Neji's Rotation was forcibly disrupted and repelled by Hinata's Rotation, slamming heavily into the trunk of a tree.
Lying on the ground, Neji pushed himself up with his hand leaning against the tree. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of his mouth as he glared resentfully at Hinata, panting not far away.
Neji had always looked down on Hinata, yet now he had been struck by someone he once scorned. He felt a stinging shame across his face.
Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Neji charged forward, filled with killing intent.
Hinata took her Gentle Fist stance, but this time, after blocking several of Neji's attacks, she could no longer defend against his onslaught.
She had used Fire Release: Ash Hiding Technique and Dragon Flame Stream once each, both of which heavily drained her chakra.
In addition, she had created a Shadow Clone, which split her chakra evenly between herself and the clone—significantly reducing her reserves.
The final Rotation enhanced with Lightning Nature Chakra was the most draining, consuming nearly all of Hinata's chakra.
After all, Hinata wasn't like Naruto, who had naturally massive chakra reserves—she never had much to begin with.
Though Neji was injured, his wounds weren't severe enough to prevent him from continuing the fight, and he hadn't used up much chakra.
One of Neji's Gentle Fist strikes aimed directly for Hinata's vital point.
Hinata's pale eyes widened—her chakra was nearly depleted, several tenketsu points had just been hit, her body had stiffened, and she could no longer move to dodge!
Irōka was so startled that the senbon needle slipped from his lips. He quickly stepped forward, wanting to intervene.
But Irōka was quite far from Neji and Hinata. Even using the Body Flicker Technique, he wouldn't arrive in time.
Suddenly, three figures instantly appeared before Hinata.
Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha stood protectively in front of Hinata while Shindai suddenly launched a powerful upward kick, sending Neji soaring into the air. Then he seized Neji by the hair and smashed him forcefully into the ground.
Shindai planted his foot on Neji's head, clearly irritated. "Were you really planning to kill Hinata? Tell me, do you see me as nothing more than a figurehead? Her family might not interfere, but don't think for a second that we won't! Watch your step, or I'll make sure you stay down for good!"
Neji glared hatefully at Shindai, who then crushed his foot a few times. "What are you staring at? Pathetic—you couldn't even stand up for yourself, so you took it out on Hinata instead. You're truly disgraceful. I originally thought you were a decent kid, but apparently, I was wrong."
Shindai turned toward Irōka. "Irōka, you should be more professional next time. That almost turned into a disaster."
Irōka exhaled in relief. "Alright, you should leave now—it's inappropriate to cause a scene in front of everyone. I'll announce the result soon."
"Fine. We're taking Hinata with us. She's lost her fighting ability—no need to keep her here any longer."
Without waiting for a response, Shindai motioned for Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha to carry Hinata away.
As Shindai was leaving, he raised his middle finger toward Rasa in a clear act of disrespect.
A visible vein throbbed on Rasa's temple instantly.
Minato Namikaze's face darkened with irritation. Mentally cursing Shindai, he then smiled at Rasa and said, "I believe Wind Shadow should remember Shindai. He is an excellent ninja who genuinely cares for his subordinates. I'm proud of him."
Minato merely tried to defend him, but to Rasa's ears, it completely transformed into provocation.
After all, he definitely remembered Shindai—Shindai had once been a ninja from Sunagakure, and it was precisely Rasa who had betrayed him.
Irōka ignored Shindai and the others as they carried Hinata away and announced, "The winner is Neji Hyuga!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the spectator stands.
Neji stood up, ignoring the cheers, silently leaving the arena with a gloomy expression.
Hiashi Hyuga finally felt relieved. Though he never favored Hinata, she was still his daughter. Moreover, her demonstrated ability during the match slightly changed Hiashi's view of her.
Shindai and his two companions brought Hinata to the medical ninja for treatment.
Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha muttered complaints while looking at the unconscious Hinata.
Hinata's injuries weren't serious; she would recover after some rest.
Just as Shindai prepared to return to the audience stand to continue watching the matches, Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha spoke to him, saying, "Shindai, something feels off. Earlier, many gazes kept fixed on us."
Shindai replied, "I know. I sensed it too. Most spectators were drawn to the fight between Hinata and Neji, yet I noticed several individuals on the opposite spectator stand never watched the battle from beginning to end. We are probably being watched, especially you, Pakura, and me."
Pakura frowned seriously, "Could it be that Sunagakure came to the Joint Chunin Exams intending to cause trouble against us?"
"It's highly possible. So I'll return to the audience section to identify those suspicious people. Don't tip them off. If they really intend to stir things up, we strike first at the earliest opportunity!"
Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha nodded. They followed Shindai back to the spectator stand to continue watching the matches.
The next match was Shikamaru versus Temari.
When Shindai and his group returned to the stands, the match had already started.
This fight was entirely a showcase of Shikamaru's intelligence.
Shikamaru's direct strength couldn't rival Temari's, but using his cleverness combined with the highly effective [Shadow Imitation Technique], Temari found herself unable to unleash her power properly. Eventually, Shikamaru conceded, bringing the match to a close.
Following this bout between Shikamaru and Temari was the fight between Naruto and Gaara.
Everyone who knew their identities was closely watching this match with great interest.
This could be said to be a battle between the Jinchuriki of Konoha and Sunagakure.
Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara entered the battlefield.
Gaara glared at Naruto with a sinister grin. "I already know who you are. Killing you will prove my value."
Naruto pointed at himself, confused. "My identity? I've got plenty! Future hero of Konoha, the Seventh Hokage, strongest ninja in the ninja world—who exactly are you talking about?"
Gaara's sand began to swirl violently. "Don't play dumb. You and I are the same kind of person. Let's fight! I can't wait any longer!"
Naruto truly didn't understand what Gaara meant.
Although Gaara called him a kindred spirit, deep down inside, Naruto actually felt the same way.
Irōka announced loudly: "The next match—Naruto Uzumaki versus Gaara! Begin!"
A massive amount of sand poured out from Gaara's gourd.
Gaara muttered eerily to himself: "Mom, this one must be delicious. Soon… very soon, I'll let you taste him."
Naruto stared at Gaara in confusion. What the heck? Why did he suddenly call out to his mom? Taste what? Could it be that Gaara, like Choji, carries snacks instead of kunai and shuriken in his ninja gear pouch?
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ **4 bonus chapters** this weekend if I get kind comments.
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>