Neji accepted his with a murmur of thanks, cradling the tea between his hands and nursing it with a sigh. It always helped to steady his nerves and clear his mind. Allies..

He caught Hinata's with a forced smile. It seemed neither of them were well-loved. "Unfortunately, even the Branch is largely wary of close association with me. I'm too close to the Head Family, and the outcome of this engagement has left my position within the clan rather tentative. By the same token, traditionalists within the Head Family believe that even marriage shouldn't change anything in regards to my station."

They don't even want him really, just his firstborn, but that would be a bit crude to say outright.

Neji inhaled the sweet scent of jasmine over again. "But we're not completely alone. My father will support us, and as Hiashi-sama's.... aid, he should have access to some records. There could be harsh penalties if we ask too much of him, however."