Aiko Tenshi and Neji Hyuga had been best friends for as long as they have been at the Konoha Ninja Academy. Neji never told anybody because he didn't want the village to know that he had gotten close to anyone for any length of time. He made Aiko promise to not say anything or he would use the Hyuga Secret on her. She kept to herself after Neji got grouped with Tenten and Rock Lee. She was doomed for another year at the Academy while Neji and his other classmates were out becoming Chunin. Here begins her story via her journal, starting with the day before she got whisked away to the Academy for training.

Entry 1 – Academy Day 0, Week 0, Year 0

I am starting the Academy tomorrow! I can't wait! I might make new friends. There's one boy here in Konoha village that always seems so lonely. He is called Neji Hyuga and he is from the side branch of the Hyuga Clan. His cousin, Hinata, is from the Main Branch. How that works, I'm sure I don't want to know. I might get him to be my friend when I get to the academy tomorrow.

Entry 2 – AD2, WK1, YR 1

So far I only have one class with Neji-kun and that is Strategy under Pressure. We've been taking notes all day with only a break for lunch. I told Mom and Kenji about him last night when I got home. Mom told me to stay as far away from him as possible "because he is very dangerous." How am I going to pull that off when I sit right next to him?! After lunch, I asked Neji-kun what it was like to be a part of the Side Branch of the Hyuga Family rather than the Main Branch. He said that it was a curse and showed me his scar. I asked if I could touch it but he covered his forehead in response just as the bell for class rang. I'll write more when I can!

Entry 3 – AD8, WK 2, YR 1

Neji-kun has opened up a lot during lunch over the last 6 days. He explained the reason why he is a part of the Side Branch: his father, Hizashi, was born the younger of two sons and therefore was demoted to the Side Branch. Gotta go! Class is starting up again!

Entry 4 – AD12, WK2, YR 1

I saw Neji-kun laugh for the first time yesterday at lunch. I think he was laughing at a joke he over heard from another small group of students. I raced over to him and flung my arms around his neck, dropping my lunch bag in the process. I felt his face go slack against my left ear and cheek as I pressed my smal frame into his. I let go of him and he released the breath I didn't know he was holding. Gotta go back to class or I'll be late!

Entry 5 – AD 16, WK 3, YR 1

Neji-kun looked so peaceful the other day that I could only wish the best for him before he leaves the Academy to become Chunin. Well, our classes have changed, but me and Neji-kun have two classes together under Iruka-sensei. Those are the Doppelganger Jutsu and the Transformation Jutsu. Art of the Doppelganger is before lunch and Transformation is after. If only Neji-kun would open up a little more. He is really good at everything that I have seen him do, especially the Doppelganger Jutsu. Then there is Naruto Uzumaki. He is such a pain! All he ever knows how to do is make trouble for Iruka-sensei. It's late and I need to get some sleep before I fall asleep in class tomorrow!