Returning to the Hyuga Clan, Neji passed by the training grounds and was drawn over by some sounds.
A somewhat delicate figure was still training, the serious look on her face completely focused, utterly unaware of Neji's arrival.
So Neji sat off to the side and quietly "watched" as Hinata, who had also been registered for the Chunin Exams, worked hard.
(Note: There were many kinds of Observation Haki. Some could see images, such as when Usopp sniped Sugar from an extreme distance during the Dressrosa arc.)
With a soft shout, Hinata delivered her final palm strike. By then, she was already panting heavily.
Her forehead was covered in sweat as well. Just as she was about to wipe it away, a handkerchief appeared before her.
Hinata froze. Following the hand holding the handkerchief, she looked up and was immediately startled. She stumbled back a few steps before Neji caught her in his arms.
Her face flushing red, Hinata said, "Brother Neji, when... when did you get back?"
Neji steadied Hinata and used the handkerchief to wipe away the sweat she had worked up during training.
"I've been watching you train for quite a while. Your vigilance is still as weak as ever. That won't do!"
"This... this is home, so I..."
Flick!
A light tap to her forehead immediately left Hinata looking at Neji with watery eyes.
We're at home, and Brother Neji hid himself so well. How could I possibly notice?
Besides, I've long grown used to Brother Neji's presence. How could I be on guard against him?
"I heard your team signed up for the Chunin Exams too?"
"Um, Teacher Kurenai registered us."
Hinata explained weakly in a quiet voice, like a child who had done something wrong.
Brother Neji won't be angry, will he?
She secretly