Chapter 254: I Really Don't Know How to Lecture
The person he most longed to meet appeared at his most wretched moment. All of Neji's thoughts were stripped away.
He'd always worked to practice the path this person had shown him, yearning for recognition someday, yet they reunited precisely after his devastating defeat, when he'd utterly failed those expectations.
Praised as the Hyuga clan's genius, his only thought now was wishing he could immediately disappear or find a crack to crawl into—he absolutely couldn't let this person see him in such a miserable, embarrassing state...
Is this a dream? Yes, this must be another dream!
That's right... Menma-sama is the mysterious, powerful leader of the Ember organization! How could he possibly appear at this kind of Chunin Exam... yes, just like countless nights before, this is merely a dream...
Neji frantically tried to convince himself, attempting to escape this overly cruel reality. Menma hadn't expected this child's internal drama to be so rich. Seeing his continued lack of response, he spoke again.
"What's wrong? Seeing me, do you have nothing to say? Hizashi misses you very much. I cannot stay here long. Do you have any words you need me to convey to your father?"
These utterly plain words, yet their content completely differed from any "dream" trajectory Neji had imagined—no recognition, no praise. These words were like a bucket of ice water, instantly jolting Neji from his self-constructed fantasy, making him shudder!
This isn't a dream... Menma-sama... truly came...
He truly appeared before him after losing so thoroughly, so completely!
"...Menma-sama... I deeply apologize!"
Neji suddenly rose from the hospital bed, bowing deeply toward Menma. His voice choked, tears flowing uncontrollably. This sudden action made Menma pause momentarily.
Neji's heart filled with tremendous shame. He'd always remembered Menma's expectations for his growth, yet appeared before him in such devastating defeat. For the proud Neji, this was tantamount to the deepest "humiliation."
"I... I failed your expectations... I... lost... I... betrayed the path you showed me... I don't deserve your recognition... I... I brought shame to my father... disappointed you..."
He spoke intermittently while tears streamed down his cheeks. He looked less like a ninja who'd just experienced intense battle and more like a sinner in confession.
Though Menma anticipated he might be discouraged, Neji's reaction was somewhat more severe than expected.
"Disappointed...?" Menma's voice sounded calm, without the expected reproach. "Where's the disappointment?"
Neji raised his tear-stained face, eyes filled with confusion and incomprehension, not understanding why Menma would ask this.
"Neji, tell me, how old are you this year?" Menma changed questions.
Though unclear about this question's purpose, Neji answered honestly. "Four... fourteen years old."
Menma nodded. "So why should I be disappointed? A fourteen-year-old youth who already possesses near-jonin strength—isn't that enough to satisfy me?"
This comforting praise made Neji instantly understand his intention. He lowered his head again, his heart flooded with overwhelming, bewildered gratitude, not knowing how to respond to this warmth and affirmation given at his most vulnerable moment.
"Neji, tell me," Menma stepped forward, "what exactly are you feeling guilty about?"
While guiding Neji, Menma inwardly sighed helplessly. Psychological counseling is truly exhausting... ninja really aren't suited to work as therapists.
"But... I still lost..." Neji's voice was low, carrying unresolved bitterness.
"Lost?" Menma shook his head gently. "But what you're feeling—is it 'failure' itself, or that you finally discovered you're not omnipotent? It seems you misunderstood something from the start."
Disregarding Neji's urgent yet confused expression, Menma continued. "The 'strength' I told you about was never about becoming 'the strongest,' much less requiring you to never admit defeat."
"Flowing river water. When it encounters an indestructible boulder, does it choose to 'drip through stone' day after day for a thousand years, or wisely 'detour around,' accumulating strength toward the broader ocean? Both choices demonstrate its strength as a 'river.' Your battle with Lee isn't your destiny's endpoint or blemish, but a precious opportunity to truly see your own 'river's' nature and clarify your future direction."
"Not every all-out attempt will bloom and bear fruit. But every sincere effort and challenge itself deserves respect."
"Blooming flowers and abundant fruit both require lengthy processes."
Menma bent down, placing his hand gently on Neji's shoulder, which trembled slightly from emotional turmoil.
"Being able to clearly see the boundaries of your abilities and your character's 'shell' through this opportunity is itself a rare breakthrough. Daring to acknowledge your helplessness in certain moments is precisely strength's starting point."
"Remember, changing fate doesn't require you to shatter every boulder on your path forward. True strength lies in whether you possess the will and resilience to 'carry these weights and setbacks while steadily advancing.'"
"Today's defeat is the 'fate' you need to bear and must ultimately surpass."
"When you no longer fall into self-hatred's vortex over momentary failure, but can calmly accept it, transforming it into a foundation that elevates your perspective and solidifies your path—you, Hyuga Neji, will already truly be walking the correct path of changing fate."
"So..." Menma concluded, his tone absolutely certain. "You've already done well enough. You needn't—absolutely shouldn't—feel any shame for the effort and sweat you've invested."
Not denying the path he'd always insisted on, but pointing him toward a deeper direction... The self-loathing in Neji's heart began gradually melting away in these words, receding...
Replacing it was a sense of being understood, forgiven, fully known—relief and emotion. He simply raised his head, staring blankly at that fox mask, as if wanting to see through it for more.
After finishing these words, Menma watched Neji's gaze—those pure white Byakugan now filled with almost pure worship, unreserved trust, and deep dependence. His pale cheeks also faintly flushed.
This appearance of Neji was completely unprecedented for Menma, familiar with the "original work's" cool, aloof image... making him feel somewhat nauseous, even uncomfortable.
However, seeing this reaction, the counseling should have succeeded... Neji probably won't continue dwelling in guilt and self-doubt...
So exhausting... Menma silently wiped away metaphorical sweat internally. Using language's power to reverse someone's mentality... Talk-no-Jutsu is just teasing—it doesn't exist in reality.
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