Neji Hyuga VS Hinata Hyuga.
Looking at this matchup list...
A suppressed gasp of surprise suddenly rang out in the martial arts hall.
The Hyuga Clan is one of the oldest and most powerful noble families in Konoha.
The feud between the Main Family and the Branch Family is no secret among the Konoha High Command.
This duel was more than just a battle between two Genin.
It also represents the clash of destiny and bloodline within the Hyuga Clan!
" Hinata- sama..."
In a corner of the stands, Kurenai Yuhi looked at Hinata with concern.
She was well aware of how weak her disciple's personality was, while Neji, as the most outstanding genius of the Hyuga Clan in this generation, possessed unfathomable strength.
Moreover, Neji's resentment towards the Main Family would prevent him from showing mercy during the match.
"Elder brother..."
Hinata stood in the center of the field, looking at the cold-faced boy opposite her, whose eyes exuded a chilling aura.
She nervously twisted her fingers, her body trembling slightly.
"Give up, Hinata- sama."
Neji spoke coldly, his voice devoid of any emotion.
"You're simply not cut out to be a ninja."
"Your personality is too weak; you always want to run away from conflict."
"Even standing here, you're only participating in this exam because you can't go against the Main Family's will, right?"
Neji's pure white eyes seemed to see through all pretense.
"A person's fate is determined at the moment of birth."
He slowly raised his hand and pointed to his forehead.
Although it was covered by Forehead Protector, everyone knew that it was engraved with the " Caged Bird Seal " Cursed Seal, representing the humiliation of the Branch Family.
"It's like I'm from the Branch Family, and you're from the Main Family."
"The weak will always be weak; this is an unchangeable fate!"
"You can't beat me, so give up now to avoid seriously injuring you."
Neji's words.
Like a bucket of ice water, it extinguished the passion in the hearts of many ordinary candidates present.
Yes, in this Shinobi World that values lineage and talent.
Fate seems to have truly been predetermined.
Even a hard-working genius like Rock Lee, who gives his all for Taijutsu, couldn't help but clench his fists upon hearing these words, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.
However.
Just as everyone was stunned by Neji's "theory of fate" and the atmosphere became extremely oppressive.
In the VIP seats at the very top of the stands.
Suddenly, a very discordant "click-clack" sound rang out.
"Tsk tsk tsk..."
Kenya crossed his legs, chewing on senbei (rice crackers) while shaking his head repeatedly.
He brushed off the last crumb of scallop and then picked up the megaphone from the table next to him.
"Hey, you over there, you Byakugan brat."
Kenya's voice was filled with sarcasm and disdain.
The sound instantly spread to every corner of the entire training hall via loudspeaker.
"Are you out of your mind, or did you get your head stuck in a door?"
The entire room fell silent.
Everyone stared in disbelief at Kenya in the VIP seats.
Even the Third Hokage was startled and tried to grab the microphone.
But Kenya nimbly dodged it and continued to loudly complain into the microphone.
What destiny is predetermined? What unchangeable fate?
"You keep spouting those ridiculously cringeworthy lines all the time, aren't you ashamed? I feel embarrassed just listening to you!"
Kenya's voice was like a resounding bell, making Neji's eardrums buzz.
Neji's usually cold face instantly turned bright red.
He suddenly raised his head and glared angrily at Kenya in the stands.
What do you know?!
Neji retorted through gritted teeth.
"How could someone like you, who talks without understanding the pain and destiny of the Hyuga Branch Family, possibly comprehend it?!"
"Pain?"
Kenya chuckled and stood up abruptly from the VIP seats.
He pointed at Neji in the audience and launched into a scathing critique without holding back.
Stop making excuses for your incompetence!
"What bullshit is fate? What bullshit is destiny?"
Kenya slammed his fist on the railing in front of him, creating a deafening bang.
"In the end, isn't it because your fists aren't hard enough?!"
This is a simple, blunt, and even somewhat thuggish statement.
It was like a heavy hammer blow that struck Neji's heart.
"If you really feel that fate is unfair."
"Then go and beat those who set the rules into submission!"
"Tread their rules underfoot, and smash that Caged Bird Seal to pieces!"
"What kind of skill is it to vent your anger on a weaker girl in the ring?"
"If you're so capable, go and yell at those old men from the Main Family who treat you like a dog!"
Kenya, though completely illogical, directly addressed the core of "physical logic."
In an instant, Neji's proud "theory of destiny" was shattered to pieces.
The candidates in the audience were stunned.
This was the first time they had ever heard someone describe defying fate in such a... simple and brutal way.
It seems that as long as your fist is strong enough, there is no problem in this world that cannot be solved.
Thinking about it carefully, it actually makes a lot of sense!
Even the Third Hokage couldn't help but wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.
This kid's ideas are too dangerous! This is practically openly inciting rebellion!
Neji was rendered speechless by Kenya's words.
He clenched his fists tightly, his pure white eyes filled with anger, resentment, and a hint of wavering that even he himself didn't realize.
"You're just a brute who doesn't understand anything about the rules and power of the Hyuga Clan!"
Neji took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart.
He directed all his anger at Hinata on the other side.
" Hinata, since you refuse to give up, then I'll show you what I'm capable of."
"Fate is something you absolutely cannot defy!"
Neji assumed the starting stance of the Hyuga Style Gentle Fist.
Powerful Chakra gathered in his hands, creating a subtle yet palpable sense of oppression.
Facing the murderous Neji.
Hinata's body trembled slightly.
She remembered the disappointment in her father's eyes, and her own weakness all along.
Just when she was on the verge of collapse and giving up.
She instinctively touched the two cold, hard metal objects in her pocket.
The older man's words echoed in her ears.
"I encountered a guy who likes close-quarters combat."
Forget about meridians and acupoints.
"Just hit him in the face with these brass knuckles, I guarantee one punch will kill that whiny guy!"
Hinata took a deep breath.
Her gaze gradually hardened.
She is no longer the timid and submissive young lady of Hyuga family.
She pulled out a pair of Black Iron Wood knuckle dusters from her pocket, all black and engraved with the " Iron Fist " symbol.
Hinata took a deep breath, put on the black iron knuckle duster that Kenya had given her, and assumed the Eight Trigrams Palm) stance.