An Invitation from the Nara Clan (Part 1)

After taking Tenten home, Neji walked alone on the streets of Konoha. Dusk had fallen, and the streetlights lit up one by one, stretching his shadow long and then shortening. The lanterns of the Hyuga Clan Compound swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting a warm and hazy glow.

Just as he approached his own door, his Tenseigan caught a familiar Chakra fluctuation—lazy, steady, with a hint of his usual reluctance.

A figure leaned against the outside of his courtyard wall, arms crossed, head slightly lowered, looking as if he was about to fall asleep. Moonlight shone on his signature pineapple hairstyle, casting interesting shadows on the wall.

Shikamaru Nara.

Neji continued walking home at his unhurried pace without pausing for a moment. He found it amusing—what kind of day was this? First Kiba and Shino, and now Shikamaru. When did he, Six Paths Tier shinobi, become Konoha's "question and answer center"?

Shikamaru seemed lost in some troublesome thoughts, his brows furrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line—his standard expression when pondering difficult problems. It wasn't until Neji was only five steps away that he suddenly noticed, immediately straightened up, and quickly adopted a polite expression.

"Neji," Shikamaru spoke, his voice slightly hoarse from just waking up, "Have you had dinner?"

Neji looked at Shikamaru, a faint smile playing on his lips, "You ate with Tenten. What, are you treating me to dinner?"

These words carried a hint of teasing. Shikamaru scratched the back of his head, a gesture somewhat similar to Naruto's, but their demeanor was completely different— Naruto was genuinely naive, Shikamaru was feigning naivety.

"Yeah," Shikamaru continued, "But you've already eaten...why don't you want to come to my place for a couple of drinks? Temari brought back some nice tea from Sunagakure. I know you like tea, so I've already packed a portion for you."

These words sounded natural, but Neji's Tenseigan was incredibly sharp. He could see that as Shikamaru spoke, his fingers unconsciously rubbed against his cuffs—a subtle sign of tension.

Lie.

Or rather, it's not entirely a lie. The tea might be real, but the idea of offering tea most likely didn't come from Shikamaru himself.

It was likely that Shikaku Nara wanted to see him, but as a member of the Elder Council and Konoha's top strategist, a personal visit would be too formal and might attract unnecessary attention. Therefore, it would be much more natural for his son to invite him as a peer or fellow ninja.

Just then, Neji also wanted to ask Orochimaru about the progress of his return to Konoha. Although Orochimaru himself seemed indifferent to it, his research required massive financial support—individual resources are ultimately limited. If he had the entire Konoha as a backing, his research on the systematization of Senjutsu and the mass production of Six Paths Tier techniques would definitely progress much faster.

"Sure," Neji readily agreed, his tone relaxed. "It'll be good to take a walk after dinner."

Shikamaru visibly relaxed, the subtle change in his expression fleeting, but it didn't escape the Tenseigan's observation. The two walked side by side toward the Nara Clan's territory, the moonlight casting their shadows onto the stone path.

The Nara Clan's estate is situated next to a meticulously maintained deer forest. Unlike the Hyuga Clan's traditional and solemn architectural style, the Nara Clan's residence is simpler and more practical, yet it exudes the refined taste of a wise family—various medicinal plants are planted in the courtyard, dried herbs hang under the eaves, and a faint medicinal fragrance permeates the air.

When Shikamaru led Neji into the main house, the dining room was already set with food. The dishes were plentiful but not extravagant: grilled fish, miso soup, several seasonal vegetables, and Nara-style venison dishes. Sitting at the table were Shikaku Nara and his wife Yoshino, as well as Temari had just returned from visiting relatives in Sunagakure.

"Neji- kun, welcome." Shikaku stood up and greeted him with a smile. This top strategist of Konoha was dressed in a simple home kimono, his hair neatly tied back, his eyes gentle yet sharp.

Yoshino also stood up and bowed politely. "I'm sorry to bother you with your visit tonight, please have a seat."

Temari, maintaining the dashing demeanor of Sand Village female ninja, nodded to Neji: "I heard you like tea, so I brought some local specialties from Sand Village. I hope you like them."

