Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 236 Neji's Practice Opponent, Kimimaro

The atmosphere in the conference room on the top floor of the Star Capital's administration building was solemn and dignified.

Seated around the enormous circular conference table were the key ministers of the Star Kingdom's power core.

Sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the interior and highlighting the flag on the wall—a deep blue flag adorned with glittering stars, symbolizing the Kingdom of Stars.

The head seat at the conference table naturally belonged to the figure dressed in a black robe and wearing a white three-eyed fox mask, who appeared in the form of "Shura".

Although he appeared as a teenager, his calm yet powerful aura enveloped the entire conference room, making it impossible for anyone to feel any disrespect.

Sitting around him are the pillars of the Star Kingdom today.

Home Secretary Vanilla Uzumaki, with her bright red hair neatly tied up, wearing thin-rimmed glasses, exuded a calm and capable air, with a thick stack of reports and documents piled up in front of her.

Finance Minister Miyajo En, who is usually cynical, was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit for once. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, and his eyes were sharp behind his star-shaped sunglasses.

Defense Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Uchiha Hikaru, wore a dark blue clan uniform. His black pupils occasionally swept across the room, exuding an unapproachable aloofness and sharpness.

Kisame Hoshigaki, the captain of the Anbu, still had that fierce shark-like face. He sat silently in the corner with his arms crossed, like a lurking beast. But compared to before, his aura seemed to have less violence and more composure.

The high priestess of the shrine of priestesses, Miroku, is dressed in a sacred priestess's robes. She exudes a dignified and peaceful aura, and her eyes are filled with compassion and wisdom.

The Minister of Education and Vice Principal of the Ninja School, Yakushi Nonou, has a gentle smile, but his eyes reveal a resilience and wisdom that have weathered many storms.

Minister of Justice Ye Xing, former leader of Xingren Village, now has a serious and meticulous expression.

Minister of Land Construction, Gota, has had his skin tanned and his hands roughened from years of leading infrastructure projects abroad.

In addition, there were two special observers.

Kushina Uzumaki, who also has red hair, and Minato Namikaze, who has blonde hair, blue eyes, and a gentle temperament.

They sat slightly back, quietly observing how the nation, built by their son, operated, their eyes filled with wonder and undisguised pride.

The meeting proceeded smoothly.

The ministers rose in turn and reported to Menma on the development of the Star Kingdom in various aspects over the past year.

Whirlpool Vanilla reported on the domestic affairs and population situation in a clear and steady tone: "...In summary, thanks to the agricultural development of the plains in the middle and lower reaches of the Youhe River and the integration of mineral resources in the Land of Snow, our country's total economic output officially surpassed that of the Land of Water at the end of last year. Grain production is expected to exceed that of the Land of Fire after next spring's harvest, achieving self-sufficiency while possessing a large reserve."

She paused, adjusted her glasses, and continued, "According to preliminary statistics from the household registration department, our country's total population is now close to 16 million. Although the original Bear Country and Demon Country are mostly mountainous and forested, their total population is less than 3.5 million. However, the newly incorporated Swamp Country has more than 6 million people, the Dark Country has more than 5 million, and the Snow Country has more than 1 million."

"It is worth noting that, due to our country's land distribution policy and preferential treatment for the poor, after the news spread, many desert tribes in the Land of Wind and the poor in the Land of Earth are attempting to migrate to our country on a large scale. The daimyo of both the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth have dispatched troops and ninjas to block the border and stop them, but a large number of poor people are still risking crossing the border."

"It is estimated that the number of immigrants from these two countries may exceed 500,000 this year alone. How to properly resettle these new immigrants will be the focus of the Ministry of the Interior's work going forward."

Miyajo En then reported on the financial situation in greater detail, including various taxes, commercial trade, military expenditures, education expenditures, special appropriations for the construction of the three counties, and so on. A series of astonishing fiscal revenue and growth figures all demonstrated the vigorous vitality of this emerging country.

Uchiha Hikari gave a brief report on the army's reorganization, training, and border defense, speaking in a concise and powerful tone.

Miroku recounted the role of the witch cult in pacifying the people, providing medical aid, and facilitating cultural integration in the new territory.

Wu Tai reported on the progress of major infrastructure projects, especially the construction of railway networks and water facilities connecting the counties, as well as the recovery status of the three counties.

