EIGHT: Believe in love at first sight.

The first time Neji saw his father activate his Byakugan, Neji knew he had to master it. He had decided at some point in his young life that he wanted to be just like his father and from that premise; he came to the conclusion that Byakugan mastery was key to reaching his goal.

The fact that he was only two and hadn't the faintest idea how to even begin training did not deter him in the slightest.

He simply watched his father, or more specifically, watched his hands. He watched them as they held weapons of all sorts. He observed them as they spared with other ninjas and he paid particularly close attention when they taught Hyuga students how to mold chakra.

Of course it didn't take long for his father to notice his exercise after he observed his son watching his hands while he prepared dinner. "What are you doing, little bird?"

Little Neji smiled bashfully and looked away. "It's a surprise."

"Is it now?" his father replied teasingly, placing the plate of food in front of the small boy. "Can I guess what it may be?"

Neji shook his head, smiling. "No, Father. Then it wouldn't be a surprise!"

His father laughed. "Alright, little bird, then I won't spoil it. Now eat your food."

He decided he needed to be more discreet after that little encounter and gained a little more respect for his father's Byakugan. Besides, he felt he had seen enough to give chakra molding a try.

So he went out to one of the training fields that wasn't in use and started practicing. He stood under a large oak tree and practiced the hand patterns over and over again. Timing was very important and clarity in movement was crucial as well. But it also had to be natural and flow without stops.

It was difficult to find the nuances and for a two year old, it was near impossible.

Neji had to stop numerous times to wipe away the tears of frustration.

But he did not give up. 'Father would never give up.' With a deep, calming breath he quieted his frustration and allowed his hands to move over the patterns as they want.

The sudden change in perception made him stagger and fall to the ground. His eyes felt hot with the energy influx and the skin on his face felt tight and uncomfortable. He didn't particularly care for it but he was too transfixed by what he was seeing to be too concerned about discomfort.

He could see the life energy pulsing and reaching in the large oak tree. The chakra flowed like light blue crystals from the roots up into the tender leaves, towering over the boy in amazing splendor. Falling leaves moved like fireflies through the air, the chakra slowly flickering out as they reached the ground, seeping back into the earth.

Neji was speechless.

It was the most beautiful thing the little boy had ever seen.