The Hyuga Civil War

Choji left the arena with the support of Shikamaru and Ino.

The Konoha staff cleared the field quickly, though it still took a few minutes.

In the spectator stands, Sasuke, having nothing better to do, discussed the performance of the previous contestants with Naruto: "That woman from Sunagakure—her chakra is clearly less than yours, yet the power of her Wind Style was stronger than anything you've used. Is it because of that fan weapon?"

"That fan weapon is likely the biggest factor, but we can't rule out physical constitution."

Naruto affirmed, "However, such large-scale ninja tools are rarely universal. Their production and maintenance costs are extremely high—a figure most Jonin wouldn't find easy to accept. Furthermore, these types of tools are vastly different from standard Kunai or Shuriken; to use them proficiently requires at least several years of specialized training."

Sasuke pondered this: "If the results are good, those costs are acceptable."

"The key is that the results vary from person to person."

Naruto continued, "Master discussed this with my parents back then. The conclusion was that I don't need such tools."

Sasuke asked, "Because you rely primarily on Taijutsu for combat?"

"No, in fact, even if you rely on Taijutsu, you could wear sturdy protective gear, like metal gauntlets, to increase the destructive power of your fists."

Naruto explained, "The problem lies in the 'durability' of the tools. Even the strongest materials in this world have a lower strength ceiling than our own bodies when reinforced with chakra, and by a significant margin. It might not be obvious now, but in a few years, as we grow stronger and master more astonishing techniques, these tools will hold little meaning for us."

"I see..."

Sasuke nodded thoughtfully: "But can we really grow to that level?"

Naruto looked determined: "As long as we follow the methods Master taught and persist in our training, we definitely can."

Sasuke lacked Naruto's confidence: "But as of now, the things Master has taught don't seem capable of helping me reach that level."

"That is because..."

Naruto was about to say something, but suddenly paused. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his presence had completely changed: "Because currently, the content you and Sakura are learning is the foundation of the foundation. Originally, those things should have been learned at age six or seven. You started too late, so you simply have to spend more time on them."

Sasuke realized Master had taken over: "Can't it be skipped?"

"If you can't even stand steady, can you learn to run?"

Master used a simple analogy to explain: "Once the foundation is laid, growing stronger later will be smoother, and your potential ceiling will be higher."

Sasuke thought for a moment and nodded: "I understand."

"However, if we are being honest, I do know a way to make someone grow strong quickly."

Master suddenly said, "What price are you willing to pay for that method?"

Sasuke was stunned. After a few seconds of thought, he replied with resolve: "As long as I can kill a certain man, even if the price is my own life, I can accept it."

Master asked, "So, you don't intend to restore the Uchiha Clan?"

Sasuke was stunned again.

"It seems you haven't thought this through properly."

Master concluded, "Come find me when you have."

With that, Naruto regained control of his body. Seeing Sasuke lost in deep thought, he didn't say anything further.

The participants for the next match were determined:

Gaara vs. Kiba Inuzuka.

Naruto, feeling concerned about Gaara's situation, watched the arena in silence.

However, the seventh match could not begin smoothly.

Although Gaara had arrived early, Kiba Inuzuka and his ninja hound, Akamaru, sensed the danger radiating from Gaara immediately.

After a minute of internal struggle, Kiba chose to forfeit.

Gaara looked up, found Akamaru and Kiba, glanced at them expressionlessly, and then returned to his previous spot.

Kiba broke into a cold sweat from that single look, clutching Akamaru and shivering: "What a terrifying guy... I really thought I was going to die..."

Before Kurenai Yuhi could comfort Kiba and Akamaru, she saw the names of her own students appear on the screen:

Neji Hyuga vs. Hinata Hyuga.

"How could it be this?!"

Kurenai's expression darkened.

Although both were from the Hyuga Clan, Neji was the acknowledged genius of the village, having graduated from the Ninja Academy at the top of his class.

Hinata, on the other hand, while the eldest daughter of the current Hyuga head, was timid by nature and lacked any notable achievements, often acting as a "wallflower" at home.

Kurenai knew Hinata's strength; she wasn't weak, and was even stronger than most Genin in the village. But compared to Neji, most Genin in Konoha seemed inadequate.

Before Kurenai could speak, Kiba chimed in from the side: "Hinata, give up! Neji will absolutely not hold back; he'll beat you half to death!"

"I... know."

Hinata said softly, "But I still want to try."

Her tone was weak, as if she were easily bullied, but her will was firm.

"Since you've already decided, then give it your best."

Kurenai felt Hinata's resolve and reached out to adjust her collar: "If I judge that you are in danger, I will stop the match immediately."

"Yes!"

Hinata looked at Kurenai Yuhi, her small face slightly flushed: "Kurenai-sensei, thank you!"

Kurenai Yuhi smiled faintly: "Go on."

The two combatants entered the arena.

"I never imagined my opponent would be you."

Neji spoke coldly: "Hinata... Milady."

Neji's attitude and form of address made Hinata feel a bit sad: "Neji-nii..."

Hayate Gekko announced the start with an expressionless face.

"Hinata-sama, you are not suited to be a ninja. Give up on the exam here."

The coldness in Neji's tone softened slightly, but it still carried a sense of detachment: "Your talent is too ordinary, and your personality is too weak. I suspect that if this exam didn't require three-person squads, you wouldn't have even signed up..."

"That's not true!"

Hinata suddenly raised her voice, interrupting Neji, and then took a deep breath. The aura of being easily bullied gradually faded from her: "I just want to work hard with my teammates and become stronger. Although I am still weak, compared to the past, I have made progress, and I will continue to work hard in the future, becoming stronger bit by bit!"

"..."

Neji's gaze shifted several times before finally settling into calm: "Even so, you are still the young lady of the main house."

"Neji-nii,"

Hinata asked: "What do you mean by that?"

"People are very hard to change."

Neji suddenly activated his Byakugan, the skin around his eyes bulging with vein-like lines, looking quite ferocious: "Even if you think you've become stronger, that is merely your own delusion. The you of now is no different from the past."

"No, I have changed. It is precisely to prove that point that I am standing here."

Hinata activated her Byakugan as well and assumed her stance: "Please take a good look at my changes, Neji-nii!"

"Very well."

Neji assumed a similar stance: "Since you insist."

The two rushed forward simultaneously, their hands colliding back and forth quickly but appearing somewhat soft. After a dozen or so exchanges, their palms struck each other, and they both retreated two steps...