The next day.
After training ended, Might Guy's energetic words of encouragement rang in Neji's ears. "Neji, don't lose heart! One defeat means nothing! Youth is about pressing forward through setback after setback! Let it burn!"
Teacher Guy gave him a thumbs-up, his teeth practically gleaming.
Neji nodded slightly and replied politely, "Yes, Teacher Guy."
But his gaze wandered. His mind clearly wasn't on Guy's passionate encouragement.
What had happened the night before lingered in his mind like a fog he couldn't shake.
Last night, after finishing a day's training, he had been walking along the familiar, faintly oppressive road back to the Hyuga Clan Compound when he unexpectedly encountered the clan head-Hyuga Hiashi.
Hiashi seemed to be waiting for someone.
The clan head's expression had been unusual. Instead of his customary stern dignity, he wore a... complicated expression Neji couldn't quite describe, as though he were holding back some tremendous resolve, with a trace of inexplicable excitement beneath it.
When he saw Neji again,
he said a few things that left Neji completely baffled.
Neji had forgotten how the conversation began, but two particularly puzzling remarks remained fresh in his memory.
"Neji."
Hiashi's voice was low and solemn.
"Remember, 'hesitate when you must act, and you will suffer the consequences.'"
He paused, staring sharply at Neji as though trying to see straight into his heart.
"Sometimes, one person, even all alone, must make a decision."
The words came out of nowhere, without any lead-in, and sounded nothing like advice about training or clan affairs.
Neji had been full of questions. What is the clan head hinting at?
What does he mean by "act"?
And what does "one person" mean? Is he talking about me? Or himself?
Or the Caged Bird Seal?
Countless questions circled in Neji's head.
Before Neji