Ye Xing then reported on the implementation of the new legal code and the progress of the improvement of the judicial system.

Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki listened quietly, their hearts filled with immense shock.

They never imagined that the combination of ninja power and the state apparatus could unleash such astonishing construction power, creating such a prosperous and hopeful nation in such a short time.

This is completely different from the Konoha they remember, a place filled with missions, battles, family interests, and power struggles among the village's upper echelons.

If I remember correctly, Menma seized power in the Land of Bears and established the Land of Stars in just four years, yet he created a new nation that can rival the Five Great Nations?!
Mianma listened quietly throughout, occasionally nodding, or asking one or two incisive questions at crucial moments.

Finally, he concluded: "Thank you all for your hard work over the past year. The current situation in the Star Kingdom is inseparable from the efforts of each and every one of you. In the new year, I hope you will continue your efforts."

"Vanilla, you need to put more effort into the resettlement of immigrants. Work closely with Wutai's Ministry of Construction and Miroku's Priestess Cult to ensure that new immigrants can settle down and become a new force in building the Star Kingdom. As for the pressure on the border, Hikari, you and Kisame need to pay close attention. You need to guard against the two countries' desperate actions and, if necessary, provide a way out for those civilians who are seeking hope."

"Yes, sir!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices filled with respect and enthusiasm.

As the meeting drew to a close, Education Minister Yakushi Nonou stood up, her expression carrying a gentle yet firm tone.

"Sir, I have a question regarding the Ninja Academy." Nono's voice was as gentle as ever, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears: "Currently, the students in the first, second, and third classes of the academy have generally reached the level of Genin. Among them, the most outstanding students are even close to Chunin. What they lack is mainly the honing of practical combat experience."

She looked around and continued, "I understand that you, sir, have strictly limited the difficulty of the assessment for early graduation so that the children can lay a more solid foundation. This is to be responsible for them."

"However, these children, especially the first three cohorts, are mostly war orphans. Their desire to become stronger and contribute to the country that gave them a new life is incredibly strong. I worry that keeping them confined in school for too long will not only stifle their spirit but may even cause some psychological problems. Therefore, I implore you to allow a group of outstanding students to graduate early."

The meeting room fell silent, and everyone looked at Shura, who was seated at the head of the table.

Uchiha Hikaru seemed to be thinking about something as well.

Mianma was silent for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

He understood Nono's concerns. He had often reviewed the information on those children, and they were indeed all promising talents. Although the ninja world was a world that valued bloodlines, almost all the humans here possessed the bloodline of the Sage of Six Paths. Even ordinary people would often produce geniuses.

For example, after the First Hokage established Konoha, he discovered a large number of genius ninjas from commoner backgrounds. The most famous of them include Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, Might Guy and his son, and even Kakashi Hatake's family seems to have come from commoner backgrounds.

The Star Kingdom has been stable for several years now, and it's time to reap its first fruits.

“You’re right, Nonou.” His calm voice came from behind the mask: “It’s time to give them a chance. Blindly protecting them isn’t a long-term solution. Hikari.”

"Yes," Uchiha Hikaru replied immediately.

"Your military will send experienced examiners to organize the graduation exam. Anyone who is twelve years of age or older may voluntarily register to participate. The exam criteria are: proficiency in the basic Three Body Techniques is required, and in addition, one must master at least one practical ninja tool throwing technique or one offensive ninjutsu," Menma gave the order.

"Yes," Uchiha Hikaru replied succinctly.

At this moment, Vanilla Uzumaki, who was listening in, suddenly spoke up and suggested, "Lord Shura, since this year's graduates are in a special situation, with students from all three cohorts competing in the same arena, the competition will inevitably be fierce. Why not offer some extra rewards? This would not only motivate the children but also demonstrate the nation's emphasis on the new generation."

Mianma nodded. "That's a good suggestion. What's the specific plan?"

Vanilla, clearly having thought this through, smoothly stated, "The top nine in the final overall ranking will form three elite squads, each led by a Jonin to carry out a mission. Furthermore, all graduates who pass the assessment will be awarded a D-rank ninjutsu. The top three will receive an additional C-rank ninjutsu. And this year's top student..."

She paused, then emphasized, "He will receive an additional B-rank ninjutsu as a reward, and his name will be engraved on the Ninja Academy's Hall of Fame as an example for future generations."

