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Tsunade regarded him with rare softness.
"You've grown, Neji. It won't be long before you surpass me."
Neji forced a polite smile, but inside he was screaming. 'Please, no. Don't say it. I'm not interested in being the village head.'
He'd said it before, and he meant it: Only an idiot volunteers to be Hokage.
Sensing his unease, Tsunade waved the thought aside. "Relax. I'm not about to step down yet. Not while Akatsuki is running wild. Until that's settled, I can't rest easy."
The tension in Neji's chest eased. Then his eyes flicked to the bottle crumpling in her grip. Poor thing. Wrong place, wrong time. It didn't deserve that squeeze.
"Sensei," he asked instead, "any word from Jiraiya-sama?"
Tsunade sighed. "He claims he's close to uncovering Akatsuki's hideout. Right now he's… investigating."
Neji's Byakugan overlay projected the truth: Jiraiya crouched at the corner of a woman's bathhouse roof, giggling like a toad. 'Investigation, huh? Some habits never die.'
Tsunade's expression hardened. "Akatsuki's roster is filled with S-rank rogues from every village. Whoever's holding the reins must be terrifyingly strong."
Neji nodded. Pain the Six Paths, Nagato called himself "God." And honestly? He wasn't wrong. Almost no one could face him head-on. Almost. These days, I can.
He thought of his own steady climb. Three-Tails' chakra, Two-Tails' vessel, Sasori's experience points, and Tsunade's sparring sessions every fight pushed him higher. His system now put him at Level 53, brushing close to his second awakening. With a little more "training"…
"Neji," Tsunade interrupted his musings, "Naruto must be protected at all costs. I'm trusting you with that. Few know your true strength use it as our hidden safeguard."
Neji dipped his head. "Understood. I'll keep him safe."
'Safe, yes… though the Nine-Tails' chakra, I'll be keeping for myself. But first Naruto needs to grow strong enough to break that seal.'
His thoughts flickered. Maybe I should use [Impure World Reincarnation] to summon the past Kage for some 'training.' A quick grind to reach Second Awakening… then even Kaguya won't be a problem.
Their rest finished, both pulled their clothes back on. Tsunade stretched, rolling her shoulders.
"Enough brooding. Let's head back. That spar left me drenched." She gave a wolfish grin. "C'mon, brat. Join me in the bath."
Neji chuckled faintly, used to her boldness. Jiraiya's ribs were shattered for taking that offer literally. Lesson learned: she teases, you smile, and you survive.
…
Back at the Hokage Tower, Shizune wrinkled her nose as the two entered.
"Tsunade-sama, Neji you reek of sweat. If there's nothing urgent, go wash up, please."
Tsunade bristled. "Sweat? This is the scent of victory, Shizune." She hooked an arm around Neji's shoulders and leaned in mischievously. "Tell her. Don't I smell good?"
Neji turned his head away. Is this really the Hokage? Honestly.
Shizune swooped in like a guardian angel, tugging him out of Tsunade's grip. "Enough, Hokage-sama. Quit tormenting the boy. Bath. Now."
Tsunade's brow twitched, a vein pulsing. "A boy? Watch your words, Shizune…"
"Bath," Shizune repeated firmly, unflinching. "I already had the hot water drawn."
Neji blinked in admiration. Only Shizune can pull Tsunade's leash without losing a limb.
Shizune turned at the doorway. "You too, Neji. Wash up."
He sniffed his shirt. Dirt, dust, and yeah something else. Fair. "On it."
He headed toward his private lab. But as he approached the door, he sensed someone waiting. The chakra was familiar, soft yet steady.
Hinata.
She stood by the entrance, fingers knit together, eyes rising shyly to meet his. "N-Neji-nii… you smell like you just finished training."
He offered a wry smile. "Tsunade-sensei and I sparred. Come in I need a shower first."
Inside, he pointed her toward snacks and drinks before heading to the underground bath. When he returned, hair damp, clad in a robe, Hinata was still seated quietly.
She rose, stepping behind him, and reached for the towel in his hands. "Let me."
Neji handed it over, and her gentle strokes worked through his hair. "So… why'd you come find me?"
Her hands hesitated. Her voice was quiet, almost swallowed.
"Since the last mission… You hadn't come home. I worried…"
It had taken all her courage just to appear here. Hanabi had shoved her to the door and bolted, leaving her to stew in nerves until Neji returned.
"Sorry," Neji murmured. "Too many things on my plate. I'll let you know next time."
Hinata's lips curved, relief flushing her cheeks pink. "Mm."
She fetched a dryer, finishing the job with care. Neji closed his eyes, letting himself enjoy it. It had been too long since he'd had a moment this warm, this quiet with Hinata simply by his side.
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