An A-rank mission

"Um, did I go too hard?"

Reality was cruel to Neji Hyuga. Hailed as a prodigy under his father's tutelage, he faced Sasuke Uchiha, who was a year younger than him, and was easily defeated without any chance to fight back—even in taijutsu, the skill he took the most pride in.

Sasuke had been very gentle, clearly holding back every time he struck. The only reason Neji Hyuga had collapsed to the ground and could not get up was that he had fallen into self-doubt.

Perhaps I'm not the Hyuga Clan genius Father expects me to be. Perhaps there's no way I can ever surpass the Main Family under the constraints of the Caged Bird Seal.

"Although Itachi hasn't taught Sasuke much taijutsu, Sasuke always watches from the sidelines during our daily training. Neji, you're definitely a rare genius in the Hyuga Clan, but Sasuke's talent is no less than yours. On top of that, he has better teachers, so it's only natural that you can't beat him."

Hayato Hyuga saw Neji Hyuga's confusion and helplessness. He promptly reached out, pulled Neji to his feet, and offered him encouragement.

"Itachi, you've been watching long enough, haven't you? Don't worry. I wouldn't dare let anything happen to Sasuke. Besides, Neji really can't beat Sasuke at his current level."

After Sasuke and Neji began sparring, Madara Uchiha, who had been training alone, had come near their battlefield at some point. Neji and Sasuke had not noticed him, but Hayato had. Once the two boys finished fighting, Hayato turned to Madara.

Although Sasuke had all but wiped the floor with Neji, their brief exchange had still demonstrated Neji's talent for taijutsu. Hayato was eager to hear Madara's assessment of him.

"Better than you."

After giving his assessment, Madara Uchiha left without looking back.