Chapter 3: Graduation Jitters and First Flirt
The rooftop wind tugged at Tenten's loose qipao again as she stood frozen in front of Neji. His Byakugan wasn't active, but she swore she could feel those pale eyes dissecting every inch of her flustered state.
He hadn't moved. Just watched her with that infuriating calm.
"Neji, I—uh—it was just… a clothing malfunction," she stammered, hands still clamped to her sides like they could glue the fabric shut. "Nothing intentional. Really."
Neji tilted his head slightly.
"I did not assume it was intentional."
A long pause.
"Though the frequency suggests… either extraordinarily poor luck or deliberate training of some kind."
*(He's analyzing my flashing like it's a Gentle Fist kata. Why is that somehow worse than if he'd just laughed?)*
Tenten forced a laugh that came out more like a squeak.
"Definitely bad luck. Super bad. The worst. Haha."
Neji's gaze drifted downward for half a second—barely noticeable—then back to her face.
"Your chakra flow is… agitated. Elevated heart rate. Slight dilation in certain… areas."
Her brain flatlined.
*(He just—did he just comment on my—oh god, the Byakugan passive scan thing? Does he always see nipples through clothes? Stop thinking about it!)*
Before she could implode, the system chimed like it was enjoying the show.
**[Task 3: Tease a Teammate – Activated]**
**Objective:** During the next private interaction with a teammate (Neji qualifies), perform one deliberate act of flirtation or physical contact lasting at least ten seconds. Bonus if it causes visible embarrassment or arousal in the target.
**Reward:** Partial insight into Gentle Fist chakra points (allows minor prediction of Neji's strikes in sparring)
**Failure Penalty:** Temporary -10% movement speed for 12 hours
**Time Limit:** Before sunset today
Tenten's eyes widened.
*(Now? Here? With Neji? The guy who looks at emotions like they're tactical weaknesses?)*
Neji raised one perfect eyebrow.
"You appear distressed."
"I'm fine!" she blurted, too loud. "Just… hungry. Lunch. Right. We should… eat?"
She took one step back—and immediately regretted it.
The wind caught the slit again. Fabric parted. Thigh flashed. Neji's eyes flicked down once more, then politely away.
*(Kill me. Bury me under the Hokage Rock. I'm done.)*
But the system pinged happily.
**[Exposure incidental: +3 minutes toward daily passive tease quota]**
**[You're doing great, Host. Keep that energy~]**
Neji cleared his throat—actually cleared his throat. A tiny, human sound from the human ice statue.
"Perhaps we should return to the training grounds. Lee will be waiting for afternoon sparring."
Tenten nodded so fast her buns wobbled.
"Yes. Sparring. Good. Weapons. Safe. No wind."
They walked down the stairs in silence that felt thicker than chakra wire.
Every step made her hyper-aware of the loose ties. Of how close Neji walked—close enough that their arms brushed once. Twice.
*(Is he doing that on purpose? No. He's Neji. He doesn't do 'on purpose' unless it's to prove a point about fate.)*
The training field was mostly empty. Lee was doing one-handed push-ups with Gai-sensei perched on his back, shouting encouragement about youth and sweat and something involving one thousand laps.
"Neji! Tenten! Join us in embracing the flames of youth!" Gai bellowed, giving a double thumbs-up.
Lee flipped upright, sweat glistening, grin blinding.
"Tenten! Your presence ignites my spirit even brighter! Shall we spar? I wish to test my new kicking technique against your masterful weapons!"
Tenten managed a weak smile.
"Sure, Lee. Just… give me a minute to warm up."
She moved to the weapon rack, pretending to select kunai while her mind raced.
*(Task deadline: sunset. Private interaction. Neji is right there. I could… touch his arm? Say something flirty? What even counts as flirtation to a Hyuga?)*
She glanced sideways.
Neji was stretching—graceful, precise, sleeves rolled up to show corded forearms. A bead of sweat traced down his neck and disappeared under his collar.
*(Okay. Objectively hot. Clinically. Medically. Scientifically hot. Not that I'm looking. Much.)*
The system nudged.
**[Opportunity detected. Target: Neji Hyuga. Proximity: Optimal. Heart rate elevated on both sides.]**
*(Both sides? Wait—he's nervous too?)*
She took a deep breath, grabbed a practice bo staff, and walked over.
"Hey, Neji? Can I… ask you something about Gentle Fist? For my taijutsu defense?"
He turned, expression neutral.
"Of course."
She stepped closer—closer than necessary. Their toes almost touched.
