Neji reminded Hinata of something, then began punching at the air.
Soon enough, Neji finished a set of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms.
"Lady Hinata, try it again."
After demonstrating it once for Hinata, Neji turned and said to her,
Hinata nodded and once again assumed the stance for the Gentle Fist.
"Gentle Fist—Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"
The sounds of the two of them sparring rang out continuously. Hinata's strikes grew faster and faster, and after observing Neji's demonstration just now, she had gained a new understanding.
"Eight Trigrams—Sixty-Four Palms!"
Finally, Hinata shouted and unleashed sixty-four strikes in an instant. Neji likewise used Sixty-Four Palms to block Hinata's attack.
"Very good, Lady Hinata. You succeeded." Neji smiled at Hinata, then raised his hand and shouted, "I forfeit!"
The spectators were completely numb with shock. It was their first time seeing such an obvious staged match, with the participants not even bothering to hide it. Still, there was nothing they could say. One side was willing to fight, the other was willing to take the loss, and there had been no exchange of benefits.
"Brother Neji..."
Hinata still wanted to say something, but Neji interrupted her.
"With Lady Hinata's current strength, you're already fully qualified for promotion to Chunin. The outcome of this match isn't important anymore. I'll definitely be promoted to Chunin at the next Chunin Exams as well, so there's no need to say anything more, Lady Hinata."
Neji smiled and waved at Hinata, indicating that she should say no more.
Minato felt extremely awkward from the spectators' seats. The kage of the other villages all wore expressions that seemed to say, Are you kidding me?
Minato glanced at Hyuga Hiashi, only to see him avoiding Minato's gaze as he stared at the scenery outside the arena. His heart