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

Betrayal (Neji's POV)

The morning had begun like any other.
I rose before dawn, as always, and trained in the quiet courtyard of the Hyūga compound. The strikes of my palms against the wooden post echoed sharply, a steady rhythm that kept my mind focused. Discipline, routine, precision — these were the foundations of strength. These were the things I could control.

But today, even as I struck with perfect form, there was a strange unease lingering at the edges of my thoughts. I ignored it, chalking it up to fatigue, until the sound of hurried footsteps reached me.

"Neji Hyūga," a messenger called, bowing quickly. "You're needed. Immediately."

I did not ask questions. A shinobi does not. But as I followed, a faint tension coiled in my chest. Urgency at this hour was not a good omen.

When I arrived at the designated room, I found Shikamaru already waiting. His usual indolent posture was absent; instead, he stood straight, his expression heavy, eyes sharp. Whatever this was, it was serious.

"Neji," he said simply. "We've got a mission. You're coming with me."

I frowned slightly. "What kind of mission requires this level of secrecy?"

For a moment, he hesitated, scratching the back of his neck — but there was no trace of laziness in the motion. He was stalling, searching for the right words. That alone was enough to set my nerves on edge.

Finally, he met my gaze. "Sasuke Uchiha has defected. He left the village last night."

The words were heavy, but not entirely unexpected. Sasuke's path had always been troubled. I felt a flicker of disapproval — reckless, selfish, predictable. But before I could respond, Shikamaru's eyes hardened, and he delivered the second blow.

"...He didn't leave alone. Ryuko went with him."

My body stilled.
It felt as if the air had been forced from my lungs. For the briefest moment, I forgot how to breathe.

"...What?" My voice emerged low, strained, not befitting the calm tone I usually carried.

Shikamaru's expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes — regret, maybe pity. "She chose to go. Our intel confirms it. She and Sasuke are heading toward Orochimaru."

Orochimaru.

The name was poison in my ears. That monster, that snake — she had gone to him? No. No, it couldn't be. Not Ryuko. She was stubborn, reckless, sharp-tongued — yes — but not blind. Not someone who would throw herself into the arms of the very darkness we swore to fight against.

I clenched my fists tightly at my sides, nails biting into my palms. But outwardly, I forced stillness onto my face. I was Hyūga. I was not supposed to falter.

And yet... inside, my thoughts were chaos.

I remembered her standing in front of me just last night, her eyes catching the glow of the lanterns, her smile playful yet fleeting. The warmth of her hand brushing mine, the quiet sincerity when she told me to take care of myself.

At the time, I thought it was simple affection — awkward, sweet, new. But now... now I understood. It had been a goodbye. She already knew. She had already decided.

My throat tightened, but I did not let it show.

"You want me to retrieve them," I said, my voice measured, as if speaking through a layer of frost.

Shikamaru nodded. "We don't have a choice.Lady Hokage put me in charge. You're one of the strongest among us, Neji. We'll need your Byakugan, your skill... and your resolve."