The late summer heat that year was unusually stifling. Cicadas tore at the stagnant air, as though they meant to pour out the last trace of summer heat.
Neji stood in the back courtyard of the Ninja Talisman Hall, his fingertips lightly brushing a freshly drawn "Wind Release: Vacuum Wave" Ninja Talisman as he felt the chakra flowing within it. The patterns on the talisman paper glimmered with a faint azure sheen beneath the sunlight, like wind-rippled water.
"Young Master Neji!" Manager Fujiwara called from the corridor, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "The Hokage's office has sent someone again. They said they need to confirm the details of your special advisor appointment."
Without looking up, Neji continued inspecting the talisman's stability. "Tell them I'll make a personal visit to the Hokage Tower this afternoon."
Fujiwara hesitated, then lowered his voice. "This time, they sent a confidant of the Third Hokage. He said there is something important he needs to discuss with you in person."
Neji's fingers paused slightly. Since being appointed the Hokage's special advisor a week ago, there had already been three such "important discussions." Each time, the Hokage's representatives had brought requests that seemed reasonable but concealed probing intentions—either asking for copies of the Ninja Talisman Hall's accounts or inquiring into the details of his dealings with the major clans.
"Have them wait in the front hall." Neji put away the Ninja Talisman and turned toward the inner room. "I'll change and go."
As he pushed open the sliding door to the inner room, a cool scent of sandalwood wafted over him. Neji stood before a bronze mirror, looking at the youthful face in its reflection, one that had already begun to take on sharper contours.
He was only twelve, yet he possessed a composure far