"I'm sorry, Older Brother Neji. I know I'm no match for you, but I still want to fight you."
Hinata looked at Neji's calm face and timidly answered his suggestion that she withdraw. Neji said nothing more.
"If neither side has any objections, begin!"
In the arena, the moment Gekko Hayate announced the start of the match, Hinata moved to activate her Byakugan, only to feel a heavy blow—Neji had darted behind her and knocked her unconscious with a precisely measured chop.
"Ah, that little brat! Doesn't he know how to treat a girl gently?"
From the stands, Hayato complained about Neji's merciless strike as though disappointed in him, but the delighted grin on his face suggested he was very proud of Neji.
Even though Neji came from the Branch Family, his talent ensured he would be a match for anyone in the Main Family.
"The match is over. Neji Hyuga wins!"
"Just how strong is this Neji?"
Standing on the second floor, Kurenai Yuhi looked at Neji Hyuga, who had defeated her student in an instant, and felt a lingering chill.
If that boy had been intent on killing Hinata, could I really have protected her from him?
"You little brat, haven't I taught you to be gentle with girls?"
"I already held back a great deal. Lady Hinata will wake up shortly."
After his match, Neji returned to the second floor, where Hayato happily hooked an arm around him and teased him. Neji answered with a smile, treating Hayato like an older brother.
"The ninth match: Gaara of the Sand Waterfall versus Rock Lee."
While Hayato was messing around with Neji, the proctor, Gekko Hayate, announced the participants in the ninth match.
"Oh, is Lee up next? Good luck!"
Lee and Neji were both Guy's students. Hayato, who