The Collapse in Silence

"If he hadn't been careless at the start, it wouldn't have been so easy for me to succeed. Besides, I happen to be the type of ninja that counters Chakra Armor. For an average ninja, facing Snow Ninjas equipped with Chakra Armor is quite troublesome; at the very least, standard techniques and weapons simply cannot break through the armor's defense."

Neji glanced at the Chakra Armor worn by Nakamura Tatsuya and spoke in a very calm tone.

A lack of intelligence.

A natural elemental advantage.

For Neji.

Defeating such a watered-down, so-called 'Jonin'.

Was simply not a matter worth celebrating.

On the road during the previous rebellion.

After seeing the battle between Naruto and Sasuke, Neji realized just how vast the gap was between himself and them. Naruto was one thing; with the Nine-Tails' support, he was a genuine monster. Especially when he saw Naruto confront Hatake Kakashi and Might Guy, Neji realized even more clearly just how terrifying Naruto's strength truly was!

But Sasuke was a target he could catch up to!

He had chosen to follow in Naruto's footsteps and leave Konoha.

He did not want to be a mere appendage.

He had his own goals and plans!

For that reason!

He had to possess the corresponding strength!

To catch up to Sasuke!

And then, one day, to truly walk side-by-side with Naruto.

So that he could use his own hands to achieve his goals.

This was Neji's ambition.

However, this genius youth of the Hyuga clan did not know that 'hacking' was not Naruto's exclusive privilege; that Second Pillar also possessed something akin to a 'cheat code,' it was just that Naruto's 'hack' was a bit more excessive.

"Heh, well, indeed!"

Naruto was stunned for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

Neji was truly Neji, after all.