Neji smiled and responded to everyone's enthusiasm, taking a seat in the guest area. Out of politeness, even though he had already eaten dinner, he still picked up a few bites of food. The grilled fish was cooked to perfection, and the venison dishes had a unique herbal aroma, making them truly delicious.

At the dinner table, Shikamaru and Temari's interaction was quite interesting. This Nara genius, known for his aversion to trouble, was unusually attentive to Temari —refilling her teacup as soon as it was empty, naturally placing her favorite dishes in front of her, and listening attentively when she spoke.

There was absolutely no air of male chauvinism; instead, it was a natural and spontaneous act of care. Temari clearly enjoyed this delicate concern, and although on the surface she still maintained the demeanor of Sand Village female ninja who said, "I don't need anyone to take care of me," the tenderness in her eyes couldn't lie.

As the hosts, Shikaku and his wife warmly served Neji food and introduced the dishes. Yoshino was gentle and virtuous, not saying much but taking care of every detail; Shikaku, on the other hand, spoke politely, neither overly enthusiastic nor cold, striking the perfect balance.

Neji responded with a smile, while his Tenseigan subtly surveyed everyone present.

Then, his gaze lingered on Temari for a moment.

There were subtle changes in the flow of Chakra. Though extremely minute, to the Tenseigan, it was as clearly discernible as a drop of ink in clear water. Fluctuations in life energy, signs of gestation...

Neji suddenly laughed.

It wasn't a polite smile, but a genuine smile that came from discovering something interesting.

Shikaku and Shikamaru were both taken aback, not understanding why Neji suddenly laughed. Yoshino also cast a questioning glance, while Temari seemed to have a premonition of something, her face slightly flushed.

Neji put down his chopsticks, turned to Shikaku, and said in a relaxed tone:

"Senior Shikaku, congratulations! You're going to be a grandfather!"

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

Shikaku and Yoshino, being experienced individuals, instantly understood Neji's meaning. They both looked at Shikamaru and Temari, their eyes initially showing surprise, then transforming into deep relief and joy. Yoshino even covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.

Shikamaru was a beat slow to react. He blinked, looked at Neji, then at his parents, and finally at Temari beside him. When he understood the meaning of those words, his expression changed instantly.

It was an expression that mixed shock, bewilderment, and a sense of utter despair, as if "my life is over."

"Wait... wait..." Shikamaru's voice was a little dry. "Neji, are you sure? No, I mean..."

He was incoherent, completely losing his usual lazy yet composed demeanor. Temari's face flushed red instantly, from her ears to her neck, but she didn't deny it. She simply lowered her head, her hand unconsciously resting on her lower abdomen—a subconscious protective gesture.

Neji nodded, a gentle glint in his Tenseigan: "The fluctuations in life energy are very clear. Although still very weak, they are definitely there."

"That's... that's wonderful!" Yoshino finally couldn't hold back her tears. "Shikaku, we're going to have a grandson!"

Shikaku also revealed a rare, unreserved smile—a smile of pure joy belonging to a father and future grandfather. He stood up, walked to the liquor cabinet, and took out a bottle of sake.

"Such a joyous occasion deserves celebration." Shikaku's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement. "Gentlemen, let's all have a drink!"

He looked at Neji, his eyes questioning. Neji, naturally, wouldn't spoil the atmosphere and nodded with a smile.

Shikamaru was still in a daze, mechanically taking the wine glass his father handed him. Looking at the swirling liquid inside, he muttered to himself, "I just got married... I've only just entered the grave of marriage... and now I'm being shackled again... I should slap myself..."

Hearing this, Temari blushed but couldn't help glaring at him. "Shikamaru Nara! Who are you calling a shackle?!"

"Ah, no, no..." Shikamaru quickly corrected himself, "I meant... my happy single life..."

His voice trailed off as Temari's gaze turned dangerous. Yoshino chuckled softly, covering her mouth, while Shikaku patted his son's shoulder, his eyes filled with a smug "accept your fate, kid" look.

The atmosphere at dinner suddenly became lively. The arrival of the new life filled the entire Nara Clan with joy, and even the air seemed to be filled with a sweet fragrance. Neji sat quietly to the side, watching the family interact, a subtle feeling welling up inside him—

This is the happiness of ordinary people: simple, warm, and real.