Title: Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author:
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kaiyrahFandom: Naruto
Pairing: Neji/Hinata
Spoilers: Episodes 46-present + corresponding manga
Disclaimers: I do not own Neji, Hinata, Naruto, or any other characters or concepts related to Naruto, nor do I claim ownership for the fanworks recc'ed at the end of the essay.
Credits: Thank you to the members of
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hyugacest. Your testimonies were a vital part of the manifesto; I appreciate it a lot!
The Hyuuga Clan
In order to understand the complexity of the relationship between Neji and Hinata, we must first understand the way their family works. A simple recap for those who may not remember.
The Hyuuga clan is the oldest noble clan in Konohagakure, the setting of Naruto. In the Naruto-verse, it's well known that old noble families have certain abilities and advanced bloodlines that run only within their family members. With the Hyuuga clan, it's the Byakugan (trans. "White Eye"), a special advanced eye which enables the user to see through a person's body to their chakra flow. If the Byakugan user is well-trained, the person can even see a person's tenketsu, or the set of chakra holes in one's body which, when hit, will either stop or increase the flow of chakra.
The Hyuuga clan is split into two houses: the Main House and the Branch House. The Main House consists of generally the eldest child in every generation that is born into the family. The clan heirs are all part of the Main House, and they all will take over the position of leading the clan when the time comes. There are special techniques which are only passed down along Main House members, such as the Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou (64 Hands of Hakke) and the Hakkeshou Kaiten (Divine Whirl), but certain talented Branch House, like Neji, members can learn these techniques on their own.
The Branch House consists of the second-born to the youngest child in every generation. Therefore, this part of the clan is larger number-wise than the Main House, and for good reason. It seems that whenever the Hyuuga heir turns three years old, the other children of the corresponding generation are marked with a cursed seal.
This seal performs two functions. Firstly, it acts as a restraint which prevents the bearer from inflicting any harm on a Main House member. This restraint is controlled by will. Secondly, it enables the Byakugan of the bearer to be sealed at death. Since the Branch House exists to protect the Main House and the advanced bloodline, this seal at death is providential in keeping the secrets of the Hyuuga bloodline.
The Bird in the Cage
Hyuuga Neji
Neji is one of those characters who experiences vast yet subtle character growth. To understand this character growth, we should first understand the relationships that tie him to other people. We should start off with Neji's father, Hizashi Hyuuga. Hizashi was the younger of a set of twin brothers. Hiashi was his older brother, so Hizashi was branded into the Branch House. When a dire situation appeared, Hizashi volunteered to go off to his death for his brother. Neji did not understand this, and he believed that his father was sacrificed against his will to save the Main House.
Because of what happened to his father, Neji developed a deep hatred for the Main House. To an even deeper level, he had a very fatalistic way of thinking, so upon his introduction to the series we often saw him claiming that fate cannot be changed. "A dropout is a dropout."
In the preliminaries of the third part of the Chuunin Exam, Neji was matched up to fight his cousin Hinata. At first, he was discouraging her from fighting, saying that she was pressured indirectly into taking the exam, she wouldn't make a good ninja, she acknowledges that she can't fight fate, and the like. His preaching was cut short when Naruto himself interjected and encouraged Hinata to fight. Through him, she found strength and pushed herself to her limits. Although she lost, she felt that she was able to change herself a bit through fighting Neji.
Shortly after this preliminary fight, Neji was matched up to fight Naruto in the official third part of the Chuunin Exam. With persisting perseverance and the desire to prove that changing fate is possible, Naruto defeated Neji and still had energy to flaunt it.
Afterward, Hiashi confronted Neji in his hospital room and told him the real story of what happened to his father.
After this, Neji began to view life in a more positive light, which was supposedly attributed to Naruto, who "saved him from the darkness."
The Bird in the Air
Hyuuga Hinata
Hinata is the type of person who doesn't seem to have changed much throughout the series but has actually undergone some major character development. In short, her personality did not change very much, but her inner strength amounted to more than she could ever imagine.
Soft-spoken and very polite, Hinata is a kind and docile soul who prefers peace as opposed to any sort of violence. In fact, were it not the fact that she comes from a long line of strong ninjas with an immensely powerful advanced bloodline, she probably would not become a ninja by choice, but instead prove her inner strength in other ways. When push comes to shove, however, Hinata isn't afraid to show who's boss.