"I was thinking… if an opponent gets inside your guard, like really close…" She lifted her hand slowly, hesitated, then placed her fingertips lightly against his chest—right over his heart. "…how do you redirect chakra from here?"
Her palm flattened. She could feel the steady thump-thump beneath thin fabric. Warm. Solid.
Neji went statue-still.
His pupils contracted minutely.
For ten glorious, agonizing seconds, neither moved.
Tenten's voice dropped to a whisper she didn't know she had in her.
"Like this… does it disrupt your rotation?"
*(I'm touching Neji Hyuga's chest. Voluntarily. And I kind of like how his heartbeat just skipped.)*
Neji's throat worked.
"…It would. Temporarily."
His voice was lower than usual. Rougher.
Lee's voice shattered the moment from across the field.
"Such intimate training! The power of bonds between comrades!"
Gai wept manly tears in the background.
Neji stepped back—slowly, reluctantly.
"Your understanding is… adequate."
He turned away, but not before Tenten caught the faintest flush creeping up his neck.
**[Task 3: Completed! Bonus Achieved – Visible physiological response confirmed (increased pulse, minor blush)]**
**[Reward Granted: Partial Gentle Fist insight – You can now faintly sense chakra disruption points within 3 meters during combat with Neji or similar styles]**
**[Bonus Reward Unlocked: 'Subtle Seductress' passive – Light physical contact now carries a 15% chance to fluster high-pride targets (e.g., prodigies, clan heirs)]**
**[Shamelessness +1. You're evolving nicely, Host ♡]**
Tenten exhaled shakily and retreated to the weapon rack, pretending to inspect shuriken while her knees threatened to give out.
*(I just flirted with Neji. And he reacted. And now I can basically read his chakra weak spots. This system is turning me into a weaponized pervert.)*
Afternoon sparring passed in a blur.
She threw better than ever—kunai hitting bullseyes with almost lazy precision thanks to yesterday's reward. Lee praised her "youthful focus." Gai-sensei declared her "a blooming flower of potential."
Neji, meanwhile, was quieter than usual. His strikes were flawless, but twice he hesitated when she got too close—enough for her to notice.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the field orange, Tenten sat on a stump to catch her breath.
The system pinged again—soft, almost affectionate.
**[Daily Summary: Two tasks completed. Exposure quota exceeded. Teammate successfully teased.]**
**[Cumulative Shamelessness Level: 3/100. Perk Unlocked – 'Blush Aura' now passively increases minor attraction from witnesses during embarrassment.]**
**[Upcoming Task 4 Preview: First Instructor Encounter – Prepare for private guidance… with a twist.]**
Tenten groaned and dropped her head into her hands.
*(Instructor. Private. Twist. I don't like where this is going.)*
Across the field, Neji glanced her way once—brief, unreadable—then looked away.
But his ears were still faintly pink.
Lee bounded over, oblivious.
"Tenten! Your spirit burns brighter today! Join me for sunset laps?"
She managed a smile.
"Maybe tomorrow, Lee. I think… I need a cold shower."
*(And maybe a reality check. Because I'm starting to enjoy this way too much.)*
Chapter 4: Team Assignments and Teammate Teases
The morning of graduation arrived like a kunai thrown from point-blank range—fast, unavoidable, and destined to hit something vital.
Tenten stood in front of her small mirror, adjusting the final knot in her twin buns. The red qipao felt tighter today, or maybe her body just felt… more. The system's passive perks had been working subtly: skin smoother, curves a fraction more pronounced, the way the fabric clung to her hips now carried an unintentional invitation. She tugged at the hem, trying to ignore how the side slits rode higher with every breath.
(One month since transmigration. One month of flashing, teasing, and slowly losing my mind. And today we officially become genin. Team assignments. Guy-sensei. Neji. Lee. This is either going to be heaven or hell… or both.)
The system chimed in bright, teasing pink text across her vision.
[Graduation Day Special Event Unlocked!][Passive Bonus: All flirtatious or exhibitionist acts performed today gain +25% effectiveness toward building team bonds (and other things~)][New Task Issued: Team Bonding Flash]Objective: During the team assignment ceremony or immediately after, create an "accidental" exposure lasting at least fifteen seconds in front of at least one teammate. Bonus if it happens in front of the entire new team and/or sensei. Reward: +20% team synergy chakra sharing (minor link to teammates' reserves during joint jutsu) Failure Penalty: -10% coordination with assigned team for first week Time Limit: Before end of day