Shiki's Scalpel, with an extremely precise angle, severed Neji's abdominal meridians.
But this was a deliberate move from Neji — his fingers shot straight toward Shiki's chest to apply Pressure Points Sealed.
If Shiki were actually hit in the chest, even if he could still fight, his strength would drop significantly.
In this critical moment, Shiki suddenly released his right hand. The Scalpel vanished along with it.
Then, with a powerful punch, he drove his left fist downward, cutting through the air pressure and forcing Neji's arm back a few inches.
Neji's eyes narrowed sharply as the chakra around his body began to surge unpredictably.
[Eight Trigrams Rotation!]
Immediately, chakra erupted from every part of Neji's body as he spun rapidly.
The powerful rotational energy sent Shiki flying!
"That's the Hyuga Main House's secret technique?" Kakashi exclaimed again in astonishment. "But how does Neji know it?"
After all, such secret arts as Eight Trigrams Rotation were absolutely forbidden from being taught to the Branch Family. There was no way they would allow someone from the Branch Family to learn such a technique.
Might Guy's expression turned deeply solemn too; whenever the Main House was mentioned, he couldn't help but wear that look.
"Because Neji secretly mastered it on his own."
There was a hint of sorrow in the voice.
Those nearby couldn't help but gasp in shock—secretly mastered it?
Could the secret art Eight Trigrams Rotation actually be secretly learned?
How incredibly gifted must one be to master such a move without any guidance?
Everyone looked at Neji now with a touch more reverence.
Regardless of how Neji treated Hinata, from his perspective, who could have done better?
*Slash!*
Shiki was flung backward by the rotation's force, his feet scraping across the ground, carving two deep grooves into the earth.
Seeing the Eight Trigrams Rotation, Shiki felt uneasy — after all, he already knew how Neji had learned it from reading the original story.
This version of Neji made it hard for him to strike decisively.
But suddenly thinking of Hinata's battered appearance, Shiki's resolve suddenly strengthened.
Because Hinata too had been bound by the traditions of the Hyuga Main House.
Once cast out from her family, what dignity of the Main House remained in her?
If given a choice, Hinata would have never done anything to hurt you. That gentle girl was simply too kind, trying desperately to protect everyone, foolishly believing she could earn everyone's acceptance through her efforts alone.
So why—why do you reject everything?
Did you really think the reason Hinata stood up the last time was purely for herself?
All she wanted was to stand up and tell you: "Neji-niisan, you can also break free from these chains."
She truly believed—you can change your fate!
CLANG!!!
The sound of metal scraping echoed. Slowly, Shiki drew the cold blade gleaming from its black scabbard behind his back.
Though this blade was only a temporary replacement for Seiquan, in Shiki's grasp, it radiated razor-sharp intensity!
Both fighters had reached their limits—each other's attacks had gravely damaged their chakra pathways.
This move will be the final blow!
"Neji Hyuga!! If you truly believe in predestined fate yet refuse to break free from it, then let this technique be the final judgment! I said earlier that it was for my sister, but Hinata's wish was actually to give you the courage to fight against your fate! You fool!!"
Shiki's figure moved like the wind, vanishing into the air.
A violent chakra shockwave erupted from where Shiki had vanished, surging toward Neji with overwhelming force.
The sun poured down its merciless blaze upon the earth, while the moon scattered a chill silver light.
[Dance of the Sword!!]
It seemed as if fate itself was dancing!
Three identical figures froze mid-air in different poses.
Below them, Neji formed a chakra sphere wall using the Eight Trigrams Rotation!
This was the Hyuga clan's so-called Absolute Defense!
Any ninjutsu or chakra would be deflected by the repulsive force of the Rotation.
No one could discern Neji's thoughts within this ultimate defense—his expression and inner feelings completely hidden from view.
Yet the swords frozen in mid-air advanced without hesitation, as if determined to pierce through this shield.
This was a battle between exquisite swordsmanship and an impenetrable chakra wall.
"What?!" Kakashi turned toward Hayate Gekko, whose face still showed signs of fatigue. "You and Guy both taught Shiki the Dance of the Sword so early? That's an A-rank sword technique!"
Hayate shook his head at Kakashi, his gaze fixed on the intense confrontation between Shiki and Neji.
His voice was steady as he said, "Because when Shiki bears responsibility, he needs the means to become strong. He's not just an ordinary child, Hatake-senpai."
Those bright eyes sparkled, calming Kakashi's initial surprise.
On the battlefield, however, two clones had already been destroyed by the chakra shockwave from the Rotation.
But Shiki found a slightly weaker spot in the technique and charged directly into it.
His chakra enveloped the sword, exquisitely refined yet razor-sharp, aiming to pierce through this shield!
Even the Eight Trigrams Rotation couldn't withstand such precise and powerful strikes.
Carrying Shiki's immense strength!
What made things worse for the shield was that the sword focused all its power on a single point, while the defense had to cover every angle.
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