Neji walked slowly into the arena. He wore the Hyuga Clan's traditional training uniform, his long hair tied behind his head. His entire presence was as intimidating as a drawn sword. He paid no attention to the excited spectators gathered around to watch the show, his gaze fixed directly on Naruto across from him.
Veins bulged at the corners of his eyes.
"Byakugan!"
He assumed the opening stance of the Gentle Fist, feet apart with one forward and one back, both palms held in front of him at different heights. His posture was flawless, every angle matching textbook standards, radiating the absolute confidence of a genius.
"Give up, dead last." Neji's voice was soft, yet it carried clearly through the silent arena. "Your fate was decided the moment you were born. The fate of a dead last is not the same as the fate of a genius."
In the competitors' viewing area, Kakashi rested one hand against his forehead and let out an almost inaudible sigh.
Of course, he knew it was mostly a taunt meant to deny Naruto's transformation, provoke him into losing his cool, and gain the upper hand in momentum.
But Neji was being far too bold.
"Honestly... at a time like this, there are still people calling Naruto a dead last? The Byakugan's observation abilities don't seem all that great. No, calling it bad would be generous. It's practically blind." He turned his head aside, looking unable to bear the sight. "I already don't dare watch what happens next."
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a glance beside him, then both shook their heads.
He had only seen others get beaten up. He had never taken the worst beating himself. That was how it was.
Sakura sighed. "Hasn't Neji seen what Naruto did to Kiba? Even that eyebrowless