Naruto: Reborn as Neji Hyuga After Dying in One Piece

Chapter 18 - 18. A Conversation with Hiashi

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Freshly dressed, Neji ran a hand through his loose, still-damp hair.

He adjusted his headband, now cleverly modified into a simple white eyepatch,, and left the underground lab behind.

The day wasn't over yet.

He needed to return home where Hiashi, Hinata, and little Hanabi were surely waiting for him.

---

At the lab's entrance, he called back to Izumi.

"I'm heading out early today. I'll leave the rest to you."

Izumi nodded with a soft smile.

"Be careful."

But the moment the door closed behind him, her smile faded.

A quiet loneliness welled up inside her chest.

He still has family waiting for him...

What about me?

Pain twisted behind her eyes.

She instinctively raised a hand to her face, blinking rapidly.

Strange...

Why do my eyes sting...?

Unknown to her, her Sharingan had awakened once again subtle changes beginning in the depths of her chakra.

But she noticed nothing.

The feeling passed like a ripple across still water.

And she quietly returned to her work.

---

Meanwhile, Neji approached the Hyuga compound.

From a distance, he sensed three figures standing solemnly at the gate.

Hiashi, arms folded behind his back, radiated a quiet authority.

Beside him stood Hinata, nervously glancing down the road.

And clinging to her hand, the tiny firecracker that was Hanabi pouting, impatient.

"Where's Neji-nii?" Hanabi whined, tugging at Hinata's sleeve. "We've been waiting forever!"

Hinata glanced at their father's stern face and whispered reassuringly:

"I'm sure he'll be here soon, Hanabi. Maybe something just delayed him."

"Hmph!" Hanabi puffed her cheeks in exaggerated offense.

'Big dummy Neji-nii. Making me and Sister wait like this... he'd better make it up to us!'

In the midst of her grumbling, a familiar gray-white figure appeared down the road.

Hiashi watched silently as Neji approached.

His gaze lingered meaningfully on the boy's new eyepatch, a visible reminder of old wounds and old sacrifices.

Hiashi's heart stirred with complex emotions.

He had never forgotten Hizashi's death.

Never forgotten Neji's loss.

Nor had he officially named a new successor for the clan.

But Hinata and Hanabi's recent growth... and now Neji's quiet strength...

'Maybe' Hiashi thought 'it's time to truly change'

Neji stopped before them and bowed formally.

"Clan Head. Hinata. Hanabi. Sorry to keep you waiting."

Hiashi gave a rare nod of approval.

Hanabi, however, wasted no time.

"Neji-nii! Do you know how long we've been waiting?!" She stomped her tiny foot and pointed dramatically at him.

"I demand three things:

First — you have to take us out to play!

Second — you have to buy us lots of yummy food!

Third — you have to train with us after!"

She grabbed his leg and clung tightly, her small face puffed up in mock anger.

Hinata blushed, whispering, "Hanabi! That's too much!"

Hanabi stuck her tongue out cheekily.

'Hmph. Silly sister. I'm helping you! You're welcome!'

She grinned, secretly proud of herself.

Neji chuckled softly, ruffling Hanabi's hair.

"Of course," he said. "Once I have free time. Now that I'm a full-fledged shinobi, I'll be busy with missions."

Hanabi tilted her head curiously.

"Neji-nii, is being a genin fun?"

Neji laughed quietly.

"I'm not sure yet," he admitted.

Hanabi frowned.

"But you're already a ninja!"

At that, Hinata sighed and tapped her sister's forehead lightly.

"Dummy," she said affectionately. "Neji-nii just graduated. He hasn't even done his first mission yet."

Hanabi huffed again, crossing her arms.

'Silly sister. Silly Neji-nii. Hmph!'

Hiashi watched the playful exchange in silence.

Then, with a soft smile that seemed out of place on his normally stern face, he spoke:

"Come. Let's continue this inside."

"Yes, Father."

Neji took Hanabi's hand while Hinata followed, and the four entered the main compound together.

---

In the courtyard, the sounds of a bamboo water fountain echoed softly.

Hiashi sat by the edge of the wooden platform, overlooking the small garden.

He gestured for Neji to sit beside him while Hinata and Hanabi chased each other across the grass.

"Tell me," Hiashi said quietly. "Everything."

Neji nodded.

Under the rhythmic sounds of falling water, he recounted the events of the day:

His team assignment.

His new sensei, Might Guy.

His teammates, Tenten and Rock Lee.

Their first test.

Hiashi listened intently, absorbing every word.

When Neji finished, Hiashi nodded in approval.

"You are fortunate," he said thoughtfully.

"Guy is a powerful shinobi. Even I would find it difficult to beat him in pure taijutsu."

He glanced sideways at Neji, his gaze sharp.

"Your own development of a unique Gentle Fist style... this assignment is fitting."

Neji bowed his head slightly.

"I agree."

Hiashi continued, voice low and serious:

"Though your talent may differ from Rock Lee's dedication, do not underestimate him. Hard work, when fueled by spirit, surpasses even natural genius."

He paused.

"You should learn from Guy-sensei's techniques — if you can."

Neji's eyes gleamed with hidden understanding.

"You mean... the Eight Gates?"

Hiashi nodded slowly.

"Yes. The Eight Gates Formation."

His voice grew heavier, almost reverent.

"It is a forbidden art, one few ever master. Those who attempt it face immense pain... and risk death itself. But if you can endure it, if you can grasp it even partially it will become your greatest shield."

Hiashi's hand tightened into a fist.

"The world remembers Might Duy who humbled the Seven Ninja Swordsmen with nothing but pure will and the Eight Gates."

"If you have the will to learn it," Hiashi said, looking directly at Neji, "then do so.

You have my blessing."

Neji exhaled slowly.

He understood the weight of what Hiashi had just given him:

Permission.

Backing.

Support.

In a clan where politics often stifled ambition, this was an open road.

He bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Clan Head."

Hiashi smiled faintly.

"And if the Hokage or others object leave them to me."

His words were calm.

But the steel beneath them was unmistakable.

Neji straightened, heart steady.

Change was coming.

And it would start here.

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