That morning, after completing his daily check-in, Ning Xue made breakfast for his mother.
Kotetsu Hagane had given them a break because of the Chunin Exams, leaving Ning Xue with plenty of free time both morning and afternoon.
To be honest, the training over the past few days had indeed been a little exhausting, and he wanted to rest.
But once he started, there would be a first day and then a second, so he decided to keep training.
But as it happened—
A familiar visitor came by that afternoon.
"Ning Xue." Neji spoke in a calm voice.
"Something wrong?" Ning Xue was somewhat puzzled. Neji had actually come looking for him on his own?
"The Chunin Exams are about to begin." Neji got straight to the point. "Will you and your team be participating?"
Ning Xue shook his head, his tone indifferent.
"Our teacher thinks our teamwork isn't good enough. We'll only be watching this time."
Neji nodded, somewhat surprised. But after thinking about it, he figured it was probably Ning Xue's teammates holding him back.
"What a pity." Neji did find it regrettable, but then he changed the subject.
"Then, since you aren't participating, spar with me."
"Our Team Three has already received a recommendation. Before the official exams, we need high-quality opponents for practice. Ning Xue, I need your help."
Neji's tone was sincere.
Faced with Neji's earnest invitation, Ning Xue gave it some thought. This was an opportunity as well—after all, Rock Lee was quite strong in his memory.
"Alright." He agreed simply.
And so, the two arrived at the place where Neji's class usually gathered.
There, Ning Xue met Neji's teammates for the first time.
One was a girl with twin buns, dressed in clothes with a distinctly Chinese style.
The other was a boy