B-rank ninjutsu!
For these newly graduated genin, this is undoubtedly a great temptation and a valuable resource.

Mianma gave Xiangcao an approving look: "Approved. Let's proceed with this plan."

He then glanced at Uchiha Hikaru, Kisame Hoshigaki, and the other department heads present. "Pass down the word: on the day of the graduation assessment, all Jonin from each department are welcome to attend unless they have an urgent mission. If you see any promising talents, you can make contact in advance and consider taking them on as disciples for intensive training."

"Yes!" Everyone accepted the order, understanding in their hearts how much Lord Shura valued nurturing the next generation of power.

As night falls and the lights of Star City come on, the administrative building, which had just finished its serious meetings during the day, gradually quiets down.

When Kisame Hoshigaki finished dealing with the daily affairs of the Anbu and walked out of the heavily guarded building, he immediately saw the figure waiting under the street lamp.

Zhao Meiling was dressed in a casual outfit suitable for movement within the Dark Guard. Her long, brown hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders, and the dim light cast a soft glow on her gentle face.

She wasn't wearing a mask, and when she saw Kisame come out, a gentle smile immediately appeared on her face.

Several undercover squad leaders, who were also leaving get off work, saw this scene and exchanged knowing glances. One of the bolder ones couldn't help but whistle and tease, "Hey! Captain, someone's here to pick you up after get off work!"

"Exactly! I'm so envious!"

"The Commander-in-Chief is so lucky!"

Kisame Hoshigaki's shark-like face showed a hint of embarrassment, and he glared at them irritably: "You've already finished writing the mission report? Aren't you too bored?"

The squad leaders jokingly pushed and shoved each other as they made their escape, leaving behind their hearty laughter echoing in the night sky.

Kisame walked up to Terumi Rei and said in a somewhat harsh tone, "These guys are getting more and more unruly. It seems their training is still too light."

Looking at his feigned fierceness, Zhao Meiling couldn't help but chuckle softly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze: "I think you're much better this way than before."

Kisame was taken aback: "Good? What's good about it?"

“He’s become much more humane than before, more like a… living person, not just a knife that only knows how to carry out missions.” Teru Mirei gazed at him, her dark pupils reflecting the light of the streetlights and his figure.

"I really like Captain Kisame like this."

Kisame Hoshigaki was silent for a moment, his shark-like face seeming to soften slightly.

He didn't reply, but awkwardly looked away and said in a low voice, "Let's go, didn't we say we wanted to go to the night market?"

"Mmm!" Terumi nodded happily, and naturally reached out to take Kisame's muscular arm.

Kisame's body stiffened for a moment, but he did not break free, letting her hold his arm as the two of them merged into the bustling crowds of the Star City's night market.

The night market was bustling with activity, filled with the shouts of various food vendors, the aroma of food, and the sounds of people laughing and chatting, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

This was a strange and novel experience for Kisame Hoshigaki, who had lived in the Blood Mist for many years and was constantly accompanied by conspiracies and betrayals.

His tense nerves seemed to gradually relax in this noisy yet peaceful environment.

Zhao Meiling seemed very happy, and she would stop at some stalls selling trinkets or local snacks from time to time.

Kisame stood silently beside her, watching her talk to the stall owner, watching her pick up those sparkly hair clips and try them on her head, asking for his opinion.

He always gave succinct evaluations: "It's alright." "Too flashy." "Too poorly concealed."

This caused Zhao Meiling to chuckle again.

As he walked, Kisame Hoshigaki suddenly stopped at a crossroads.

His sharp gaze fell upon a thriving takoyaki shop at the corner of the intersection.

Following his gaze, Terumi looked up and asked curiously, "What's wrong, Kisame? Do you like takoyaki too?"

She knew that Kisame wasn't interested in sweets, and even less so in these kinds of snacks.

Kisame Hoshigaki didn't answer immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes slightly and quickly scanned the shop and its surroundings, as if assessing the mission environment. He subconsciously analyzed, "This shop... is quite nice."

"Oh? How did you know? Is it because there are many customers and it smells delicious?" Zhao Meiling asked with great interest, thinking that he had finally become interested in the food.

“No.” Kisame shook his head, his tone as calm and analytical as ever: “This intersection is a traffic hub in this area, with a high density of people. This shop is located right at the corner of the intersection, with a wide field of vision, allowing it to observe the movements in all four directions without any blind spots.”

