After returning to Konoha, Neji put his trip to the Rain Village behind him, as though he had merely gone out for a stroll. He completely became a hands-off manager, leaving most of the Hokage assistant's official duties to Shizune and the newly reassembled administrative team. Only when strategic decisions or core technologies were involved would Tsunade "drag" him out of his leisurely state.
These days, he lived quite comfortably. At dusk, he would often join Tsunade, Shizune, and Xiao Xi in a secluded courtyard behind Hokage Rock, setting out a few small dishes and warming a pot of sake as they watched the setting sun melt into gold and the evening clouds gather.
Xiao Xi quietly poured the wine beside them, a contented smile on her face. Shizune discussed village affairs with Tsunade, occasionally casting grateful looks at Neji—it was the changes he had brought that had given Konoha new life and helped Lady Tsunade emerge from the shadows.
That night, the moon shone brightly and a cool breeze drifted through the air. The four of them were once again drinking together in the small courtyard.
"Come to think of it, that guy Orochimaru is still nailed to the Dragon-Escape Stake," Tsunade said after taking a sip of wine, her tone somewhat complicated. They had once been comrades, and seeing him reduced to such a state inevitably left her feeling wistful. "We still haven't decided what to do with him."
Shizune also looked toward Neji, while Xiao Xi blinked. They all knew that how Orochimaru would be handled depended on Neji's attitude. His strength and status gave him the final say.
Neji swirled the clear wine in his cup, his gaze leisurely. How could he not understand what they were thinking? They simply wanted to see how he would