Kun was shocked, while he maintained his position, Hinata not only didn't stand still, but she pressed her neck against the kunai.
This left Kun shocked and sweating profusely. He knew who Hinata was, the heiress of the Hyuga clan. If she died here, the problems he would cause for Taki wouldn't end even if he died!
But Hinata's movement was very random, he couldn't do anything, there was no time to react, but the blood didn't come.
Hinata had released a large amount of chakra from the tenketsu points in her neck and her feet, a control that few Hyuga could demonstrate, she created a defensive layer of chakra for a moment, and breaking off the glue stuck to her feet.
Breaking free from Kun, her eyes still in Byakugan form, her face completely serious, that golden-haired figure gleaming in her mind, giving her a thumbs-up.
"Naruto-kun... I'll show you how much I've grown!" - Hinata thought, a slight smile forming on her face.
-Eight Trigrams... 64 Palms! - A series of blows struck Kun directly, he was very close, with no time to react. Each of Hinata's palms targeted a different Tenketsu. When she completed all 64 blows, Kun fell to the ground.
He groaned, trying to get up, but he couldn't muster the strength.
Hinata stopped in front of him, keeping her Byakugan activated and scanning the field, making sure Kun had indeed been caught. After confirming this, she spoke. -Please, give up.
Kun gave a wry smile, he truly hadn't expected this, but it was his fault for underestimating the girl. He only hoped that Shibuki-sama could forgive him.
-I give up.- Kun finally said.
The next moment, the crowd roared with excitement. It was a short and less thrilling fight than the others, but there was an obvious satisfaction in an opponent who seemed defeated turning the tide at the last moment.
Hinata finally sighed in relief, her Byakugan deactivated, she almost fell as the adrenaline subsided in her blood.
But she glanced toward the box where Tsunade-sama was, she had seen a familiar chakra there while her Byakugan was open.
"Naruto-kun... I... got stronger." - She thought to herself, a tired smile forming on her face.
//-//
(Toji's POV)
The Afro hut was destroyed, the ground was overturned, several trees had been cut down, and no animals were nearby, but the scene from the clearing had repeated itself.
Toji stood holding Shakukonto, Afro lay on the ground, too tired to move, several bleeding cuts all over his body.
Toji stared at the man for a long moment. Afro ignored Toji directly, he didn't know what Toji would do, but at this point, he didn't care anymore.
Toji gave a weak smile, then spoke. - Be my subordinate.
Afro froze for a moment, confused, but quickly came to his senses and spoke in a weary voice. - Kotowaru!
Toji smiled, unconcerned, sheathed his sword, and left immediately, as if he hadn't cared about Afro's refusal.
In the end, only Afro remained there, with the hut destroyed and his body weak. He pursed his lips, full of irritation, but inside, he wasn't so angry. This kind of life-or-death fight, where his skills seemed to progress with each clash of swords, was what he liked best.
Finally, after making sure Toji had left, Afro could only sigh, hoping that this plague god wouldn't return again.
Unfortunately, Afro didn't know that he was about to begin the saddest and happiest period of his life.
//-//
(Tsunade's POV)
-The little Hyuga girl has grown stronger.- Tsunade nodded contentedly.
-They've all grown quite a bit.- Kakashi said.
-Hey, Hinata's not weak either!- Naruto smiled. He liked Hinata, this girl was very quiet, but also very kind.
Of course, in Naruto's mind, except for Sakura, no girl fell into the "romance" category.
-Is she going to be promoted, Tsunade-sama?- Shizune asked curiously, holding Tonton.
Tsunade paused for a moment, lost in thought. -Yes, although she still lacks a bit in mentality, her strength has already reached the standard.
Shizune nodded.
-Eeeh?! Hinata's going to be a Chunin?! And me? And me? Tsunade-baachan.- Naruto ran to Tsunade, asking worriedly. If all his friends were promoted, wouldn't he be the only genin left?
-You?! Go take the exam next time first!- Tsunade mocked Naruto. Who told him to keep calling her 'grandma' here and there?! He may be strong now, but he'll still be a Genin!
-Eeeeeeh. - Naruto yelled in frustration, scratching his hair.