In the arena, Neji Hyuga and Hinata Hyuga stood facing each other. Neji furrowed his brow slightly, his face plainly filled with distress and helplessness. He truly did not want to fight Hinata, whom he regarded as his own little sister. That reluctance was practically carved into his expression.
When Hayate Gekko announced the start of the match, Hinata moved first. She drew a deep breath, veins bulging around her eyes as her pure Byakugan activated. Her hands assumed the opening stance of the Hyuga Style Gentle Fist.
"Brother Neji... please guide me!"
"...Lady Hinata... forgive me!"
Neji closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally activated his Byakugan as well, taking up a fighting stance. Though he desperately did not wish to hurt her, before he found Lord Menma and earned his recognition, he had to keep improving. He had to become stronger!
Forgive me, Lady Hinata... I have to live up to those expectations. I have to possess enough strength!
Naruto watched the two begin exchanging attacks and defenses with the Gentle Fist, looking thoughtful. Since Neji had already learned the truth of his father's death and knew that Hizashi had not died, but was living safely somewhere under the protection of the Ember Organization, the atmosphere of this match was completely different from the original story.
In the original story, Neji had believed his father had been forced by the Main Family to die as a substitute, and his heart had been full of hatred and resentment toward fate. When Hinata, who had been born into the Main Family, said before the match that she wanted to change, those long-buried grievances had nearly driven him out of control, and he had almost dealt her a killing blow in the arena.
But now, what unfolded before everyone