"Are you okay, Hinata? You don't look so good."
Amid the chirping of birds, the three of them slowly arrived at the grove once more. But just as they were about to enter, they stopped. The two boys looked at the porcelain-doll-like girl, whose face was pale and whose forehead seemed to be beaded with sweat.
"I-I'm... fine..."
The girl, who had been the first to stop, shook her head. After catching her breath slightly, she forced an apologetic smile and started to walk forward.
"Let's take a break."
Seeing her condition, the spiky-haired boy looked at the mysterious boy wearing sunglasses, his lower face hidden behind his collar, and spoke.
"N-No need."
Before the mysterious boy could say anything, the porcelain-doll-like girl shook her head and interrupted the spiky-haired boy.
"Hinata, we should rest here."
The mysterious boy also shook his head and rejected the girl's decision.
"I'm fine. Let's go. We can't keep Teacher Chiba waiting. It's the first day of special training. If I'm late, it'll leave a bad impression."
The girl remained insistent.
"Please stop here, Lady Hinata."
Just then, a voice suddenly came from behind them.
"What are you trying to do? Stop right there!"
Almost instantly, the spiky-haired boy flashed to the girl's back. One hand spread protectively in front of her while the other held a Kunai across his chest. He had already entered a combat stance.
"Woof!"
The little white dog at his chest gave a warning bark.
Hinata...
Lady?
The mysterious boy did not move. He merely looked behind them in confusion.
"N-Neji... Brother Neji?"
At that moment, the girl turned around as well. When she saw the newcomer, she shrank back slightly and immediately began to cough.
Standing before them was a handsome young man dressed in white, with white