Neji stood where he was, his lips moving slightly. "Live for myself, fight for the place I chose... the place I acknowledge."
The confusion in his eyes gradually gave way to realization.
Neji said firmly, "If... I truly don't have to be destined to die in someone else's place, if my life can no longer be used by others as leverage at will, if I can truly use my talents freely, without shackles... then I am willing to fight for that future, for that kind of 'home.'"
There was no impassioned oath in Neji's words, yet they carried an unprecedented calmness and resolve.
He had found his own path, and gained the freedom he had once dreamed of.
Standing to the side, Hinata unconsciously clenched her hands slightly.
She was happy for Neji, yet deep down, she also longed for change within the Hyuga Clan.
But when she thought of her father Hiashi's stern face and his deeply entrenched traditional beliefs, a wave of worry rose in her heart once more.
Hinata could almost foresee the fierce conflict that might erupt between her father and Naruto when Naruto truly went to the Hyuga Clan after the Chunin Exams ended—just like with Danzō...
That was absolutely not something she wanted to see.
Naruto seemed to have anticipated Hinata's subtle emotional shift. He turned his head and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Hinata."
"As long as we can gain the support of nearly the entire Branch Family, even if a small number of conservative Hyuga elders oppose us, the situation can be completely controlled. It definitely won't reach the point of requiring large-scale bloodshed."
Only then did Hinata nod softly, the tension in her heart easing considerably.
The others present heard Naruto's words as well, each reacting differently.
Sasuke wore