Something we notice even from Episode 1 of the anime is that Hinata seems to have a crush on Naruto, though her particular attention to him is disputed among fans between actually being a crush and simply having a strong sense of respect and admiration for him.
Hinata's main character development came from her fight with Neji. At the beginning of this fight, he was discouraging her from fighting, telling her that she would be able to do nothing as a ninja, and all the other false preaching that he does. However, thanks to Naruto and her own good self, she mustered the strength to fight her cousin. Although a loss is usually viewed in a negative way, I believe that internal strength was really the fighting factor in the match between Neji and Hinata. Neji may have won physically, but Hinata won mentally by a landslide. In the end, when she was bruised and bloodied, her last words to him were that she understood that he was the one suffering; suffering by the confusion of being trapped between the Main and Branch Houses.
So quite obviously, Naruto plays a significant part in Hinata's life. But when it all comes down to it, she ends up gaining a sense of what it is to be strong all by herself.
Their Moments
Alright. The concept of Neji and Hinata getting together seems pretty non-canon, but there are certain moments of interaction scattered throughout the series.
Episodes 46-47 (and corresponding manga chapters)
Yes, their actual fight does count for a subtext moment between these two. Believe it or not, this scene is actually what sparks interests in potential fans. Through the fight, we get to know a little bit about the kind of person Neji is, and the kind of person that Hinata grows to be. Besides the actual physical aspect of the fight, the basic chemistry which these two go through during this fight is awesome. It simply adds to the tension that becomes repaired later on, and numerous fanfiction authors use this scene as their starting point of inspiration.
Episode 61 (and corresponding manga chapters)
Ah, pure and innocent children. Some people even claim that Neji and Hinata were childhood sweethearts.
The two were introduced to each other when Hinata turned three years old, and Neji was four. At first, Hinata was acting like her usual shy self, but then she saw Neji and smiled at him. He, in turn, smiled back, and remarked to Hizashi, "She's cute, isn't she, Father?"
There is also another scene in this time frame. Hizashi and Neji were watching Hinata and Hiashi train. As they were doing so, Hizashi told Neji that his duty was to protect Hinata. The young Neji agreed emphatically and was sincerely glowing as he watched the little girl practice her footwork.
This stage of innocence with Neji and Hinata is a nice refreshing break from the ongoing tragedy that is the Hyuuga.
Episode 148 (Anime Only)
In this scene, Hiashi was training with Neji. Then he commanded attention and told Neji that if Hinata was there, he would ask Neji to watch over her -- as part of his training. Neji reflected on this. We can see in his eyes from the reflection of the tea that he's in deep contemplation. Maybe we can even see a twinge of regret, perhaps guilt from the fact that he had been neglecting his duty to protect her?
Episode 151 (Anime Only)
After Hinata admitted wholeheartedly that her mission was a failure, she promised that she would train harder and she would try harder next time. Hiashi gave his two cents, and Neji smiled at her. Of course, it wasn't a sunny, bright smile, but rather a more subtle one; a soft smile for encouragement.
Chapter 238 (Manga Only)
Neji and Hiashi were training together in the courtyard when Hinata brought them tea. Neji then informed her that Naruto would be leaving the village, and he suggested that she see him off. When it became known that she had already done so, Hinata promptly lowered her head and Neji smiled knowingly. Perhaps this
smile connotates to (in addition to the fact that he was aware of her crush on Naruto) his new respect for her and his acknowledgment of her as a person, that she wasn't just another Main House member he was supposed to serve.
Lastly, and best of all...
Episode 151 (Anime Only)
THEY'RE WEARING MATCHING TRAINING OUTFITS!!
...I was totally joking with that last one, by the way.
A little bit of my experience with Neji/Hinata...
I remember not really being into the whole Naruto scene when I was watching it at my sister's apartment a couple years ago. At first I thought, "Eh... this is alright."
Little did I know that the very fight I was watching on that screen featured the characters that I would later become so enamored with.
Around one and a half years ago, I started collecting the Naruto manga. I began to like the concepts, characters, and ideas so much that I decided too see if I could find the anime online. Hence, a little over a year ago, I discovered the beauty of Bittorent. I downloaded the first batch I saw of Naruto-- episodes 41-50, and two days later, I watched again the fight that had slightly bored me at my sister's place. Only this time, I said, "There has got to be more to those two than meets the eye."
