arm, she couldn't help but wince.There was no mistaking it, it was because of her long, jagged scar. Clenching her jaw, she clapped her hand over the source, trying to staunch the pain. Beginning to breath heavily, she down at it, assessing the damage. A long rip snaked down her left sleeve, almost dividing it in two. That was the last straw. Drawing up, she ripped it from her arm,  throwing it to the ground with a loud cry of frustration. Her fists tightened and she lashed out, punching the tough bark of the adjacent tree. She hated this feeling, the sharp stinging in her nerves whenever she became stressed, she hated how she got the scar in the first place, but above all, she hated how it in this moment, it made her remember the person she was so desperately trying to forget.

“Focus! You don’t have enough focus!” Hiroshi called out across the dojo, sitting on the sidelines.

Panting, Hikari shot him a sharp glare. “If you want me to focus so badly, then why don’t you stop distracting me from way over there!” Deep down, she knew he was right, but that just made it all the more annoying. Assuming her position once more, she held her left palm outwards, pulling her right back to her hips, keeping her right leg forwards and sinking into her stance. Squaring off against her opponent, she locked eyes with his, drew a steady breath, and in one motion, shifted her stance, pushed out with her right hand, and cried out. Her palm slammed into the large pad, its thundering crash send echoes through the empty room.

“No good Hikari-sama - you’re still not focused enough!”

Clenching her fists and straightening up, she spun to face her instructor, a vein in her forehead clearly bulging. “Hey, if you’re such an expert why don’t you get over here and do it then, huh!” She yelled defiantly, jerking her chin towards the center of the room.

Sighing, the man shook his head. “Hikari-sama, you should know by now, if you don’t have the proper focus, how will you use your chakra effectively. Your strikes are completely lacking power.”

“I AM focusing god damn it! I’m doing what you’re asking but you’re not making any sense - this is retarded, how is this supposed to make me stronger!? Maybe if I was five, but I’m a Genin now you know, I don’t need to waste time on basic hits like this!” She yelled, throwing her fists down in front of her, clearly reaching her limits.

Nervously, the boy holding the pad opposite Hikari interjected. “Hiroshi-san… maybe we should stop here for today. Hikari-sama seems to be -”

“No. When Hikari-sama stops throwing a tantrum like a child, then I will stop treating her like one.” Hiroshi replied sternly, rising to his feet.

While he stood at least three heads taller than the young girl, she was never intimidated. Her eyes now starting to fill with tears of anger, she glared at him, refusing to back down. “You want to see focus? Then here, take your focus!” She replied defiantly, her anger dripping from every word. Running in his direction, she lunged forward, putting her entire body behind her attack, thrusting her palm directly at his chest with a booming cry.

Hiroshi’s mouth lowered into a frown, effortlessly stepping aside, and with a mere tap, sent his student tumbling past, landing face first against the hard wooden floor. “That was the worst yet. Now hurry up and get back in position, this outburst is unsuited for a lady of the your stature.”

Raising her forehead from the floor, she saw spots form where her tears began to fall, pooling in the cracks between the wood. “Screw this!” She cried, storming out of the dojo towards her room.

She couldn’t stand to be around him any longer. Everything from the look he would give her, to the condescension in his voice was enough to send her over the edge. Focus? How could she focus when all he ever did was tell her she was wrong? Collapsing facedown on the soft tatami covered floor inside her sparsely decorated room, she banged her fist down in anger and cursed loudly. Why did he have to be right…?

Realizing she had become lost in thought, Hikari rose to her feet and gave her head a good shake. She wasn’t going to think about anything even remotely related to her training anymore. This was to clear her head and help her relax, not make her more worked up. Raising her head, she continued into the trees, letting her feet guide her.

