Night deepened. Neji stood in the center of Stillness Garden's courtyard, looking up at the sky. Moonlight spilled like water over his silver hair, casting a cold gleam upon it.
"Since Danzo has already set his sights on me, I'll give him an opportunity," Neji muttered, a trace of chill flashing through his eyes. "But Stillness Garden cannot be destroyed."
He turned toward the Forest of Death, and his figure soon vanished into the night.
The Forest of Death remained silent. Towering trees blotted out the sky, and only a few strands of moonlight filtered through the gaps between their branches and leaves. Neji stood in a clearing, slowly raising his hands as powerful chakra gathered in his palms.
"Soaring Dragon Palm!"
He swung his palm fiercely. The force of his strike surged out like a dragon's roar, instantly blasting a thick tree trunk before him into splinters! Wood chips flew everywhere and dust filled the air, making Neji's figure beneath the moonlight appear especially sharp and imposing.
"Clap, clap, clap—"
Slow applause came from deep within the forest, accompanied by steady footsteps. Neji did not turn around, but his senses had already locked onto the newcomer—a tall, well-dressed middle-aged man with his right eye covered by bandages and his left eye as cold and sharp as an eagle's.
"Impressive." Danzo's voice was low and hoarse, carrying a hint of admiration. "To have trained taijutsu to this level at twelve years old, you truly are Konoha's youngest Jonin."
Neji slowly turned around and looked calmly at Danzo. "Who are you?"
Danzo smiled faintly, his expression carrying a touch of condescension. "Shimura Danzo, elder of Konoha and leader of Root."
"Oh?" Neji raised an eyebrow. "So it is Lord Danzo. What brings you here?"
Danzo stood with his hands behind his