"I'm sure you'll be able to arrange something; Gai-san will undoubtedly want to do all he can to help one of his own." Hizashi believed that readily enough. After all, what man wouldn't want to help their own son flourish and thrive? And he was a father to Neji, surely, just as much as Hizashi was himself. Gai had guided and taught and cared for Neji for several years, now--and the way the man conducted himself, there could be no doubt that he loved his students as he would his own flesh and blood.
The thought was comforting, in its own way--he couldn't be with Neji all the time, affter all. Having another set of eyes watching out for him--or maybe even three more, as the case may be--was something he appreciated. It was the benefit of having a team, a second family, to counterbalance the loss of attention that one on one apprenticeship such as he'd had offered.
"You've aided me more than I can say, Neji. You've no need to worry on that count." Hizashi smiled back at him, quiet but warm as he turned the stove off; even if neither off them needed to look at each other while they talked, he wanted to, regardless. As Neji was the center of his world, so too should he be the center of his attention, at least for the moment, as he reassured him.
(You are useful. You are capable. You are wanted. You are enough. You matter. You are loved.)
He let the sentiment hang in the air for a moment of silence, as he dished out the food into serving bowls and helped Neji to bring them to the table. His weapons went back into his pouch, with as little fanfare as they emerged. He does his best to remain strong and true, as steadfast a protector and provider as he ever had, but..... well, time marched ever on, eroding even the best of men. Age and worldly experience had a way of leaving their marks, no matter how much anyone wished otherwise. He could only do his best--so that was what he'd do, for Neji's sake. For Hiashi's sake. For the village's sake.
But he was moving to lighten the mood soon after, ready to ease Neji's mind. "I've no doubt it will shape up quickly, once you have an idea in mind and have practiced some to see how it handles on the field--you always have been gifted as mastering such training. What thoughts have you given to your Earth defenses?"
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The thought was comforting, in its own way--he couldn't be with Neji all the time, affter all. Having another set of eyes watching out for him--or maybe even three more, as the case may be--was something he appreciated. It was the benefit of having a team, a second family, to counterbalance the loss of attention that one on one apprenticeship such as he'd had offered.
"You've aided me more than I can say, Neji. You've no need to worry on that count." Hizashi smiled back at him, quiet but warm as he turned the stove off; even if neither off them needed to look at each other while they talked, he wanted to, regardless. As Neji was the center of his world, so too should he be the center of his attention, at least for the moment, as he reassured him.
(You are useful. You are capable. You are wanted. You are enough. You matter. You are loved.)
He let the sentiment hang in the air for a moment of silence, as he dished out the food into serving bowls and helped Neji to bring them to the table. His weapons went back into his pouch, with as little fanfare as they emerged. He does his best to remain strong and true, as steadfast a protector and provider as he ever had, but..... well, time marched ever on, eroding even the best of men. Age and worldly experience had a way of leaving their marks, no matter how much anyone wished otherwise. He could only do his best--so that was what he'd do, for Neji's sake. For Hiashi's sake. For the village's sake.
But he was moving to lighten the mood soon after, ready to ease Neji's mind. "I've no doubt it will shape up quickly, once you have an idea in mind and have practiced some to see how it handles on the field--you always have been gifted as mastering such training. What thoughts have you given to your Earth defenses?"