In the quiet of the training ground, Yakumo sat on the soft grass, with Neji positioned cross-legged behind her. A faint, green glow emanated from his palms as they rested against her back, channeling healing chakra into her system.
A soothing warmth spread through Yakumo's body, a sensation that was both light and invigorating. Her senses sharpened, and her awareness of the world around her grew acutely clear.
Meanwhile, Neji's Byakugan allowed him to peer directly into Yakumo's cellular structure. He observed her cells, which lacked vitality, and carefully infused them with just enough chakra to stimulate their natural processes.
He was cautious not to heal her completely; long-term reliance on the Mystical Palm Technique would only weaken her body's own ability to recover. His goal was to provide a catalyst, encouraging her cells to regenerate and increase their vitality on their own.
The process was meticulous, taking nearly twenty-five minutes to complete. As Neji finished, he deactivated his Byakugan and wiped the sweat from his brow.
"It's finished, Yakumo," he said, making a final note in a small logbook. He documented the cells' parameters to establish a baseline, allowing him to monitor for any decline in their productivity.
"It's done already?" Yakumo replied, her tone laced with disappointment. The treatment had been profoundly relaxing.
Both of them rose to their feet. "We'll repeat this treatment only when your cellular productivity shows signs of declining," Neji instructed.
"Okay," Yakumo agreed with a soft smile.
"And remember, no strenuous exercise," he added, anticipating her thoughts. "I know you feel energized, but your body still needs time to adjust on its own."
"Okay," she murmured, her shoulders slumping slightly as he saw right through her intentions.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Neji said.
"Bye, Neji," Yakumo waved, turning to leave the training ground as he watched her go.
As Yakumo disappeared from view, Neji's posture shifted. He did not turn around but instead called out calmly into the surrounding silence.
"You can come out. I know you're there."
From behind the cover of a large tree, an old man emerged. He had a head of unruly grey hair and wore a short, brown sleeveless kimono over a mesh shirt. Strangely, strapped to his back were a well-used wok and a ladle. The very man Neji had been seeking.
The old man, Kosuke, approached with a knowing smile curling on his lips.
"Kosuke-san," Neji said, offering a slight, respectful bow.
"None of that," Kosuke waved a dismissive hand. "I heard you've been asking for me. Even said you wanted me to teach you. I'll admit, that was a surprise."
He stopped a few paces from Neji, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, why me? I'm sure a prodigy from the Hyuga clan has his pick of famous teachers."
"Because you were trained by the Second Hokage," Neji stated plainly. "The others were not."
"You've done your homework. I'm impressed." Kosuke let out a low chuckle, his eyes narrowing appraisingly. "And do you think that alone is enough to make me train you?"
"I don't know," Neji admitted, his gaze unwavering. "But I had to try."
A genuine smile touched Kosuke's lips. "Neji, tell me, what is your opinion of the Will of Fire?"
"It has its virtues and its flaws, like any ideology," Neji replied without hesitation.
Kosuke nodded slowly, a hint of respect flashing in his eyes. "A measured response. You are neither a blind follower nor a dismissive critic. Explain your reasoning."
"For its virtue, it unites the shinobi of the village, bridging the divides between clans," Neji began. "For its flaw, it can be used as a justification for vile actions. Any powerful belief can be twisted by those who misinterpret it."
Kosuke gave a sharp, approving nod. "For one who has barely lived a lifetime, you understand the real world. I suspect you've experienced this firsthand. Remember this: the Will of Fire is not about blind obedience. It is about knowing what is truly worth protecting."
"It sounds like you've decided to train me," Neji observed, seizing the opening. "So, when do we begin?"
A dry chuckle escaped the old man. "Straight to the point. I like that. We start now. Your first lesson is the one the Second Hokage drilled into me: true strength begins with knowing what you do not know. Consider it passed."
With that, Kosuke turned and walked away. "Follow me. Your education begins."
Without a word, Neji fell into step behind him.
. . . .
Six years had come and gone.
Neji Hyuga slept fitfully, shirtless on a simple bed. The moonlight filtering through the window outlined a torso of lean, defined muscle, the body of a dedicated fighter. At the precise stroke of 3:00 AM, his eyes snapped open. He sat up, and without a conscious thought, the veins around his eyes bulged as his Byakugan activated.
A low groan escaped his lips as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. "Time to train."
He moved not to his own room, but to the one that had belonged to his parents, a space he used only out of reluctant necessity after his own had become a repository for training gear and scrolls.
