Caged Birds Lullaby

chapter 31

Neji sighed in relief. Lee had finally woken up and even had the energy to scold them both for lazing around instead of training. At the sight of Tenten's tears he had declared that nothing will stop in his way of becoming a great ninja. This hade made his teammates smile and sensei hug his student in a waterfall of tears and a sunset genjutsu.

Good old Lee.

It was really nice seeing him the same. He really hoped something could be done about his condition. He had asked a few medics, and all of them said its hopeless..unless…

Unless Tsunade came. They had repeated what Naruto had told him. He was beginning to hope for the better.

Without Rock Lee, Team Gai wouldn't be what they are now. Tenten refused to believe that's Lee would be forever doomed. No. and Neji agreed with her wholeheartedly.

They had even discussed his own training, Lee screaming about his flames of youth. It was decided that Tenten would help him practice his Juuken, and Gai would spar with him daily, instructing and helping him on different points.

But at first, he would have to ask Hiashi-sama for help as well.

This was why he was slowly making his way to the compound. Reaching the gates, he entered and went in the direction of the main house, located in the center, near a garden. Hinata tended to it, sometimes accompanied by her sister. It was beautiful. His feet stopped for a second as he started at the variety of flowers and colors. Among the pink, red, yellow and violet, there was only one single blue flower.

Blue…like her eyes..

"Neji?"

The boy jumped slightly and looked around. Hyuuga Hiashi was standing right in front of him in all his glory, eyebrows raised and arms crossed across his chest.

Neji composed his face in a perfect pokerface.

"Uncle."

His white eyes where staring at him intently.

"You where headed this way.", stated the clan head.

The younger boy nodded.

"I was looking for you, uncle. I wish to be stronger. Will you train me for the exams?"

He really hoped that wasn't too brash or rushed. He was used to expressing what he wanted in front of Hiashi without batting an eyelash, always straightforward. He just hoped that this time it won't be against him as usual.

"Very well. But my training is going to be very harsh. Are you ready for that?"

Neji nodded, making sure to let some of his feelings seep into his facial expression. Hiashi liked reading people. Well, he would show him what he wanted to see then. After all, he wasn't lying. He needed this training.

"We shall start tomorrow then. Make sure to finish everything before 8 pm. After that hour until midnight we shall train."

"Hai, Hiashi-sama."

Inside he wanted to skip a dance like a certain blonde would have done. He smiled, thinking of her. She was such an idiot sometimes.

Wait..what the hell?

Why was he thinking of her…again?

Certain moments from the past flashed in his mind, like on a replay button. The kiss, their meeting, the hotspring, the hugs..

"Something is bothering you, boy."

This time he really jumped. In his daze he had forgotten about the older man completely.