"It's just a minor issue. I'll recover in a few days."
Hearing Chen Xing's calm tone, Kurenai Yuhi felt slightly relieved.
However, she quickly composed herself, her expression turning cold again.
"Hmph. I thought something serious happened."
Chen Xing only smiled.
"Let's go. The finals are about to begin."
Hinata and Hanabi nodded and followed.
---
Arena
By the time they arrived, the arena was already packed.
Most of the candidates had gathered—only Sasuke Uchiha had yet to appear.
Chen Xing sensed a familiar presence and spoke:
"You're early today, Kakashi."
Kakashi Hatake glanced at him, then at the cloth over his eyes.
"What happened to you?"
"Training accident," Chen Xing replied casually.
Kakashi didn't press further, though his gaze lingered.
---
The Finals Begin
On the high platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat beside the disguised Orochimaru, who posed as the Fourth Kazekage.
The final stage of the Chunin Exams began.
---
First Match
Naruto Uzumaki vs Neji Hyuga
At first, Naruto was completely suppressed by Neji's Gentle Fist.
However, Naruto endured and counterattacked, eventually defeating Neji using the Shadow Clone Technique and sheer determination.
The crowd was shocked.
---
Second Match
Hinata stepped forward.
"Chen Xing… I'm going."
"Do your best," he replied calmly.
She nodded and walked into the arena.
Her opponent—
Neji Hyuga.
---
Tension of the Hyuga Clan
The crowd murmured as the two faced each other.
Both were members of the Hyuga Clan, yet stood on opposing sides of its hierarchy.
Neji's gaze was cold.
"Hinata-sama… you've changed," he said.
Hinata met his eyes, her expression steady.
"Neji-niisan… I know your pain."
Neji's expression darkened.
"Pain? You speak as if you understand fate."
His voice grew sharper.
"My father died because of the main family. From birth, my destiny was decided by the Caged Bird Seal."
Hinata lowered her gaze briefly, then looked up again.
"I don't agree with that fate."
---
Before the Battle
The two stood facing each other in silence.
Neji's resentment had been building for years.
Hinata, once timid, now stood firm.
The atmosphere grew tense.
The battle between them—
Was about to begin.