Neji Hyuga Loses His Composure

Beizawa looked at the tightly shut bathroom door and could not help but smile.

Kurenai Yuhi might have a bold personality, but even she had her limits.

"I'm not coming in. Take your time washing up."

After calling out to her, Beizawa turned and returned to the living room.

He sat on the sofa and began considering the students' new training plans.

He had already handed Naruto Uzumaki's Transformation Technique over to Kakashi Hatake.

Naruto's task was to place in the top ten on the next Monthly Exam, so his new training was simple: like Hinata Hyuga, he would grind through practice questions like crazy.

Sasuke Uchiha's goal was to blow out a Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique ten meters tall.

He had already completed Tree Climbing Training. Next, it was time for Chakra Nature Transformation training.

As for Hinata Hyuga and Ino Yamanaka, Beizawa did not understand their clans' secret techniques, so he could only continue strengthening their chakra control.

Yakumo Kurama, meanwhile, would continue with physical training, developing her Kekkei Genkai, and learning new genjutsu.

Steam rose within the bathroom.

Kurenai Yuhi sat in the bathtub and slowly let out a breath.

Soaking in the hot water relaxed her body, and her earlier panic gradually faded away.

"What was up with that guy?"

Kurenai Yuhi stretched out her snow-white arm. Ripples spread across the bathwater, faintly revealing her graceful silhouette.

Her heart was full of confusion, because Beizawa's behavior just now had exceeded her expectations.

It was like a docile cat suddenly turning into a ferocious tiger.

"But he's more fun than before."

Kurenai Yuhi chuckled.

After finishing her bath, she stood up, got dressed, and left the bathroom.

Footsteps sounded.

Beizawa instinctively turned his head and saw Kurenai Yuhi walking toward him, her hair still wet.

She had put on a yukata, a lightweight kimono that was essentially sleepwear.

The yukata was quite loose, hiding her figure. Her long, fair legs were no longer visible; only her bare feet could be seen.

What a pity... the black stockings were gone.

Beizawa stood up and found a hair dryer.

Kurenai Yuhi had originally intended to take it directly, but she suddenly thought of something and withdrew her outstretched hand.

She had never been one to admit defeat. Beizawa had startled her earlier, so she had to get him back now.

"I'm a guest."

Kurenai Yuhi blinked, making her meaning clear.

"Then sit down."

Beizawa understood the implication and smiled. "I'll dry your hair for you."

"Thank you."

Kurenai Yuhi sat down with her back to him.

She sat upright, her back leaning slightly forward.

Beizawa gave her a glance.

Even through the yukata, her back looked beautiful. Its soft curves formed a captivating arc with her waist and hips.

Beizawa's gaze moved upward to her hair.

He switched on the hair dryer and let the warm air blow over it.

The corners of Kurenai Yuhi's lips lifted slightly, a trace of satisfaction rising in her heart at having succeeded in her little scheme.

She subconsciously turned her head and saw Beizawa's serious expression.

For some reason, it felt as if her heartbeat had skipped a beat.

Kurenai Yuhi hurriedly looked away.

She lowered her head and stared blankly at her feet.

The last person to dry her hair had been Shinku Yuhi, who had died many years ago.

"You'll sleep in the room on the left tonight."

Beizawa touched her smooth hair and switched off the dryer.

"Mm."

Kurenai Yuhi stood up, tucked her hair behind her ear, and looked at him.

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

Beizawa met her gaze and asked in confusion.

"N-No."

Kurenai Yuhi turned and walked to the bedroom door. "Good night. See you tomorrow."

The door closed. Beizawa withdrew his gaze, took a bath, and returned to his own room.

The night passed without incident, and when he opened his eyes, it was already the next day.

Beizawa got dressed and opened his door, immediately catching a faint fragrance.

Following the scent, he arrived in the kitchen, where Kurenai Yuhi was making breakfast.

She wore a red dress with a white apron tied around her waist. Standing straight before the stove, her black stockings were stretched taut.

"I forgot to say this yesterday, but that dress suits you very well."

Beizawa praised her.

"Thank you."

Kurenai Yuhi glanced at him and accepted the compliment generously.

"No, I should be thanking you for getting up so early to make breakfast."

Beizawa shook his head.

"It's nothing."

Kurenai Yuhi said casually, "You made dinner yesterday, after all."

After breakfast, the two continued discussing Yakumo Kurama's new genjutsu.

The day passed in the blink of an eye.

Kurenai Yuhi did not stay the night again. After dinner, she went home.

Beizawa felt somewhat regretful, but it was fine.

After all, his relationship with Kurenai Yuhi was visibly getting better and better.

The next day marked the start of a new week, and it was now May.

Outside the Ninja Academy, in front of the bulletin board.

"Neji, you're first in the entire grade again."

Tenten, her hair tied in buns, wore an expression that said, Just as expected.

"Mm."

Neji Hyuga replied calmly.

Ever since enrolling, he had maintained the top rank in his grade. He was long accustomed to it.

"Let's go. There's nothing worth looking at."

Noticing more and more students gathering around, Neji Hyuga frowned slightly.

"Huh? Wait!"

Tenten subconsciously glanced at the first-year rankings nearby and said in surprise, "Look at first place in the first year!"

Neji Hyuga immediately stopped and looked up.

When he saw the name "Hinata Hyuga," he could not help narrowing his eyes.

"That famous Sasuke Uchiha is only in second place?"

Tenten found it unbelievable.

"Looks like he's just a so-called genius who doesn't live up to his reputation."

Neji Hyuga said coldly.

With that, he turned and headed toward the classroom.

Tenten hurried after him.

As soon as they entered the classroom, they saw Rock Lee, dressed in Green Spandex, doing handstand push-ups.

"Rock Lee has been really hardworking lately."

Tenten sighed.

"Hard work means nothing in the face of talent."

Neji Hyuga said expressionlessly.

"..."

Tenten hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

She had been classmates with Neji Hyuga for two years and knew his personality well.

Though he was extremely calm, he also carried an ingrained pessimism.

"You got full marks this time. You'll definitely be the outstanding student representative again."

Changing the subject, Tenten smiled. "That's really enviable."

"If you want it, you can have it."

Neji Hyuga said indifferently.

"I'm not qualified for something like that. It belongs to geniuses like you."

Tenten shook her head.

"A genius bound by restraints is no genius at all."

Neji Hyuga's expression remained cold.

"..."

Tenten rubbed her forehead.

How was she supposed to continue this conversation?

"Neji."

At that moment, Mizuki entered. With an apologetic expression, he said, "You won't be the outstanding student representative this time. It'll be Hinata Hyuga."

"Why isn't it Neji?"

Tenten's eyes widened.

"Hinata Hyuga's grades may not be as good as Neji's, but it's the Hokage's order. There's nothing I can do."

Mizuki sighed.

Tenten looked at Neji Hyuga with concern.

Though he had claimed not to care, he had now lost some of his composure.

Seeing this, Mizuki secretly rejoiced.

He had deliberately driven a wedge between them in order to provoke Neji Hyuga into causing trouble in First Year Class A.

Then he would see how Beizawa dealt with it.