The Test! One-on-One

Neji chuckled. "Compared to the true power of the Hyuga Clan, this is nothing."

Hinata was stunned. "No, Neji, you're already amazing!"

Neji paused, then smiled.

This silly little sister of his always reminded him that the Shinobi World wasn't entirely cold and heartless.

Still marveling at what she'd seen, Hinata furrowed her brow.

"Neji, the elders have already heard about you fighting Gintoki and the others today."

"Already...?"

Neji rubbed his chin. It wouldn't be good if this got blown out of proportion.

The Caged Bird Seal on his forehead was the greatest restraint, but with his current strength, even without it, opposing the clan would be a dead end.

"I'll explain everything to the clan. Don't worry."

"Okay."

"It's getting late. You should go to bed."

Neji didn't want Hinata getting too involved. She was just a kindhearted, silly little sister.

"Mm..." Hinata lowered her head, her mood sinking.

"What's wrong?" Neji asked.

"...Father told me today that he'll choose the heir to the Main Branch from between Hanabi and me within a year. Whoever isn't chosen will be sent to the Branch Family."

Hinata's eyes were filled with distress.

Neji knew she wasn't a "failure," any more than he was. She was simply too kindhearted to hurt her own little sister.

After a long moment of thought, Neji reached out and patted Hinata's shoulder.

"Don't worry. A year is a long time. I'll change the fate of the Branch Family. I promise."

Though it was only meant to comfort her, hope kindled in Hinata's eyes.

She lifted her head and nodded firmly.

"Mm!"

"Lee! It's heading your way!"

Wearing a headset, Tenten raced through a shadowy alley in Konoha.

"Got it!"

The ninjas moved with urgency and speed.

Rock Lee crept forward, careful not to startle the cat trapped in the dead end. Suddenly, a figure dropped from above...

With a thud, he landed—and with a meow, the cat was in his hands.

"Haha! At last, you've fallen into the clutches of Konoha's Blue Beast! You little kitty!"

Might Guy held up the calico cat with a beaming smile. It yowled and struggled to escape, staring at him as if he were a monster.

"As expected of you, Guy! That was fast!"

"No, no, Lee. You don't understand. Strength and speed go hand in hand!"

"I've learned something! I'll remember that!"

Tenten sighed. "What's so exciting about a cat-catching mission...?"

Neji ambled over and saw Guy and Lee acting like fools while Tenten stood by with a wry smile.

"Hey, Neji, what took you so long? Have you gotten so slow you can't even keep up with a cat?" Tenten asked bluntly.

Lee added with a smile, "You need to work harder, Neji. A proper Genin should be able to handle routine missions like this with ease, just like Guy!"

Neji smiled wryly. "I'll make sure to practice more!"

Tenten frowned. "Speaking of which, the Chunin Ninja Exams are coming up soon. If you keep this up, Neji, you'll only hold us back!"

"The Chunin Ninja Exams!" Lee exclaimed.

Guy awkwardly scratched the back of his head and chuckled. "Actually, we're a team, so if Neji doesn't want to take part, we can always wait..."

"I'm taking part!"

Neji suddenly cut Might Guy off, his eyes shining.

If he remembered correctly, the Chunin Ninja Exams would offer plenty of chances for real combat!

He could earn plenty of rewards through real battles. He couldn't let this opportunity pass him by!

The three of them looked surprised. Neji, who was usually hopeless at everything, actually wanted to take the Chunin Ninja Exams?

Guy in particular grew serious. "Neji, the Chunin Ninja Exams aren't a game. Are you sure you want to take part?"

"Of course!"

"In that case, I'll test whether the three of you are qualified to take the Chunin Ninja Exams!"

Konoha's abandoned training ground.

"Jingle, jingle..."

Guy held two bells in his hand, a smile in his eyes. "I've already explained the rules. You can come at me together or work as a team!"

Tenten and Lee both looked conflicted.

Tenten glanced at Neji. "Seriously? This isn't really three against one. Neji won't be able to do much, will he?"

Lee sighed as well.

Neji, however, chuckled. "All we have to do is get a bell to take part in the Chunin Ninja Exams? We can use any means necessary?"

Right now, all he wanted was a chance to fight for real!

"Of course!" Guy confirmed.

"In that case, there's no helping it, Neji... Just try to keep up with us!" Lee said, starting to unwrap the bandages around his hands. Weights were strapped beneath them.

"Wait. I've been training hard lately and improving my strength. Now I want to find out exactly how strong I am... Let me take this test alone."

Neji took two steps back, his expression turning serious.

"Seriously? You're joking, right? One-on-one?" Tenten and Lee stared in disbelief.

Guy was startled, too. "Neji, have you thought this through?"

"I want to fight Guy for real, too! I'm definitely taking part in the Chunin Ninja Exams!"

Those words showed everyone just how determined Neji was.

Lee and Tenten wisely backed away several paces. Tenten muttered, "What a joke. How could Neji possibly get the bell...?"

Boom!

An explosion rang out, startling them both.

Neji and Guy were already fighting. Neji had struck first, but Guy dodged—and the tree behind him was left with a gaping hole punched right through it!