"And look, the alley behind its shop leads directly to another parallel food street. In case of an emergency, it's very convenient to either defend the shop or quickly evacuate through the alley. It's a great reconnaissance point and can also be considered as a temporary safe house."

He finished his analysis with a serious tactical perspective, only to find that there was no sound around him.

He turned his head in confusion and saw that Zhao Meiling was covering her mouth, her shoulders were trembling slightly, and her smiling eyes were curved into crescents. She was obviously having a hard time holding back her laughter.

"Pfft... Hahaha..." In the end, she couldn't help but chuckle, her voice as melodious as a silver bell: "You... I thought you were saying its takoyaki tasted pretty good! Turns out you were analyzing its tactical positioning as 'pretty good'... Really!"

Kisame Hoshigaki looked at Terumi, who was laughing so hard she was shaking, and belatedly realized what she had just said.

He turned his head away, somewhat annoyed: "...I'm used to it."

Zhao Meiling stopped laughing, but her eyes were still full of gentle smiles.

She grabbed Kisame's hand and, without saying a word, headed towards the takoyaki shop: "Since the location is so 'good,' let's go try it and see what it tastes like!"

She bought a serving of freshly made, steaming hot takoyaki, carefully picked one up with a bamboo skewer, gently blew on it, and then offered it to Kisame's mouth with expectant eyes: "Here, have a taste? Maybe it'll taste as 'good' as its location?"

Kisame looked at the woman with the gentle smile in front of him, then at the food being offered to his mouth. He hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth and let Terumi feed him the takoyaki.

Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with bouncy octopus pieces and a rich sauce... a warm, unfamiliar taste of ordinary life spread through his mouth.

"How is it?" Zhao Meiling asked expectantly.

Kisame chewed slowly, remained silent for a few seconds, and then commented in a low voice, "...Hmm. The taste...is indeed quite good."

Zhao Meiling's smile grew even brighter, as if she had received the highest praise.

She made a dumpling for herself and ate it, then took Kisame's arm again and leaned against him contentedly: "Then let's come to this restaurant, which has a 'good location and delicious food,' often from now on!" Kisame didn't answer, but just let her hold his arm and continued walking forward.

The bustling lights of the night market reflected on his face, softening the sinister and menacing aura that had clung to him for years. The slight upturn of his lips was something he himself probably didn't even notice.

The crowds at the night market did not decrease; the hustle and bustle, along with the aromas, created a unique vibrancy in the Star City at night, warm and peaceful.

For many, a new life is just beginning.

Zhao Meiling took a small bite of the last takoyaki on the bamboo skewer, savoring it delicately, a hint of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.

“The octopus here… or rather, the fish they use, has a very unique flavor,” she said softly, her gentle voice cutting through the surrounding noise.

"The flesh is firm, with a hint of the unique sweetness and coolness of the North Sea. It must have been caught in the waters north of Snow County, right? It's quite different from the fish we used to eat in the Land of Water."

Kisame Hoshigaki listened intently. He wasn't particularly sensitive to the taste of food itself, but his long career as a ninja had made him accustomed to observing and analyzing every detail.

"The fish in the Land of Water mostly come from warm waters, so their flesh is softer and their flavor is different," Zhao Meiling continued, as if reminiscing or sharing.

"Life nurtured by different waters indeed carries the imprint of its hometown even in its taste."

Kisame nodded thoughtfully. His thought process made him pay more attention to the information behind the sentence: logistics, supply chain, and trade in regional specialties.

But what he wanted to share at that moment was something else.

“In a few days,” he began, his voice still low but lacking its usual chilling tone, “there will be a large-scale graduation exam at the Ninja Academy.”

Zhao Meiling turned her head, her dark eyes looking at him with a questioning gaze.

"Lord Shura has given the order," Kisame explained, "that all Jonin from each department must attend the observation unless there is an urgent mission. The intention is to select promising talents from among them, take them on as disciples, and provide them with intensive training."

Upon hearing this, Misaki's face showed a look of understanding. She gently tapped her chin with a bamboo skewer: "I see. Lord Shura's emphasis on the new generation is indeed extraordinary. He is accumulating strength for the future of this country and cultivating the foundation for those who are completely loyal to the Land of Stars and understand the new ninja's ideals."

Her analysis always carries the clear thread unique to intelligence personnel: "This is not just about supplementing combat power, but also about establishing a sense of inheritance and identity."

