Sukiyaki (Untouchable Memories)

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 distinct personalities. 

Neji, in particular, was a complex individual—stoic and serious, but one of the kindest 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 art. She learned to overlook his tactlessness, embracing it as a cherished facet of his personality. Neji's relationship with his cousin, Hinata, however, was intriguing, but he rarely discussed it. Shanan hoped to draw him out about his family dynamics eventually considering Hinata was one of her closest friends.

"Your chakra is unusual," Neji observed during their first team training session. 

They'd just decided it was time for a lunch break and Shanan hadn't even had the chance to open her bento box before Neji approached her, lavender eyes sparkling with intrigue. He hovered over her, barely containing his enthusiasm. 

Shanan was quite surprised at his sudden appearance, having assumed Neji was oblivious to her existence. 

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

Shanan's brow furrowed. "Oh, yeah? How so?"

Neji settled in beside her, eager to unleash his expertise on the matter, "Well, you see, most people have a single chakra source, typically located in the center of their body or; their heart. Chakra flows to and from this source like blood. However, you have two sources: the normal one and an additional one in your head." He paused, noting Shanan's bewildered expression before continuing, "I believe this is linked to your emotions. Furthermore, I've noticed your chakra's wavelengths behave differently than others." His words were dripping with exhilaration and Shanan couldn't help but be captivated by his explanation, even though she didn't fully understand chakra wavelengths. 

"Wait, how does that work?" she asked him, sitting up straight. 

A small smile teased at the corners of Neji's mouth as he continued, delighted to have an attentive audience for once. "Think of chakra like water. Most people have a single source, like a spring; the water flows from there and feeds into the lake or; their body. But you, Shanan, have two sources – the normal one and the additional one in your head." Neji's hands gestured thoughtfully, attempting to illustrate the concept. "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 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's shock was apparent. Absorbing chakra was extraordinary and unheard of, and she was just a normal, unremarkable child. Besides, surely one might feel themselves absorbing chakra the same as they can feel themselves using it. Her eyes landed on his, searching for answers and any hint that he might just have her confused with someone else. "How come I've never noticed this?" she asked, her curiosity mixed with a hint of wariness. "And how long have you been observing me, exactly?" She shot Neji a sideways glance, suddenly feeling exposed and nervous about the extent of his scrutiny.

Realizing that his secret research on her might have come across as unsettling, he hastened to clarify. "Please, forgive me," he said, waving his hands dismissively, as if to dispel any unease. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I chose to sit in the back of the classroom to study everyone's chakra, however yours was the most fascinating. 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 she read to them. 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. 

"You can't feel the absorption in the normal sense, because it's linked to your brain's chakra source, which is most active during the process," he continued. "You might have experienced it as a sense of comfort or heightened joy. Like I said, that particular chakra source is linked to your emotions, therefore, your ability is also linked to your emotions." 

Neji's eyes sparkled with excitement as he stood up once more. "With an ability like this, Shanan, you'll likely 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, seemingly having reached his social interaction limit for the day.

As Neji's figure retreated, Shanan's gaze followed him, her mind reeling from his account. Though, the more pieces she put together, the more questions she had. And who was she to have possession of such an ability? She was no Uchiha or Hyuga. She was clanless, an orphan that no one really ever thought twice about – shrouded in darkness…

She had no idea what was happening within her - and the chances of him being mistaken were slim - but she decided that few people could understand the inner workings of chakra the way he could with his Byakugan. So she made a mental note to see if she could feel herself absorbing chakra the next time she touched someone.

Just as she was about to finally 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 mix 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 supposed that that was just boys for you. Sasuke's prediction had come true – she had grown to appreciate and value 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 liked her for it. Neji's gruff exterior hid a kind heart, always willing to help someone in need. Rock Lee's intense optimism never failed to uplift everyone's spirit. And Guy Sensei's genuine care for his students brought them all together as a family.

Being part of Team Guy ignited a new fire within Shanan. She felt an unshakeable desire to become stronger, to protect and support her teammates, always. The thought of keeping Neji's sharp mind, Lee's boundless energy, and Guy Sensei's unwavering dedication safe from harm drove her to push beyond her limits.

Shanan realized she thrived in small groups, where deeper connections were possible. In contrast to the overwhelming classroom, she had found her proper place among Team Guy. Her teammates' acceptance and trust fueled her determination to grow, to defend, and to stand beside them as an equal.

Every training session, every mission and every team lunch made her realize how grateful she was to whoever was responsible for assigning teams, recognizing that they had done an excellent job of creating a compatible group. 

As she watched her teammates laugh, Shanan hoped 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…