C17 Recruitment

Neji came to know Sasuke during an occasion when Itachi sought him out to test a new ninjutsu, bringing Sasuke along. Watching Neji hold his own against Itachi, Sasuke was impressed by Neji's formidable skills.

Neji and Sasuke were close in age, just a year apart, and Itachi was quite pleased to see them strike up a friendship. In fact, the nickname "blondie" originated with Neji.

"Alright, you two, that's enough. Come on, I'm treating you to ramen."

"Hmph! Fish face, I'm only sparing you because of Neji's presence!"

"Blondie! I'm letting you off the hook today since Neji pleaded for you, but don't expect to be so lucky next time!"

Naruto and Sasuke continued their banter even as they followed Neji to the ramen shop. Neji simply shook his head, choosing not to interject, and focused on his meal.

After finishing their ramen, Neji escorted Naruto home first, then walked Sasuke back. As they entered the Uchiha district, they were met with curious stares and whispers.

"Hey, isn't that someone from the Hyuga family? What's he doing here in the Uchiha area?"

"Shh! Keep it down. That's the Hyuga prodigy. Despite his young age, he can go toe-to-toe with the clan leader's son."

"What? You're kidding, right? That kid's just a shinobi student. How could he possibly measure up to our Uchiha prodigies?"

"..."

Sasuke clutched Neji's hand, his gaze flitting nervously among the murmuring crowd. He looked up at Neji, who seemed unfazed, as if he hadn't heard a thing.

Before long, Neji and Sasuke stood at the gates of the Uchiha clan head's residence.

"Okay, Sasuke, this is your stop. Go on in; I won't accompany you further."

"Thanks, Brother Neji! See you later!"

Sasuke waved goodbye and dashed inside. Neji, with a smile, was about to leave when suddenly, a voice more authoritative than even Hyuga Hiashi's rang out behind him.

"Neji, is that you? You've already made it this far; why not come in and sit for a while?"

Neji halted and turned to see Fugaku Uchiha standing at the doorway, smiling at him. Neji promptly gave a respectful bow.

"Lord Fugaku, for a member of the Hyuga clan to step into Uchiha territory is quite presumptuous. I wouldn't dare impose further by entering."

"Come now, don't be shy. Itachi often speaks of you, the prodigy of the Hyuga clan."

"Well, if you insist, I'll accept your hospitality."

Neji followed Fugaku into the house and as soon as he sat down, Mikoto Uchiha came out with tea, setting it on the table.

Fugaku remained silent after they entered, and Neji, in no rush, took the teacup and drank leisurely, making himself at home.

Ten minutes passed, and just as Neji was feeling the urge to relieve himself from all the tea, Fugaku finally spoke.

"Neji, Itachi tells me you're quite dependable."

"Oh? Is that so? Itachi himself is the epitome of reliability. Isn't that something anyone could say?"

Fugaku chuckled softly, took a sip of his tea, and then set the cup down with a newfound seriousness.

"Neji, I've heard you're reluctant to attend the Ninja Academy. Would you share your reasons? Don't you wish to become a shinobi of Konoha?"

Fugaku's words seemed casual, but Neji instantly sensed the underlying implication. The veins around his eyes popped as his face mirrored Fugaku's seriousness.

"Lord Fugaku, surely your eyes have perceived the darkness within this village, haven't they? Your eyes... even more powerful than Itachi's."

Fugaku's pupils shrank as his eyes transformed, revealing the Mangekyo Sharingan with its distinctive pattern.

"Truly worthy of the Byakugan, you've discerned it immediately. This is the Mangekyo Sharingan, far mightier than the common Sharingan. It's an ultimate power awakened only through profound suffering."

Neji remained unfazed by Fugaku Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan, his composure deepening rather than diminishing.

"You're trying to recruit me, aren't you? Laying your cards on the table like this shows a lot of sincerity. But I have to wonder, is it truly necessary to go to such lengths for someone like me?" Neji inquired.

"Itachi holds you in high regard," Fugaku acknowledged.

"I see. Well then, should I choose to decline, may I still leave here unharmed?" Neji pressed for an answer.

Having learned from numerous battles, Neji carefully avoided meeting Fugaku's gaze. A smile cracked Fugaku's stern expression as he replied, "Absolutely. Even if you turn me down, I trust you won't betray us. Your loyalty doesn't lie with the village, after all."

"Your reputation as the clan head precedes you. I appreciate the gesture, but I must decline. Itachi and I are merely friends. If you need assistance, you'd do well to rely on him," Neji stated firmly.

With that, Neji rose to his feet. Fugaku's eyes reverted to their normal state as he too stood and called into the house, "Sasuke, Neji is leaving. See him out."

"Yes, Father!" came Sasuke's prompt reply.

Sasuke hurried out to meet Neji, who greeted him with a warm smile. "Thanks, Sasuke."

"Brother Neji, won't you stay for dinner? Mom's made something delicious!" Sasuke invited.

"Ha, that's tempting, but I've got other matters to attend to. I'm afraid dinner will have to wait," Neji regretfully declined.

Sasuke escorted Neji to the door. Whether by Fugaku's design or not, Neji's departure from the Uchiha compound was uneventful. Observers kept their distance, and whispers were notably absent.

Back at his own place, Neji lay on his bed, hand resting on his forehead as he pieced together the day's events. His gaze drifted to the calendar on the wall.

"Itachi's been cast as a spy, and now they've tried to enlist me. The Uchiha clan is indeed gearing up for a coup. Konoha, in its 56th year, and Shisui... you should have been long gone. Such a shame... I never got the chance to meet you, Shisui."

"Wah~ Wah~ Wah!"

That day, Neji was roused from sleep by the incessant cawing of a crow right by his ear.

Annoyed, Neji rose and flung open the door, only to be greeted by a crow with Sharingan eyes perched at the threshold, cawing away. Shaking his head, he scooped up the crow and settled it on his shoulder.

"Itachi, huh? I thought you were too busy. What brings you to me all of a sudden?"

After a quick wash, Neji stepped out and headed to the spot where he last encountered Itachi. There he was, standing just as before, yet through his Byakugan, Neji could clearly see an intense concentration of Chakra in Itachi's head, and there was something distinctly different about his eyes this time.