Zhao Meiling nodded slightly and continued, "Our secret intelligence unit does need fresh blood. Many reconnaissance and infiltration missions require young people who are meticulous and quick learners. I'll go and take a look, and if there are any suitable kids, I might be able to bring them back to the intelligence unit and mentor them myself."

Her tone carried a hint of expectation, like a gardener looking forward to seeing good seedlings.

Kisame looked at the mentor-like gleam in Terumi's eyes and felt a slight stirring in his heart.

He found himself increasingly focused on things that had nothing to do with pure killing.

Meanwhile, in Konoha Village.

Hyuga Neji finished his day at the Ninja Academy and, carrying his backpack, walked home alone.

The setting sun cast a long, lonely shadow of his.

Passing by the school's training ground, it was still bustling with activity.

The first-grade students were undergoing a tedious physical training run, their clothes soaked with sweat.

Meanwhile, in one corner of the arena, a scene all too familiar was unfolding. Naruto Uzumaki, his blond hair standing on end, was gesturing wildly and yelling something at Sasuke Uchiha, while Sasuke, with a cool and aloof expression, crossed his arms and retorted with a few sharp words, which made Naruto jump up and down even more.

Their energy was almost dazzling.

Neji's gaze involuntarily shifted away, only to settle on another spot.

Hinata Hyuga, the timid eldest daughter of the main family, stood blushing slightly, nestled beside a black-haired, spiky-haired boy.

That's sesame paste.

Hinata whispered something to Menma, her fingers nervously twisting together, while Menma listened with a lazy yet patient expression.

Seeing this scene, Neji felt an extremely complex emotion welling up inside him.

Is it to despise Hinata's weakness?

Is it a dislike of the main family's identity?
Is it the incomprehension of the seemingly casual yet always attention-grabbing demeanor of the mahjong player?

Or perhaps... a sense of loneliness that he himself was unwilling to admit, a loneliness of being isolated from the world?
He quickly averted his gaze, his face expressionless, and quickened his pace, leaving the training ground filled with various sounds.

The fate of the Hyuga branch family is like the inescapable Caged Bird Seal on his forehead, constantly reminding him of his limits.

Back at the Hyuga clan's strict mansion, dinner was quiet and oppressive.

Following the rule of not speaking while eating, there was only the faint clinking of bowls and chopsticks.

After the meal, Neji barely rested before heading straight to the clan's private training ground.

As the soft fist technique began, the boy's figure moved nimbly across the open field, his palm strikes sharp and fierce, each blow carrying a ruthless determination to defy fate.

Some Hyuga clan members who passed by couldn't help but whisper and praise him when they saw how hard he was working.

"Neji is really working hard..."

"Talented and hardworking, he truly deserves to be Lord Hizashi's son..."

"Pity……"

The unfinished words following those "what a pity" pierced Neji's heart like needles, which only made him train even harder.

He only stopped, panting heavily, when his training clothes were completely soaked with sweat and his chakra was almost depleted.

Dragging my tired body home, I washed up, trying to cleanse myself of the day's fatigue and mixed emotions.

Lying on the tatami mat, the exhaustion of my body quickly dragged my consciousness into a deep sleep.

However, just as he fell into a deep sleep, a very hidden mark on the back of his right hand, which was usually almost imperceptible, quietly emitted a faint light that could only be perceived by spiritual power.

Neji's spirit seemed to be drawn by a gentle force, breaking free from the constraints of his body and falling into a realm that was both familiar and strange.

That was a mental space constructed from powerful illusions.

This is not darkness, but a world that stretches endlessly, with ripples on the ground and an infinite starry sky overhead.

A figure was already waiting there.

It was a boy of similar age to him, with rare white hair and unusually fair skin. Most strikingly, he also had a pair of pure white eyes.

At this moment, he stood there quietly, his demeanor cool and aloof, with a hint of unapproachability.

It was Kaguya Kimimaro.

"You've come." Kimimaro's voice was calm and undisturbed, just like the space itself.

Neji took a deep breath, assumed the starting stance of the Hyuga Gentle Fist, and said sharply, "Enough talk, let's begin!"

This is not the first time.

Ever since Lord Shura left this mark on him, almost every night when he falls asleep, his spirit is pulled into this space to engage in a life-or-death duel with this boy named Kimimaro.

