At noon, the next generation's finest gathered on the mountain behind Feather Emperor City.
Xue had just returned from training away from home. Hearing that Naruto was back too, she brought Hinata, Youmeng, and Karin to see him.
Naruto had a huge lump on his head, wrapped in bandages. When Xue asked what had happened, he only said he had tripped going downstairs.
How could he admit it... his mother had found the dirty book he had left under his bed and walloped him with an iron pan.
In a broad clearing, Naruto and Neji faced each other.
Neji had undergone a complete transformation. Not only had he received Momoshiki's karma, but he had also undergone genetic modification, gaining the same constitution as members of the Ōtsutsuki Branch Family. His chakra and Byakugan had both reached a whole new level!
"Naruto... I've been waiting for a chance to spar with you!"
Bzz! Eager to fight, Neji activated his Byakugan. Boom! White chakra raged outward like a storm!
Naruto exclaimed, "Whoa, whoa, that's strong! Is this really the Neji I know!?"
"Naruto, watch out..."
Locking onto Naruto with his Byakugan, Neji struck through the air with his combat-bandaged arms.
Eight Trigrams Air Wall Palm!
Boom!
Waves of air surged forward with a force that seemed capable of sweeping aside an army!
Naruto crossed his arms and kept sliding backward, marveling inwardly. S-so strong... Neji's Air Wall Palm is even stronger than my Toad Kata!
But then his right eye widened...
Shinra Tensei!
Whoosh! Repulsive force erupted. Naruto stopped retreating, and the ground around him sank... even the lingering force of the Air Wall Palm was held several meters away!
Swish! Neji closed in like lightning. Seeing Naruto shut his eyes, he abandoned his direct charge and circled behind him!
Naruto opened