The Algorithm of Emotion: Neji x Sasuke

Chapter 8: A Jonin's Curious Gaze and a Familiar Orange

Kakashi Hatake leaned against the familiar wall of the Leaf Bookstore, the scent of aged paper and ink a comforting aroma. He was engrossed in the latest volume of his favorite series, the vibrant orange cover a familiar sight to anyone who knew him. The world outside the pages faded away as he delved into the latest escapades of the protagonists.

Then, a subtle shift in the chakra flow in the vicinity pulled him from his reading. He sensed the familiar presence of two Anbu operatives, their chakra signatures carefully concealed but still detectable to his trained senses. They were positioned discreetly, maintaining a distance, clearly observing someone. His attention sharpened.

And then, he saw the subject of their observation: the Hyuga prodigy, Neji. Kakashi lowered his book slightly, his single visible eye observing Neji's movements. The boy seemed... off. There was a subtle stiffness in his posture, a slight hesitancy in his gait that was entirely uncharacteristic of the usually fluid and precise movements of a Hyuga prodigy. It was almost as if he were... unfamiliar with his own body, or perhaps struggling to control it fully.

"Hmm," Kakashi murmured to himself, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow beneath his mask. "That's... decidedly odd." He had noticed the reports of Neji's sudden collapse and the subsequent amnesia. The official explanation was an unknown attack, but Kakashi had his doubts.

He watched as Neji browsed the shelves, his gaze seemingly scanning the titles with a focused intensity that was typical of the Hyuga. But even that focus seemed... strained, less natural than he remembered.

Then, Kakashi's gaze drifted back to his own book. He chuckled softly to himself. It was a guilty pleasure, this series. A bit... risqué, perhaps, but undeniably entertaining. He'd always found a certain... insight into human nature within its pages, even if it was presented in a rather unconventional manner.

Suddenly, he saw Neji approach the section where the "Icha Icha Paradise" series was displayed. Kakashi's eyebrow, the visible one, shot up slightly in surprise. He hadn't pegged the stoic Hyuga as someone with an interest in such... literature.

"Well, well," Kakashi mused, a hint of amusement in his voice, though it was muffled by his mask. "Looks like even the most disciplined shinobi have their... hidden interests."

He watched as Neji selected a volume, then another, and then... several more. Kakashi blinked, genuinely surprised. He hadn't seen anyone buy so many at once, not even himself, and certainly not the seemingly reserved Neji.

"Multiple volumes, eh?" Kakashi chuckled to himself. "Perhaps he's planning a deep dive into the... nuances of human connection." He couldn't help but wonder what the Hyuga could possibly glean from these rather... explicit tales.

As Neji approached the counter, Kakashi subtly observed his movements. The awkwardness was still present, that almost robotic quality to his actions. It was as if he were a puppet, his movements slightly delayed and unnatural.

"This is... not right," Kakashi muttered, his brow furrowing further. For a prodigy of the Hyuga clan, Neji's movements were remarkably clumsy and uncoordinated. It was a stark contrast to the effortless grace he was known for.

He made a mental note to inquire further about Neji's recovery. The official reports seemed incomplete, and this behavior was far too strange to be simply attributed to lingering trauma. He glanced at the Anbu operatives, still maintaining their silent vigil. They were likely just as perplexed by this turn of events.

As Neji left the bookstore, clutching his stack of orange-covered books, Kakashi watched him go, a thoughtful glint in his single eye. The mystery surrounding Neji Hyuga had deepened considerably. The seemingly sudden interest in "Icha Icha Paradise" coupled with his peculiar behavior was too much of a coincidence. He had a feeling that this was going to be a far more interesting situation than he had initially anticipated. He would definitely be having a word with the Hokage about this, and perhaps a... friendly chat with Guy later. This was shaping up to be a truly unusual day in Konoha.