Here, there are no constraints of the main family or branch families, no threat of being a caged bird, and no need to worry about death or injury; any trauma will slowly heal after the war.

They can give it their all and push each other to their limits.

"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Neji launched the first attack, his figure as fast as lightning, his palms flying everywhere, attempting to seal Kimimaro's pressure points.

This is the so-called secret of the main family. At the age of eight, Hyuga Neji independently comprehended the Sixty-Four Palms with his extraordinary talent. Although it was only just formed, it had already broken the main family's monopoly on the knowledge of the secrets of Gentle Fist.

However, Kimimaro's movements were unpredictable and he could often evade Neji's most powerful attacks from unbelievable angles.

What's even more terrifying is his bloodline limit.

"Corpse Bone Vein·Ten-finger piercing bullet!"

The next moment, Kimimaro's fingertips suddenly pierced out white bone spikes, which shot towards Neji like bullets with astonishing speed!

Neji's Byakugan could clearly see the trajectory of the bone bullets. He dodged rapidly, but was still grazed by two or three bone bullets, bringing him sharp pain simulated on a mental level.

The battle continued.

Neji brought the subtleties of Hyuga Gentle Fist to their fullest potential, constantly expanding and then being forced to contract the Eight Trigrams Palm domain.

However, Kimimaro's Corpse Bone Pulse is a combination of offense and defense, with bone swords, bone spears, and even thorny bones bursting out from his body, making his attack methods endless, bizarre, and deadly.

Finally, after a feint attack, Kimimaro made a rapid advance, his arm transforming into the sharpest bone spear, seizing a tiny opening in Neji's palm technique transition.

puff!

The pristine white bone spear pierced Neji's shoulder blade, pinning him firmly to the mirror-like ground.

Intense, simulated pain instantly swept through my entire body.

"Ugh..." Neji groaned, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his body convulsing slightly from the pain.

Kimimaro slowly drew his bone spear, stood beside him, and looked down at him. His eyes remained calm, but there was a hint of recognition for a worthy opponent.

During this time, he was ordered to train this little guy named Hyuga Neji in the Tsukuyomi space. Every time the other fell, he would get up faster, and every failure would teach him a lesson and make him stronger. His perseverance and talent earned him his respect.

"That's enough for tonight," Kimimaro said calmly.

Neji lay on the ground, panting heavily, feeling the tingling sensation of his wounds slowly healing.

He gritted his teeth and asked unwillingly, "Why? I can continue!"

"Take a few days off," Kimimaro explained succinctly. "I have some things to take care of."

"What is it?" Neji asked instinctively, filled with curiosity about this "opponent" who possessed both the Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku bloodline limits and whose taijutsu skills far surpassed his own.

Kimimaro paused for a moment, seemingly considering whether to answer, before finally saying, "The Ninja Academy is holding its graduation exams, so I have to go back."

"Graduation exam?" Neji was taken aback. "Your ninja academy in the Land of Stars?"

“Yes. Lord Shura asked us to go back and check on the performance of the new generation,” Kimimaro added.

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Neji's heart.

He couldn't help but ask, "What level are you considered in your country, in that distant, mysterious Star Kingdom, a place with such powerful peers?"

Upon hearing this, Kimimaro's two red eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he tilted his head to think for a moment.

His white eyes gazed into the distant void, as if weighing something.

"There were six of us who graduated early that year," he finally replied, his tone devoid of any boasting, simply stating a fact.

"The other five... none of them are any worse than you."

I'm no worse than you!
These words struck Neji's heart like a heavy hammer.

He had always considered himself a genius, the strongest hope of the Hyuga clan's branch family, and an outstanding individual even among his peers in Konoha. Even when he lost to the strange Kimimaro, he believed it was simply due to the special nature of Kimimaro's dual bloodline limits.

But now he realizes that in another part of the world, there exist six monsters who are his age and may be even stronger than him!

An unprecedented sense of urgency and a clear awareness of his own weakness overwhelmed Neji in an instant.

The narrow confines of Konoha and the internal strife within the Hyuga clan seemed both laughable and pathetic at this moment.

He needs to become stronger, strong enough to break this damned fate, strong enough to see a wider world!

The mental space slowly faded away, and Neji's consciousness sank into a deeper sleep, but the determination to become stronger remained deeply imprinted in his heart like a brand.

(End of this chapter)