Gua had always said Neji had a bit of that streak in him.
Before, the boy had acted indifferent whenever he saw him. After Gua beat him up a few times, he started becoming "loyal."
But Gua didn't need that kind of loyalty.
Neji couldn't stop Obito, and neither could Gua. But even Neji knew everyone in the village was searching for the Masked Man now, so he probably wouldn't have to run far to find reinforcements.
"What a loyal little fellow you are."
Obito's voice was low, seemingly tinged with mockery.
Neji had already taken his opening stance, one hand extended and one foot drawn back. His Byakugan activated as he stared fixedly at the Masked Man opposite him.
"Then I'll start with you."
Obito gave a cold chuckle and charged toward them.
Neji braced himself against a formidable enemy. Before the man even reached him, fear welled up in his heart.
That fear was far stronger than anything he'd felt facing Gua.
He could see the chakra flowing through his opponent's body, but he couldn't predict his next move. The chakra circulated too quickly and without any discernible purpose, as though that terrifying flow existed solely to keep his body functioning at an exceptionally high level.
The chakra flow caused by his physical movements was negligible by comparison.
Suddenly, a hand landed on Neji's shoulder.
Neji stiffened slightly. The next instant, tremendous force pulled him backward by the shoulder. His feet lost their grip on the ground, and he hurtled back, stumbling twice and carving two uneven tracks into the earth.
"Gua!"
Neji's gaze immediately fixed on Gua ahead of him.
The gray Uchiha Uniform flashed past him, and Gua collided with their opponent.
Bam!
Both struck with their elbows,
and it was the Masked Man who staggered