After Naruto defeated Neji Hyuga, the atmosphere in the arena grew noticeably more charged.
The candidates from the other villages no longer looked at the Konoha Ninja with the same disdain.
Just then, the screen overhead lit up again.
Names scrolled past in rapid succession.
"Second match."
Shisui Uchiha looked up at the screen.
"Ino Yamanaka versus Hinata Hyuga!"
Uchiha You paused at the result.
Ino Yamanaka and Hinata Hyuga?
This match was entirely unexpected.
"Ino Yamanaka, you've got this!"
Choji Akimichi was the first to shout.
"Hinata Hyuga, don't be nervous!"
Naruto pumped his fist as well.
"Give it everything you've got, both of you!"
Ino Yamanaka and Hinata Hyuga stepped into the arena together.
Ino Yamanaka looked serious.
She and Hinata Hyuga got along well, but they had also sparred during training.
Hinata Hyuga's Byakugan could clearly see the flow of Chakra through her body.
And the Mind Body Switch Technique, her strongest move, took time to prepare.
If Hinata Hyuga spotted it in advance, landing the technique would be extremely difficult.
Hinata Hyuga, meanwhile, looked a little nervous.
She gently clenched her fists, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
"Ino Yamanaka, I'll give it everything I have."
"I know."
Ino Yamanaka took a deep breath.
"Hinata Hyuga, this isn't one of our usual training sessions."
"I won't go easy on you just because you're Naruto-kun's teammate."
At those words, Hinata Hyuga blushed even harder.
"Na-Naruto-kun..."
"What?"
Ino Yamanaka gave her a puzzled look.
"It's nothing."
Hinata Hyuga quickly shook her head, then activated her Byakugan.
Veins bulged at her temples.
The moment her Byakugan activated, every movement of Chakra within Ino Yamanaka's body came into view.
"Begin!"
As soon as Ibiki gave the signal, Ino Yamanaka retreated.
Her hands flew through Hand Seals as she prepared