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Tsunade clapped Neji hard on the back, her tone full of pride. "Good. Once I finish the current mess, I'll start training you properly."
"Yes, understood, sensei," Neji replied with composure.
Tsunade grinned mischievously and reached for his face. "Let me pinch those cheeks, kid—"
Neji leaned back swiftly. "Please respect your student's dignity, Lady Tsunade."
"Tch. Brat," she muttered, waving him off. "Fine, go on then. We'll talk later."
As Neji watched her walk away muttering, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of regret. What have I gotten myself into? Visions of brutal training sessions like Sakura's filled his head.
Too late to turn back now.
They returned briefly to the hospital room. Tsunade called out, "Shizune, let's go. We've got a pile of work waiting."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Shizune nodded and as she passed Neji, she gave him a subtle, knowing smile. She'd clearly seen this coming.
Just as they were about to leave, Neji remembered.
"Sensei one request. May I use the barrier room in the Hokage Tower? The one the Third gave me clearance for?"
"Sure," Tsunade replied casually. "I'll have the guards notified. Use it whenever you need."
Once they were gone, Guy practically teleported to Neji's side, wrapping one arm around his shoulders in an overly enthusiastic pose.
"Neji! I heard that right, didn't I? You just called Tsunade-sensei your teacher?! You've become her apprentice?!"
"Yes," Neji said simply.
There was no reason to hide it. Everyone would find out soon enough.
Guy's smile exploded into fireworks. "This calls for a celebr—"
"No need," Neji cut him off swiftly.
He already knew where Guy's brain was going loud, absurd, and definitely shirtless.
Tenten stood there stunned. "You're training under Lady Tsunade? Neji… that's incredible! Congratulations!"
Neji took a seat, expression calm.
"It's still sinking in for me. But it does mean I'll have less time with you all."
Tenten quickly shook her head. "That's fine. We'll manage. You focus on what matters."
Lee, nearby, gave a quiet nod of agreement. He'd already been briefed about the tattoo's effects by Guy and Tsunade. Without Neji's intervention, his shinobi career would have been over.
"Let's eat," Neji said. "I brought more than enough."
Tenten perked up. "Right! Before it all gets cold!"
The four teammates shared lunch, laughter echoing like old times. Guy's sparkle-level smile could've blinded half the hospital.
When lunch ended, Neji stood, turned to Tenten, and reached out his hand.
"Tenten… my tattoo formula is ready. Earlier, I asked Tsunade-sensei for permission to use the barrier room. If you're willing… would you be my first?"
Tenten blinked.
Her heart skipped.
The words hit her like lightning.
"I… I'm willing," she whispered, cheeks tinted pink as she placed her hand in his. Her head bowed, too shy to meet his eyes.
Guy smiled proudly. Lee stared, wondering if he could get his own second chance.
Neji looked at him. "When you're fully recovered, I'll reapply the tattoo. This version will support opening the Fifth Gate."
Lee's voice shook. "Thank you, Neji."
Guy just nodded with tears forming. "I'll stay with Lee. You two go ahead… and good luck!"
Ding! Guy's thumbs-up shimmered like polished chrome.
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Neji and Tenten made their way to the Hokage Tower.
Inside the sealed barrier room, Neji triple-checked the seals and then locked the chamber. No one would interrupt them.
Tenten was already seated inside the barrier, robes slightly loose, arms crossed over her chest as her heart pounded.
Neji pulled out the scroll, prepared the ink, and readied the tool. "Tenten, are you ready?"
"…Yes," she murmured, clutching her chest as if to hold her courage in place.
"I'll be gentle."
He began.
As the needle pierced, Tenten winced and then steadied herself. Neji's movements were precise and practiced, and unlike Lee's rough initiation, she felt only controlled pressure, not pain.
A beautiful [Rose Seal] began to bloom across her skin.
It wasn't just aesthetic it was functional, refined, and deeply personal.
He worked for over an hour straight, focused entirely on her safety and balance. The chakra flowed as the final seal settled, forming a protective system embedded across her vital meridians.
The large pattern faded leaving only a subtle rose on her shoulder, barely visible under her robe.
Neji exhaled and caught her as she slumped forward.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
"…Warm," she whispered with a drowsy smile.
"That means it's working," Neji replied. "Sleep. Your body needs rest."
Tenten's head leaned gently into his chest. "Mhm…"
She drifted off, peacefully.
Neji leaned against the wall, equally exhausted. His eyes drooped shut. They'd both pushed themselves.
Together, they dozed.
Her cheek nestled against his collarbone, his temple resting lightly against her forehead.
There was no awkwardness only comfort. Trust. A quiet peace between two shinobi who had spent years in the same squad, finally bound by more than missions and training.
A promise fulfilled.
And the beginning of something deeper.
Very deep~
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