"Neji, I didn't expend too much energy in this battle. You can keep and use this incredibly precious Blood-Eye Flower."
Itachi Uchiha looked at Neji with a gentle gaze and slowly spoke.
Upon hearing this, Neji showed a trace of gratitude on his face, but quickly returned to his usual calm expression. He nodded without hesitation, indicating his acceptance of the gift.
Then Neji turned toward Jiraiya and asked, "Lord Jiraiya, do I only need to swallow this Blood-Eye Flower directly for it to take effect?"
Jiraiya smiled and nodded. "That's right, Neji. Swallowing it directly will allow you to absorb the powerful energy within. However, be warned—you may experience some discomfort."
After receiving Jiraiya's answer, Neji took a deep breath and swept his gaze over everyone around him.
Everyone was watching him with concern or anticipation, as though waiting to witness a miracle.
However, what Neji was thinking about at this moment was not the Blood-Eye Flower's frightening appearance, but his own relatively weak strength.
Compared to increasing my strength, what does enduring a little pain matter?
With that thought, Neji stopped hesitating. He gritted his teeth, endured the discomfort that was about to arrive, quickly put the Blood-Eye Flower into his mouth, and forcefully swallowed it.
The instant Neji swallowed the Blood-Eye Flower, a blazing and surging force erupted inside his body.
He felt as though his entire body were being scorched by flames. His throat, in particular, was filled with excruciating pain, as if countless spikes were stabbing it.
Neji clenched his lower lip as beads of sweat continuously rolled down his forehead.
Seeing how much pain Neji was in, everyone around him wore worried expressions. Itachi Uchiha couldn't help taking a step forward, wanting to help but not knowing where to begin.
But Neji did not