"Congratulations, Neji. You passed the exam and have officially become a Genin." Today's Genin exam was exceptionally different. With the Hokage himself serving as examiner, the students felt deeply honored and were extremely excited.
Neji drew the Clone Technique and completed the test with ease. He waited with Tenten and Rock Lee for the Hokage to distribute their Genin forehead protectors.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Neji Hyuga smiled as he accepted the Genin forehead protector from Hiruzen Sarutobi. After politely thanking him, he turned and left the room.
Over six years, Neji Hyuga had grown to look like an adult. He was still very thin, however, and did not appear particularly healthy.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi would not underestimate Neji Hyuga because of that.
Two elders of the Hyuga Main Family had vanished on their way to find Neji Hyuga, along with the four Hyuga Clan Jonin they had brought with them. Their whereabouts remained a mystery even now. Two Main Family elders and four branch family Jonin—six Jonin in total. That was no small force. Anyone facing six Jonin from the Hyuga Clan would have to weigh their own strength carefully.
Yet they had vanished without a trace.
Hiashi Hyuga, head of the Hyuga Main Family, had once taken Neji Hyuga back to the Hyuga Clan compound outside the Ninja Academy, demanding that Neji hand over the formula for the Flesh-Repair Pill and questioning him about the two Main Family elders' whereabouts. In the end, Neji walked out of the Hyuga compound unharmed, while Hiashi Hyuga fell ill for two and a half years. From then on, Hiashi became despondent, as though he had seen through many things. The entire Hyuga Clan stopped fighting and competing.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Neji Hyuga's retreating back with worry, his eyes filled with complex,