Ascension (Sequel to Ruination)

[21] Truth

Hi guys! I'm super confused on who to ship her with but whatever! And I know that Yuzuki was acting like she was on crack or something in this chapter but you'll find out why in the next chapter. Is not edited.

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Neji crossed his arms over his chest, giving his teammate a flat look. "You know a part of my skillset is tracking, right? I saw you with my Byakugan."

"To know I was in the palace would mean that you were already looking for me... Were you worried about me, Neji?" Yuzuki giggled at the scowl on his face, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

"Oh don't look so mad! I'm only teasing. Of course, you were worried about me!" Snorting at the indignant expression painted on his features, the Hatake waved her hand, dismissing his attitude.

"You're so uptight. But I guess that will never change, huh?"

"I'm not uptight, I just don't like to fool around on missions."

"Ah yes, denial. Classic reaction," snickering, the girl stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's ok to be uptight. Not all of us have that quality so it's important that at least one of us is strict."

Eyebrow twitching, Neji clenched his jaw in annoyance. "This is no time to be messing around!" He hissed, glaring at her.

"I guess you're right," pouted the girl. Then, out of nowhere, she smacked his arm, hard. "That's for getting us all distracted and causing the mission to be compromised!"

"Lower your voice!" The Hyuuga warned, gesturing to the people down below. They had all gone silent, looking around for the source of the noise they had heard. Pulling her further onto the ledge, out of view from the people down below, he gave her a pointed look. "That was partly your fault, remember? You were keeping important information from us."

"Yeah, I know you were mad at me but you could have had a little faith in me, at least." Grumbled Yuzuki, her lips forming into a frown as she tilted her head down.

"I know... and I...I'm sorry," he spoke, his voice was strained as he did so. The silver-headed ninja's eyes widened, her mouth dropping open as she peered up at him. This was unexpected. Neji was never the type to say sorry, he was very prideful and arrogant. It wasn't as bad as before the Chunin exams when he was filled with hatred and tried to kill Hinata.

Now, he was finally able to say sorry. It did seem like it pained him to even say it, considering the look of anguish on his pale face. Yuzuki then grinned, throwing herself at him while wrapping her arms around his neck. Neji stumbled back in surprise before regaining his footing. "I can't believe you just apologized... to me! This is so exciting!" She squealed.

"Didn't I say to be quiet?!" Hissed the Jonin, smacking the back of her head.

"How do you expect me to not be excited? You're arrogant, and prideful to an infuriating extent. But you said sorry!" There were stars in her eyes as she began to jump up and down in joy, her arms still wrapped around him.

"Alright! Alright! Just quiet down!"

"Now it sounds like you need to quiet down," Yuzuki quipped, her voice much softer now.

Neji let out an exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes. Silence fell over the two and, without thinking, he rested a hand on the back of her head while wrapping his other arm around her waist. They made a silent agreement that they would have a discussion about their feelings moving forward before pulling away from each other.

Coughing quietly, Neji crouched down near the end of the ledge, his eyes scanning the scene before him. His eyes narrowed as his nose scrunched in disgust. Now he understood why she was so adamant about not telling them and insisting that she investigate herself. It would have been hard to face the Feudal Lord knowing what he was doing behind the scenes.