And Neji's words at the start of the battle seemed to have become a prophecy.
"A person can never change, no matter what."
"It's precisely those things you can't change that set people apart—and make them suffer."
"Just like how I'm from the branch family while you're from the main house. That will never change."
"I've already seen through everything with my Byakugan—I understand. You're only putting on a brave front."
"Deep down, all you want is to run away from this place as fast as you can!"
"When I pressed you, your eyes moved up and to the right—you remembered something from your past."
"Then your gaze shifted downward, showing you were reliving emotional pain."
Each word out of Neji's mouth was like a death sentence—Hinata was too terrified to speak.
If it hadn't been for Naruto's encouragement at the beginning, Hinata probably wouldn't have lasted in this fight at all.
Shiki sighed helplessly, "But why are you being so foolish? This match absolutely can't prove effort. Besides, Neji is trying hard too."
Yet the battle still continued. Blood dripped from Hinata's lips as she stubbornly fought on.
"Hinata can't take any more hits," Kurenai Yuhi said, her tone carrying an unknown mixture of emotions—but undeniably serious now. "This is already Hinata's limit."
The Konoha Genin were all taken aback—Kurenai Yuhi's voice had clearly conveyed absolute negation.
Kakashi also turned his gaze toward Neji. "He's completely sealed Hinata's chakra flow using Pressure Points Sealed."
"In other words, Hinata can't use Gentle Fist anymore—the technique that channels chakra into an opponent's body."
Unable to use Gentle Fist?
Only now did everyone realize Hinata's fate seemed already decided.
Even if she could keep getting back up, without Gentle Fist—a Hyuga clan specialty—it meant she could only rely on basic hand-to-hand techniques.
So then, how could she possibly win?
Yet that girl kept rising again from the ground, blood still dripping from her lips, looking determined enough to scare anyone.
Refusing to back down was admirable.
But this wasn't a battlefield. And Neji wasn't her enemy.
Despite her battered state, Hinata charged toward Neji once more, still possessing skill impressive enough to stun anyone. But when it came to that, Neji was leagues ahead of Hinata.
"Why don't you understand?"
Saying so, Neji struck Hinata down yet again.
"That Gentle Fist technique has absolutely no effect on me."
On the spectator seats, everyone wore expressions of shock—but all carried heavy sorrow.
Kurenai admired how Hinata was no longer the timid girl who'd often give up easily before. Yet at the same time, she couldn't support Hinata continuing this pointless resistance.
Guy also sighed, "That punch from Neji—aimed straight at her heart—was deadly. How pitiful; she can't get up anymore."
When Ryuunosuke witnessed this, he prepared to declare Neji the winner.
"Don't end the match!" Naruto roared again.
Everyone froze for a moment, but then—unbelievably—under everyone's astonished gazes, Hinata actually staggered upright one more time.
Hinata pleaded with Neji from the depths of her heart, wanting him to stop carrying the burden of the Hyuga Branch House.
"There's no need to blame yourself because you feel powerless," she urged.
But this only reminded Neji of his father—how could he possibly abandon that hatred?
The next moment, Neji's chakra erupted once again as he charged straight toward Hinata.
Chapter 159: Game
"Neji Hyuga, this match is over!" Ryuunosuke shouted anxiously.
Yet Neji did not stop at his words. He continued charging directly toward Hinata.
Neji knew he shouldn't be doing this—but Hinata's words had reignited the hatred buried deep inside him.
Why should I forgive?
You're a member of the Main House—who gave you the right to casually tell me to let go of my hatred?
You're the privileged ones—not me, and definitely not my late father!
But just as Neji approached Hinata, several Jonin instantly appeared beside him.
Using various techniques, they stopped his advance.
Might Guy grabbed Neji from behind in a tight hold. "Neji, that's enough! You promised me—you wouldn't fight the Main House over others' matters anymore, remember?"
Neji cast a cold glance at the Jonin surrounding him. If Ryuunosuke stepping in was understandable—he was the supervisor of this exam.
And Might Guy had reason to intervene too—he was Neji's supervising Jonin. Similarly, Kurenai grabbing his right hand also made sense—she was Hinata's supervising Jonin.
But what reason did that masked Jonin have for standing here?
"Are all other Jonin mobilized just because this is a privilege exclusive to the Main House?"
Neji's voice pierced through the surrounding crowd like an icepick.
His hatred toward the system, toward this world, was now at its peak.
Thud!
Hinata collapsed to the ground, unable to stand any longer. Truthfully, her injuries had always been severe. Even without Neji attacking further, she lacked the strength to remain standing.
In fact, her current condition was already critical enough to threaten her life.
One by one, Konoha's Genin snapped out of their shock and rushed down to Hinata's side, carefully examining her injuries.
Kurenai also released Neji's hand and walked toward Hinata. When her hand touched Hinata's chest,
the condition of her chakra pathways shocked Kurenai instantly. Was Neji truly fighting with the intention to kill Hinata?
"Medical Team! What are you still standing around for? Hurry over here!"
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