"First match of the tiebreaker."
Shisui Uchiha looked at the draw results and spoke slowly.
"Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga!"
As his words fell,
discussion broke out across the arena.
"The first match is between two Konoha ninja?"
"A prodigy of the Hyuga Clan against the Fourth Hokage's son."
"This should be interesting."
The candidates from every village turned their attention to the two of them.
Naruto and Neji entered the arena together.
They stood facing each other.
Naruto rolled his shoulders, an eager grin on his face.
"Neji, I didn't expect to face you in the first match."
Neji nodded, his expression calm.
"Neither did I."
In the past, Neji might have said something about fate already being decided.
But over the years, thanks to Hyuga Hiashi, Hinata Hyuga, and Uchiha You, he had let go of that belief.
His father's death had not been fate.
Nor should the branch family forever be treated as inferior.
And he had not come this far because of some supposed destiny.
It was hard work.
It was talent.
And it was training, again and again, because he refused to accept defeat.
Neji looked at Naruto and said earnestly,
"Naruto, give it everything you've got."
"I won't hold back just because you're the Hokage's son."
Naruto grinned.
"I should be saying that to you!"
"Don't cry if I beat you."
The corner of Neji's mouth lifted slightly.
"Then let's see you try."
In front of the tower,
Uchiha You watched the two of them with a flicker of interest in his eyes.
This fight really would be interesting.
Naruto had mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and numerous Wind Release techniques.
Neji had the Byakugan and the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist.
The conditions for victory were simple for both of them.
If Neji