"Shinichi, the reason I came today is to talk about Neji."
In a quiet tea room, Might Guy and Hyuga Shinichi sat by the window. Guy, now a mature and seasoned Jōnin, spoke with a gravity that replaced his usual boisterous energy.
"The Fourth Hokage has appointed me as the instructor for Team 3. Hyuga Neji, along with two other children, has been assigned to my squad," Guy continued. "I want to know what the Hyuga clan's vision for him is. During our missions, which of his abilities should I be focusing on?"
Shinichi looked at his friend, momentarily struck by the passage of time. Since returning from the moon, Shinichi had lived a relatively secluded life—mastering the Tenseigan and gradually taking over clan administration from Hiashi. His world had become one of scrolls and meetings, leaving little time for the simple training sessions of his youth.
His friends had grown up, too.
Might Guy was no longer the reckless youth shouting about "Springtime" at every enemy; he was a reliable pillar of Konoha's military.
Uchiha Shisui was currently at the southern border, leading an elite 12-man squad to monitor the civil unrest and bloodletting within the Hidden Mist Village.
Uchiha Itachi had risen to become an ANBU division commander—Minato's trusted "right hand"—so busy that even his brother Sasuke only saw him once every few weeks.
"Shinichi?" Guy waved a hand in front of Shinichi's face.
Shinichi blinked and sat up straight. "My apologies, I was lost in thought. You were asking about Neji's development." He offered a warm smile. "Before I give you the clan's perspective, I want to hear your opinion. What is your first impression of him?"
Assessing the Genius
Guy leaned back, thinking. "He's an exceptional shinobi, even by Hyuga standards. His training is incredibly disciplined. His Taijutsu is among the best I've seen for his age—I doubt a regular Chūnin could beat him. He's also proficient in Ninjutsu, weaving Earth and Water styles into his combat seamlessly. As the rumors say, he is a true genius."
Shinichi nodded. He knew Neji's strength well; he and Hiashi often gave the boy private lessons at the Main House. "And his weaknesses? To train him, we must know where he falls short."
Guy scratched his head. "He struggles with teamwork. He seems to find it difficult to coordinate with his partners, likely because there is a significant gap in their skill levels. Also... he's quite taciturn."
"The teamwork will come with experience," Shinichi replied dismissively. "The Hyuga style is traditionally a solo one-on-one discipline, so it's a natural hurdle. What I'm more concerned about is his combat style under your tutelage."
Shinichi's eyes sharpened. "You've noticed, haven't you? Even though Neji is a Hyuga, he doesn't fight like one. He uses Ninjutsu and tactical versatility, not just Gentle Fist."
Guy paused, realizing the dilemma. Neji was his student, but Neji's path was complex. Guy was a "Ninjutsu incompetent" who relied entirely on extreme physical prowess.
"Are you saying... I'm not the right teacher for him?" Guy asked, his voice tinged with a rare hint of dejection. He thought of Kakashi—the "Copy Ninja" who could teach Neji a thousand jutsu.
The Eight Inner Gates
"No," Shinichi corrected firmly. "I'm reminding you to teach him according to his needs. You are his instructor, his superior, and his mentor. You don't need to worry about his Ninjutsu; the clan will handle that. What I want from you is to give him your passion for life and your unrivaled combat experience."
Shinichi leaned forward. "A strong body is the foundation of all shinobi. On that foundation, his Taijutsu and Ninjutsu will truly shine. I want you to push Neji's physical limits. I want him to undergo the same body tempering you do. And if he meets the criteria..."
Shinichi paused for emphasis. "I want you to teach him the Eight Inner Gates."
Guy's eyes widened. The Eight Inner Gates required more than just talent; it required a willingness to endure hellish, repetitive training. If Neji followed this path, he wouldn't have much time for other jutsu, but he would become an indestructible pillar for the Hyuga clan.
"I understand, Shinichi," Guy said, nodding solemnly. "I will take his training seriously. Very seriously."
A Promise Between Brothers
After Guy left, a screen at the back of the tea room slid open. Hyuga Neji stepped out and bowed deeply to Shinichi. He had been there the whole time, listening.
Initially, Neji had been skeptical of the "bowl-cut teacher" who looked more like a clown than a master—but hearing that Shinichi—the man he considered the strongest in the village—respected Guy's abilities was enough to settle his heart.
"Neji," Shinichi said, his tone shifting from an administrator to an older brother. "Guy is an excellent shinobi. Learn from his strengths and reflect on his flaws. I will continue to guide your Ninjutsu when you have free time. But remember: you represent the Hyuga now. Do not bring shame to the family or to me."
"I won't, Brother!" Neji's young face was full of confidence.
Shinichi stood up and walked over, placing a heavy hand on Neji's shoulder. "Train hard. Never be complacent. You are the man who will become my left and right arm. Do not die in some meaningless place."
As Neji left, invigorated and ready for his first mission, Shinichi stared out the window. He thought of the original timeline where Neji died as a "meat shield." He wouldn't let that happen.
Where are you, Uchiha Obito? Shinichi wondered. In the Mist? In the shadows? If you ever show your face before me now, I have ten thousand ways to kill you.
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