Chapter 11: Fighting Alongside You
Seeing the tears in Neji's eyes, Matsumoto Nana sat beside him, gently wiping them away with her thumb.
"Why are you suddenly crying?" Nana's voice was soft, the breeze lifting her hair as her bright eyes looked at Neji with concern.
Through his tears, Neji saw her figure blurred, but he smiled, a rare sight, like a hedgehog showing its soft belly.
"Meeting you here, Nana, is truly wonderful." Neji's voice was slightly hoarse, a mix of coolness and emotion.
This girl, who shared a fate similar to his, losing her parents young—was she doing well now? Neji's eyes filled with concern and tenderness as he looked at her, the distance between them closing unconsciously.
"Are you doing well now?" His voice was gentle and soft.
"Life was tough before, but it's getting better now. I'm staying with a family who treats me well!" Nana's voice was sweet and gentle, showing her strength.
Hearing she was doing well, Neji relaxed, his tightly clenched hands loosening.
This summer day was no different from others, with rain coming and going quickly. The rain seemed to connect their hearts, filling the air with warmth and sincerity.
Nana looked up at the sun emerging from the clouds, realizing it was already noon. The sunlight bathed the earth again.
"I need to go back..." Nana said, gently patting Neji's hand as she prepared to leave.
"I'll walk you back." Neji held her delicate hand, his eyes full of reluctance.
"No, I'll go alone. And Neji-nii, please don't tell anyone about my Byakugan. I don't want to return to the Hyuga clan yet..." Nana's face showed worry as she softly pleaded.
Neji agreed without hesitation. He didn't want her to return to the Hyuga clan, where branch members were eventually marked with the Cursed Seal. He wished for her to remain free like an eagle in the sky.
As for her current family, he wouldn't pry as long as she was happy.
Nana walked a few steps, standing in the hot sunlight, waving goodbye to Neji. He stood, smiling at her.
As her figure faded into the distance, he felt a sudden urgency and called out.
"Nana! Can we meet again?" His voice trembled with anxiety.
"Of course! You're my teacher! I'll come find you again, Neji-nii!" Nana cupped her hands around her mouth, shouting back joyfully. The sunlight made her hair shine brightly.
Neji's eyes lit up, his breath catching, his body stiffening as his heart was touched. A faint smile hinted at affection.
"Neji Hyuga's current favorability: 40%. Keep it up, Host!" 077 reported promptly, ready to leave when Nana stopped it.
"077, why can't Spatial Healing fix bruises?" Nana asked, puzzled by the lingering marks despite the treatment.
"Host, these injuries aren't like cuts that heal quickly without scars. They're caused by external force on the skin, taking two to three days to fade even with Spatial Healing," 077 explained patiently.
"That slow?" Nana pouted. On her delicate skin, the bruises and marks looked particularly severe.
Not wearing dresses for a few days was fine, but what if Itachi saw them? He'd worry.
"Host, try this scar-removal ointment with Spatial Healing. Your skin should fully recover overnight," 077 offered, sensing her concern.
A small, delicate round box appeared in Nana's hand. She felt a bit emotional.
On her way back, she bought a jacket to cover up. Soon, she reached home, where Itachi was feeding their dog, Shiro.
Nana tried to sneak inside but was caught by Itachi.
"Nana, you're back. Where did you go today?" Itachi's gentle voice was as usual, walking towards her to go to the living room.
"Sorry, Itachi-nii, I'm not feeling well. I'll go rest upstairs." Nana ran upstairs without looking back.
She had to avoid him tonight. Once the bruises faded, she could apologize.
Itachi watched her anxious retreat, his eyes darkening. He had seen something in her hand. Was she in trouble?
Nana closed her door, rested a bit, then sat on the mat, removing her clothes. She sniffed the ointment, finding it pleasantly herbal.
Just as she was about to apply it, a knock sounded.
"Nana, I made pear juice. I'll leave it on your table," Itachi said, holding a steaming bowl.
Startled, Nana accidentally smeared the cool ointment on her skin, gasping.
"No! Don't come in!" She wiped the ointment, trying to zip her dress, but it got stuck.
"Nana!?" Itachi's hand clenched at her cry.
Her strange behavior since coming home worried him. He decided to open the door.
The door opened behind her, and Nana clutched her dress, thinking this was bad.
Itachi was shocked by the sight of her trembling, exposed back covered in bruises.
He wanted to look away but couldn't, seeing her battered state.
"What happened? Who did this?" Itachi's voice was low and angry.
He knelt behind her, his hand hovering, afraid to touch her, his other hand clenched tightly.
Nana's lashes trembled. Itachi misunderstood, thinking she was beaten. She quickly hugged him.
"No, Itachi-nii, don't worry. These are from training. No one hurt me." She wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to calm him.
"I'm fine now. Remember, I can heal myself. These are just surface wounds. A bit of ointment will make them disappear."
Nana spoke quickly, explaining her condition to prevent further misunderstanding.
Itachi's hand trembled as he touched her back, quickly pulling away, frowning.
"What kind of training is this? I'll always protect you. You don't need to..." He trailed off.
He knew training was necessary in their harsh world, but he hated seeing her hurt. As her brother, as someone who loved her, he'd protect her with his life.
"Itachi-nii, I know you'll protect me, but I don't want to always hide behind you. I want to stand by your side and fight with you." Nana cupped his face, her eyes sincere.
Itachi's eyes filled with tenderness. She wanted to fight alongside him.
He felt both happy and worried, his gaze heating up, his heartbeat quickening.