Chapter 7- Mezurashii Chakura

Things had changed since Shanan graduated from the Ninja Academy. When she was home, life remained familiar, but her missions with Team Guy had introduced many new experiences.

Though all of her missions had been brief, she was adapting well to her team and her duties as a Genin.

Her teammates, Neji Hyuga and Rock Lee, had very distinct personalities.

Neji, in particular, was a complex individual—stoic and serious, but also, one of the most genuine people she knew. His intelligence, skills, and articulate speech impressed Shanan, but his smugness about his abilities could be off-putting to others.

However, Shanan discovered common ground with Neji through their shared interests in books and problem solving. She learned to appreciate his blunt honesty, recognizing it as an integral part of his personality. However, Neji's personal life remained a mystery, particularly his relationship with his cousin, Hinata. He never mentioned her name or discussed his home life, leaving Shanan to wonder about the dynamics of his family.

"Your chakra is unusual," Neji observed during their first team training session, his lavender eyes sparkling with intrigue as he hovered over Shanan.

She was nestled on the ground beside an old tree, her bento box still unopened beside her, when he suddenly appeared, his enthusiasm barely contained. Shanan's brow furrowed as she looked up at him, surprised by his sudden interest.

"I've studied everyone's chakra with my Byakugan; yours has always fascinated me," he continued, rocking back and forth on his feet, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Oh, yeah? How so?" she asked.

Neji settled in beside her, eager to unleash his expertise on the matter. "Well, you see," he said. "Most people have a single chakra source, typically located in the center of their body, or—their heart. However, you have two sources: the normal one, and an additional one in your head." He paused, noting Shanan's intrigued expression before continuing, "I believe this addition is linked to your emotions. Furthermore, I've noticed your chakra's wavelengths behave differently than others."

Shanan's eyes widened with interest as Neji spoke, his words sparking a familiar excitement within her. She had always been drawn to learning, and chakra was a subject particularly close to her heart. Her extensive research on it had even led to the creation of her innovative No-handed jutsu technique. Now, as Neji delved into the intricacies of her unique chakra system, Shanan felt like she was devouring a book on a new subject – except this time, she was the subject.

"My emotions?" she asked, sitting up straight. "And—wait. How are my wavelengths different?"

A small smile teased at the corners of Neji's mouth as he continued, delighted to have an attentive audience for once. "Well, think of chakra like water. Most people have one spring; the water flows from there and feeds into a lake." Neji's hands gestured thoughtfully, attempting to illustrate the concept.

"But for you, it's like having two springs feeding into the same lake. When you use your chakra, it flows out like a river, and if you use too much, your reserves can deplete, just like a lake drying up. However, I've observed that you can absorb and exchange chakra through physical contact with others, almost like a confluence of rivers. You can replenish your chakra by drawing from others as if their river is feeding into your spring; in return, you can also share your chakra with them, effectively feeding into their spring as well. Which… may even lead to additional chakra natures in both parties. It really is a unique and fascinating dynamic," he said with a raised brow as he awaited her response.

Shanan was captivated by his explanation, yet simultaneously taken aback by the revelation that she possessed an ability she had never even heard of before. Despite her vast reading on the subject, nothing had prepared her for this.

"So why haven't I ever noticed this?" she asked, looking down at her hands. "Shouldn't I feel it if I'm taking someone's chakra or giving them some of mine? And how long have you been observing me, exactly?" She shot Neji a teasing glance, though she knew for certain she'd never turn her own Byakugan off if she'd possessed one.

"Please, forgive me," he said, waving his hands as if to dispel any unease. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I chose to sit in the back of the classroom in order to study everyone's chakra and hone my skills, however your unique chakra pathways generally made you my primary subject of interest."

He thought back to the times he'd seen her interact with either Naruto or Sasuke. He'd witnessed them on multiple breaks as they chatted away. Naruto leaning against her while Sasuke's knee rested against her leg. Even the smallest grazes from those two especially resulted in an exchange of chakra.

"Actually," he continued, "you might have experienced it as a sense of soothing or heightened joy. Your extra chakra source, linked to your emotions, seems to be the key to your chakra cycling ability. Therefore, your emotions are likely what drives this unique process."

