Uchiha Yao's words made Hinata lower her head again out of habit.
She had indeed been deliberately hiding her strength.
On one hand, it was simply her nature; she disliked conflict.
On the other, it stemmed from a faint, lingering fear of that family deep in her heart.
Hinata feared that if she performed too well, she would draw the attention of those Main Family elders and be dragged back into those complicated clan disputes.
Uchiha Yao seemed to see through her thoughts.
"Some things cannot be escaped."
"As the eldest daughter of the Hyuga Clan's Main Family and my disciple, from the moment you accepted the challenge, this match stopped being just between you and Neji."
He lifted his teacup and took a light sip.
"Still, with your current strength, dealing with one Neji Hyuga should be more than enough."
Uchiha Yao set down his teacup, a meaningful gleam flashing through his eyes.
"Since he likes talking about fate so much, and likes judging people through fixed notions."
"Then let us take this opportunity to go straight back to the Hyuga Clan and make every one of them open their eyes and take a good look."
"Let them see just how far my disciple, Uchiha Yao's disciple, has grown."
"And let them understand that so-called fate is worthless to me."
Having said that, Uchiha Yao called toward the door.
"Kenji."
"Yes, Clan Head."
Uchiha Kenji appeared in the doorway.
"Go to the Hyuga Clan and summon Hyuga Hiashi for me."
"Yes."
Kenji accepted the order, and his figure vanished into the night once more.
Naruto's blood boiled as he listened from the side.
"Wow! Master, that was so cool! Are we making this a big deal? I like it!"
Hinata, however, felt her heart tighten, and sweat unconsciously seeped