Sasuke's twin sister, But Neji's first love

Ryuko Arises

My eyes snapped open.

The forest around me pulsed with energy—and something darker, more primal.

I rose slowly, my limbs steady but tingling. Power crackled around me like lightning caught in a cage.
Purple chakra coiled off my skin, and the Sharingan spun furiously in my eyes.

Black flame-like marks spread across the left side of my face and body—Orochimaru's gift.
And in this moment, I didn't hate it.

I welcomed it.

Across the clearing, Sasuke mirrored me—cursed, awakened, burning with similar energy.

Then I saw them.
The Sound ninja.
Ino, Shikamaru, Choji.
Neji's team.

And Neji himself—his gaze already locked onto mine.

Emotionless. Calculating. Calm.
But I knew better.
I could feel his worry.

Then my eyes landed on her—Sakura.
Bloody, bruised, hair a jagged mess.

My jaw clenched.
I didn't like her.
But no one got to humiliate her like that. No one but me.

"Sakura. Who did this to you?" I asked, voice cold and steady.

"Who was it?" Sasuke added, tone void of warmth.

She hesitated. "What happened to you guys...?"

"We're fine," Sasuke answered smoothly. "Never felt better."

I didn't say anything. I just stared. Straight into Neji's eyes.
Wondering what he was thinking.

⸻

Neji's Thoughts

She's changed.

That chakra... it's dark. Unstable. The mark on her skin pulses with something unnatural.

But even surrounded by rage, she's still precise. Focused. Controlled.

Ryuko isn't lost. Not yet.

And I'll make sure she doesn't fall further.

⸻

Back to Ryuko

Sasuke moved on one of the Sound ninja.

I focused on the girl.

Drawing a kunai, I stalked forward.
"Ino!! Get back in your body!! She's gonna kill you if you don't!" Shikamaru shouted from behind the bushes.

"Get out of her body," I said flatly. "Before I make you regret it."

The sound-nin girl collapsed—Ino had returned to her own body.

I stood over her.

And kicked her.

"Wake up."

Another kick.

She grabbed my ankle, trying to drag me down. I used her face as leverage, flipping off her with a smooth motion. Blood dripped from her nose.

"I see you had fun with Sakura," I said, my voice a razor. "Let's see how it feels when the tables turn."

The fight began.

She blocked. Dodged. Fought back.

But I was stronger. Faster.

"Fire Style: Spider Lily Jutsu!"
A cascade of fiery flowers exploded across the battlefield. She tried to leap away—too late. The blast caught her, sending her crashing into the dirt.

I appeared behind her.
Fist in her hair. Foot between her shoulder blades.

"You're not laughing anymore," I whispered.

I pulled a kunai and sawed through her hair. Let it rain around her like ash.
She screamed in fury.

"You brat! I'll kill you!"

She lunged. I disarmed her and lifted her by the throat.

Her feet dangled. She clawed at my hands.

"Let... me... go—"

I didn't move.

⸻

"Ryuko. That's enough."

The voice was firm. Steady. Calm.

I tightened my grip.

A hand touched my shoulder.
Warm. Grounding.

"Stop. You'll kill her," Neji said, voice low. "And this isn't who you are."

I hesitated.

Neji.

I turned, still gripping her neck. His eyes locked onto mine—gentle, but unwavering.

I released her. She fell, gasping.

I stared at Neji. Then stepped toward him slowly, hand still wrapped around his.

The cursed marks began to retreat into my skin.

Darkness crept in—

And everything went black.

⸻

Neji's POV

She stumbled—and I caught her before she fell.

Even with cursed energy crawling across her skin, her body sagged into mine without hesitation.

She trusted me. That alone was enough.

The marks faded. Her eyes dimmed to their usual crimson glow.

We stood in silence.

Her eyes were locked on mine.

⸻

Back to Ryuko

"So," I smirked faintly, "you are always watching me, Hyuga."

His gaze didn't waver.
But I saw it.
The smallest flicker of heat on his cheeks.

He turned away, clearing his throat.

I walked toward Sasuke, but noticed a presence behind me.

Neji.

I raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?"

"Just making sure you stay conscious," he said coolly.

I rolled my eyes. "If you care about me, you could just say that. Actually—want to carry me?"

I lifted my hands half-jokingly.

To my shock—he picked me up.

"W-What the hell are you doing?! I was joking!" I blurted, turning red.

He didn't answer. Just smirked slightly as he carried me with practiced ease toward Sasuke.

When he set me down gently, I muttered a quiet, "Thanks."

He nodded once. Then turned to Sasuke.

The two stared at each other for a long, silent beat.
A silent agreement passed between them.

Then Neji turned and walked to regroup with his team.

⸻

Neji's Thoughts (As He Walks Away)

She thinks she's alone in this darkness.

She isn't.

Even if she doesn't ask—
Even if she never says it—

I'll be the one standing in the shadows beside her.
Always.

She doesn't realize it yet...

I'll always be the one pulling her back.
Even if I have to fall with her to do it.