Sasuke Uchiha turned around.
Xue looked toward a distant mountaintop. "I'll be right back."
Boom! The Myojin Gate was released. Neji sat on the ground, the injuries he had suffered in battle rapidly healing. He stared blankly at the Karma in his palm; it was clear that he was still unwilling to accept defeat.
Naruto crouched before Neji. "Neji, you really gave me a scare. We haven't seen each other in a few months, and you've already become this strong."
Neji gave a bitter smile. "Compared to you, I'm still far behind."
Naruto did not hypocritically deny it. "If I hadn't grown several years ahead of everyone else in Double-Moon Space, that might not have been the case..."
He held out his hand. "Believe me, Neji. You'll only grow stronger and stronger, strong enough to protect your clansmen!"
Naruto's words struck right at the heart of the matter, making Neji feel much better.
Then Neji thought of all the suffering and hardships Naruto had endured since he was six... and felt that the gap between them now was only natural.
He gladly took Naruto's outstretched hand... and let him pull him to his feet.
His experiences as a city lord had given Naruto a keen eye for reading people.
Naruto knew that as the Hyuga clan's genius, Neji had a proud side and a competitive spirit. So after defeating Neji, Naruto showed neither pride nor complacency. Instead, with sincerity and encouragement, he smothered any possible resentment in the bud...
His strength and character commanded wholehearted respect.
Neji looked at Hinata behind Naruto, her face full of concern, and apologized. "Lady Hinata... I'm sorry for losing control just now. I nearly dragged everyone into it."
Hinata said, "I-It's alright. Everyone's fine."
Neji said, "Also, I'm looking forward to seeing how you