The longer she ran, the more lost she became, heading deeper and deeper into the moonlit forest. Coming to a clearing, she paused once more to survey her surroundings. Down below, amidst the underbrush, she could see the moon’s clear reflection in what appeared to be a small pond. Hopping down from her perch in the branches, she moved closer, staring down into the still waters. Looking back at her was the face she almost didn’t recognize. Her hair was tangled and knotted, filled with all manner of leaves and twigs, her clothes soiled and frayed at the edges. Heaving a heavy sigh, she knelt down and dipped her hands into the still pool, savoring the cool refreshing feeling between her fingers. For the first time all night, a smile spread across her tender face. Settling into a more comfortable position, she continued to clean her face and groom her hair. Perhaps she had over-reacted. Maybe she really did need to try and focus more. Drying her face with her remaining sleeve, she stood up slowly, deciding to apologies to Hiroshi when she got back, and promising to try harder tomorrow.

Feeling proud of her decision she began to stretch her back, raising an arm over he head and bending backwards. Suddenly, she heard the sharp snap of a twig behind her. Instantly alert, she spun around to see what it was. Nervously she squinted into the darkness, scanning the tree line. Nothing. Heaving a sigh of relief, she closer her eyes. What was she getting so worked up about, there was nothing out there. There it was again. Feeling the hair on the back of her neck stand up, she felt her body become tense. Eyes wide, she raised her hands up closer to her chest, frantically darting her eyes back and forth. This time she knew something was out there, coming for her. As if it were one with the darkness itself, the lithe form of a wolf slipped into the moonlight, its teeth bared. Hikari could feel a lump form in her throat. Trying to remain as still as possible, she slowly inched a hand around behind her, instinctively reaching for a kunai from her pouch, but her hand grasped at the air. She cursed inwardly, of all times to be unprepared.

The wolf now stood directly opposite her, the harshness of its growl was enough to make her weak in the knees. Her mind raced, thinking frantically. There had to be a way out, there had to be something she could do. Gathering her courage, she stepped forward with purpose and yelled at the top of her lungs, trying to frighten the beast. Her voice echoed into the blackness, but instead of backing down, the wolf tilted back its head and let out a piercing howl. Within seconds, at least half a dozen pairs of glowing eyes slipped out from the trees, all staring directly at the terrified girl. Things had just gone from bad to worse. Her heart pounded in her ears, its forceful thuds getting faster and faster. She was surrounded.

Her head jerked back and forth, trying to watch the wolves all around her. As if seeing them would do her any good. Her eyes darted across the ground, looking for a stick, or a rock, or anything she could use to defend herself - nothing. Feeling the cold sensation of sweat drip down her brow, she gulped. There had to be a way out. A way out… She tilted her head skyward and saw a thick branch just over head. There! A spark of hope ignited within her and without wasting any time, she bent her knees, kicking off from the soft earth below. Her hands shot up, reaching out towards the branch, but just as she could almost brush it with her fingers, she felt a strong tug on her ankle, throwing her down to the ground. Shielding her head with her arms, she landed hard, crying out as she could feel a sharp stabbing pains run right up her leg. Hikari looked down towards the pain and her eyes grew wide with horror.

One of the wolves had sunk its teeth into her flesh, tearing at her leg, snarling and growling with a bestial fury.

Crying out, she lashed out with her free leg, kicking it over and over, but the beast refused to let go. Her free hands reached around frantically, searching for something, anything to grab a hold of. Feeling her right hand wrap around what seemed to be a stick, she grabbed it as tight as she could and swung it down over the head of the wolf, causing is teeth to finally let go of her bloody limb. Scrambling to get back on her feet, she cried out again as she could feel fangs dig into her left forearm. With a flurry of swings, she beat herself free, screaming a string of curses and words hardly recognizable, stumbling to her feet and sprinted into the forest. 

She had to escape, she had to lose them, to get up into a tree, anything. She couldn't die here. In her haste, her foot caught on a large upturned root, causing her to tumble downhill, striking all manner of debris before painfully slamming into the coarse bark of another tree. Crying out in pain, she pushed back against the wood, gripping her sides with one arm, her makeshift weapon, now splintered in half, still clutched in the other. How did this happen? Why her, why now she asked over and over, no longer able to hold back the hot tears welled up in her eyes. Lying there, crying, she looked up the dark hill, seeing nothing but the cold, blackness of the night. Maybe I lost them… she thought desperately, gripping her torn shirt tightly with her left hand. But no sooner were her her hopes dashed by the piercing howl of her pursuers, their bestial forms appearing at the top of the hill. Her eyes wide with terror, she tried to stand, but the pain from her ankle caused her to fall back against the tree. Trying frantically to blink back the tears, she reached out with her free hand, grabbing hold of the tree and hoisting her broken body onto its feet.

