As for the crystal ball in the Third Hokage's hands, Neji wasn't worried at all. The Third Hokage wouldn't make such a low-level mistake.
If he actually used the crystal ball to spy on the Hyuga clan, then regardless of anything else, Hyuga Hiashi would never sit by and do nothing.
"Hoo…"
Neji slowly exhaled a breath of stale air. With the assistance of the Byakugan, a massive amount of Gentle Fist chakra gathered in his hands. After undergoing shape transformation, it formed into two ferocious lion heads.
The Hyuga clan's secret high-level taijutsu, taught only to the main family—
Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fists!
Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fists integrates chakra shape transformation into the Gentle Fist style. With the Byakugan's aid, enormous amounts of Gentle Fist chakra are condensed around the hands, forming two lion-shaped constructs with terrifying power.
This was the reward Neji had received from training with Hinata.
Even the slightest mistake in chakra control would cause this technique to fail, making it an extremely difficult taijutsu to master.
Yet he had learned it just like that.
Neji was extremely satisfied and lay back comfortably on his bed.
Someone who hadn't even fully mastered chakra shape transformation had now learned Gentle Step: Twin Lion Fists.
"At this rate, before the Chunin Exams, my strength should be close to that of an ordinary jonin."
"Of course, a jonin's combat experience and reaction speed are still far beyond mine. Looks like I'll have to accumulate those slowly."
—
Early the next morning, Neji arrived at the training ground and found Hinata already waiting.
"This girl's motivation is pretty strong."
Hinata's physical condition was truly poor. In order to give her at least some ability to protect herself, Neji decided to put her through special training.
Even though it was early morning, the training ground was already crowded.
"The ninja world really is cruel," Neji thought quietly.
"Brother Neji, why are we here so early?" Hinata asked.
Perhaps because of Neji's guidance the day before, Hinata was no longer as afraid of him as she used to be—though she was still extremely shy.
"Running," Neji replied flatly.
"Huh? Running?" Hinata froze.
"Your stamina is too weak. If you want to improve it, daily morning runs are the simplest and most effective method."
With that, Neji ignored her and began running laps around the training ground.
Hinata hesitated briefly, then hurried after him.
One was the Hyuga clan's genius, the other the young lady of the main family—instantly drawing countless gazes.
"Neji and Lady Hinata are really hardworking."
"Come on, Neji! Lady Hinata!"
Neji glanced sideways at Hinata, who predictably had turned red all over again.
> "The host accompanied Hyuga Hinata on a morning run."
"Reward obtained: Lightning Release chakra."
Lightning Release chakra?
Aside from Yin and Yang, he had now gathered all seven elemental chakra natures.
Even in terms of ninjutsu talent, he could now be called a true genius.
The entire morning was spent running around the training ground. Neji was perfectly fine, but Hinata was completely exhausted.
"Don't slack off," Neji said. "As long as you persist, your strength will increase dramatically."
Hearing his words, Hinata smiled shyly.
Gurgle—gurgle—
An untimely sound suddenly broke the moment.
Hinata immediately hugged her stomach in embarrassment, her face so red it looked like it might drip.
"Come on," Neji stood up and looked into the distance. "I trained with you all morning. You should at least treat me to a bowl of ramen."
Hinata looked up at him blankly for a long moment, then gently nodded.
"Brother Neji… you're so kind."
—
At the ramen shop, Neji spoke to the owner.
"Uncle, two bowls of your specialty ramen."
"Coming right up!" the owner replied cheerfully.
After eating, Neji paid the bill and left together with Hinata.
> "The host treated Hyuga Hinata to a meal."
"Reward obtained: Mental energy increased by 10%."
Mental energy referred to resistance against genjutsu. The stronger it was, the harder it became to fall under illusion techniques.
"Brother Neji…"
Neji turned to look at Hinata and smiled for the first time.
"What, are you only planning to eat with me this once?"
Hinata hurriedly waved her hands.
"No, no!"
"Then it's settled—you treat me next time," Neji chuckled.
"Mmm…" Hinata replied softly, lowering her head.
He glanced at the girl beside him—shy, gentle, and undeniably adorable.
"Hinata, it's been a long time since we went shopping together, hasn't it?"
Hinata paused slightly, then nodded.
"Mm."
Ever since the incident involving Hyuga Hizashi, Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata had barely spoken.
"How about it? Want to take a walk?"
"G-Go shopping… with Brother Neji…" Hinata blushed deeply and nodded without realizing it.
The two walked side by side along the street in silence, both feeling inexplicably at ease.
When Neji noticed Hinata staring intently at a doll-shaped pendant, he sighed inwardly.
As expected of a young girl—cute accessories were irresistible.
Neji took note of the pendant, then continued enjoying the peaceful atmosphere between them.
> "The host went shopping with Hyuga Hinata."
"Reward obtained: Physical constitution increased by 10%."
Physical constitution was the foundation of the body.
So every reward the System gave was genuinely useful.
—
Hyuga Clan Compound
"Hinata, this is for you."
Neji took the doll pendant out from his clothes.
"This is…?" Hinata stared at it in disbelief.
"I saw you liked it, so I bought it while you weren't paying attention," Neji said calmly.
"Think of it as a reconciliation gift."
"No, no… Father said I shouldn't casually accept things from others," Hinata waved her hands frantically, her face crimson.
"What? Are you unwilling to reconcile with me?"
"It's not that!" Hinata said anxiously when she saw Neji look disappointed.
"Then take it."
Hinata hesitated, then awkwardly accepted the pendant.
"Mmm. That's better," Neji said, gently patting her head.
> "The host performed a head pat on Hyuga Hinata."
"Reward obtained: Mystical Palm Technique."
The Mystical Palm Technique was a medical ninjutsu with astonishing recovery speed for both internal and external injuries. It could also disrupt an enemy's chakra circulation, making it an extremely high-level technique with both healing and offensive potential.
That intimate gesture instantly sent Hinata's mind into chaos, steam practically rising from her head.
Neji withdrew his hand helplessly.
Even within the Medical Corps, only a handful of people could use the Mystical Palm Technique.
"It really is Hinata… the rewards she gives are incredibly generous," Neji muttered.
Just then, a loud voice rang out in the distance, startling Hinata back to her senses.
"Burn, my youth!"
Without even turning around, Neji already knew who it was.
"…Guy-sensei, why are you here?" Neji asked, the corner of his mouth twitching as he turned around.