Sound Village
Hyuga Kei brought Sasuke and Neji to a training ground and gave them a large number of ninjutsu scrolls suited to them.
"You'll train here. Neji, follow the Nintaijutsu path I originally took."
"Sasuke, I've prepared swordsmanship, Lightning Release, Fire Release, and the rest for you."
"Before training each day, spar once to verify your progress."
"If you have any problems, go find Kabuto Yakushi. He's your doctor and part-time teacher. Even if your arms break, it doesn't matter—he can reattach them."
"If you want, he can even get you a steel arm. Flesh is weak; machinery ascends. Our Sound Village has plenty of experts in that field, with guaranteed after-sales service."
The two of them simultaneously shuddered at the thought of losing limbs during training.
Hyuga Kei patted their shoulders. "You're both geniuses. Excessive restraint would only bind your talent. A savage environment like this is what geniuses like you need to grow."
The two nodded in unison again, looking as though they had been thoroughly talked into it.
"Alright, I happen to be free today, so I'll serve as referee and watch your first match."
"Good!" Fighting spirit flared in Neji's eyes. This was his first time fighting before his brother. He could not afford to fall behind.
Sasuke clenched his fists as well. I can't lose this time either!
Once the two stood facing each other, Sasuke said, "This is our second match, right? The last time was at the Ninja Academy, when you graduated early."
"Of course I remember. You lost badly." Neji's expression did not change as he mocked Sasuke, trying to disrupt his thoughts.
"That's right, but times have changed." Sasuke did not take the bait and merely replied calmly.
Hyuga Kei waved a hand. "Trash talk is over. Begin!"
The two