SWNOVELXO Chapter 41: Hyuga Neji
Kitazawa looked at the closed bathroom door and couldn't help but smile. Though Yuhi Kurenai had a bold personality, she clearly had her limits.
"I won't come in. Take your time," Kitazawa called out before returning to the living room.
He sat on the sofa, his thoughts drifting toward the new training plans for his students. Uzumaki Naruto's transformation training had already been handed over to Kakashi.
His current goal was to place in the top ten of next month's exam, so his training plan was simple—like Hinata's—just relentless practice.
Sasuke's target was to unleash a Great Fireball Jutsu at least ten meters in diameter. Since he had completed the tree-climbing exercise, his next step was chakra nature transformation training.
As for Hinata and Ino, Kitazawa didn't fully understand their respective clan techniques, so for now, he focused on helping them refine their chakra control.
Yakumo, meanwhile, was still undergoing physical conditioning, developing her Kekkei Genkai, and learning new genjutsu techniques.
In the bathroom, steam filled the air. Kurenai sat in the bathtub and let out a soft sigh. Soaking in hot water relaxed her body and cleared away the lingering tension from earlier.
"What's with that guy?" Kurenai extended her snow-white arms, creating ripples in the bathwater. Her elegant silhouette could be vaguely seen beneath the surface.
Her heart was full of questions. Kitazawa's recent behavior had exceeded her expectations.
Like a gentle cat suddenly baring its fangs like a tiger.
"But that's a lot more interesting than before." Kurenai chuckled softly to herself.
After finishing her bath, she got dressed and stepped out. Her footsteps echoed softly in the hallway.
Kitazawa turned instinctively, spotting Yuhi Kurenai with her wet hair hanging down.
She wore a loose yukata—similar to pajamas—which concealed her figure completely. Her long legs were hidden; only her bare feet were visible.
Sadly… no black stockings today.
Kitazawa stood and retrieved the hairdryer.
Kurenai was about to take it herself, but suddenly thought of something and withdrew her hand. She had never admitted defeat—since Kitazawa had startled her earlier, now it was her turn.
"I'm a guest," Kurenai said playfully, blinking at him.
"Then sit down." Kitazawa understood her implication and smiled. "I'll help you dry your hair."
"Thanks." Kurenai sat down with her back facing him. She sat up straight, her body leaning slightly forward.
Kitazawa glanced at her. Though her yukata was loose, her back still held soft, graceful curves, especially around the waist and hips, which were visibly attractive.
He quickly shifted his eyes up toward her hair. Turning on the dryer, he began gently drying it with warm air.
Kurenai's lips curved slightly, feeling proud of her little 'victory.' She turned her head to peek—but what she saw was Kitazawa's serious expression.
For some reason, her heartbeat slowed down. She quickly looked away. Lowering her head, her gaze drifted to her feet in silence.
The last person who had helped dry her hair was Yuhi Shinku—her late father—many years ago.
"You'll sleep in the room on the left tonight," Kitazawa said as he gently brushed her hair and switched off the dryer.
"Okay." Kurenai stood, tucked her hair behind her ear, and looked at him.
"Anything else to say?" Kitazawa asked, sensing something in her gaze.
"No… nothing." Kurenai turned and walked to the door of the guest room. "Good night, see you tomorrow."
As the door closed, Kitazawa retracted his gaze, took a shower, and went to bed. Nothing unusual happened through the night.
---
The next morning arrived as he opened his eyes.
After changing his clothes, Kitazawa stepped out of his room and immediately smelled a faint, appetizing aroma. Following the scent to the kitchen, he saw Yuhi Kurenai preparing breakfast.
She wore a red dress with a white apron tied around her waist. Standing by the stove, her black stockings stretched lightly over her legs.
"I forgot to say yesterday—this dress looks great on you." Kitazawa complimented casually.
"Thank you." Kurenai glanced back at him with calm confidence.
"I should be the one thanking you for waking up early to cook," Kitazawa added, shaking his head.
"It's nothing," Kurenai replied easily. "After all, you cooked yesterday."
They finished breakfast and continued discussing Kurama Yakumo's next illusion technique.
The day passed quickly. That evening, Kurenai didn't stay over. After dinner, she returned home.
Kitazawa felt slightly disappointed, but it was fine. Their relationship was visibly progressing in a positive direction.
The next day, a new week began, and the calendar flipped to May.
---
At the entrance of the Ninja School, in front of the bulletin board—
"Neji, you're ranked first again." Tenten, her hair tied as a bun, spoke with an expression of 'as expected.'
"Yeah," Hyuga Neji replied calmly. He had been top of the class since enrollment and was already used to it.
"Come on, nothing to see here," Neji said, frowning slightly as more students began gathering.
"Huh? Wait!" Tenten's eyes suddenly widened as she looked toward the first-year rankings. "Look at who's first in the first-year class!"
Neji paused and followed her gaze. When he saw the name 'Hyuga Hinata, his eyes narrowed.
"That famous Uchiha Sasuke is second?" Tenten exclaimed.
"Seems like the so-called genius is just that," Neji said coldly. With that, he turned and walked toward the classroom.
Tenten quickly followed. Upon entering, they spotted Rock Lee doing handstand push-ups in his green jumpsuit.
"Lee's been working really hard lately," Tenten observed.
"Hard work means nothing against true talent," Neji replied flatly.
"..." Tenten paused.
Having been his classmate for two years, she knew Neji well. Though calm on the surface, he had a pessimistic streak underneath.
"You got perfect marks again. You'll definitely be chosen as the outstanding student representative," Tenten said, trying to change the topic. "So enviable."
"If you want it, I'll give it to you," Neji replied indifferently.
"I don't qualify. That spot's for geniuses like you," Tenten said with a smile.
"A genius bound by fate isn't a true genius," Neji said, still cold-faced.
"..." Tenten held her forehead. How do you even respond to that?
Just then, Mizuki walked in.
"Neji," he said, wearing a fake-apologetic look, "the outstanding student representative this time won't be you—it's Hyuga Hinata."
"Why not Neji?" Tenten asked in disbelief.
"Though Hinata's grades weren't as good, this comes directly from the Hokage. I can't help it." Mizuki sighed, pretending to be helpless.
Tenten glanced nervously at Neji. Though he had said he didn't care, he clearly looked shaken.
Mizuki, meanwhile, was secretly pleased. He had done this deliberately, hoping to provoke Hyuga Neji into stirring up trouble in Class A of the first grade.
He was eager to see how Kitazawa would handle it.