She had to run, she had to keep moving, but as soon as she stepped forward, her leg caved under her weight, causing her to sprawl face first into the dirt. All around her, she could hear the blood curdling snarls and the sound of paws against the fallen leaves. Out of instinct, Hikari tried to curl into a ball, to become so small that she was invisible to them. Her hands clutched her body tighter than she though possible, her sobs becoming more uncontrollable by the second. Her righthand abandoned the branch and reached under to hold her left arm, pulling it in tight to her body, but as her fingers tightened around the limb, she felt the familiar sharp pain grate against her nevers. Her fingers grasped her scar, causing her head to throb. Her head began to spin, the dirt below her slowly slipping away as her mind drifted back to her house, to her dojo, to her instructor. Hiroshi…

His voice rung in her ears, his stern words echoing through her quivering form as it writhed in the dirt. Focus! You don’t have enough focus!

No good Hikari-sama - You’re not focused enough!

Focus… why was this thinking of this at all times. Her life was on the line, her body was broken and her eyes drowning in their own tears, how could she focus now? No… focus, that was exactly what she needed. She needed to focus.

Biting down on her lip to keep it from quivering, she slowly straightened up, purging the image of her attackers from her mind. She wiped her eyes with her left hand and reached for her stick with the other. Looking down, she watched as her bloody knuckles tightened around the wooden shaft, its end now sharp and splintered where it had snapped. She could do this. No, she had to do this.

Ignoring the pain in her legs, she stood, putting one shaking leg ahead of the other for balance. She wasn’t going to let even a single filthy beast sink their teeth into her flesh ever again. Throwing open her eyes once more, she cried out defiantly, locking gazes with her attackers. The hot feeling of her tears remained, but this time, she refused to cry. And then, in an instant, time seemed to stand still. Behind her, the cracking of leaves underfoot signaled the impending attack, but that wasn’t all. It was as if… she could see the wolf lunch towards her. Not wasting any time, she spun around, grabbing her make-shift weapon with both hands, and drive it straight down into the soft back of the wolf. With a cry just as piercing as any howl, she felt the stick burry itself deep within the wolf’s chest, and with a panicked yelp, it fell motionless to the ground.

Her chest heaving, all Hikari could feel was an intense pressure around her eyes, as if she was squinting with all her might and yet her eyes felt wider than ever before. She stared down at the blood beginning to ooze from the puncture wound, watching as the blood pooled around her feet, but at the same time, she saw the glowing silver eyes close in behind her, poised to strike once more. With a surge of adrenaline, she ripped the stake from her first victim, and spun, lashing out at her attackers. The next few moments were a blur, a frenzy of fur, flesh and blood. By as soon as the air had cleared, Hikari stood over the lifeless bodies of the pack of wolves, arms covered in their blood, stick cracked and broken in more than one place. She did it. She survived. Perhaps delirious from the pain, or just unable to comprehend her situation, she began to laugh. She had fallen into such a state that even the loud calls in the distance fell on deaf ears. Drawing closer, she began to notice the familiar sound coming from the trees.

Hikari-sama! Hikari-sama! There was a pause. Hikari-sama!?

In a single leap, a terrified Hiroshi landed behind her, his silvery eyes darting from one body to the next. Without turning around, Hikari’s eyes drifted up to meet his gaze. She had never seen the man cry before, but now, even in her exhaustion, she could see the shine of tears. Slowly, she turned to face him.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. In the clear light of the moon, he noticed the clear bulging veins around her eyes, and the distinct white colour that spread across them.

Hiroshi…I’m sorry...I… Her words trailed off as she felt her body go limp and fall forwards.

Catching her in his arms, he looked down at her broken body, still in a state of disbelief. Her eyes had changed.