So I did my research and found out everything I could about Neji, Hinata, and the Hyuuga clan. I downloaded those episodes of the anime and watched their whole story unfold in front of my eyes. It was like watching a butterfly break free of a chrysalis. Something intriguing and beautiful was taking shape.
But Why Neji/Hinata?
I like to think of the Neji/Hina pairing in terms of what I call "The Four H's of Hyuuga."
Hard. Heroic. Heartbreaking. Hopeful.
A possible romantic relationship between these two would be just like the Hyuuga clan in and of itself -- difficult, strong, courageous, tragic, and optimistic all in one.
Neji and Hinata by themselves have innumerable layers; they have certain personality depths that cannot be fathomed by anyone other than Kishimoto-sensei himself.
If they were to get together romantically, there would be private facets that we are all unaware of -- there would perpetually be concepts in their relationship that is never touched upon. Their past together has given them scars that no other person in the Naruto world can understand, and because of this, they already share a bond. This bond gives them such a complex quality that simply cannot be explained by words.
Going back to the aforementioned Four H's. All of it seems to make sense together, but it's probably "heartbreaking" and "hopeful" that threw you off. I believe that Neji and Hinata in a possible relationship would not only be tragic in the past sense -- their inability to get along in the past, but most likely in the future, when their scars come back to haunt them. But to counterattack that, their possible good relations with each other -- hopefully love -- will enter the scene and create an even balance between hope and tragedy. This is the kind of relationship where a balance is needed rather than having mostly enjoyable times.
In terms of their personalities, it seems that these two do not mesh very well. And it's true -- Neji is cold (at first), strong, and confident, whereas Hinata is quiet, apparently weak, and unsure of her abilities -- at least this is how it seems at first glance. Under the surface, they're both just trying to strengthen themselves in both body and mind. That is where they are similar. But where they are different, they complement each other.
Hinata lacks the physical power and confidence that is needed of her as heir of the Hyuuga clan. Neji can be her strength, her support, and he can give her reassurance when she needs it. Neji lacks strength of spirit, kindness and compassion as the strongest in the clan. Hinata can serve as his inspiration to be wealthy in mental strength, and she can give him the forgiveness, generosity, and empathy that he missed out on while growing up.
And even if a romantic relationship for these two is out of the question, there is no denying that they are two personalities that contain the right balance of similarities and differences to share a connection like no other.
Yes, there is no solid evidence to prove that these two will ever be in a romantic relationship. Truthfully, I don't think there will ever be evidence that they should be together. Their interaction as shown in canon is very limited as it is. But for me, for most of the NejiHinata fans who adored them back in the very early stages of Naruto, their relationship is not based on solid proof or even their few conversations. It is about the possibilities, the maybes, the what-ifs. It is exploring what we have been given about two people who have been hurt, two people who essentially share the same goal. It is about looking at what these two people could give each other, whether in a romantic relationship or not. It is understanding Neji, and it is understanding Hinata, and seeing these two as separate human beings, first apart, then together, in a relationship that not only allows them to bring balance to each other, but to promote personal growth necessary for the inner strength that they strive for.
But EWWWW!! They're COUSINS!
This is the reason why most people are a bit squicked by Neji/Hina -- the incest factor. Well, Mizura from the Narutofan.com Forums wrote a few essays on the subject of genetics and incest, and they are located here:
Within most cultures, cousin-to-cousin marriages are not considered incest.
What about the birth defects?
Genetics again.
Even if you're not a fan of this pairing in particular, I encourage you to take a look at these essays. They're well-thought out and thoroughly researched -- this person truly knows what they're talking about.
Or for a more frank point of view, try Sintari's speech:
Enculturing.
I personally don't factor in the cousins aspect to their potential relationship (rather, I don't get hung up on the genetics) so I take a rather objective view on it, and I'll leave the genetics up to everyone else who wants to tackle it.
Testimonies from Fans
"I was (and still am) a NaruHina fan. Although actually I'm more of a NejiHinaNaru fan now (as well as a straight NejiHina one). ^^; At first I didn't really like NejiHina because of how closely related they were (fathers = twins, and all that). But then I read some fics and thought about it, and just on the basis of how the various Clans are set up, it's not totally off the wall to see inbreeding.
