November 10, the Frost Moon Festival. Sunset.
Konoha was decked out in festive decorations. The villagers chosen to carry the portable shrine set out from beneath Kage Rock.
The priests, wearing red robes and painted masks, danced with swaying limbs, driving away evil and praying for blessings and a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
When night had fully fallen, the heads of the landowning clans led their families, young and old, toward their fields to welcome the field god home for a bath.
The Hyuga Family, now the largest, strongest, and most intact clan in Konoha, had always placed great importance on every traditional festival. They were symbols of heritage.
The longer a tradition endured, the more revered it became.
In the black-and-white residence with its sweeping eaves and ornate brackets, Hyuga Hiashi had already changed into the white ceremonial kimono top and black hakama made for the occasion. A servant combed his long black hair smooth.
The Main Family and Branch Family stood in two distinct rows behind him, one on either side.
At the head of the line on the left stood the second young lady, Hanabi Hyuga, a little girl in yellow whose hair covered her entire face. Hinata stood in the row behind her.
At the head of the line on the right stood Neji.
Hyuga Hiashi's expression was stern and composed. "Set out."
The young clan members took the pine torches handed to them by the servants and followed Hyuga Hiashi.
The older generation, their eyes bearing the Byakugan, stood beneath the entranceway's layered eaves, watching the young men and women depart with satisfaction.
Following the planned route, Hyuga Hiashi and the Akimichi Clan, led by Choza Akimichi, met on the road out of the village right on time.
The Nara and Yamanaka Clans