Minato Namikaze looked at Naruto Uzumaki, who wore a radiant and energetic smile. For some reason, this bright expression always gave him an uneasy feeling.
Although the boy seemed genuinely cheerful, Minato couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that Naruto was somehow humoring him.
Starting the next day, Kakashi began instructing Sasuke Uchiha, while Minato himself would start mentoring Naruto Uzumaki.
Meanwhile, inside the Hyuga compound, Neji Hyuga was contemplating whether to seize this chance and lead his clansmen out of Konoha together.
He had already completed all necessary preparations.
Though he'd long since resolved himself to this path, when it came time to make the actual decision, Neji found himself filled with hesitation.
What if something went wrong midway? What if they ultimately failed? What if...
Various potential mishaps kept flashing through Neji's mind.
This operation wasn't just about his own future—it involved the futures of 14 other clan members from the Branch Family.
These 14 were all from the Branch Family, around Neji's age, the oldest being only 15—three years older than him at most.
All these young clan members had suffered mistreatment from the Main Family.
Still young and vulnerable, having personally suffered under the Main House, they were convinced by Neji to change their perspective. They agreed to follow him in leaving the Hyuga Clan and Konoha, aiming to build a new Hyuga family elsewhere—one without the distinction between Main and Branch families.
That's why Neji needed to be more cautious than ever—for their sake.
While thinking about possible mishaps, Neji's imagination ran wild, his concerns growing increasingly exaggerated.
He lightly smacked his forehead, knowing deep down that the chances of those scenarios happening were infinitesimally small.
"Hmmph..."
After taking several deep breaths to calm himself, Neji murmured, "No more waiting. All preparations are complete. As Senior Kakashi once said, no one knows what unexpected events may arise. With our teachers arriving at Konoha now, having their help is our best chance.
There's no such thing as a completely risk-free plan in this world—everything carries risks. This is the safest opportunity we'll ever get. I have no reason to retreat now."
Neji Hyuga left the Hyuga estate and headed toward his usual training ground.
It was too risky to contact Chinya at the Hyuga estate—the training ground would be safer.
Arriving at the training ground, Neji Hyuga found a spot and took out his ring to contact Chiya.
Before Neji could say a word, Chiya's voice cut in: "Looks like you've already made up your mind. Do it without hesitation—I've got your back."
Neji hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "So Kakashi-senpai must have already spoken with you, Teacher. Thank you, Teacher. There are fourteen of my clanspeople here. I'll help them release the Caged Bird and get everything ready."
Chiya reminded him, "Yes, Neji. Remember—don't be impulsive. Impatience increases the chance of mistakes. Stay calm. If you're unsure what to do, tell me, and I'll figure out a solution for you."
Neji replied, "I understand, Teacher."
"All right. It's risky for you to contact me right now, so we'll end it here. When I arrive in Konoha, I'll seek you out."
Chiya cut off communication with Neji.
Neji lifted his face slightly, basking in the warmth of the sunlight on his skin. Unconsciously, the corners of his mouth curled upward.
Soon, he would finally break free from this cage, leading his clanspeople toward a new future.
"Neji! So you really are here!"
Tenten and Lee had found Neji.
His expression turned cold in an instant. He faced Tenten and Lee and asked, "What is it?"
Tenten looked surprised. "Neji, were you just smiling? Did something good happen to you?"
Tenten was especially intrigued because, ever since she'd known Neji, she couldn't recall ever seeing him smile.
"I wasn't smiling," Neji replied. "And nothing good has happened. Is there a mission? Why did you come looking for me?"
Tenten was certain that Neji had definitely smiled.
The way the sunlight had illuminated his face, revealing that faint smile—he truly looked incredibly handsome.
But Neji made it clear he wasn't admitting anything, and Tenten knew there was no way to get him to budge.
Ever since joining the same team as Neji, there had always been an invisible wall between them. Though he stood right there, emotionally, they could never reach him.
Lee said to Neji, "Actually, we don't have a mission. Guy-sensei wanted to ask if we want to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams. Since you weren't at the Hyuga estate, we came here to let you know—in case you didn't hear about it. Tenten and I are joining. What about you, Neji?"
Neji nodded slightly. "Is that so? I understand. I'll take part as well."
Suddenly fired up, Lee declared, "Neji, during this Chunin Exam, I'm going to defeat you! I've prepared a secret weapon especially for this. You better watch out!"
Neji gave only a dismissive hum: "Hm."
Lee instantly lost steam. As always, whenever he and Might Guy got excited talking to Neji, Neji would respond with the same coldness—like pouring a bucket of ice-cold water over their fire.
"I have something else to do. See you later."
Neji Hyuga left the training grounds. He had to notify every clan member individually, then wait for Chinya to arrive in Konoha before the Chunin Exams begin.
Inside the Hokage Tower,
Hiruzen Sarutobi was reviewing the participant lists submitted by the invited ninja villages.
This time, Hiruzen had invited the Sand Ninja Village, Amegakure, Grass Village, Takigakure, and Otogakure.
All of these ninja villages are situated near the Land of Fire.
The Joint Chunin Examinations served as a key opportunity for allied nations to assess each other's national strength.
Konoha intended to demonstrate its strength to these invited ninja villages.
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