Lookit how closely the Hyuuga guard the Byakugan, or the Uchiha (when there, uh, were Uchiha) guarded the Sharingan. Clan supremacy is what matters, and to keep the lineage strong, you kinda gotta keep it in the family.
Also? I love their dynamic. I'm a fan of the entire "hate and love are the same sides of a coin" thing, and since both are such strong emotions, it's easy to see them switch over.
*shrug* I dunno. The pairing just appeals to me, both visually and logically..." - Squeakchan
---
"I started out as a NaruHina fan, but events in the anime and especially the manga made me change my mind. I started seeing NaruSasu as a more likely couple. Even if not in the romantic sense they seemed to be too obsessed with each other to leave room for anyone else in their lives.
Hinata was my favorite female character and it bummed me out to think that her crush on Naruto would go on unrealized. Then a friend casually remarked that she would probably have to marry someone in her family to keep the bloodline within the Hyuugas and suddenly it clicked! She and Naruto both want to change the Hyuugas and what better way then by uniting the main and branch families by marriage! So now I am a whole hearted NejiHina supporter and I hope that they get married and unite the family once and for all." - Nissaba
---
"I think Neji and Hinata were truly my first favorite pairing of Naruto.
Why?
It's kinda like the seeking-forgiveness-redemption sort of thing and Neji finding solace in Hinata's affection for him. Or at least, non-visible-but-obviously-there affection. He hated the Main Family for so long, it just seems appropriate that he'd find forgiveness in being with Hinata and taking care of her. She's known as the Healer, isn't it also appropriate that she heal Neji's emotional wounds as well as his physical ones?
And plus, I always loved the fight-against-the-family-and-traditions thing. Their love is making such a statement. Them being together is like a symbol for the unification of the Main and Branch families.
As for why Hinata should love Neji... I suppose it's the idea that he can protect her, which is what he was technically "assigned" to do by the families. And although Naruto is awesome, the type of scars that Naruto she can't really heal as well as someone else (like Sakura). I'm sure that she confides much in Neji and eventually, she might find to love him in return." - Pinkpuruu
---
And a wonderfully long mini-essay written by Mizura at my LJ.
Fanworks Rec.
Neji/Hinata has gotten a few more fans this past year. Several people are becoming more openminded about these two as a possible romantic entity. Thus, we
produce fanwork!
Fanfiction:
Rosemary for Remembrance by Sintari
This has got to be one of the best damn Neji and Hinata-centric fics on the net. It truly encompasses the Four H's that describe Neji and Hinata -- it's done in wickedly skillful craft. Beautiful and heartbreaking. If you don't mind a bit of dark themes here and there, it's a must-read. (I also recommend Stages of Love, or any other Neji/Hina work of Sintari's.)
Mistakes by Hiasobi
This was the first Neji/Hinata fic that I ever read, and for various reasons it's still one of my favorites. Overall, it's a nice dramatic fic without that overbearing soap-opera feel to it. This is a bit more realistic. (I also recomment Hiasobi's other Neji/Hina work.)
Gravity by Paopao
I remember I was avidly following this fic as it progressed, and I would curse and swear every time the end of a chapter came. It's just that compelling! A nice fic with some well-paced growth of Neji and Hinata's relationship.
Armistice by Riko
So very rarely do you come across a writer who uses sparse language, yet is able to capture your undivided attention, wondering how someone can make such beautiful prose out of simple words. Neji and Hinata, in this style.
Happy Hour by Firefly
For a change of pace, some comedy! Well, it's not entirely NejiHina, but there is a good amount near the end. Read this to figure out why one should never take Neji out drinking.
These are just a few of my personal favorites, but Neji/Hina has gotten some excellent fanfiction over the years. For more, go and see:
Hyuuga: Jyuuken Fanfiction.net c2
Hyugacest LJ comm
Fanart:
Neji and Hinata is on Deviantart, too!
Japanese sites:
Go to Narusearch and take a look at the left frame. Scroll down until you see: ネジヒナ (there should be a number in parentheses right next to it). Click on that, and in the right frame, there should be a playground of sites with NejiHina goodness!
Well, I hope that through this essay you managed to grasp a new perspective on NejiHina as a couple... Or if not, then at the very least some respect for two very profound characters who are not always what they seem.
