Neji chuckled softly. "Compared to the true power of the Hyuga clan, this is barely scratching the surface."
Hinata looked shocked. "No way! You're already amazing, Brother Neji!"
Neji paused for a moment, then smiled.
This silly little sister of his always made him feel like the ninja world wasn't completely cold and heartless.
After her initial awe, Hinata's expression turned worried, her brows knitting together.
"Brother Neji... the Elders have already heard about your fight with Cousin Gintoki today."
"That fast, huh..."
Neji rubbed his chin. If this blew up, it would be messy to deal with.
The Caged Bird Curse Mark on his forehead was the ultimate leash. But even without the curse, trying to fight the entire clan with his current strength would be a suicide mission.
"I'll explain everything to the clan myself. You don't need to worry about it," Neji assured her.
"Okay."
"It's getting late. Go get some sleep."
Neji didn't want to drag Hinata into his mess; she was just a kind-hearted kid.
"Mmh..." Hinata lowered her head, looking depressed.
"What's wrong?" Neji asked.
"...Father told me today that within a year, he has to choose between Hanabi and me for the Main House heir. The loser gets demoted to the Branch House."
Hinata's eyes were full of shame and distress.
Neji knew the truth. She wasn't "useless" like the clan thought. She was just too kind. She couldn't bear the thought of hurting her own little sister.
After thinking it over, Neji reached out and gently patted Hinata's shoulder.
"Don't worry. A year is a long time. I promise you, I'll change the fate of the Branch House."
It was just meant to be comforting, but a spark of hope ignited in Hinata's eyes.
She looked up and nodded firmly.
"Okay!"
---
"Lee! It's heading your way!"
Tenten, speaking into a headset, sprinted through the dark alleyways of Konoha.
"Copy that!"
The ninja moved with tense, rapid efficiency.
Rock Lee tread lightly, terrified of spooking the cat they had cornered in a dead-end.
Suddenly, a figure dropped from the sky.
Thud.
Meow!
"Gotcha," the figure said, snatching the cat mid-air.
"Haha! You finally fell into the clutches of Konoha's Sublime Green Beast of Prey! Little kitty!"
Might Guy held up the calico cat with a beaming smile. The cat was screeching and struggling desperately, looking at Guy like he was a monster.
"As expected of Captain Guy! So fast!"
"No, no, Lee. You don't get it yet. Power and speed go hand in hand!"
"I learned something new! Taking notes!"
Tenten sighed. "It's just a cat-catching mission. Why are you guys so hyped..."
Neji strolled over slowly, watching Guy and Lee acting like weirdos while Tenten looked like she was in pain.
"Hey, Neji, what took you so long? Can't even keep up with a cat anymore?" Tenten asked bluntly.
Lee laughed. "Neji, you need to work harder! As a qualified Genin, these daily missions should be a piece of cake. Just like Captain Guy!"
Neji gave a wry smile. "I'll definitely practice more."
Tenten frowned. "Speaking of which, the Chunin Exams are coming up soon. Neji, if you keep this up, you're going to drag the team down!"
"The Chunin Exams!" Lee shouted.
Captain Guy scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly. "Well, we act as a team. If Neji doesn't want to participate, we can just skip—"
"I'm in!"
Neji suddenly cut Guy off, his eyes burning with intensity.
If he remembered the plot correctly, the Chunin Exams were packed with combat opportunities!
Real combat meant system rewards. He couldn't miss this chance.
The other three looked stunned. The Neji who usually failed at everything actually wanted to join the Chunin Exams?
Guy's expression turned serious. "Neji, the Chunin Exams aren't a game. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Absolutely!"
"Alright then. In that case, I'm going to test all three of you to see if you're qualified to enter!"
---
Konoha. The Abandoned Training Grounds.
Jingle, jingle...
Guy held up two bells, grinning. "I already explained the rules. You can come at me all at once, or work together!"
Tenten and Lee looked conflicted.
Tenten glanced at Neji. "Seriously? This isn't really 3-on-1. Neji's going to be useless here, right?"
Lee sighed heavily.
Neji just chuckled. "So, as long as we get the bells, we qualify for the Exams? And we can use any means necessary?"
Right now, all he wanted was a fight.
"Of course!" Guy confirmed.
"Well, I guess there's no helping it. Neji... try your best to keep up with us!" Lee said, starting to unwrap the bandages on his arms to remove his weights.
"Wait. I've been training hard lately to level up, and I want to see where I stand... Let me handle this test alone."
Neji took two steps back, his gaze sharpening.
"What? Are you kidding me? One-on-one?" Tenten and Lee were baffled.
Even Guy was surprised. "Neji, have you thought this through?"
"I really want a real fight with you, Captain Guy! I have to join those Exams!"
That statement showed everyone his resolve.
Lee and Tenten took the hint and backed off to give them space, though Tenten muttered under her breath, "Is he joking? How is Neji supposed to snatch a bell..."
BOOM!
An explosion of sound startled them.
Neji had engaged Guy instantly. He struck out with a palm, Guy dodged, and the tree behind him was blasted, leaving a massive hole right through the trunk!