A Strange New Life || Isekai'd Reader To Naruto World

Stolen Light

[Third Person's POV]

A heavy silence filled the air as Neji stood before Kakashi, his usual pristine appearance now marred by battle. His breath was steady, but his clenched fists betrayed his turmoil. The dim candlelight in Kakashi’s office flickered against the walls, casting long, uncertain shadows—ones that matched the unease settling in the room.

Kakashi, seated behind his desk, observed Neji carefully. The Hyūga prodigy was rarely shaken, yet there was something uncharacteristically tense about him tonight.

“She’s gone,” Neji finally said, voice sharp and controlled, but the slight waver at the end did not go unnoticed. “(Y/n) was taken.”

Kakashi’s single eye narrowed, his grip on the armrest tightening. “Explain.”

Neji exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to remain calm. “Danzo sent his Root ANBU after her. We fought them off, but then Zetsu appeared.” His jaw tensed. “It wasn’t a coincidence. Someone else was watching.”

Kakashi’s expression darkened. Zetsu. The name alone sent a cold chill through his spine. If the Akatsuki were involved, this was far more than just Danzo’s usual scheming.

Neji’s fists clenched harder. “She fought back. I fought with her. But… I wasn’t fast enough.” His voice dipped lower, frustration seeping in. “She was taken right in front of me.”

Silence stretched between them.

Kakashi inhaled deeply. He could feel Neji’s guilt pressing down on him like a weight he couldn’t shake off. But guilt wouldn’t save (Y/n). Strategy would.

He leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk. “Tsunade is still in a coma. If she were awake, she would never let this slide but right now, we have to be smart.”

Neji’s eyes sharpened. “And what does ‘smart’ entail, sensei? Sitting and doing nothing while she’s—”

“We’re not doing nothing,” Kakashi interrupted, voice calm but firm. “We’re gathering information. If Danzo is involved, this isn’t just about (Y/n) anymore. This is political. If we make a move now without evidence, it gives him more power.”

Neji grit his teeth, but he understood. His fingers twitched at his sides, itching to act, to do something other than just wait.

The door slid open abruptly.

Maito Gai stepped in, his expression uncharacteristically grim. His usual booming energy was absent, replaced with something deadly quiet. His gaze flickered to Neji, then to Kakashi. “Tell me everything,” he demanded.

And so, Neji did.

With every word Danzo’s involvement, the ANBU attack, the appearance of Zetsu. Gai’s expression darkened further. His hands, usually relaxed, were now curled into tight fists. “That girl… she is one of my students,” Gai murmured, voice strained with barely contained fury. “And now she’s in the hands of enemies.”

“We’ll get her back,” Kakashi assured. “But we have to do this the right way.”

Neji remained silent, but in his heart, he made a silent vow.

We will find you, (Y/n). No matter what it takes.

The tension in the Hokage’s office was suffocating. Kakashi stood at the head of the room, arms crossed as he surveyed the trusted jōnin he had called upon. Gai, Yamato, Kurenai, and Shikaku Nara were present. The gravity of the situation was written on all their faces.

Neji stood by the window, silent but visibly tense. He had been the one to witness (Y/n)’s abduction, and the weight of that truth sat heavily on his shoulders.