The Grieving Child
Few days have passed since the young Neji stayed at our house. The boy was exceedingly mature for a four year old, however the recent passing of his father caused him to be withdrawn and closed off at the moment. Neji barely came out of his room outside meals and the six hours of basic training father gave him. He spoke only when spoken, even then his replies were short and forced.
I could tell father wanted me to be his friend during these dark times, but for the sake of my life I have zero experience in consoling someone, let alone a very young child. Not to mention how Neji usually disregards other children, just like I did, due to his personality and matured intellect. But… perhaps that's something I can play with. I just have to catch his attention, and make a lasting impression.
Later that evening, I approached Neji after our meal. The boy had awakened his Byakugan before mine, so I wanted to ask him for some pointer regarding accurately hitting tenketsu points. He was giving me a cold shoulder, but out of respect as a guest, the boy still responded to my questions politely.
"Hey, Neji-san.. in order to prevent a target from performing jutsu, which tenketsu is best to shut off? The core point in one's stomach or the various points in one's hands, so they would have difficulty using hand seals?" I asked with a straight face to the slightly shorter Hyūga.
A moment of silence went and came as I saw the gears in his brain turn. I'm just glad to see he's not fully consumed by his grief, and willing to entertain a theoretical exchange in the clan's preferred style of combat.
"I would say the hand's tenketsu is a better target for that purpose, since an opponent might attempt to use hand seals regardless and fail, which could possibly result in a dangerous feedback of their chakra flow." he commented.
"Hmm.. you've got a point there. Besides, instinctively, the hand is less protected than one's torso. Going for the hands might surprise them more than going for one's body. You're really smart, do you realize that Neji-san?" I told him, fishing for a reply.
"...Thank you, Hirata-san. But it doesn't matter. Our.. fate dictates our place in this world." Neji dejectedly answered and scurried off to his room.
I shelved my intent to tell him otherwise, it's probably best to let him sort it out himself. However, the least I could do is be there for the young boy. Perhaps it's better to just let things play out as in canon, let Naruto change his mind and avoid messing with the canon too much this early.
Several more weeks passed, and Neji's demeanor had hardened as he threw himself more into his training. Father had paired us up everyday. Though I spent six hours a day at the Academy, once I arrived back home, I had to spar with Neji for six hours more. At first, his skills in Taijutsu matched mine. But thanks to his Byakugan and actual prodigiousness, he absorbed knowledge like a sponge. Now, his rate of victory sits at a comfortable 7 out 10 against myself.
Though I still hold the edge in other regards, such as the basic clone jutsu and shurikenjutsu, I'd wager he would approach my level in no time as soon as he enrolls at the Academy, which would open a new class in six months. For now though, I should put my all into learning Taijutsu from father and Neji, while honing my basics as best as I can.
The two most formidable warriors are patience of time. I have an abundance of patience, but time does not wait for anyone.