Only then did they stop.
After looking around and confirming there was no one else nearby, they revealed themselves and greeted Neji.
Neji nodded solemnly without saying much. "There are two other ninja stationed in this area."
"They're both Chunin. I used a few tricks to draw them away, and they've left for now. But you have five minutes at most to get out."
"After that, they'll probably come straight back."
Shikamaru nodded, and Naruto stepped forward. "Thanks for the trouble."
Neji shook his head calmly. "It's nothing. Hurry and leave. And make sure you stay safe."
Everyone nodded seriously and made their promises.
Only then did Neji make way for them at the exit from the village.
At that moment, Rock Lee said, "Neji, without you in this battle, we'll feel terribly lonely. But we all know about your sacrifices."
"This time, you're fighting alongside us too."
Neji waved a hand. "Just go!"
No one hesitated any longer. They quickly left the area.
Not long after they had gone,
Neji's expression returned to calm as he said, "Clan Head Nara, you've been watching for so long. Isn't it time you came out for a chat?"
Shikaku Nara slowly stepped out from behind a large tree.
The newcomer was naturally Shikaku Nara.
His expression was calm, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Neji was in no hurry, but he casually asked, "Clan Head Nara, do you have any further instructions?"
Hearing this, Shikaku Nara seemed to finally come back to his senses. "As expected of a kid from the Hyuga Clan. Your perception really is sharp."
"But letting them go like this—given the Hyuga Clan's current awkward position, won't that bring disaster upon you?"
Neji shook his head. "They are my comrades and my friends. As long