Neji's expression turned thoughtful as he stood up once more. "With an ability like this, Shanan, you're sure to achieve things you can't yet imagine. And so might those closest to you. I'll continue to observe and update you on any changes." With a slight nod, he turned and walked away, having seemingly reached his social interaction limit for the day.

As Neji's figure retreated, Shanan's gaze followed him, her mind racing with the implications of his words. Cycling chakra was extraordinary and unheard of, and the fact that she possessed this ability seemed almost surreal. A normal, unremarkable girl like herself shouldn't have such an extraordinary gift. She wasn't a member of a prestigious clan like the Uchiha or Hyuga, with their storied histories and innate talents. She was clanless – an orphan who had always felt like a burden to her village.

But Neji's words carried weight, and she knew that the chances of him being mistaken were slim. The Byakugan's power allowed him to perceive the intricate workings of chakra in a way that few others could. She made a mental note to visit the library as soon as possible, to scour the shelves for any mention of chakra cycling.

She took a deep breath, and just as she was about to dig into her food, she heard a loud, energetic voice behind her.

"Shanan!"

Lee's abrupt shout made her jump, sending her chopsticks flying out of her hand.

In a ridiculous stroke of luck, they landed upright, stuck in the ground, looking rather pleased with themselves, she thought…

"I meant to tell you yesterday, but I am thrilled that we are on the same team! I had hoped it would be you since we already get along so well." His fist was a ball of conviction as he spoke.

As she regained her composure, her hand still on her chest, Shanan regarded Lee with a mixture of amusement and affection. "Thank you, Lee–"

"And you too, Neji!" Lee exclaimed, approaching their teammate with a determined pace. "I know we'll work hard, train together, and become the best Genin team around!"

Shanan chuckled and plucked her chopsticks out of the ground, wiping them off before finally digging into her food. She fell easily into her usual habit of people watching.

Like Neji, Lee was driven and focused, but struggled with social cues. Despite being unable to perform Ninjutsu and relying solely on Taijutsu, Lee never let it hold him back. He cleverly adapted and used it to his advantage, often surprising those who underestimated him. Shanan had always appreciated Lee's kindness and genuine nature, and he was the one person she had hoped would be on her team.

Watching her teammates interact with one another – Neji quickly losing patience and Lee being completely oblivious – she had to agree with Lee's assessment; they were definitely going to be a great team…

Of course, as the months passed, both Neji and Lee proved themselves to be dedicated and formidable shinobi as well as loyal and fierce friends. Even with their constant bickering, Shanan concluded that that was just how boys interacted with one another.

But Sasuke's prediction had come true – she had really grown to appreciate, value, and love her teammates.

Lastly, Might Guy Sensei was truly an exceptional and supportive mentor. Shanan had never admired a teacher as much as she admired him. He struck the perfect balance between knowing when to push his students and when to inspire them. His unorthodox approach matched the unique dynamic of his team, and he somehow managed to bring out the best in each of them.

Rock Lee, in particular, idolized Guy Sensei and aspired to emulate him in every way, even going so far as to adopt his look, which Shanan found completely endearing. Neji often feigned embarrassment at their antics, but even he couldn't resist their infectious enthusiasm and would occasionally crack a smile.

As time passed, Shanan's bond with her teammates grew stronger. She had never expected to find her place among anyone outside of The Kojiki Trio, but here she was, surrounded by people who accepted her for who she was and even liked her for it.

Neji's gruff exterior, it turned out, hid a compassionate heart. His quiet acts of kindness and unwavering loyalty were inspiring. Rock Lee's unbridled enthusiasm, meanwhile, was infectious, capable of lifting even the darkest of moods. And Guy Sensei... his genuine care for his students brought them all together as a family.

Every training session, every mission and every meal shared with them made her realize how grateful she was to whoever was responsible for assigning teams. They had, in fact, taken their personalities into consideration and had done an excellent job of creating a compatible group.

And Shanan could only hope that Naruto and Sasuke would find a mentor with Guy Sensei's strength and humor, Neji's analytical mind, and Lee's fierce protectiveness.

A mentor like that could certainly help them unlock their full potential…