Assemble! The Chunin Exams Begin

Hyuga Neji made a promise in front of everyone attending the clan meeting, and it immediately spread throughout the Hyuga Clan.

The name "Hyuga Neji" had long been firmly associated with the word "trash" in everyone's minds.

To this day, aside from the occasional rumor that Neji often practiced alone against a wooden stake, no one cared about the ninja path of this "trash" anymore.

"I see him practicing every day, isn't it just because his talent is too poor? I admit that hard work is worthy of respect, but he should just give it up; it's nothing but a pipe dream..."

"Exactly, I bet he stole those secret techniques!"

"It's fortunate that Hinata of the Main House has a gentle temperament, otherwise she would have reported him long ago! I think he's the one who lured Hinata..."

"Shh! Don't talk nonsense!"

Two women sweeping in front of the Hyuga Clan gate saw Hyuga Neji walking toward them and immediately shut their mouths.

"Heh heh, it's Neji-kun, where are you headed?"

The two only chuckled, but Neji smiled and bowed to them.

No greeting; he was already used to it.

Words were useless; he would use his strength in these Chunin Exams to make them shut up!

"Oh my, Lady Hinata!"

The two women suddenly looked as if they had found a treasure, their eyes brightening, their attitude a world of difference from just a moment ago.

"Lady Hinata is going to participate in the Chunin Exams, right? You will surely succeed in being promoted to Chunin!"

But when they approached her, they were met with a cold shoulder from Hinata.

"Mm."

Hinata responded softly, then ignored them and hurried after Neji.

Hinata chased after Neji, leaving the two women feeling incredibly awkward.

"Neji-nii!"

Neji turned back to look and saw it was Hinata, offering a gentle smile.

"The exams, you have to do your best in the exams!" Hinata said to Neji with a slightly flushed face.

Neji smiled, "You too, hurry up and go meet with Kurenai Yuhi-sensei!"

"Mm!"

After watching Hinata's retreating figure, Neji quickly headed toward the forest behind the mountain.

It was still early morning, and the sound of birds chirping echoed in the air.

"This one will do."

Finding a thick tree, Neji began his daily training.

"Hmph!"

"Ha!"

Neji panted, throwing out his final palm strike, his body drenched in sweat.

He took a deep breath and opened his practice panel.

Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm, Proficiency: 9999/10000!

He smiled with satisfaction; his hard work during this time had not been in vain—a new technique!

Even though his strength was nearly exhausted, Neji took a deep breath, refined his chakra, and assumed his stance with extreme focus.

"Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"

He struck toward the tree, causing the entire trunk to shake violently, though only a single leaf fell.

On the ground, however, countless leaves lay scattered.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for reaching 10,000 proficiency in Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm. Vacuum Palm has reached the 'Elementary' realm! Rewarding the host with Military Ration Pill *10!

Just what I needed, Neji thought.

I'll eat one first!

As soon as Neji had the thought, a thumb-sized Military Ration Pill dropped in front of him.

He caught it quickly and swallowed it in one gulp!

The taste... bitter and astringent.

But this bit of bitterness was nothing; the Military Ration Pill could rapidly restore chakra and was just enough to replenish a bit of his stamina.

"Neji! Are you here early again?"

A figure approached.

"Whoa!"

Tenten was startled as she drew near, seeing the ground beneath the tree in front of Neji covered in leaves.

"Just how much training have you done? You've completely destroyed the leaves on this tree..."

"Heh, just warming up."

"Why do you have to push yourself so hard? You should understand by now that effort alone is useless. I just want you to use the right methods instead of wasting your energy." Tenten tried to persuade him with earnest concern.

Neji merely nodded slowly and let out a soft "Mn."

Shortly after, Guy and Rock Lee arrived one after another, and Guy began to give a rough briefing on the arrangements for today's Chunin Exams.

"Is there anyone you're particularly concerned about? Sometimes, studying your opponents can be to your advantage!" Guy said with a smile.

Tenten and Neji both remained calm, but Rock Lee perked up.

"I do! Among the rookies, there's a genius from the Uchiha Clan, and I'm very interested in him!"

Tenten covered her face: "Sigh, instead of being interested in others, you'd be better off looking at our own team. Let's worry about making it to the third round first! I heard the first and second rounds are both group-based!"

"It'll be fine. Neji-kun certainly won't hold us back, right?" Rock Lee looked at Neji with anticipation.

Neji hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly.

After lunch, Neji took the opportunity to train for a little while longer.

At this point, Rock Lee should be off looking for trouble with Uchiha Sasuke, but Neji had no interest in that.

After thinking it over for quite some time, Neji decided that prioritizing the improvement of his own strength was best; hiding his true capabilities no longer held much meaning.

By the time Neji arrived at the exam venue, it was already packed with people.

At a glance, he saw a crowd gathered around, listening to a young man with a larger build speak.

Narrowing his eyes, he saw Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, Shino, Kiba Inuzuka, Yamanaka Ino, and others had all arrived and gathered together.

"Rock Lee—this guy can't use ninjutsu, but he's a master of taijutsu. He's a troublesome opponent."

Kabuto Yakushi, who was surrounded by the crowd, stroked his chin, pulled out the top card, and pointed his finger at the last one.

"As for this one... Hyuga Neji. Weak strength, poor talent—a minor character not worth mentioning."

Hearing this, Neji didn't take it to heart.

Unexpectedly, a figure beside him rushed forward.

"Hey, white-haired guy, what kind of talk is that? Our Neji has made huge progress, don't you dare underestimate him!"

Following that, Rock Lee began to argue his case with the man, and Tenten helplessly went over to try and calm him down.

Neji was left alone to sigh: I don't know if this guy is doing this for my own good or if he's just causing me trouble...

"Everyone, quiet down!"

A stern shout cut through all the noisy chatter.

The crowd looked toward the center of the hall, where a man with a fierce appearance had appeared at some point.

Morino Ibiki!

"Stop the noise, stop the noise. Look at you—a little Chunin Exam has you all this scared? Is there really any need to be this nervous?!"

He let out a cold laugh and swept his gaze across the room; almost everyone showed signs of cowardice.

"Time is up, assembly complete! I hereby announce... the Chunin Exams officially begin!"