Early morning, at Konoha's main gate.
Soft morning light filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows across the broad road leading out of the village.
The air was cool and fresh, carrying the damp scent of grass and trees.
The enormous village gates were already open, and Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki were at their posts. Everything was shrouded in a quiet air of anticipation.
Hyuga Hiashi stood before Konoha's gates with Tokuma and Kamon, two Jonin from the Hyuga Clan, waiting.
"Ha! Youth, full speed ahead!"
An energetic shout reached them first.
Might Guy charged up to the gates in his signature green bodysuit.
Right behind him came Tenten, carrying a huge scroll and looking miserable, and Rock Lee, also dressed in a green bodysuit, his eyes brimming with determination.
Between them was the figure on whom Hyuga Hiashi's gaze finally settled-Neji Hyuga.
"You're here."
"Yes. I didn't expect our client this time to be Lord Hiashi."
Guy was rather surprised. Even though he had received notice from the Hokage, actually seeing Hiashi still startled him.
The head of the Hyuga Clan was going to Kirigakure on a diplomatic mission in person. That was quite a surprise.
"Sorry for the trouble."
Hyuga Hiashi nodded slightly, but his gaze scarcely left Neji.
His voice remained steady, yet his apology seemed to carry more weight than usual.
Tenten and Lee also noticed the unusual tension, their eyes quietly flicking between Hiashi and Neji.
Tokuma and Kamon kept their eyes lowered and remained silent.
"Neji, come here."
Hiashi's voice rang out clearly, brooking no refusal and directly breaking through the distance Neji was trying to maintain.
Neji's body tensed again. He knew he could no longer avoid this.
He raised his head, his eyes filled with a complicated aloofness and a faint,