When Neji left the Uchiha Clan District, his back was already drenched in sweat. Dealing with an old fox like that meant walking on thin ice every second. But he knew that today's visit had achieved its intended goal—the Uchiha Clan would no longer be a threat to the Ninja Talisman Hall, at least not for the time being.
Turning down a quiet side path, Neji stopped and spoke to the empty alley. "You've been following me all this way. Aren't you tired?"
"Wow, you found me that quickly?" A lively voice came from the shadows. A silver-haired youth leaned lazily against the wall, idly playing with a kunai. "So? That old fox didn't swallow you whole, did he?"
Neji looked at the suddenly appearing Jiraiya and shook his head helplessly. "What are you doing here?"
"Of course, I'm protecting the future Hokage's important partner!" Jiraiya waved his arms dramatically. "When Tsunade heard you were going to the Uchiha Clan District, she was scared out of her wits. She insisted I come see whether you were still alive."
Neji felt warmth rise in his heart. Though Jiraiya acted frivolous, his concern was genuine. He patted him on the shoulder. "Come on. I'll treat you to tricolor dango."
"Really? Great!" Jiraiya immediately forgot all about business and hooked an arm around Neji's neck, dragging him toward the shopping street. "I want ten skewers! No, twenty!"
The two bantered as they crossed several streets, when Neji suddenly lowered his voice. "Where's Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya froze. "The laboratory, probably. Why?"
"Nothing." Neji shook his head. The Second Shinobi War had not begun yet. Orochimaru was not yet overly obsessed with life and death, but his thirst for power was still driving him toward forbidden jutsu research.
Early the next morning, Neji stood before the