C3 Combat! Oneonone Test!

Neji chuckled lightly. "Compared to the true power of the Hyuga Clan, this is insignificant."

Hinata's face was a picture of shock. "No, Brother Neji, you're incredibly strong!"

Neji was momentarily taken aback, then a smile crept across his face.

His simple-hearted sister always brought a touch of warmth to the often frigid Ninja world.

Hinata's expression turned concerned. "Brother Neji, the elders are already talking about your confrontation with Brother Gintoki today."

"That fast, huh..."

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Neji knew that if the situation escalated, it wouldn't be easy to handle.

The Bird Cage Curse Mark was a heavy shackle, yet even without it, he wasn't strong enough to defy his family.

"I'll explain everything to the clan. You don't need to worry."

"Alright."

"It's getting late. You should head to bed."

Neji didn't want Hinata to get involved; she was just a kind-hearted, innocent sister.

"Hmm..." Hinata looked down, her spirits low.

"What's wrong?" Neji asked.

"Father said today that within a year, he will decide who between me and Hanabi will inherit the Master Family title. The other will join the Branch Family."

Discomfort filled Hinata's eyes.

Neji knew the truth; she wasn't a failure like him. She was just too gentle to harm her own sister.

After a thoughtful pause, Neji patted Hinata's shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry. A year is a long time. I'll change the fate of the Branch Family, that's a promise."

Though his words were meant to console, they kindled a flame of hope in Hinata's eyes.

She lifted her head and nodded vigorously.

"Yes!"

...

"Lee! It's headed your way!"

Tenten, with her microphone, sprinted through the dimly lit alleys of Konoha Village.

"Roger that!"

The Shinobi moved swiftly and with purpose.

Rock Lee stepped softly, cautious not to alarm the trapped cat, when suddenly a shadow descended from above...

With a "thud," it landed, and with a "meow," the cat was captured.

"Ha! Finally, you've fallen into the hands of Konoha's Azure Beast! Little kitty!"

Might Guy held the calico cat in his arms, grinning from ear to ear, while the cat screeched and writhed, desperate to break free as if it had laid eyes on a monster.

"Classic Mr. Guy! Quick as ever!"

"No, no, no, Lee, you're missing the point. Strength and speed are two sides of the same coin!"

"I've got it, I've written it down!"

Tenten commented dryly, "What's so exciting about a mission to catch a cat..."

Neji sauntered over just in time to catch Might Guy and Lee's over-the-top performance, with Tenten offering a wry smile on the side.

"Hey, Neji, why the delay? Can't keep up with a cat now?" Tenten asked pointedly.

Lee laughed, "Neji, you've got to push yourself. As a shinobi, especially a Genin, you should be acing these daily tasks with ease, just like Mr. Guy!"

Neji gave a wistful smile, "I'll definitely practice more!"

Tenten, frowning, added, "Speaking of which, the Chunin Exam is coming up. Neji, if you don't shape up, you'll be dragging us down!"

Lee gasped, "The Chunin Exam!"

Mr. Guy scratched the back of his head, chuckling awkwardly. "You know, we're a team. If Neji doesn't want to participate, maybe we shouldn't rush into it..."

"I'll do it!"

Neji suddenly interrupted Might Guy, his eyes burning with resolve.

He remembered correctly; the Chunin Exam was rife with chances for real combat!

It was an opportunity to earn a wealth of rewards through actual battle – an opportunity not to be missed!

All three were surprised. Neji, who usually couldn't seem to do anything right, was eager to take part in the Chunin Exam?

Might Guy became stern, "Neji, the Chunin Exam is no joke. Are you sure you want to take part?"

"Of course!"

"In that case, I'll test all three of you to determine if you're really prepared for the Chunin Exam!"

...

At the abandoned Konoha training grounds.

"Ring, ring, ring..."

Might Guy held two bells in his hand, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've gone over the rules already. You can tackle this individually or as a team!"

Tenten and Lee both wore expressions of uncertainty.

Casting a doubtful glance at Neji, Tenten said, "No way, this isn't a three-on-one. Neji won't make much of a difference, will he?"

Lee sighed heavily.

Neji, with a light laugh, responded, "So, if I get the bell, I qualify for the Chunin Exam? And I can use any means necessary?"

All he craved now was a chance for real combat.

"Exactly!" Might Guy confirmed again.

"In that case, there's no helping it, Neji... try to keep up!" Lee said as he began to unwrap the bandage around his wrist, revealing the weights attached.

"Wait a second, I've been seriously training to improve my strength lately. I want to see where I stand... I'll take this test alone."

Neji took two steps back, his eyes serious.

"You're kidding, right? Going one-on-one?" Both Tenten and Lee were shocked.

Might Guy was also surprised, "Neji, are you certain?"

"I really want to test my skills against Mr. Guy! I'm definitely going to be in the Chunin Exam!"

Neji's declaration showed his determination.

Lee and Tenten wisely stepped back, with Tenten muttering, "What a joke, how could Neji possibly snatch the bell?"

"Boom!"

An explosion sounded, jolting them.

The fight between Neji and Mr. Guy had started, but Neji was the one to initiate, launching a palm strike. Mr. Guy dodged just in time, and the tree behind him now sported a large hole.