Influence

She is a Hyuuga. Hyuuga are dignified. Hyuuga are graceful. Hyuuga are respected.

Neji Hyuuga chants this mantra in his head as he sits at the breakfast table, picking his eggs and staring at his daughter. Misato does not seem to notice this, choosing to instead devour her food like it had done her some personal injury. Tenten is sitting next to him, cooing and bouncing their son Haru on her lap.

Misato finally looks up and catches her father staring at her, smiling at him. Her smile is normal, just a stretching of her lips, and Neji most certainly does not feel relief flow through him. He clears his throat. "How was your first C-rank mission?"

Misato puts down her utensils and wipes her mouth with her napkin. "It went very well. Sensei took care of the more dangerous opponents while Atsuhiro-kun, Shinra-kun and I dealt with his subordinates. We dispatched them in an orderly fashion and were most efficient. Sensei complemented us and said we are more than ready for the Chuunin Exams."

"That's great, honey," Tenten smiles at their daughter as Haru gurgles in her lap. Misato beams at the praise.

"Very satisfactory," Neji adds, nodding. "I am proud."

Misato blushes. "Thank you, father."

Neji lets himself relax. Of course his daughter is a Hyuuga. He is worrying for nothing. She would not be so easily swayed, so easily influenced by-

The door to their home bursts open.

"Greetings, Hyuuga family! I am here to pick up my blossoming student for a new mission!"

"Lee-sensei!"

Misato stands up straight, fire in her eyes.

"Misato! I expect to see your youthful flames grow even stronger in this upcoming mission!"

"Yosh, Lee-sensei! I am burning! I feel the power of youth flowing through me already!"

Lee has never looked so proud.

"Misato!"

"Lee-sensei!"

"Misato!"

"Lee-sensei!"

They hug and cry, a sunset shining behind them as waves crash and break against a rocky cliff, much like Neji's sanity. Neji stands up to break them up because his daughter is a Hyuuga and Hyuuga don't hug and cry, damn it, but then everyone's attention is drawn to Tenten when she lets out a gasp.

"Shut up, Lee! I think Haru is about to say his first word!"

Neji, Misato and Lee scramble over and the four of them watch Haru like he is some fascinating animal at display in a zoo. The baby's face is screwed up in concentration as his mouth moves and broken sounds escape and Neji is incredibly excited because he missed Misato's first words and this is a monumental moment.

"That's right, baby, you can do it," Tenten encourages as Haru continues his struggle. Then his face relaxes and lights up. "He's going to say it! Say 'mommy,' Haru!"

Haru opens his mouth. They all lean in, eager.

"Y-youth!"

Lee bursts into tears.

So does Neji.