"Wh... what?"
Neji turned his head in disbelief to look at Hinata behind him.
The dust in that part of the arena had yet to settle, but the girl remained rooted to the spot.
Her body swayed on the verge of collapse, yet her back remained straight.
The dust mingled with her indomitable will, somehow lending her a striking air of valor!
But when Neji saw that valor, it only stoked his anger.
He spun around and demanded of Hinata in disbelief:
"Why!"
"Why are you still getting up!"
"Can the Main Family really not accept defeat!"
After that roar, Neji was panting, but not from physical exertion.
Instead, his emotions had grown so intense that they had left him in this state.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Neji."
Hinata still trembled as though she might fall at any moment. Blood stained the corner of her mouth, but her eyes remained clear.
With every word she uttered, her chest rose and fell with effort.
Yet her voice carried steadily throughout the arena.
"You know, it was in the Forest of Death that I first realized."
"Even someone like me can get through hardship with someone else's guidance!"
"That's why I believe in myself!"
Neji's pupils suddenly trembled.
That solemn vow became an unrivaled blade, gleaming as it plunged straight into Neji Hyuga's heart.
Then, keeping her breathing steady, Hinata stamped one foot hard behind her.
Loose stones scattered beneath her foot as she hurtled toward Neji once more!
This charge was nowhere near as swift as her opening attack, but it held no hesitation.
Blood trailed down from the corner of her mouth, but she no longer thought of raising a hand to wipe it away.
"You've got to be kidding..."
"You've got to be kidding!"
Unable to