Did the Hyuga Clan create a new fist style?
This fist style was so soft and limp—it was painful to watch!
It looked so weak. Could a fist style like this really be used against enemies?
The spectators could not make heads or tails of it, though each of them had their own guesses and assessments.
The battle lasted half an hour. Neji found an opening, and a Ward-Off and Press struck Hinata squarely on the right shoulder. Hinata raised her hand and conceded.
Neji was no longer that angst-ridden, chuunibyou teenager. After following Doichi Hyuga for all these years, he had matured considerably. He had not gone too hard on Hinata in this battle.
"Brother Dao Yi! I lost!"
Hinata lowered her head and shuffled over to Doichi Hyuga's side.
"It's all right, Hinata! You're no weaker than Neji! If you're unwilling to attack your opponent with everything you have, then losing can't be helped! Being gentle with others is a wonderful quality in itself!"
Doichi Hyuga smiled as he rubbed Hinata's head.
"Really, Brother Dao Yi?"
Hinata's little face flushed red as she looked up at Doichi Hyuga.
"Of course!"
After receiving praise, Hinata's mood immediately improved, and her confidence rose considerably as well.
Doichi Hyuga had once asked Hinata and Neji what their martial paths were.
Hinata's answer had been: protection.
Neji's answer had been: transcendence!
Kakashi was startled when he heard that, and he could not help looking at Hinata and Neji a few more times. Though he had not fully understood the battle just now, he trusted Doichi Hyuga's judgment.
The eighth match: Rock Lee versus Gaara.
Rock Lee had been suppressed throughout the early stages, while Gaara toyed with him one-sidedly.
"Lee! Take it off!"
Might Guy gave a thumbs-up, his teeth sparkling.