Drifter

6. Whispers in the Dark

❝Be the light that helps others see.❞

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SIX:

WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Dull.

It was how Neji would describe the week that was nearing its end, hopefully to give birth to less dull beginnings. The last few days had been filled by a deafening silence which kept reminding him of his unfortunate situation, of his disability. A feeling of loneliness was comfortably wrapped around his soul, threatening to break his willpower.

The absence of his friends fell like a heavy weight upon his stiff shoulders, but something else plagued him. He was unable to explain it, not even to himself; yet the feeling was there in his aching heart. It had been his idea, his plea. But the reality which sprouted from the consequences of her accepting was as shocking as confusing.

In merely a couple of weeks, Neji had become used to her - to her refreshing presence, to her healing touch and her brutal honesty. Sayoko had carved her name in his soul; her mysterious character never ceased to demand his undivided attention, but it was the way she didn't sugar-coat her words what he needed most.

With so many nurses, so many empty words of understanding from his friends... It was oddly refreshing to have someone who gave him the truth on a cold plate.

However, those days had also given him time to mull things over and more questions had appeared. Who really was she? How did she know so much about his clan, when she herself was from another village? Where did she come from, and what was the story behind her arrival there? Her hatred towards the person who had saved his life was as clear as a cloudless sky, but at the same time, she was following that person's steps by looking after him.

There was a big, black cloud surrounding her.

A knock on the door brought him back to the room he had been confined into. With a tilt of his head, he voiced, "Come in."

Having expected a nurse, surprise shook him when he felt a familiar chakra. Light footsteps echoed within the four walls, before the door closed and silenced the ruckus that always rang in the hallways.

"Hiashi-sama," he greeted with a slight bow.

The Head of the Hyuga appeared to be surprised, for he paused in the middle of the room. "How did you know it was me, Neji?"

Said man stilled, suddenly realizing his mistake. The only reason he was able to see without eyes was Sayoko's subtle teachings; it was because of her that he was able to notice her presence even before she slipped into the room, or identify someone by searching their chakra.

"I thought I heard your voice," he lied smoothly, making sure to keep his voice even.

Hiashi hummed and approached his sitting position on the bed. "I see. How are you feeling?"

"Alive," he replied while straightening; he hated looking weak in front of others, especially someone like Hiashi Hyuga. "I believe you must have read my diagnosis."

"Indeed, I have. It's a miracle you are still breathing, but I am glad nonetheless."

Neji responded with another bow, but no words left his mouth. Something about his visit was off; he was certain the real reason behind wasn't checking on him. After the war, clans as important as the Hyuga were the ones restoring the village. There was no time for visiting the injured, especially for trivial matters.

"I know they haven't been able to treat your eyes," Hiashi eventually spoke up. "However, your files speak of an improvement."

Ah, so they have finally started to notice Sayoko. Was it Tsunade?