Neji perfectly controlled the rhythm of his attacks, while Naruto, with the surprising moves of Eternal Fist, countered them one by one. The two went back and forth, both covered in quite a bit of dust.
"Hinata, is that person your brother?" Sasuke, with his Sharingan activated, had a grave expression on his face.
He hadn't expected such a person to exist in the Academy. In the past, whenever people spoke of a genius appearing in a certain grade, he would dismiss it.
Given that Sasuke had one-on-one training with Shinji, his attention was always focused only on Naruto and a few others.
"Mm, Neji is the most talented in the branch family. No, that's not right, he should be the most talented of the younger generation in the entire Hyuga clan." Hinata said halfway, then shook her head.
"Main family, branch family?" Sasuke was startled, as he hadn't really bothered to understand these matters.
Shikamaru, on the other hand, frowned. He knew a bit, but after all, it was a matter of a Ninja clan. Outsiders couldn't say too much, otherwise, they'd just be looking for trouble.
However, for the most talented person to be from the branch family, it could only be said that the Hyuga clan was truly a bit...
Shinji looked at Neji, who was fighting Naruto, and couldn't help but marvel that he was indeed a genius. Even powerful figures like Hashirama and Madara, when they were a little older than Neji, were still competing to see who could pee the furthest.
Boom!
The clash of two Chakras made a sound, and Naruto and Neji each retreated a few steps. Both were panting as they looked at each other. Neither of them could suppress the other now.
"Hey! Although it's a bit late, what's your name?" Naruto asked Neji.
He had been in a fit of pique just now and hadn't really paid attention to it.
Neji struggled to control his breathing and replied, "Hyuga Neji."
Naruto said with a serious expression, "You're very strong, or rather, I should say you're a genius."
Neji's face became somewhat grim upon hearing this, because if he was a genius, then what was the Caged Bird Cursed Seal on his forehead?
Neji shouted angrily at Naruto, "Are you making fun of me?!"
Naruto: ???
What's wrong with him! What kind of good person uses the word 'genius' to mock someone?
Naruto said honestly, "I'm telling the truth. I haven't even praised Sasuke that much."
Thump—
Sasuke, standing nearby, felt deeply hurt.
When did he become someone others used for comparison?
It was the same when he fought Hinata, and it's the same now.
Is Naruto, that loser, mocking him?
Neji turned to look at Sasuke, as he had heard of the title of first-year's best. Perhaps, this person in front of him was genuinely praising him?
"Let's decide it in one move." Neji stopped thinking and said.
His current situation and the scene in the Academy were surprisingly identical. This blond guy in front of him, his Chakra reserves were astonishing.
"I refuse." Naruto said, dropping his stance and shaking his head in refusal.
"We've fought long enough. If we continue, you'll definitely get hurt."
After saying that, Naruto turned and walked towards Shikamaru and the others.
"You... are you looking down on me?!" A voice sounded.
Naruto saw Hinata, Shikamaru and the others calling out to him with anxious expressions.
Behind Naruto, Neji had a ferocious expression, his Chakra condensing in his hand.
Whoosh—
A gust of wind blew, and Neji found his hand firmly grasped by someone.
Shinji stood in front of Neji, smiling as he said to him, "Although a ninja completes missions at all costs, this is a challenge, and Naruto has already refused. Attacking from behind like this is a bit too much."
Although the words were very gentle, Neji heard a strong warning in them.
"..."
"I'm sorry, I went too far." Neji said in a low voice, the Chakra in his hand slowly dissipating.
"You should say that to Naruto." Shinji released Neji's hand and responded indifferently, then pushed Neji.
Neji stumbled in front of Naruto, looking at him, and unexpectedly felt a bit ashamed.
"Sor..."
Before he could finish, Naruto raised his fist and aimed it at Neji's forehead.
Neji closed his eyes at the sight, waiting for the punch to land. For a long time, no pain came.
"Although I really wanted to punch you, you're Hinata's brother. I'm not saying this to pity you, but Hinata is genuinely worried about you."
Neji, with his eyes closed, was startled, then opened his eyes. What he saw was Naruto's frank gaze looking directly at him. And behind Naruto, Hinata was looking at both of them with a worried expression.
Ino had a smiling expression, indicating she had more gossip to enjoy.
Shinji shook his head with a chuckle. This talent, probably no one in the Ninja World could find it, as expected of Minato's son.
After a long silence, Neji turned and slowly walked away from the training ground.
Naruto, seeing Neji like this, was startled, then put his hands behind his head and muttered, "This personality is even less likable than Sasuke's."
Bang!
No sooner had the words fallen than Naruto felt himself kicked from behind.
He picked himself up and turned around, only to see Sasuke with a speechless expression saying, "Loser, if you dare to mention my name in such matters again, I'll kill you."
Naruto shouted angrily at Sasuke, "Stuck-up Sasuke! Do you want to duel me?!"
Sasuke retorted, not to be outdone, "Bring it on! I've been tolerating you for too long today!"
Shinji watched Naruto and Sasuke start bickering again and shook his head.
He turned and stopped Hinata, who was about to follow them, and slowly said, "Hinata, I'll go. It's probably no use if you go."
Hinata was startled, then nodded with dim eyes, "Thank you, sensei."
"It's nothing." Shinji waved his hand and slowly walked in the direction Neji had just left.
—
A corner on the outskirts of the Forest of Death.
Neji sat on a tree trunk, looking at the bright moon in the sky, his eyes hollow.
"Have time for a chat?" A voice sounded, interrupting Neji's zoning out.
Neji turned to look at the foot of the tree. Shinji was leaning against the tree, beckoning to him.
Neji responded indifferently, "Sensei, what do you want to talk about?"
Shinji paid no mind to Neji's cold attitude and spoke from the base of the tree, "I think your main purpose in challenging Naruto was to see his taijutsu, wasn't it?"
"That kind of taijutsu, I taught it to them."
Neji was startled, then looked at Shinji, his eyes full of disbelief.
Shinji chuckled. "What? Do you think this kind of self-contained taijutsu could have been developed by Naruto and the others?"
For someone like Neji, who was rational but easily got caught up in details, talking to him couldn't be roundabout. Simply attracting his attention directly was enough.
(End of Chapter)
[New FF]
Bleach: Template Gacha System
Mc can use points (gained from system missions or killing Hollows) to spin for anime character templates. He can also get items or weapons from missions.