NOVEL WEB Chapter 168: 168. Date?
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Back at the Hokage Tower, Neji stood before Tsunade, who was lazily reclining in the Hokage's chair, with Shizune dutifully by her side.
He crossed his arms, brow raised. "So, what exactly did you call me here for, sensei?"
It wasn't impatience more like low-key unease. Because next to him stood a Sand Village ninja, quietly observing him with a faint smirk.
That ninja was none other than Temari now a full-fledged Jonin.
Tsunade glanced at Neji and chuckled.
"You're aware we've been coordinating with the Sand Village for the upcoming Chūnin Exams, right?"
Neji nodded. "I thought Shikamaru was handling that?"
"He was," Tsunade replied, stretching her back. "But something came up. He's out for the day, and lucky me I caught you doing absolutely nothing. So, congratulations! You're in charge of wrap-up duties."
Neji blinked. "You're serious?"
"Oh, don't act so tortured," Tsunade smirked. "The heavy lifting's already done. You're just escorting Temari out, tying up loose ends. Real simple."
Escort her? Like… diplomatically? Or romantically?
Neji sighed inwardly.
He actually kind of shipped Temari and Shikamaru. They were one of the only proper couples in the whole village not like the fake tension stuff most others had.
But Temari always seemed oddly fixated on him.
Still… she was attractive, sharp, and confident. Not a bad person to be caught alone with.
Looks like I am too handsome and charming.
Guess I'll see how it plays out.
"Fine. Got it."
Tsunade waved him off with a mischievous grin. "Good. Just don't embarrass the village. She's not cargo you can leave behind."
Does she think I'm that irresponsible?
Neji shot her a dry look and turned toward Temari. "Let's go."
Temari gave him a glance, neutral, unreadable, and nodded. "Alright."
As they walked off, Tsunade exchanged a smirk with Shizune.
---
The pair made quick work of their official duties.
Now all that was left… was the send-off.
They wandered through the streets of Konoha, side by side. It looked suspiciously like a date to bystanders.
Temari occasionally glanced at Neji's stark white hair something that had caught her attention earlier. But she hadn't had a good moment to ask.
Why do I feel so awkward around him? I'm not usually like this.
Finally, she asked, "Hey… your hair. Why is it all white now?"
Neji chuckled softly. "Honestly? I don't know. It happened during training a few nights ago. Some kind of breakthrough. Might be a side effect of my… evolving bloodline."
Between the [Shikotsumyaku] and [Wood Release], Neji's DNA had drifted far from the original Hyūga lineage.
Temari's eyes softened a bit.
'So it's because of his clan? Because he's Hyūga?'
She bit back the thought.
'No. That's not what I care about. I'm not that kind of woman. I don't chase bloodlines. I value strength and independence.'
She clenched her fist silently, trying to shove her hesitation down.
Just then—
"Temari! Neji!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Sakura ran toward them, beaming. "Hey! Look who's back!"
Naruto bounded behind her with a goofy grin.
Temari tilted her head, unimpressed. "Isn't that the little shorty?"
Neji burst into laughter.
Even Sakura covered her mouth, giggling.
"Hey!" Naruto pouted. "I've grown, okay?!"
Then his eyes narrowed suspiciously at Neji and Temari walking so… cozily.
"Wait, weren't you just at the Hokage's office, Neji?"
"Yeah," Neji replied evenly. "Sensei sent me out for this."
"Ohhh…" Naruto smirked. "So it's a date, huh?"
Neji raised an eyebrow. This kid was bolder than he used to be.
Just as he was about to respond—
"No, absolutely not!"
Temari waved her hands like crazy. "Not a date! Definitely not!"
Naruto deflated, slumping over in defeat.
Dang… one day I'll stop getting crushed like this… maybe.
Neji chuckled and spared the poor guy.
"Relax. It's not like that. Shikamaru got called away, and I'm just stepping in. The exam stuff is all done. I'm just escorting Temari back."
Temari nodded with a polite hum.
Naruto looked nostalgic. "The Chūnin Exams, huh? Brings back memories."
Neji patted his shoulder, tone mockingly somber.
"By the way, Naruto… You're the only one from our year who's still a Genin. I'm a Jonin now. So is Temari."
Naruto froze.
WHAT?!
"Even Sakura here made Chūnin," Neji added casually.
Sakura flashed a proud peace sign. "Damn right!"
Naruto stared at all of them.
His soul quietly left his body.
The world where only I suffer.
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