"Earth Release: Headhunter Technique!"
The Shadow Clone extended its hands from the ground, but Neji had already seized the opportunity, instantly stopped his Rotation, and struck downwards with a palm.
Immediately, the Shadow Clone underground exploded.
Natsuki, however, ran in the air using Moon Walk, lifted his leg and unleashed several Wind Release: Gale Palms. The crescent-shaped slashes completely enveloped Neji, and it just so happened to be the cooldown period for Neji's Rotation.
Other than dodging, there was no other way!
Neji gritted his teeth and rolled a few times on the ground. Although he successfully dodged, his arm was still grazed by the slash.
Furthermore, Neji knew clearly in his heart that Natsuki could have used Wind Release: Gale Palm while he was striking the underground Shadow Clone, which would have made it difficult for him to dodge. It was obvious that Natsuki had held back.
The Six Styles are indeed powerful!
But Neji quickly shook his head again: No! What's powerful isn't the Six Styles, but Natsuki!
Tenten also knew the Six Styles, but when she used them, she didn't pose much of a threat to Neji. Perhaps it was because Tenten wasn't very skilled with the Six Styles and used them stiffly. They were fine for dealing with ordinary Ninja, but it was difficult to defeat an Elite Jonin.
In comparison, Natsuki had a strong combat sense and knew how to flexibly use techniques. He wasn't limited to the Six Styles but used them in conjunction with Ninjutsu. If he had other techniques, he would definitely use them in combination when needed. Someone so skilled in combat was definitely a strong person!
"I lose."
Neji frankly admitted defeat. Perhaps it was the first time he had conceded to someone his age.
For some reason, he suddenly felt relieved. Perhaps the title of genius was also a kind of restraint for him. Never having lost to someone his age also left him without opponents, and he seemed to not know how to become stronger.
Now it was good; a young strong person had emerged who was younger than him and much stronger.
It felt like life had become interesting.
Furthermore, he knew that Natsuki was not from a large clan but was a true commoner.
It seemed that the moment he admitted defeat, his long-held belief that destiny was insurmountable instantly collapsed. Since a commoner could defeat the genius of a large clan, couldn't he also control his own destiny?
Fortunately, Natsuki didn't know Neji's thoughts.
If he knew, he would definitely tell him: Neji, your original thought was correct. Because I'm not an ordinary commoner, I'm a cheat!
Clap, clap, clap! Applause sounded.
Tenten smiled sweetly, because her boyfriend had defeated the Hyuga Clan's genius, and she naturally felt honored.
Xiao Li was even more excited, because a commoner like Natsuki had defeated the genius of a large clan, which meant that anything was possible, so his dream would definitely have a day when it could be realized.
Kai, on the other hand, was in tears over the youthful passion of the two youngsters.
Natsuki descended from the air and formed the Reconciliation Seal with Neji, then smiled and said, "The Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist truly lives up to its reputation, especially this Rotation technique. If I didn't know Earth Release, I wouldn't even know how to break it."
Neji, however, didn't think so: "You're being humble. You definitely have other methods; I'm certain of that."
Uh...
Your Byakugan couldn't have seen all my secrets, could it?!
Natsuki didn't understand why Neji said this, but it was probably because Neji recognized his strength. After all, once Neji recognized someone, he would believe that person could create miracles.
For example, Naruto in the original work, Neji was defeated by Naruto once, and it was as if he felt Naruto was omnipotent. Sometimes when he encountered problems, he would often say things like, if it were Naruto, he would definitely do such and such. It always felt like forced praise, and I don't know if readers found it awkward.
Anyway, when Natsuki watched it in his previous life, it was quite awkward.
Because Naruto's performance was often underwhelming, making people both annoyed and amused.
"Alright, the youthful sparring ends here. It's not too late yet, so let's start training following my rhythm! Natsuki, if you have nothing to do, come train with us too!"
Kai hadn't forgotten his responsibility. It was rare to arrange training today, so they couldn't waste time.
Natsuki looked at the sky and refused: "I still need to go back and buy groceries to cook. Tenten worked hard training today and needs to eat something delicious to recover."
Hearing this, Tenten was rarely shy, but she couldn't help but feel pleased.
This feeling of showing affection was quite enjoyable.
Kai didn't insist: "Alright, you go ahead and be busy. When you have time, I'll have Tenten let you know, and then I'll take you to see Kakashi."
Natsuki thanked him again, exchanged a few sweet words with Tenten, and then turned to leave.
In reality, he had been impatient for a long time. If Neji hadn't challenged him, he would currently be researching the Eight Gates in the gravity training room.
Not long after Natsuki left, the intelligence from this side was sent to the Hokage Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the Ambu's intelligence report, silently smoking his pipe.
"I didn't expect this Natsuki to be quite smart. Not only does he want to learn Kai's Eight Gates, but he also wants to learn the Hatake Clan's sword style. If he truly masters these two, he will definitely be a powerful Ninja no weaker than Kakashi. Konoha will have another capable individual. Will we still fear the threats from other Villages then?"
"Unexpected, just unexpected. This Natsuki actually already possesses such strength now. He even created the Six Styles Nin-Taijutsu himself and defeated the Hyuga Clan's prodigy, Neji Hyuga. Tsk tsk tsk, how should this genius be arranged?"
"Hmm, since Natsuki was recognized by Kai, there probably won't be any issues. Although Kai is carefree, his intuition is particularly accurate. If Natsuki had any problems, Kai would definitely not teach him the Eight Gates. But there's no rush. Natsuki will also go to see Kakashi later. Kakashi is not easy to fool. If Natsuki passes Kakashi's test, then he's truly fine and can be cultivated with complete confidence. So, let's wait and see."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was full of expectations for Natsuki.
In recent years, Konoha's strength had rapidly declined. Shakumo Hatake died, Minato Namikaze died, Orochimaru defected, Tsunade and Jiraiya left, and later Uchiha Shisui emerged but still died.
If these people were still here, would Konoha be in its current state?
Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't unaware, but he was already old and frail. Now, he could only hope that the new generation could step up.
Fortunately, this new generation not only had Naruto the Jinchuriki, but also Sasuke Uchiha, Neji Hyuga, and the children of various large clans. Now there was also Natsuki, and it seemed Natsuki's girlfriend Tenten also had good strength. Konoha finally seemed to be filled with talented individuals once again.
In a few more years, Konoha will definitely return to its peak!
"Before this old man dies, I must rebuild Konoha to its peak! I don't want to leave this world with a bad reputation!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen made up his mind and took out the Ninja profiles again. He needed to carefully select which Jonin should be assigned as Natsuki's teacher.
Additionally, he had to pay attention to Danzo's actions. He couldn't let Danzo harm the Village's young talents again.