The person he most yearned to see appeared at his most pathetic and desperate moment. All of Neji's thoughts were stripped away.
He had always diligently followed the path guided by the other person, hoping one day to gain his approval, yet he was reunited with him just after a crushing defeat, having utterly failed to live up to that expectation.
Known as the Hyuga Clan's genius, his only thought at this moment was to disappear instantly or burrow into the ground—he absolutely couldn't let this person see him in such a wretched, embarrassing state... Was it a dream? Yes, this must be another dream!
That's right... Lord Menma is the mysterious and powerful leader of the [Ember] Organization! How could he appear at a Chunin Exams like this... Yes, just like countless nights in the past, this is just a dream... Neji desperately tried to convince himself, attempting to escape this overly cruel reality. Menma had no idea this child's inner drama was so rich, and seeing that he still hadn't reacted, he spoke again.
"What's wrong? Seeing me, don't you have anything to say? Hizashi misses you very much. I can't stay here for too long, do you have any message you want me to relay to your father?"
These incredibly plain words, however, had content completely different from any "dream" scenario Neji had envisioned—no acknowledgment, no praise. These words were like a bucket of ice water, instantly dousing Neji from his self-constructed fantasy, making him shiver!
This isn't a dream... Lord Menma... really came... really appeared before him when he had lost so completely, so utterly!
"...Lord Menma... I am very sorry!"
Neji suddenly got up from the sickbed, bowing deeply to Menma, his voice choked, tears uncontrollably gushing out. This sudden action made Menma pause.
Neji was filled with immense shame. He had always remembered Menma's expectations for his growth, yet he appeared before him in such a disastrous defeat. For him, who was so proud, this was nothing short of the deepest "humiliation."
"I... I failed to live up to your expectations... I... lost... I... failed to follow the path you guided... I am not worthy of your approval... I... I shamed my father... I disappointed you..."
He spoke haltingly, tears streaming down his cheeks. He didn't look like a Ninja who had just been through an intense battle, but rather like a sinner in confession.
Although Menma had anticipated he might suffer a setback, Neji's intense reaction was still more severe than he had expected.
"Disappointed...?" Menma's voice rang out calmly, without the expected reproach. "Disappointed where?"
Neji raised his tear-stained face, his eyes filled with confusion and incomprehension, not understanding why Menma would ask this.
"Neji, tell me, how old are you this year?" Menma changed the question.
Although he didn't understand the purpose of the question, Neji still answered honestly. "Thir... fourteen."
Menma nodded, "So, why should I be disappointed? A fourteen-year-old boy, already possessing strength close to a Jonin, isn't that enough to satisfy me?"
This comforting praise made Neji instantly understand the other's intention. He lowered his head again, his heart overwhelmed by a huge, bewildered gratitude, unsure how to respond to this warmth and affirmation given to him at his most vulnerable.
"Neji, tell me," Menma took a step forward, "what exactly are you feeling ashamed for?"
As Menma guided Neji, he sighed helplessly inwardly. Psychological counseling was really tiring... a Ninja doing psychological counseling was completely unsuitable.
"But... I still lost..." Neji's voice was low, carrying an unreleased bitterness.
"Lost?" Menma gently shook his head, "But, what you felt, was it 'failure' itself, or because you finally realized you weren't omnipotent? It seems you misunderstood something from the beginning."
Ignoring the urgent and confused expression on Neji's face, Menma continued. "The'strength' I told you about back then was never about becoming the'strongest,' and certainly not about never admitting defeat."
"A flowing river. When it encounters an indestructible boulder, does it choose to 'wear away the stone with drips' for a thousand years, or does it wisely 'go around,' accumulating strength to rush towards the wider ocean? Both choices demonstrate its strength as a 'river.' This battle between you and Lee is not the end or a blemish on your destiny, but a valuable opportunity for you to truly see the essence of your own 'river' and clarify your future direction."
"Every full-hearted attempt may not bear fruit. But every sincere effort and challenge is, in itself, worthy of respect."
"Flourishing flowers and abundant fruits all require a long process."
Menma leaned down and gently placed his hand on Neji's shoulder, which was trembling slightly from emotion.
"To take this opportunity to clearly see the boundaries of your abilities and the'shell' of your character, this in itself is a rare breakthrough. Daring to admit your powerlessness at certain moments is precisely the starting point of strength."
"Remember, changing destiny doesn't require you to shatter every boulder in your path. True strength lies in whether you possess the will and resilience to 'carry these weights and setbacks, and still move forward steadfastly.'"
"Today's defeat is the 'destiny' you will need to carry and ultimately overcome in the future."
"When you no longer fall into a Uzumaki of self-loathing because of a temporary failure, but can calmly accept it and transform it into a stepping stone that elevates your vision and solidifies your path—then you, Hyuga Neji, will truly be on the right path to changing destiny."
"So..." Menma concluded, his tone utterly certain, "You've already done well enough. You don't need to, and absolutely must not, feel any shame for the effort and sweat you've put in."
Instead of denying the path he had always adhered to, he pointed him in a deeper direction... The self-loathing in Neji's heart began to gradually melt and recede with these words... Replaced by a sense of relief and emotion from being understood, forgiven, and fully known. He just looked up, staring blankly at the fox mask, as if trying to see more through it.
After saying this, Menma looked at Neji's gaze—those pure Byakugan eyes were now filled with almost pure adoration, unreserved trust, and deep dependence, his pale cheeks also slightly flushed.
This appearance of Neji was completely unprecedented for Menma, who was familiar with his cool and aloof image from the "original work"... It made him feel a bit sappy, even a little uncomfortable.
However, judging by this reaction, the counseling should have been successful... Neji probably wouldn't continue to wallow in guilt and self-doubt anymore... It's really tiring... Menma silently wiped a bead of sweat in his heart. Changing someone's mindset with the power of words... that 'Kotoamatsukami' thing is just a joke, it doesn't exist in reality.
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