Outsiders

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Shisui's gaze lingered on the young Uchiha for a moment longer before addressing the team. "Good work, Team 8. I've raised the rank of this mission to S. It will be reflected in your records, and you will be compensated accordingly."

The team, visibly relieved and grateful, chorused, "Thank you, Hokage-sama."

As they prepared to leave, Shisui added, "You have a week off. You are dismissed. Kurenai-san, please stay." His tone indicated a private conversation was to follow, one that did not concern the rest of the team.

Exiting the Hokage's office, the team found themselves back in the sunlight of the Konoha afternoon. The normalcy of the village seemed almost surreal after the intensity of their debriefing.

Hinata, her expression still reflecting the weight of their recent experiences, turned to Horyu. "Horyu, do you think we did the right thing, letting Zabuza go?"

Horyu's reply was measured, his eyes scanning the village around them. "In the shinobi world, right and wrong aren't always clear. Our choices have consequences, but we did what we had to, given the situation. That's all anyone can do."

Walking together through the bustling streets of Konoha, Horyu, Hinata, and Shino noticed an unusual influx of people from different villages. The air was thick with anticipation and a hint of underlying tension. Horyu thought to himself, 'We spent an extra week on the mission. I hope we are not too late for the exams.'

As they navigated through the crowd, a sudden commotion caught their attention. Kankuro, clad in his distinct puppeteer attire and accompanied by his sister Temari, was walking with a haughty air. His expression changed abruptly when a small child, lost in the excitement of the village, crashed into him. Reacting swiftly, Kankuro grabbed the child by the collar, lifting him into the air. "Watch where you are going, brat," he snarled, his voice laced with annoyance.

Hinata, witnessing the scene, stepped forward with a concerned look. "Drop the child, please. It was an accident," she said, her voice calm yet firm.

Kankuro, turning to face Hinata, glanced at Horyu and Shino before smirking dismissively. "Why should I? He should apologize."

Just as Horyu was about to intervene, a new voice sliced through the tension. "As an outsider, you have a lot of guts to cause a ruckus. Aren't you afraid of causing diplomatic conflict, given you are children of the Kazekage?" The speaker was Neji Hyuga, who approached with a confident stride.

Horyu was momentarily surprised to see Neji recognize Kankuro and Temari at a glance. Neji came to stand beside Hinata, bowing slightly. "Hinata-sama," he greeted respectfully.

One of the notable changes that Horyu had learned about in this altered reality was the fact that Cloud Village had never sent anyone to kidnap Hinata. In the original timeline, Cloud had dared to make such a move when Minato was no longer alive, and Sarutobi was the Hokage. However, with Minato's strength and decisiveness, things had played out differently in this reality, and such an incident had never occurred. As a result, Neji's father was still alive, a significant divergence from the previous timeline's tragic events.

Kankuro, taken aback by Neji's intervention, hesitated for a moment before setting the child down. The boy, now free, scampered away without a second glance. Kankuro, his pride slightly wounded, scoffed, "Keep your lectures to yourself, Leaf ninja."

Temari, sensing the growing tension, placed a hand on her brother's shoulder. "Let's go, Kankuro. We don't need trouble before the exams."

As they walked away, Neji turned to Hinata. "You handled that well. It's important to maintain the village's dignity, especially with guests around."

Hinata nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Big Brother Neji. I just didn't want things to escalate."

Horyu watched the exchange silently. He was aware of the delicate balance of power and diplomacy that pervaded such interactions, especially with the Chunin Exams bringing together various ninja villages. Any conflict, however small, could spark larger issues, something Konoha could ill afford.

Neji then turned to Horyu, his gaze showing a clear air of displeasure. "Uchiha," he said, his tone cool and distant.

Horyu responded with equal disinterest, "Hyuga." It was evident that Neji harbored some form of dislike towards him, but Horyu wasn't bothered. Neji was a character who didn't pique his interest, neither in the original storyline nor in this altered reality.

As Neji and Hinata exchanged a few more words, Horyu's thoughts drifted elsewhere. The altered circumstances of this world had him pondering the moves of various players, particularly Orochimaru. In the original anime, Orochimaru had exploited the weakened state of Konoha, orchestrating a battle with the help of the Sand Village to achieve his sinister goals. But now, with Shisui as Hokage and the Uchiha clan not only surviving but thriving, the dynamics were entirely different. Horyu mused over the possibility of Orochimaru making a move during the Chunin Exams, but something felt off. With the Uchiha's power at its peak, it seemed unlikely that Orochimaru would risk a direct confrontation.

His thoughts then turned to the presence of the Kazekage's children in Konoha. It was an unusual decision; traditionally, villages didn't send their key Genin, especially those with significant lineage, to exams held in other villages. The risks were too high, both in terms of losing valuable shinobi and revealing their hidden abilities. Yet here were Kankuro and Temari, walking freely in Konoha. Did Rasa, the Kazekage, have an ulterior motive, or was this simply a gesture of goodwill?

As they walked through the village, Horyu's eyes scanned the surroundings, observing the influx of ninja from other villages. The Chunin Exams were a time of heightened vigilance, where the line between friend and foe could blur amidst the competitive fervor.

Neji, after a brief conversation with Hinata, nodded towards Horyu and Shino before departing. His steps were measured, the confidence of a Hyuga evident in his gait. Hinata watched him leave, a small sigh escaping her lips. "Big Brother Neji has always been strict," she said, turning back to Horyu and Shino.

Shino adjusted his glasses, his voice calm as he spoke. "Neji's skills are formidable. His strictness is a reflection of his commitment to his clan and his duties."

Horyu nodded, acknowledging Shino's observation. "True. Skills and clan pride often shape one's outlook. But sometimes, they can also blind you to other possibilities."

The trio continued their walk through Konoha, the village now a hive of activity as preparations for the Chunin Exams were in full swing. Horyu couldn't help but think about the impending exams. They were not just a test of skill but a showcase of potential and power. For him, it was another step in his path, another quest to be undertaken.

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