Rallying the Troops [Nejiko, Jimaiya]
[takes place not too long after Jimaiya finds Kureno and Aki, before they all head to the gala. personally, given how long it took the original party to get to the palace, this is probably taking place during gala day 2]
Just because certain individuals were off to spend several days parading in front of the Daimyo to honor an action that no one in their right mind would name honorable didn't mean routine changed for everyone else left behind.
Nejiko did not envy those attending the gala. She could only be thankful she wouldn't be sharing in witnessing the shameful celebration of a stupid decision of her sempai's that had nearly cost her her life. Asuka should have never gone off alone to face Sasoriza; she deserved some punishment for that.
...Admittedly, Nejiko also knew the gala was a punishment for Asuka. To have to publicly accept the thanks and gratitude of the country as represented by the Daimyo for an irresponsible act that nearly got herself killed, and prompted Kureno to take actions that would result in the ruination of a very promising career. Therefore, putting it in that light, Nejiko made a private wish that the gala proceed uninterrupted in its celebration for as long as possible. The Hyuuga respected her sempai greatly, trusted her as an instructor and more experienced ANBU, and admired her, but that didn't stop Nejiko from believing Asuka had behaved stupidly.
Some people would probably object to Nejiko not visiting her sempai at all either while Asuka was in the hospital, or after she was released. It wasn't Nejiko didn't care--she did make it a point to keep appraised of Asuka's condition despite other activities keeping her busy. Rather it was out of consideration that Nejiko didn't visit. Asuka wouldn't appreciate reminders of the situation, either. Better in the Hyuuga's estimation to keep away for a little longer. Perhaps after the gala, then, she'd go visit.
But right now she had other things to do inside headquarters. Like check her mail and wonder why the Toad Sennin was suddenly bursting in through the doors.
"Jimaiya-sama? Can I help you?" she inquired calmly while others snapped to attention, her own adrenaline springing into humming action at the older woman's sudden appearance.
Just because certain individuals were off to spend several days parading in front of the Daimyo to honor an action that no one in their right mind would name honorable didn't mean routine changed for everyone else left behind.
Nejiko did not envy those attending the gala. She could only be thankful she wouldn't be sharing in witnessing the shameful celebration of a stupid decision of her sempai's that had nearly cost her her life. Asuka should have never gone off alone to face Sasoriza; she deserved some punishment for that.
...Admittedly, Nejiko also knew the gala was a punishment for Asuka. To have to publicly accept the thanks and gratitude of the country as represented by the Daimyo for an irresponsible act that nearly got herself killed, and prompted Kureno to take actions that would result in the ruination of a very promising career. Therefore, putting it in that light, Nejiko made a private wish that the gala proceed uninterrupted in its celebration for as long as possible. The Hyuuga respected her sempai greatly, trusted her as an instructor and more experienced ANBU, and admired her, but that didn't stop Nejiko from believing Asuka had behaved stupidly.
Some people would probably object to Nejiko not visiting her sempai at all either while Asuka was in the hospital, or after she was released. It wasn't Nejiko didn't care--she did make it a point to keep appraised of Asuka's condition despite other activities keeping her busy. Rather it was out of consideration that Nejiko didn't visit. Asuka wouldn't appreciate reminders of the situation, either. Better in the Hyuuga's estimation to keep away for a little longer. Perhaps after the gala, then, she'd go visit.
But right now she had other things to do inside headquarters. Like check her mail and wonder why the Toad Sennin was suddenly bursting in through the doors.
"Jimaiya-sama? Can I help you?" she inquired calmly while others snapped to attention, her own adrenaline springing into humming action at the older woman's sudden appearance.