March 11, Year 60 of the Hidden Leaf
Hokage's Office, Konohagakure
"Are you sure you want to graduate early?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, his gaze steady as he looked at Hyuga Neji standing formally before him.
Years ago, Hyuga Gakuya had stood in that same spot, just as composed. But his decision had brought great loss to the village... and indirectly led to the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"If you graduate early, you won't be assigned a team or a jonin sensei. You'll have to wait two years until your peers catch up. Until then, you'll train alone and take missions solo."
Neji answered without hesitation. "Yes, Lord Hokage. I believe the Academy has nothing more to teach me."
"Very well," Hiruzen nodded slowly. "You do have the strength of a genin. I'll approve your early graduation. If you encounter any obstacles in your training, consult a jonin for guidance. Also—no missions above C-rank."
He had to keep Neji safe. Last time, Hyuga Gakuya personally orchestrated the funeral of two entire advance units from rival villages—clearly sending a message. If Neji were to meet an untimely end, Gakuya might once again turn his wrath toward the village. After two years away, who could say how far Gakuya's power had grown?
"Thank you, Lord Third."
"Mind telling me why you're in such a rush to graduate?"
"I need to uncover the truth behind my clan's massacre. To find out what really happened between my brother and the clan."
"I see…"
Hiruzen's eyes lingered on Neji's unmarked forehead, a trace of melancholy in his expression. He could guess why Gakuya had wiped out the Hyuga clan—it likely all started with Hizashi. His mysterious death had never sat right. Anyone who dug even a little would find the truth.
As Neji grew stronger, he'd uncover everything. Sooner or later, the truth would come to light.
...
Outside the Hokage's office, Hyuga Neji gripped his newly issued forehead protector and genin assignment papers.
Every step forward brought him joy—because every step brought him closer to the truth.
Neji let out a long breath. "Brother... wait for me. I'll uncover everything. I swear it."
He didn't even know whether he loved or hated his brother anymore. All that remained was the need to know why it had happened.
...
Back at the Academy, Neji quietly gathered his belongings. Word spread like wildfire. Within a single class period, everyone knew—Hyuga Neji had graduated early.
Groups of students buzzed with discussion.
"Did you hear? Neji from the senior class applied for early graduation. The Hokage approved it!"
"Yeah, out of the last three survivors of the Hyuga clan, he's the most talented by far. That Hinata girl... I heard she can't even beat a civilian in class."
"Man, Hyuga Gakuya was ruthless. He left no one—old or young. If those three hadn't been out hiding somewhere, the entire clan would've been wiped out."
"Neji's probably burning for revenge. That's why he wanted to graduate so early, right?"
Their voices didn't escape Uchiha Sasuke's ears. He clenched his fists. Neji, another avenger like him, had already become a genin. And here he was, stuck playing games with Academy kids.
Damn it... damn it... damn it! How long until he could get his revenge?
The sight of his chattering classmates only grated on him more.
Just then, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino rushed over.
Ino jumped in first. "Sasuke~ Come have lunch with me! I made spicy shrimp just for you!"
Sakura elbowed her aside. "Ignore this pig, Sasuke. I packed grilled saury for us—let's eat together!"
Sasuke stared at the two girls jostling for his attention, and it only confirmed what he'd thought—this Academy was nothing but child's play.
"Get lost. I'm not interested in eating with either of you."
At that moment, Uzumaki Naruto popped up next to Sakura.
"Then have lunch with me, Sakura! I love grilled saury!"
"No way." Sakura shook her head vigorously.
"Oh… okay…"
...
Meanwhile, Neji walked past their classroom with his bag, catching the attention of every student nearby.
Sasuke suddenly stood up and walked out. He spotted Neji immediately, surrounded by curious onlookers.
He stepped forward and blocked Neji's path. "You're Hyuga Neji? The one who graduated early?"
"I am. Got a problem with that?"
Sasuke turned, revealing the Uchiha crest on his back.
"I'm Uchiha Sasuke. I want to challenge you—to see how big the gap between us really is."
He wasn't so arrogant as to think he could win. Neji was a year ahead of him and clearly stronger. But he had to see the difference for himself.
Neji studied the boy in front of him and nodded.
"Fine. I've got time. Let's take it to the training field."
Sasuke took a deep breath. "Thanks."
Their conversation was overheard by everyone nearby. Word spread like lightning—an Uchiha versus a Hyuga. The last heirs of two great clans. The entire school turned out to watch the showdown.
Even the teachers came out to officiate, encouraging everyone to observe.
...
In the training field, Hyuga Neji and Uchiha Sasuke faced each other.
Neji gazed at the boy before him and was reminded of his sister, Hanabi. The same love. The same hatred.
"I see endless hatred in your eyes."
"I'll kill that man," Sasuke said without hesitation. "Isn't that why you're in such a rush to get stronger? For revenge?"
"No. I want the truth—not vengeance. People don't change overnight. I believe my brother had a reason for what he did. He wasn't someone obsessed with power."
His words rang loud and clear. Sasuke blinked, thrown back to memories of Itachi—his kindness, his words... and the night of blood.
No! he thought, shaking his head. I have to kill him!
He clenched his fists. "Forget what I said. I don't know your story. Let's just fight."
Neji raised his hands and formed the seal of opposition.
Sasuke mirrored the gesture, forcing down the storm in his chest.
"Begin!" the teacher called.
"Byakugan!"
"Sharingan!"
Both activated their bloodline powers and charged.
They clashed with fists and palms, trading blows. Within seconds, Sasuke was overwhelmed—Neji outmatched him in both strength and technique.
Even with the Sharingan, Sasuke couldn't keep up. He could see Neji's moves—but not react in time.
It wasn't about talent. Sasuke lacked proper guidance. Neji had been training with the scrolls Gakuya left behind, accelerating his growth exponentially.
"Watch out." Neji's attacks intensified. His strikes pierced Sasuke's guard, injecting chakra into his tenketsu with each blow.
Realizing he couldn't win in close quarters, Sasuke leapt back and hurled kunai.
Neji countered with his own, knocking them all out of the air.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Sasuke finished his hand signs and spat out a roaring fireball.
Neji didn't flinch. He spread his arms and spun, chakra pouring from his tenketsu to form a swirling blue dome.
Rotation.
The fireball was pulled into the vortex and spun around him.
"Return."
Neji stopped, thrusting both palms forward—and the fireball rocketed back toward Sasuke.
It exploded on contact, engulfing him in flames.
"Sasuke!"
"Teacher, help him!"
Even Naruto cried out, "Sasuke!"
When the fire cleared, there was no charred body—just a burning log.
"A Body Replacement Technique!"
"Of course—it's him!"
Sasuke reappeared behind Neji, kunai aimed at his neck.
The teachers tensed, ready to intervene.
But Neji had seen everything with his Byakugan. He spun, striking Sasuke's body faster than the eye could follow.
His chakra burst through Sasuke's tenketsu, locking his muscles in place. The boy collapsed in agony.
"Hyuga Neji wins. Make the seal of reconciliation," the referee announced.
Neji knelt beside Sasuke and released the chakra block.
Then, softly, he whispered, "I believe Itachi's love for you was real."
"My brother once led a team with Uchiha Itachi. He told me... Itachi's love for you was greater than his love for the clan or the village."
"There may be more to this than you know. Look into the Uchiha clan's history."
"He said history holds the keys to truth. Start there."
"That's all I'll say."
Neji extended a hand and helped Sasuke to his feet. Together, they made the seal of reconciliation.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo