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Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View
Chapter Four: Favor of the Few

"Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them."
-Immanuel Kant

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"Neji!" Hinata beamed. "You're here!"

"As requested," he stepped into the front door of Konoha West. "Although I still don't know why."

"Come see," she tugged him through to the kitchen. Chōji lifted a beefy hand in a friendly wave before turning his attention back to piping delicate flowers onto parchment paper.

"What is all of this?" Neji looked around the kitchen, confused.

"It's for Hanabi," she beamed. "She got her letters - accepted with scholarships!"

Neji's smile was genuine. "That's wonderful news!"

"Father is surprising her with a small party on Sunday - and Chōji agreed to help me with the cake."

"So I see," he chuckled. "Where do I fit in?"

"We're," she shot a glance at Chōji who encouraged her with a small nod. "We're making Grandmother's wishing cake...and… and I wanted you to make your wish."

Neji's face softened.

"I didn't think anyone still had that recipe."

"I found some of her notes - Chōji figured out the rest. Please say you'll stay and help," her eyes were wide. "It would mean so much."

Neji smiled.

"Of course."

The other roommates had been baffled as to why they had to come over and make a wish while stirring the batter and dropping in a charm, but they were all game. By the time Hinata called Neji, she just needed a couple more people to make their wish.

Neji nodded to the spoon. "Are we all that is left?"

"We still need Tenten," Hinata gnawed on her lip and looked to Chōji. "Should I go get her?"

"No," Chōji shook his head "I'll get Kiba."

"You'll get Kiba what?" Kiba asked, going straight for a plate of cookies and taking one. "Ohmigod Hinata marry me," he groaned.

"Chōji made those," she giggled.

"Offer stands, big guy," Kiba took another one. "These are awesome."

"Good to know,' Chōji grinned. "Can you send Akamaru up? Tenten needs to come stir the cake."

"Akamaru," Kiba jerked a thumb up the stairs. "You heard my wife. Go get Tenten."

Neji looked to Hinata. "Is Tenten alright?"

"She's fine," Kiba waved his concerns away. "But she likes her space. No one goes to her room unless it is literally a matter of life and death. We all just send Akamaru. Safer that way."

Neji frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Man, I hope you never find out," Kiba snorted. "But imagine her playing beer pong but with something sharp and deadly, and you are the cup."

Neji arched an eyebrow. "Don't follow."

The conversation stilled as Tenten's light footfall could be heard coming down the stairs.

"Hey," she greeted them. "Akamaru says you need me?"

Hinata quickly explained the situation, and Tenten agreed to stir the cake. "I'm guessing we follow standard wishing protocol? Don't tell or it won't come true?"

"Right," Hinata giggled.

"Well, then, I'd better get back to work. See you guys!"

Tenten disappeared up the stairs, and for the first time in his life, Neji wondered what someone else's bedroom looked like.