Naruto: Reborn as Neji Hyuga After Dying in One Piece

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After leaving the puppet research lab, Neji stepped into another room only to find Izumi teasing Isobu.

She was dressed in a form-fitting violet outfit, long black hair cascading smoothly over her shoulders.

Resting her chin in one hand, her dark eyes curved into a playful smile, a beauty mark accenting her charm.

In her other hand, she held a tiny dried fish, waving it just out of reach of the palm-sized Three-Tails.

Isobu tilted his head up in disdain. As the mighty Sanbi, how could he be lured by such a paltry offering? Even if it did smell incredible.

Of course, that didn't stop his mouth from watering.

He was determined not to eat in front of a human. Pride wouldn't allow it.

Does this turtle look like it has no self-respect?

Unfortunately for him, Izumi's stash of fragrant, differently seasoned fish snacks was a cruel temptation.

Isobu reflected bitterly sealed away for years, reborn, and then immediately captured again. The life of a tailed beast was truly harsh.

And worst of all? He had tasted these snacks before. Once you knew such flavors existed, returning to bland freedom was agony.

Izumi leaned closer, her voice sweet as honey.

"Isobu, these are the newest batch freshly cured. They say the juices burst when you chew them. Not dry, not tough, and seasoned with special spices."

She "innocently" poked the fish against its mouth. The scent wrapped around his senses like a trap, triggering memories of chewy, juicy perfection.

In his mind, two lights flashed one labeled Dignity of a Tailed Beast, the other Dried Fish. The latter was winning.

Izumi, who had been looking after him for days, had already learned his tail language. His three tails twitched, betraying his true desire.

Neji stood by, watching with quiet amusement. He loved moments like this peaceful, human, simple. The fighting was forced upon them by the world, not by choice.

If the shinobi world weren't so obsessed with conflict, he'd happily live quietly. But troublemakers never rested.

Izumi sighed with mock regret and pulled out a large bag.

"These are all for you, Isobu. You really don't want any?"

She tore the bag open, releasing an intoxicating wave of aroma that crashed over him like a tide. He gulped and retreated into his shell.

Neji decided to push things along.

"Izumi, I need to discuss something with you. Over here."

She glanced at him, caught the deliberate wink, and then scooped up Isobu dropping him directly into the bag of fish.

The turtle froze.

This… this is evil.

Izumi walked over to Neji's desk. The two began "working" in hushed tones, a comfortable distance from the bag.

Isobu peeked out. They weren't paying attention to him. The fish glistened before his eyes.

Maybe just one. One bite won't hurt.

He snatched one, turned his back to hide it, and bit down.

The rich, savory sauce burst across his tongue, the tender flesh melting in his mouth. His eyes glazed over.

Too good… far too good. Nothing I've eaten before compares to this.

He took another. And another.

Okay, that's the last one. Absolutely the last one. No more…

Meanwhile, Neji and Izumi's pens scratched across paper, passing notes back and forth.

[It's eating. You really got it to throw away its pride.]

Izumi smirked as she wrote back.

[You gave him to me for this, didn't you? He's almost tamed.]

Neji gave her a discreet thumbs-up.

[Well done.]

[So… do I get a reward?]

He raised an eyebrow.

[What do you want?]

[Come to my place tonight. In person.]

The emphasis on in-person made him pause.

[Fine.]

She had done plenty for him over the years one small favor was nothing.

Out loud, he asked, "So, how's Isobu? Behaving himself?"

Izumi played along. "Of course. Still stubborn though. Won't touch the food I give him."

The words drifted over to Isobu, making him freeze mid-chew. He looked down.

The pile had shrunk alarmingly. The bottom of the bag was showing.

Oh no… my cover's blown.

The beast's pride was gone.

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