Mockery

Sasuke's tone wasn't harsh, and there was even a hint of concern in his words.

After all, the fact that Takizawa Dan had become a ninja hadn't spread through Konoha yet. Besides, he hadn't worn his Forehead Protector when he came to the Chunin Ninja Exams, so everyone there assumed he was an ordinary person.

And Konoha did have a rule that ordinary people weren't allowed at the Chunin Ninja Exams. This wasn't out of discrimination or anything. For one thing, ninjas had tremendous destructive power, and ordinary people outside the arena would hardly be able to withstand the damage if they were caught in the crossfire. For another, the exams revealed the ninjas' abilities, which were classified information in every ninja village. Keeping people who weren't taking part in the exams out also helped prevent leaks.

As soon as Sasuke finished speaking, voices rang out from all directions:

"That's right, Takizawa Dan! This isn't a place ordinary people can come. Hurry up and leave! Stop hanging around here!"

"Hey... we understand that you're disappointed, but some things really can't be changed. Accept the fact that you'll never become a ninja sooner rather than later!"

"You've already broken the rules by sneaking into the exam venue. Do you want Lady Tsunade to punish you herself? That would hardly be worth it!"

Some of the voices were concerned, but most were mocking and insulting.

After all, becoming a ninja was something to be proud of! Compared to Takizawa Dan, who looked like he would need the village's protection for the rest of his life, their own futures seemed far more exciting and full of promise!

Naturally, that made them feel superior.

"You... Damn it, don't make things up! Takizawa Dan beat Hyuga Niuer himself, and he defeated Hyuga Niuda in front of everyone at the Ninja Academy! He's incredibly strong. Don't underestimate him!"

Seeing Takizawa Dan being insulted, Rock Lee couldn't stand by. He stepped forward and shouted at the crowd.

The voices around them fell silent for a moment, but the laughter that followed was even louder!

"Hahahaha! That's hilarious! Takizawa Dan's always been frail. He doesn't even have the strength of a little kid, and you're saying he can fight? That he beat Hyuga Niuer?! You can't even make up a believable lie!"

"Hey, I never thought I'd see the day when Rock Lee lied through his teeth! Hyuga Niuer aside, Hyuga Niuda is practically a Chunin. Even I wouldn't stand a chance against him, let alone some useless loser!"

"You say Takizawa Dan beat Hyuga Niuer and Hyuga Niuda? Fine, then. Can anyone prove it?"

What they didn't know was that Hyuga Niuda had already been crippled, and Hyuga Niuer had been confined to his home. That was why news of their defeats had never gotten out.

Rock Lee's expression turned grim. "This..."

How was he supposed to prove it? No one else had been around when Takizawa Dan beat Hyuga Niuer. As for defeating Hyuga Niuda... he'd only heard about it himself and didn't know the details.

What could he do?

Takizawa Dan, however, remained calm. The truth spoke for itself. Some fools simply refused to believe it. You could shout right into their ears, and they still wouldn't listen. So why waste your breath?

When the time came, they'd see who ended up eating their words!

Just then, a clear voice suddenly rang out:

"I can vouch for him. It's all true!"

The din around them came to an abrupt halt at the sound of that voice!

Hyuga Neji walked in slowly, his long hair loose.

He seemed to have a special aura about him. His long hair stirred as if blown by a wind, and he exuded an imposing presence!

"Neji? Why are you..." Rock Lee was stunned. He had never imagined Neji would step forward to defend Takizawa Dan!

He, Neji, and Tenten were on the same team. Rock Lee knew how aloof Neji could be. Usually, he barely cared whether his teammates lived or died, so why was he sticking up for Takizawa Dan?

But none of that mattered now. With Neji's arrival, everyone's attention was fixed on him.

"I saw everything that happened with Hyuga Niuda. Takizawa Dan really did defeat him!"

"Not only that, Hyuga Niuda had completely lost control at the time. He unleashed 'Wind Style: Dance of the Kamaitachi' on the Ninja Academy grounds, without a thought for the children's lives. Thanks to Takizawa's timely intervention, a tragedy was averted."

Everyone present gasped!

Wind Style: Dance of the Kamaitachi was undoubtedly a high-level ninjutsu. The countless blades of wind were an opponent's worst nightmare!

Among the people taking the Chunin Ninja Exams, only a handful, such as Sasuke and Neji, could defeat someone using it and stop the technique.

And yet... Takizawa Dan had done it?!

Everyone turned to look at Takizawa Dan, their expressions complicated.

Was this really the useless loser who had been told he could never become a ninja?

"There's more. Hyuga Niuda violated the clan's rules and has been permanently expelled from the Hyuga Clan. As for Hyuga Niuer, there's no need to look for him. He's been confined to his home, and no one will see him for six months."

After saying this, Neji closed his eyes halfway and walked into the crowd.

Some people there actually searched for Hyuga Niuda and Hyuga Niuer. When they saw that neither of them was around, they became even more convinced by Neji's words.

Although some still had their doubts, the murmuring died down considerably.

"Hmph, interesting."

Watching from a distance, Sasuke couldn't help curling his lips into a smile.

He'd thought Neji would be his only opponent in these Chunin Ninja Exams. Now Takizawa Dan had caught his attention too.

I hope I get the chance to fight him. And I hope Takizawa Dan doesn't disappoint me.

Needless to say, Sasuke's handsome, irritatingly cool demeanor made Sakura swoon, while Naruto grew even more frustrated...

"Hahaha! That's what you get for looking down on people! How does it feel to have your words thrown back in your faces?" Seeing the mockers put in their place, Rock Lee couldn't have been happier. He laughed heartily.

"That's enough, Lee. Let's get ready for the exam too. Don't go overboard. The more you say, the more likely you are to slip up."

Takizawa Dan nudged Rock Lee to remind him.

So Rock Lee obediently let Takizawa Dan lead him over to stand beside Neji.

"Hey, Dan, I'm Tenten! You remember me, right?"

Beside Neji stood a pretty girl with twin buns. Her features were especially delicate, and she had a mischievous air about her.

"I remember. Konoha's genius kunoichi, right?" Takizawa Dan replied with a slight smile.

"Hehe, you're handsome, and you sure know how to flatter a girl!"

As expected, girls loved being called pretty. A cute dimple appeared on Tenten's cheek, and her face turned slightly red.