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After the three exam sections were completed, it was already evening. The Ninja Academy had no concept of evening self-study; once evening arrived... school naturally let out. Furthermore, Konoha's Ninja Academy had no dormitories or anything of the sort. So, there were basically no classes at night. Unless it was a special occasion, for example, if the school wanted to train the students' night combat capabilities. At that time, classes might be held at night. But for now, there was definitely nothing of the sort.
Hinata finished tidying her belongings. Just as she was about to leave the school gate for home, a familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar voice suddenly echoed from behind her: "I heard you achieved first place in the review exam. Hmph... is it because the people in your class are too weak, or for some other reason?!" "Lady Hinata..." The tone, almost devoid of emotion, made one frown. And this voice felt very familiar to Hinata. She couldn't help but turn around and look. A look of surprise appeared on her delicate face: "Ne... Neji Nii-san?!"
She hadn't expected the person behind her to be Neji Hyuga, Hinata Hyuga's cousin and the strongest genius of the Hyuga clan's branch family, even considered the strongest genius in the entire Hyuga clan. Neji, who was one year older than Hinata, was already a fifth-year student. However, his strength was in no way inferior to a sixth-year's. He was even on par with the top students of the sixth grade. This was a genius not inferior to Sasuke Uchiha. If not for Sasuke's future power-ups, he probably wouldn't have pulled far ahead of Neji Hyuga. After all, judging purely by talent and effort... these two were actually quite similar, both geniuses on the same level.
Neji Hyuga, as a member of the Hyuga clan's branch family, harbored an unclear hatred towards the main family. He believed the death of his loved ones was connected to the main family. Therefore, he had always hated the main family members, including his cousin before him. Due to the rules of the Hyuga clan, he hadn't directly confronted Hinata. Today, he heard that a genius had emerged in the fourth grade of the Ninja Academy. That genius was also a member of their Hyuga clan, named "Hinata Hyuga," who had snatched the title of the strongest fourth-grade genius from Sasuke Uchiha. Neji Hyuga was quite familiar with Sasuke Uchiha. He was a very formidable opponent, and a very strong rival. And for Hinata Hyuga to be able to bring Sasuke Uchiha down... was indeed a bit beyond his expectations. In Neji Hyuga's eyes, Hinata, the so-called young lady of the Hyuga clan, was utterly unsuitable to be a ninja. Her personality was far too timid, and combined with his own hatred for the main family, he had no fondness for his cousin whatsoever. In fact, he even harbored a faint dislike.
"Neji Hyuga... this is the guy who severely injured little Hinata in the original Chunin Exams, almost putting her life in danger, right..." In Hinata's mindscape, Liu Chen was observing Neji Hyuga. If he remembered correctly... this kid was whitewashed later on. This wasn't surprising at all, because in Naruto, there were basically no true villains; almost all of them were whitewashed by the old rascal Kishimoto, using the word "ideals" to do it. The most absurd part was that the methods of whitewashing were almost identical. However, after adventuring in the One Piece world for so many years, Liu Chen also understood that there were no villains in this world. There were only differences in each side's stance.
At this moment, Neji Hyuga said expressionlessly, "Lady Hinata, don't misunderstand. I merely wanted to see what right you, who are unsuitable to be a ninja, possess to defeat Sasuke Uchiha." Although his tone, on the surface, revealed no emotion, with Liu Chen's experience, he could clearly detect it. It was a tone of doubt.
"Or was it that Chunin teacher in your class, Iruka Sensei, who, out of deference to you being a young lady of the Hyuga clan, the main family, didn't want to offend them, and thus gave you the highest score?!" By the time these words were spoken, the doubt in his tone was very evident. The three little brats who bullied Hinata back then were sent by Neji Hyuga... Just over three months ago, this young lady of the main family was a very weak individual. She clearly could have defeated those three little brats, but she dared not lift a hand. But three months later, the situation seemed to have undergone an earth-shattering change. She inexplicably defeated Sasuke Uchiha, a genius even he was wary of. This change was simply too immense... which was why Neji Hyuga questioned her.
Hinata quickly shook her head, explaining, "No... no, I... I achieved that score based on my own strength. And Iruka Sensei is a very fair teacher; I won't allow you to speak of him that way!" Neji Hyuga's expression subtly froze. He somewhat doubted if there was something wrong with his ears. He had actually heard Hinata speak in a very forceful tone. Although her voice was still somewhat soft, the tone of that last sentence... was very firm.
"Hmph... whether it's because he respected you as the young lady of the Hyuga clan's main family that he gave you such a high score or not. With your personality, you can't possibly become a qualified ninja. At best, you'll be a Genin your entire life." "So, just work hard to become a Genin... don't cause trouble out here." Neji Hyuga said expressionlessly, then coldly turned and walked away. Just as Hinata's spirits were low, Liu Chen's voice suddenly echoed: "Little Hinata, give him a beating. I thought Sasuke Uchiha was already arrogant enough; I didn't expect this little brat to be even more so."
"Ah?! But... but..." Hinata looked bewildered. He wants her to beat Neji? Doesn't that mean fighting?!