153. Look How Happy He Was When He Smiled!
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After a long and strategic conversation, Shikaku leaned back, rubbing his temples. His eyes lit up slightly he had learned something valuable today.
So many things that once seemed complex suddenly had simple solutions… when viewed from Neji's perspective.
These kids nowadays, he thought. Too smart for their own good.
Across from him, Shikamaru looked like he'd aged five years.
One thought echoed in his mind: Never mess with Neji.
Whether it was brains or brawn, Neji dominated. It wasn't just unfair it was terrifying.
Nope. Not dealing with that.
Neji, on the other hand, was quite satisfied. Shikaku's support would go a long way. All that was left was to see what move Danzo would make.
If he made a move, he'd fall faster. If he didn't, he'd rot in irrelevance.
As Neji stood to leave, Shikamaru escorted him out.
"You look… drained," Neji noted.
"I feel like I aged ten years," Shikamaru muttered. "I'm starting to believe being a lazy nobody isn't such a bad plan."
Neji blinked. "You're way too young to talk like a retiree."
With a grin, he swung an arm over Shikamaru's shoulder.
"Come on. Let's train."
"Nope. Brain. I choose brain work! No training, please!"
But it was too late. Neji's "friendly encouragement" turned into brutal sparring. Before long, Shikamaru was limping home, shoulders slumped, looking like a senile old man.
In the dying rays of the sunset, his silhouette cast a long shadow one that spoke of wisdom gained through suffering.
Neji's voice still echoed in his ears:
"Only when your body knows pain will your mind appreciate fatigue."
---
With a clear mind and a lighter heart, Neji headed toward his lab.
As he neared, his smile faded and his expression became sharper. He could feel the eyes on him. Observers. Shadows. Surveillance.
Root agents? Already?
Heh. Danzo really doesn't waste time.
But Neji wasn't surprised. He activated several hidden countermeasures inside the lab and left quickly. Let them watch the lab it was a decoy anyway.
The sky had already turned a deep blue. As he walked through the streets of Konoha, a masked figure suddenly appeared on a nearby rooftop.
"Neji. The Hokage requests your presence."
Neji nodded. "Understood."
With a resigned sigh, he changed course.
Didn't I already get beaten up this afternoon? How much more can this poor body take?
---
By the time he reached the Hokage Tower, the lights were still burning in Tsunade's office. Neji knocked.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Tsunade looked up from her desk as he entered.
"Have a seat."
Neji sat down without a word.
She handed some documents to Shizune and leaned forward, fingers laced.
"So," she said, "Danzo approached you today?"
"He did."
Her brow creased. "What did he want?"
"Just asked whether I was the one who taught Shikamaru about the new structural reforms."
"And…?"
"I told him the truth."
"You didn't try to deny it?" she asked.
"There was no point. It was me."
Shizune looked uneasy, glancing between them, holding Tonton close.
Tsunade waved a hand, calming her. "He did the right thing. If he'd lied, Danzo would've had something to exploit."
Her tone hardened.
"That old snake. Always slithering where he doesn't belong. Acting without permission. Sticking his nose into my command chain."
She slammed a fist on the desk, rattling papers. Shizune flinched.
"I was in the middle of training Sakura, and he just snatched Neji away behind my back?! He's testing me!"
Her fury lingered, but she slowly leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples.
"…Shikaku already told me about what happened today. And honestly, I've had enough. If that fossil thinks he can keep running things from the shadows, he's dead wrong."
Neji kept his tone level. "If we want him gone, we can't rush. His men are loyal. It has to come from within."
Tsunade nodded. "I get it. Internal fracture, not external force. Makes sense."
"And," Neji continued, "his position's the easiest to remove. You're the Hokage. You just need a proper pretext."
She grinned. "Already got someone in mind: Kakashi. No one better suited to take Danzo's place."
Neji blinked. "That's… actually perfect."
Tsunade stood and walked toward the window, looking out over the village.
"You just watch yourself. Danzo's crafty. And you've got too many secrets of your own. Don't give him anything he can use."
Neji smiled. "Don't worry. I'm already planning his retirement party."
Tsunade raised a brow. "Planning something behind my back again?"
"Not behind your back. Just… off to the side."
She snorted. "Fine. But if this blows up, I'm not saving your ass."
Neji stood to leave. "Deal."
---
As the door closed behind him, Tsunade watched him disappear into the dark.
"…He was smiling," she muttered.
Shizune glanced over. "Hmm?"
"He left smiling like a damn fox. He's definitely planning something."
Shizune giggled. "Isn't that exactly what you were hoping for?"
Tsunade exhaled. "Yeah. But I still worry. If he underestimates Danzo…"
"…He won't," Shizune said gently. "But even if he stumbles, we'll be right behind him."
Tsunade nodded, her voice firm.
"Send out the orders. It's time to set the board."
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