The next thing Hikari remembered was the familiar thud of the shishi odoshi. She was in her room, in her bed, in clothes she didn’t remember putting on. Squinting up at the ceiling, her face contorted. She did not remember the lights to be so blinding. Gradually getting used to her vision once more, he eyes drifted around the room, stopping when they noticed Hiroshi, sitting in seiza against the wall, his head hung as if he was sleeping. The memories of that night, however long ago it was began to trickle back into her memory. It was at that moment she realizes the throbbing sensation in her head. Groaning slightly, she moved a hand to rub her forehead, and as she raised it to her face, noticed the many cuts and scrapes littering her palm.

Over against the wall, the sudden sounds of motion jerked Hiroshi awake once more, his head bobbing back up while his eyes scanned around the room to make sure everything was still in order. Seeing his young mistress stirring, she quickly rose to his feet and carefully stepped over to her side, sitting down in seiza once more. Hikari-sama, thank goodness, you are finally awake. Why did you - no never mind. You’re back now, that’s all that matters.

As the man sat down next to her, she felt a smile creep across her face. She tilted her head over in his direction. Hiroshi… Her smile shifted into a face of remorse, remembering just what had transpired. I… I’m so sorry, I was - I acted - I… I never should have done something so stupid.

It’s alright Hikari-sama, you’re back here safe and sound. Just rest now, everything will be alright.

Realizing how tired she still was, Hikari simply nodded and as if on cue, her eyelids slipped shut once more.

Hikari-sama? Hikari-sama? No, Yaguchi-sama, she is still sleeping, maybe we should let her rest? Very well, I understand.

Even in a half sleeping state, Hiroshi’s voice was unmistakeable. Her eyelids slipped open to see him sitting nearby, angled off to the side as if he was talking with another person.

Hiroshi extended a hand to her shoulder and gently applied pressure. Hikari-sama, you must wake up now.

Her eyes opening once more, she tilted her head to the side, trying to regain her bearings. Much to her surprise, over in the middle of the room, sat her father and mother, a distinct air of unease drifting between them. It was rare for her to even see her parents, let alone have them sitting in her room. Slightly alarmed, she began to rise slowly, pushing the thick kakebuton down towards her legs. Mother, Father, what are you -

Hikari, there is something important we must discuss. Her father interrupted, in his usual stern, powerful voice.

Still not fully aware of her situation, Hikari gave Hiroshi as nervous glance.

Giving her a quick, reassuring smile, he averted her gaze and turned to face her parents more directly.

Okay… Well look, I know what I did was stupid and all but I promise I won’t do anything like that -

No, that is not what I am referring to. Last night, you did something inexcusable, that much is clear. However, we are not her to reprimand you.

Hearing this, Hikari’s shoulder seemed to relax a little, easing her mind. But the question still remained, if they weren’t here to yell at her, then why were they here?

To be frank - We, your mother and I, even Hiroshi are not quite who you think we are. You, are not even who you think you are.

Her eyes narrowed. What was he trying to tell her? Not who she thinks she is - what did that mean?

Our name, Yaguchi was adopted shortly before you were born. Our real name, your real name is Hyuuga.

Hikari could feel her head start to spin. Hyuuga? There had to be some sort of mistake, this had to be a dream. Or maybe she misheard, there was no way this could be right.

Yes my daughter, we are all members of the Hyuuga Main House. It was regrettable that we kept this from you, but very few people know of this secret. For your own safety as well as the safety of the family we had to keep you in the dark.

Finally unable to stand it no longer, Hikari bolted up from her bed, kicking back her covers and drawing a fist up to her chest. This… This makes no sense. Mother, what is he talking about? Hyuuga? There’s no way that we’re - that I’m a member of the Hyuuga! She threw her arm out to the side, refusing to accept what her father was saying.

Hikari-sama, please… Hiroshi started, motioning for her to sit down

Hikari, take your seat. Her father said sternly, his face hard and callous, as if he was unable to comprehend the squall of emotions raging inside the young girl’s head.  We, the Hyuuga clan posses one of the oldest and most powerful Kekei Genkai of all. That was why the Branch Family was established, why Hiroshi and all of the other servants in this house remain constantly by our side. This much you should know from your studies. 

