Chapter 8
"Really, what did you talk to Neji about just now?"
Before they realized it, classes were over, and Tenten, instead of leaving as usual, leaned against the desk, her eyes fixed on Uchiha Makoto. She had stayed behind deliberately, curiosity sparked by the strange exchange between him and Neji after their spar.
"Neji wanted to know how I managed to counter his Gentle Fist. And I wanted to learn something about him too, so we agreed to meet at the training field after school," Makoto replied, raising an eyebrow casually.
"It's you—why didn't you head home early today?"
"My parents are busy with the ninja tools shop. It's not a big deal if I stay a little longer."
"Then is it okay if I come too?"
Tenten put on a mock teary expression, trying to coax Makoto into letting her tag along.
Makoto smirked and chopped her lightly on the head with his hand.
"Of course, I don't mind. But it depends on Neji-kun's mood. We'll go together first and see if he agrees."
"Ouch! That hurts, idiot!"
Tenten crouched, clutching her head, glaring up at him in disbelief that he'd strike her like that.
"Hah, today I'll finally get a taste of Uchiha arrogance!"
She puffed her cheeks and lunged at him, swinging her arms playfully.
"Stop fooling around. Don't you want to know why I needed to ask Neji those questions?"
Makoto caught her hands mid-swing and held her still, looking at her seriously.
Startled, Tenten froze, then asked, "Fine then… what exactly do you want from Neji?"
"You two barely spoke before today's match, and suddenly you're inviting him after school. Why Neji of all people?"
Her curiosity burned even hotter, but Makoto's next words were surprisingly simple.
In his mind, he recalled an old teaching from his past life: it is better to make friends than enemies. To survive as a shinobi—and someday to change the shinobi system itself—he needed allies with conviction. And Hyūga Neji, the prodigy of the Hyūga branch family, was precisely the type of comrade worth winning over.
Though branded with the Caged Bird Seal and burdened by fate, Neji was still hailed as a genius, his potential undeniable. Unlike others, he claimed not to care about likes or dislikes, and his dream was only to become a strong shinobi. To Makoto, that hinted at deeper scars—stories that had yet to be told. And in those stories lay a chance to reach him.
Wooing? No… that sounded manipulative. A true Uchiha heir like me should say: I'll build bonds through friendship.
With that thought, he gave Tenten his answer.
"I just noticed Neji always goes home alone. His introduction and his words about strength made me feel he carries a story no one else sees. If I want to become Hokage one day, how could I ignore someone like that? Of course I want to be his friend."
Stars lit up in Tenten's eyes. "Then I want to be friends with Neji too!"
"By the way, why do both of you walk home alone? My parents are tied up with shop work, but you two come from big clans. Shouldn't someone be waiting for you?"
Makoto smiled faintly. "For me… my parents and grandmother passed away, so I walk home alone. As for Neji-kun, I think his situation is different, but he must have his reasons."
Tenten gasped, guilt flashing across her face. "Ah—sorry! I didn't mean to bring up something painful!"
She bowed apologetically, feeling ashamed. Normally she was careful not to dig into private matters, but somehow she'd slipped.
Why am I like this around him? she wondered.
Makoto, unfazed, simply rested a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. I'm not alone anymore. I have new friends now—like you."
Tenten froze, suddenly aware of how close they were, the warmth of his hand spreading across her shoulder.
"Uh… right! Anyway, let's go—Neji's probably waiting already!"
She quickly pulled away, striding toward the training field. "Hurry up, Makoto!"
Makoto blinked, puzzled by her sudden change in tone. He had been ready to press his "friendship offensive" a little further, but Tenten's brisk move to bring Neji into the picture cut him off mid-plan.
Of course, Tenten also fell within the scope of Uchiha Makoto's strategy.
After spending some time with her, Uchiha was surprised to discover several traits that set her apart.
Tenten was lively and cheerful, someone who genuinely cared about her teammates, and her dream—like she once declared to the class—was to become a legendary kunoichi, a female ninja as strong as Tsunade of the Sannin.
She was also a little careless, often blurting out complaints about Makoto's teasing or Nishio-sensei's endless chalkboard lectures.
It was always easy to get a reaction out of her, which was why Uchiha frequently teased her—her flustered responses amused him.
These qualities made Makoto feel less like he was talking to a shinobi-in-training, and more like he was speaking to the kind of ordinary girl he might have known in his previous world.
Of course, there was also another detail he couldn't ignore—Tenten came from a well-off family.
In all the time they'd known each other, Uchiha had never once seen her wear the same set of clothes twice. Considering that her family ran a successful ninja tool shop, it was obvious she came from money. Tenten was, without a doubt, a "rich loli."
And honestly, who wouldn't like a girl like that?
Recalling her flushed expression and awkward movements earlier, Uchiha's expression gradually turned odd.
"Wait… does Tenten like me?"
If that were the case, then kids in this world matured way too fast.
Uchiha had no interest in being some kind of lolicon—six years old was simply too young.
But thinking carefully, he realized ninja children did mature early. He couldn't even remember what he was doing at age six in his previous life, but here? These students already gossiped about who was the most handsome boy in class, or argued endlessly about which famous shinobi was the strongest.
He sighed inwardly. Was this really six years old?
Most likely, he was just overthinking it. Tenten probably didn't want Neji to be kept waiting too long.
Shaking off the thought, Uchiha followed after her with a few quick steps, and together they made their way toward the playground.
What he didn't know, however, was that Tenten's face, hidden from his view, was already crimson.
When they reached the open grounds, a group of students had gathered, their chatter echoing across the field. Makoto glanced around, quickly spotting Neji sitting calmly under a tree, his pale eyes fixed on the sky above.
"Come on! Neji's over there," Tenten pointed.
The two of them walked toward the Hyūga prodigy, who leaned against the trunk with his arms folded, expression unreadable.
Uchiha lifted his gaze briefly, catching sight of a swallow gliding through the afternoon air.
"You're finally here, Uchiha Makoto," Neji said quietly, without even turning his head.