In the backyard, a circle of hard-packed earth bore witness to his daily rituals. Here, Neji began his calisthenics, pushing his body through a punishing routine. Each time his muscles screamed in protest, a surge of chakra would mend the microscopic tears, a continuous cycle of destruction and repair that forged his strength.
The sun had not yet risen when he finally stopped at 6:00 AM. Back in the kitchen, he prepared a simple meal while forming a single hand sign. Three Shadow Clones poofed into existence beside him. A silent look was all they needed to understand their assignments: chakra exercises, study, and weapons practice.
After eating, he stood under the spray of the shower, his expression unreadable as the water beat against his face. He dressed mechanically in a grey t-shirt and track pants with white stripes, then secured the Konoha headband across his forehead.
His walk to the Academy was a solitary one. He was the first to enter the classroom, claiming the seat he always occupied. His gaze turned to the window, not seeing the village below, but looking toward a future only he could envision.
'Soon,' Neji thought, 'I can begin my plan.'
His classmates soon trickled in, their excited chatter filling the room. Many cast confused glances his way, whispering about why he was dressed so plainly on the day they were to officially become Genin.
Neji also noticed that Lee had passed, as he now wore the Konoha headband. The only difference was that Lee was already in his signature green spandex suit.
A few minutes later, the instructor finally arrived, carrying a clipboard. He smiled, seeing that all of his students had graduated.
"This is the last piece of advice I will give you," the instructor began. "Since I can't monitor you anymore, remember that you are now protectors of Konohagakure. I wish for all of you to return safely from your missions." He felt a bit sad but continued, "Alright, I will now announce the team assignments and your Jōnin instructors."
The instructor began listing the team numbers and their assigned teachers.
"Team 3: Rock Lee, Tenten, and Hyūga Neji." The instructor continued, "Your Jōnin instructor will be Might Guy."
'The same team. Good,' Neji thought.
The instructor continued listing the teams until every student had been assigned. A wave of shock passed through the class as some learned they had been assigned to Hatake Kakashi.
"Your Jōnin instructors will arrive shortly. Please don't be too noisy; other classes are still teaching their students, okay?" the instructor said.
"Okay!" everyone chorused, Neji's voice joining the rest.
The students began gathering with their new teammates. Neji stood and saw that Tenten had already sat next to Lee, the two exchanging greetings. Lee, spotting Neji approaching, raised his hand and patted the empty seat beside him.
Now, Team 3 was seated together.
Tenten spoke first. She noted that Neji was the only one who seemed completely relaxed, and he was the only one not wearing shinobi gear. Lee, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Why are you wearing that?" Tenten asked, curious. "We're shinobi now. You don't even have a shuriken or kunai pouch."
"Because we won't be doing any missions today," Neji replied calmly.
Lee and Tenten nodded, realizing he was right.
"You have a point," Tenten conceded. She then turned to Lee. "And why are you so excited?"
Before Lee could answer, Neji did. "He's excited because his teacher is our Jōnin instructor."
Tenten looked surprised, but Lee was utterly shocked.
"How did you know?!" he exclaimed.
"There's only one Jōnin who wears a green jumpsuit like that," Neji stated matter-of-factly. "And he's ours."
"You will love Guy-sensei! He burns with the fire of youth!" Lee said, his excitement returning. "He's a wonderful teacher! I'm just surprised you know of him."
Neji offered a faint, knowing smile. 'He was one of my choices for a personal instructor, but I decided to wait. I knew I would be taught by him either way. Even if he weren't our team leader, he's always available.'
"Well, that's a good thing," Tenten replied. "Unlike Team 7 over there. They got Hatake Kakashi. I'd say we're the lucky ones." She then eyed Lee suspiciously. "Wait, did you use some kind of connection? I'm still wondering how you passed the exams and became a Genin."
Lee shook his head vigorously. "I didn't! I passed with the Hokage's recommendation. He saw what I could do with my taijutsu." He quickly changed the subject. "But what's wrong with Jōnin Kakashi?"
Tenten glanced at him. "He's the Jōnin who keeps failing his Genin teams. He sends them all back to the Academy."
"Why?" Lee asked, curious as to why a Jōnin would reject his students.
But before she could answer, a man with a bowl-cut hairstyle and thick eyebrows, clad in an identical green jumpsuit and a flak jacket, appeared at the door.
It was Might Guy.
"Team 3!" he announced with a vibrant smile, his eyes shining as they landed on Lee, Neji, and Tenten. "The springtime of youth awaits! Follow me!"