It was already late at night when Hanabi slipped quietly out of the Hyuga Residence.
She wore a light-colored hoodie, her hair tied in a ponytail, and her steps were light.
Her sister was getting married tomorrow, and the household was in chaos.
Their mother had died young, and their father was rushed off his feet. Hanabi had helped her sister prepare her wedding dress, jewelry, and makeup, keeping busy until she finally had a moment to catch her breath.
Then she ran off.
Hanabi was already fifteen or sixteen.
She was no longer the little girl who used to sit on her brother-in-law's shoulders and demand presents. She had grown taller, her features had matured, and her face had taken on the cool reserve characteristic of the Hyuga Clan.
But her eyes were still bright, just as bright as when she was little.
She ran beneath the moonlight, past the gateway to the Uchiha Clan Compound and along the stone-paved streets hung with red lanterns.
She ran all the way to Genya's front door. The entrance was packed, with members of the Uchiha Clan coming and going, some carrying things, some hanging lanterns, and others shouting instructions.
Hanabi squeezed her way through the crowd, her hoodie getting tugged askew and her ponytail coming loose.
At last, she reached the door, took a deep breath, and pushed her way inside.
In the living room, Genya sat before his parents, looking even more obedient than he had when Tsunade used to lecture him.
Genya Uchiha, the Asura of the Ninja World, wielder of the Nine-Tomoe Rinnegan.
At that moment, he was meekly listening to his parents' advice, looking for all the world like an elementary schooler on his first day of class.
His father sat in the seat of honor with