The Algorithm of Emotion: Neji x Sasuke

Chapter 10: Whispers in the Hokage's Chambers

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Hokage's office, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, his expression a mask of deep concern etched with age. Across from him, Inoichi Yamanaka, head of the Yamanaka clan and a master of mind-reading techniques, sat with a thoughtful frown. The report from the Anbu regarding Neji Hyuga lay open on the desk between them.

"So," the Hokage began, his voice low and laced with a weariness that spoke of years spent dealing with the shadows of the shinobi world, "the Anbu's observations paint a most... perplexing picture."

Inoichi nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "Indeed, Hokage-sama. The inconsistencies are... unsettling. The reports of his physical clumsiness, the sudden, almost jarring, shift in his interests... it is entirely unlike the Neji Hyuga we know." He paused, considering his words carefully. "I have not yet attempted direct mental probing, as I explained, to avoid... further complications with the Hyuga."

"Prudence is always wise," Sarutobi conceded, his eyes narrowed in thought. "But we must understand what transpired. The Anbu's report of his... collapse during training within the Hyuga compound is particularly concerning."

"The medical examiners, Hokage-sama, were baffled," Inoichi reported, his voice grave. "There were no external wounds, no signs of a conventional attack. Yet, the reports indicate a significant internal trauma, and... the presence of blood."

The Hokage's brow furrowed. "Blood? Where?"

"From his eyes, ears, and nostrils, Hokage-sama," Inoichi stated, his expression grim. "A significant amount. Yet, the training grounds showed no signs of a struggle, no indication of an external force capable of inflicting such damage without leaving a trace."

Sarutobi leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Blood from those orifices... that suggests a severe internal pressure, a sudden and violent disruption within his system. But how? And why no external marks?"

"That is the crux of the matter, Hokage-sama," Inoichi agreed. "My initial assessment, based solely on the Anbu's report and Neji's usual mental state, points towards something... unnatural. A technique we do not understand, perhaps? Or a condition that defies conventional medical explanation."

"And the Anbu's observation of his interaction with Uchiha Sasuke?" Sarutobi prompted.

"The clumsy stumble, the accidental contact... and then, the reported intensity of his gaze towards Sasuke afterward," Inoichi mused. "It's as if he is... studying him. Trying to understand something through observation, something that is... foreign to him."

"And the books," the Hokage said, gesturing towards the report. "This sudden interest in... lighthearted literature. It's so out of character."

"It adds another layer of bewilderment, Hokage-sama," Inoichi confirmed. "It's as if his internal compass has been... recalibrated. His priorities, his interests... they seem to have shifted dramatically."

"It's as if the Neji we knew is... gone," Sarutobi said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And something else has taken his place."

"We must consider all possibilities, Hokage-sama," Inoichi stated. "A powerful genjutsu that has left him altered. A unique form of attack that leaves no physical evidence. Or... something far more profound, something that has fundamentally changed his very being."

"We need answers, Inoichi," the Hokage said, his voice firm. "We need to understand how a shinobi as skilled and disciplined as Neji Hyuga could suffer such a debilitating and inexplicable incident. Discreetly. Carefully. We cannot afford to alarm the Hyuga clan with unfounded speculation, but the implications of this... are too significant to ignore."

"I will continue to analyze the available information, Hokage-sama," Inoichi pledged. "And I will observe Neji's behavior for any further clues. The nature of this... transformation remains elusive, but we must uncover the truth."

Sarutobi nodded, his gaze solemn. "Do so, Inoichi. And keep me informed of every detail. The security of Konoha may very well depend on our understanding of this unsettling mystery surrounding Neji Hyuga and the perplexing circumstances of his... recovery." The weight of the village's security settled heavily upon his shoulders, the inexplicable condition of the seemingly altered Hyuga a dark and ominous cloud hanging over Konoha.