Hikari did indeed know this, everyone in Konoha knew about the great and noble Hyuuga clan. Yes but -

Before she could continue her father continues his speech. It was deemed to be insufficient. Our branch of the Main House decided that in order to better protect our bloodline, we needed to take more drastic measures. That is why we have gone by this false name. If our identities were known, we would be vulnerable to attack - you of all people should know how many covet our abilities. Surely you have not forgotten the incident nine years ago.

Hikari’s mind jumped back to her childhood. She was kidnapped, this was true, but wasn’t it just for the money?

The real reason for your abduction was the Kekei Genkai you posses. They wanted the secrets of our clan. The measures we took to protect ourselves -  to protect you were not enough. Now, don’t you see the reality of our situation?

The reality of our situation? What situation? Hikari still was unable to believe a word her father said. This had to be some sort of joke, or delusion. She did hurt herself the other night, she must be hallucinating… or something. All she knew was she was not a member of some old noble clan. This doesn’t make any sense! How can you say that with such a straight face? Do you even know what you’re saying? We are NOT Hyuuga! There’s just no… there’s absolutely NO way!

Rising to his feet beside her, Hiroshi placed a hand on her shoulder. Hikari-sama, please.  

She jerked her shoulder away violently. No, don’t take their side Hiroshi! All of you stop lying to me!

A solemn expression creeping across his face, Hiroshi bowed his head. Very well. I will let you see it with your own eyes. He reached up and began to untie the headband he always wore across his brow. It Bore the Yaguchi clan mon, a symbol of his service to their family. Slowly, it slipped from his head and drifted down to the soft tatami floor.

Hikari’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but her voice was frozen. Staring back at her was a series of Light green markings etched across his forehead, as if they were burned into his flesh with some form of otherworldly brand. It was the symbol of the Hyuuga Brach House.

This is the proof of my devotion to you Hikari-sama. It is my blessing and my curse. Now, do you not see that we speak the truth?

Her hands pulled up to her chest, Hikari slowly sunk to her knees, unable to speak, eyes wide with an incomprehensible fear. In an instant, her world had be torn to pieces.

Hikari, last night, you exhibited signs of your Kekei Genkai - the Byakugan. Because of this, we are unable to keep you in the dark any longer. I’m sorry that you had to find out this way - but if you are starting to develop your powers then we must teach you how to control them. For both the safety of your health and so you can learn to control them.

Hikari was unable to look up from the floor. She heard every word her father said, but she was unable to move. Her mind was still too overwhelmed to think. She held her arms to her chest. She was lost in a sea of emotion, desperately trying to keep from drowning.

Hikari-sama, this is not something you should reject. This is something many could never dream of hearing - you should be happy.

Happy? How did Hiroshi think she could be happy at a time like this. She had lost all sense of who she was, who her family was. What else were they not telling her? It was all too much to take in.

We will leave you now to think about your situation. When you are ready, we will begin your training in the ways of our clan. And with that, the three adults rose from the floor and proceeded towards the door.

Without so much as a glance in their direction, Hikari could feel tears form in the corner of her eyes. All she wanted was to be left alone, to regain at least a sense that her life wasn’t built completely on lies.

Pausing before leaving the room, her father turned his head back towards his daughter. No matter how hard you fight this, it is the truth. Running from it will not make it any less true. With that, he disappeared from view, sliding the door shut in his wake.

Now alone, Hikari let her tears flow down her face. Her eyes moved around the room, desperately looking from something that even remotely helped remind her of the life she once knew. Her eyes stopped at the large mirror leaning against her wall. Even from a distance, there was no mistaking it. Her eyes had changed. Her hands drifted to her cheeks, touching her skin, almost as if to make sure if the girl staring back was really her. Her eyes blinked, over and over, but no matter how any times the reopened, the same silvery white orbs stared back.

No matter how much she tried to fight it, deep down, Hikari knew that they spoke the truth. She was Hyuuga.