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Three days later, the hotpot restaurant opened its doors.
As per Hiashi's instructions the night before, the Hyūga clan kept a low profile they didn't want to appear overly invested. The restaurant was officially registered under Neji's name, and for now, it was considered a test run.
Hiashi would attend as Neji's guardian and uncle, not as the clan head. If the business proved profitable, then they would consider full support.
After all, the Hyūga clan already had deep roots in Konoha's hierarchy. If not for the Uchiha Clan drawing most of the spotlight and suspicion the Hyūga might've been targeted long ago by the Hokage's circle.
For now, Hiashi would handle the visiting dignitaries. Neji only needed to focus on his own invited guests and Hinata's.
---
"Yo, Neji! Congrats on the opening!"
"Congratulations, Neji!"
Bright teeth and a signature bun hairstyle Lee and Tenten had arrived.
They were Neji's closest classmates, and they'd promised to come show their support.
Neji gave them a warm nod. "Glad you made it. Head inside and make yourselves comfortable I'll join you soon."
Tenten's eyes sparkled as she looked at Neji in his crisp white robe. He had such a composed, elegant air about him.
"We know the drill," she grinned. "Go do your thing, Neji we'll be waiting inside."
Before Lee could open his mouth, Tenten had already shoved him through the door.
Hinata glanced at the pair with curiosity,, especially at the girl.
"They're friends from the Academy," Neji explained softly. "When things were tough, they helped me."
Hinata nodded silently, remembering how Neji had trained so hard even after losing his sight even defeating Uchiha students in combat. He must've gone through so much… I have to work harder. I promised I'd protect him too.
She clenched her fists lightly, remembering their childhood promise.
'Focus, girl! You're drifting again…'
---
"Hinata! We're here!"
Woof!
Kiba Inuzuka strode in, Akamaru perched on his head. Behind him, a crowd of young ninjas followed.
"Yo! Everyone's here!" Shikamaru Nara raised one hand lazily from his pocket, looking as bored as ever.
"Thanks again for the invite, Hinata!" Ino Yamanaka smiled brightly as she approached. Beside her was Sakura Haruno.
"And don't forget me — the great Naruto is here!" shouted Naruto as he dashed in, already loud from across the street.
Sasuke, standing off to the side, gave an unimpressed snort and looked away.
Naruto, of course, noticed and exploded.
The next moment, Kiba and Naruto were wrestling near the door, dragging poor Chōji into their chaos.
Shikamaru covered his face. "So troublesome…"
Neji, ever composed, stepped forward. "I'm Neji Hyūga. I'm glad you could all come especially as Hinata's friends."
"Since everyone's here," he continued, "let's head in. The hotpot's ready, and the ingredients are waiting."
Right on cue, someone's eyes blazed.
"Hotpot? Food?" Chōji's chakra flared like a pressure wave. One hand grabbed Naruto, the other grabbed Kiba, and even Akamaru yelped under the sudden tension.
Even Sasuke glanced over in surprise.
Naruto and Kiba froze, then gave awkward smiles and whistled innocently.
The whole group burst into laughter no one could beat Chōji's love for food.
They filed into the restaurant, where Tenten waved them over. Soon everyone was seated around a large table, eyes wide with wonder at the bubbling yuan-yang pot in the center.
They'd seen the flyers days ago. A new type of dining ingredients dipped in boiling broth and eaten fresh?
It sounded like magic.
Neji smiled. "All right. Today's a celebration. Eat up no holding back."
"OHHHHHH!!!"
A frenzy erupted.
Naruto, Kiba, and Chōji tore into the table like warriors. Hinata, though graceful, moved swiftly food vanished from her side of the table in seconds.
She still managed to chat with Ino and Sakura as if nothing was happening. Neji observed quietly deeply hidden talents, huh?
He joined in, too, not that anyone cut him any slack just because of the blindfold.
They all treated him like any other friend. That alone meant something.
Though they'd only just started at the Academy, their bonds were already forming.
---
The feast ended with everyone full and happy bellies round, cheeks flushed. Well, everyone except Hinata, Neji, and the girls remained composed.
Even Sasuke looked a little more relaxed not quite the brooding avenger he'd become later.
Neji had wondered why Sasuke showed up at all, but it wasn't too surprising.
Despite the long-standing tension between the Uchiha and Hyūga clans, wartime bonds and shared missions had forged connections. The rivalry was more political than personal adults played the game. The kids just followed along.
After everyone left, each of them full of praise and promises to return, Neji and Hinata stood outside, bowing respectfully.
Their hotpot was more affordable than yakiniku places and far more fun.
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That night
Exhausted from a day of hospitality, Neji collapsed onto his bed.
The launch had gone well. Hopefully, the next few days will stay busy. But real results would come a month from now when the novelty wore off and steady customers mattered.
"At least all the small stuff is handled," Neji muttered. "Now it's time to grind experience again."
He removed his blindfold and let his eyes adjust to the moonlit room.
It had been so long… he'd nearly forgotten what colors looked like.
I'll need to start practicing in secret soon. Even with the blindfold, I should be able to use my vision unnoticed.
After all, the Byakugan's core traits were clarity and range. Compared to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's version, theirs was… a watered-down relic.
No need to rush toward the Tenseigan either…
One method was through merging multiple Byakugan. With his knowledge of Vinsmoke genetic engineering, or what he called the Blueprint of Life, such things were technically feasible.
Still, chakra and kekkei genkai made this world more unpredictable.
If he ever needed help down the line… well, he might seek out Orochimaru though under a different identity.
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[Support with 100 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter]