He said softly.
Hinata gasped for breath, but smiled.
"Yes... Neji won."
Neji withdrew his hand, watching the girl who was still smiling despite losing. The last trace of resentment in his heart finally vanished.
He suddenly spoke.
"About my father... I know now."
Hinata froze.
"Thank you, Lady Hinata."
Neji turned his back to her.
"Thank you... for letting me learn the truth."
He walked toward the edge of the arena without looking back.
Hinata stood where she was, watching his retreating figure as tears gradually filled her eyes.
In the stands, Hyuga Hiashi rose to his feet.
"Neji."
He suddenly spoke. His voice was quiet, yet everyone heard it clearly.
Neji stopped in his tracks.
"Come home for dinner tonight."
Neji stiffened. After a moment of silence, he nodded and continued walking.
He did not look back.
But everyone saw his shoulders trembling slightly.
In the stands, the corners of Genya's mouth lifted.
"It worked."
He said softly.
Konan glanced at him.
"Was that your doing?"
"Mm-hmm."
Genya did not deny it.
"It was time the Hyuga Clan put those old grievances to rest."
Konan fell silent for a while, then suddenly spoke.
"You're good with people."
Genya smiled.
"Of course. Everyone loves me."
Konan did not reply, merely turning her attention back to the arena.
The matches continued.
Shikamaru won easily, though it had been something of a hassle.
Naruto faced Kiba and won through pranks and the Shadow Clone Technique.
The preliminaries ended, and the roster for the finals was announced.
Everyone gradually left. Hinata walked out of the arena with Kurenai supporting her.
Her face held a brighter smile than ever before.
"Hinata."
Genya's voice reached her.
Hinata looked up and saw Genya and Konan approaching. She blushed.
"Genya... Konan..."
"You fought well."
Genya