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Izumi's embrace lingered a few seconds longer before she let go, her face flushed. She stepped back and stood quietly at Neji's side.
Some emotions didn't need words.
Neji said nothing either, shifting his gaze to the fused [Byakugan] in the tank.
The single eye now glowed faintly stable, unified.
It had begun its evolution.
He attempted to merge a second pair but quickly realized the fusion stalled. The eye needed time to stabilize before continuing.
'Strange...' Neji thought. 'How did they accomplish this on the moon? What kind of time scale were they working with?'
No way to know. He'd have to proceed slowly.
"Izumi," he said, "design a monitoring system. I want real-time data on this eye's changes."
"Understood," she nodded, already noting it down.
With nothing more to be done for now, Neji left the lab, giving her final instructions on the device. He had other responsibilities promises to keep, intel to gather, and one stop in particular: the Hokage Building. He needed a few scrolls from the spatial jutsu archives.
Izumi watched him leave, her eyes soft.
---
By the time Neji made it out, the sun was almost at its peak.
Lunchtime, he mused, then smirked. I'll drop by to see Lee and bring some food. Kakashi and Sasuke should be there too. Tsunade likely finished their treatments.
But just as he reached the hospital—
BOOM!
An explosion of water vapor and steam surged from the rooftop. A rainbow shimmered in the misty air.
Neji looked up.
Two figures flashed through the haze one retreating in anger, the other in pursuit.
…Sasuke.
The first shadow had been Sasuke—storming off after likely clashing with Naruto. The second, following closely had Kakashi's chakra signature.
Neji exhaled. So it's started.
No matter what the timeline, Sasuke's darkness was inevitable. Whether triggered by Itachi, jealousy, or power lust this break was always coming.
'Let him go' Neji thought. More experience points for me when the Sound Four come knocking. Especially Kimimaro… That one's worth a fortune.
Lost in thought, Neji stepped into the hospital.
Lee's room was ahead. From inside, voices filtered through the door familiar ones.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade," said Guy's voice. "Now I can rest easy knowing Lee will recover."
"His injuries are similar to Neji's," Tsunade replied. "But his body should never have withstood the Fifth Gate."
"Oh, that?" Guy chuckled sheepishly. "Actually… since you're Hokage now, it's fine to share. That was Neji's idea a special [Healing Seal] he developed…"
Neji froze in place just outside the room.
…Guy-sensei… you traitor!
What happened to confidentiality?! What happened to protecting my research?!
Neji turned on his heel, ready to abandon the visit altogether.
But—
"Neji! You're back!" a cheerful voice called.
Tenten.
She stood at the hallway entrance, carrying a takeout bag. "I was just bringing Lee some lunch—wait, did you get him something too?"
Neji sighed in resignation. "Yeah… figured he might've skipped a meal."
Together, they stepped inside.
"Ah, my students! In sync as always!" Guy beamed, flashing a grin so bright it could blind.
Ding! Sparkle.
Ding! Another sparkle.
Tsunade looked Neji over with a curious smile.
Shizune hugged Ton-Ton, chuckling softly at the warm group dynamic.
Neji and Tenten laid their meals out. The rich aroma of food quickly filled the room, and Lee's eyes lit up like a child receiving a gift.
But Tsunade had her gaze locked on Neji.
"Didn't expect you to be so well-versed in medical and sealing arts," she said, voice tinged with interest. "No wonder I found that strange pattern when I treated you. That healing seal was yours, wasn't it?"
Tenten gasped. "Wait, you were hurt? When?"
Neji raised an eyebrow. "Didn't Guy-sensei tell you?"
Tenten spun toward Guy, clearly annoyed.
Guy blinked, looking genuinely confused. "I didn't mention that? My mistake! Must've slipped my mind."
Tenten crossed her arms, puffed up with indignation. "You forgot?!"
Guy scratched his head and gave an apologetic thumbs-up. "Sorry, Tenten!"
Neji tried to slip out of the spotlight, but Tsunade gestured for him to follow her.
Shizune gently stopped Tenten. "Lady Tsunade wants to speak with him privately."
---
At the end of the corridor, Tsunade rested a hand on the windowsill, gazing out at Konoha.
"I knew you had some medical skills," she said. "But what you've done with that tattoo… the regenerative effect, the preservation—it's impressive. Guy said it can even prolong youth. Is that true?"
The wind stirred Neji's long hair.
He met her gaze calmly.
"My research was inspired by you. I studied what I could from your public records and built on that knowledge. The sealing formula came after years of refinement."
Tsunade blinked, a little stunned. She hadn't left much behind in the archives not enough to develop anything close to what Neji had.
But this boy… had gone that far just on inference?
He wasn't just talented. He was exceptional.
A slow smile formed on her lips.
"Neji. Ever thought about becoming my student?"
Neji blinked. "…You want to take me as your apprentice?"
Tsunade waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah. So what if you're a Hyuga Branch member? You've got no [Caged Bird Seal]. You're not chained to the clan anymore. You're free."
Neji fell silent.
No [Caged Bird Seal]. No obligation to the clan's internal politics.
Tsunade wasn't asking just because he was strong she saw his potential in medical ninjutsu, sealing techniques, and maybe even more.
This was an opportunity.
The Strength of a Hundred Seal, chakra control at the cellular level, forbidden regenerative techniques…
And beyond all that political alliance.
Accepting her meant more than learning. It meant protection. Influence.
He didn't hesitate.
Neji bowed deeply.
"I Accept!"
"Neji Hyuga… greets his new master, Lady Tsunade."
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