Evening.
Neji and Kimimaro emerged separately from the interrogation rooms in the Anbu headquarters.
The Hidden Leaf's investigation into the Akatsuki's prior invasion was still ongoing. During that battle, Neji and Kimimaro had clashed with Shinno, who had activated the Eight Gates Released Formation. According to witnesses, the two had managed to hold off Shinno in his Gate of Shock state for quite some time. As a result, they were summoned to the Anbu headquarters under the pretense of "assisting the investigation."
Meeting at the entrance of the Anbu building, Neji and Kimimaro exchanged a glance.
Neji asked, "What did they ask you?"
Kimimaro shook his head, his expression calm. "Just details about the battle."
"Oh." Neji let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the village was only seeking confirmation on how they managed to withstand Shinno in his Gate of Shock state and gather intelligence on him. They hadn't launched a full investigation into the two of them. Otherwise, the bio-exoskeleton on their bodies would've been impossible to conceal.
After a brief exchange, Neji and Kimimaro parted ways with mutual understanding. Both knew they carried too many secrets.
Not to mention their membership in the Akatsuki, one of them had been entrusted by the soul of Hagoromo Otsutsuki from the moon to resolve the crisis of the Otsutsuki branch family's world-ending plans. The other was Orochimaru's spy within the village.
Exposure of any of these identities would cause an uproar in the village.
What unsettled them even more was the bio-exoskeleton on their bodies, currently in a dormant state.
Since the last battle, their bio-exoskeleton had fallen silent, unresponsive to their calls.
At first, they didn't think much of it. But as time passed, they began to sense that the bio-exoskeleton was undergoing some kind of transformation, as if it were brewing something.
Having grown accustomed to the bio-exoskeleton—even considering it part of their bodies—its mysterious changes filled them with growing unease.
...
Back at the Hyuga Clan Compound.
Neji arrived at the main family's estate and reported to the clan head, Hiashi, about his cooperation with the Anbu investigation.
After confirming the village harbored no suspicions toward Neji, Hiashi said, "It's getting late. Go rest."
"Yes!" Neji bowed respectfully and left the estate.
Back at his home, Neji secured the doors and windows, then slowly removed his shirt in his bedroom, gazing at his chest.
As his integration with the bio-exoskeleton deepened, its once-pale color had grown closer to his own skin tone. From the outside, it was nearly indistinguishable from his body.
Gently touching the bio-exoskeleton, Neji called out, "'H,' are you there?"
After a long silence, there was no response.
Sigh
Neji let out a quiet breath.
Just as he was about to put his shirt back on, his expression shifted. He noticed the eyelids of the enhanced Pure Byakugan on his back twitch slightly, as if they were about to open.
At the same time, in his apartment, Kimimaro also sensed something unusual from his bio-exoskeleton, his eyes filled with uncertainty and surprise.
...
Late at Night.
As Shinji prepared for bed, he routinely used Jikibi to check on his marked members.
"Hm?"
When he sensed Neji, he let out a soft sound of surprise. He detected a chakra signature from Neji that was distinctly different from before. Immediately, he used Jikibi to contact Neji and inquire about the cause.
After receiving Neji's feedback, Shinji's eyes lit up. Through Jikibi, he issued orders to Neji and Kimimaro.
...
In the Forest of Death.
Swish, swish
With the sound of rustling wind, Neji and Kimimaro landed in front of a large tree.
"Is this the place?"
"Yes, it should be."
The two exchanged quiet words.
Meeting during the Ninja Alliance summit was no small matter, so after careful consideration, Shinji had chosen the Forest of Death as the rendezvous point.
Using the advantage of his Byakugan, Neji had skillfully avoided several patrol teams and Anbu sentries, leading Kimimaro stealthily into the forest.
At that moment, Shinji, dressed in Akatsuki garb, stepped out from the shadows and approached Neji and Kimimaro.
"Leader!" Neji and Kimimaro bowed in unison.
"Remove your shirts," Shinji ordered casually.
Neji and Kimimaro immediately stripped off their tops, revealing their upper bodies.
Without wasting words, Shinji's gaze fixed on the bio-exoskeleton on their bodies, examining it closely.
After a while, with a hypothesis forming, Shinji commanded, "Merge!"
Neji hesitated. "Leader, we can't awaken the bio-exoskeleton right now. We're not sure if we can enter the merged state."
Shinji replied, "Try it and find out."
Neji stepped toward Kimimaro. "Kimimaro, 'F,' let's give it a try."
In past mergers, they had worn their Akatsuki uniforms. Tonight, Shinji's summons had been urgent, and changing into the red-cloud cloaks would've been inconvenient for moving through the village, so they met with their true faces.
Kimimaro nodded. "Alright."
The two stood back-to-back, pressing close, and attempted to awaken their bio-exoskeleton.
To their astonishment, as they drew near, the previously unresponsive bio-exoskeleton reacted.
A familiar sensation of connection surged through them.
"It actually worked!?" Neji and Kimimaro were both shocked.
Shinji approached, saying softly, "'H,' begin."
The previously dormant 'H' responded immediately. "Now? I'm worried they won't be able to handle it!"
Neji's face lit up with joy. "'H,' you're awake?"
Even Kimimaro's usually stoic face showed a ripple of emotion.
'H' explained, "Yes, I woke up some time ago, but I couldn't respond to you."
Neji asked, puzzled, "Why not?"
'H' sounded helpless. "If I fully awaken, it could trigger a massive chakra fusion within you both, which carries risks—even potentially life-threatening ones. So, I've had to remain dormant."
"A massive chakra fusion!?" Neji paused, then seemed to realize something, exclaiming, "You mean… a complete nature fusion of the chakra from all three of us? That would mean…"
"Tenseigan!" Kimimaro finished the word Neji left unsaid.
'H' confirmed, "Yes, the three of us have already reached that threshold. One more step, and I could awaken the Tenseigan, corresponding to the one on the moon!"