Chapter 449 Chunin Exam Opening (End)

On the wide open-air training ground, large and small figures intertwine with each other, condensing chakra in the palm of their hand, and swinging at each other with a seemingly soft force, which is a physical technique called 'soft fist'.

Different from rigid fist, which is fierce and direct, and focuses on external damage, soft fist focuses on the implementation of skills, which is the so-called use of softness to overcome rigidity.

The seemingly soft attack is powerful and continuous. Once it is hit by a soft fist, it will cause internal damage invisible to the naked eye.

Among them, the soft fist of the Hyuga clan is the most.

In addition to the blood succession boundary that observes the meridian system of the human body with white eyes, in the soft fist, it has been developed to the extreme by the successive ninjas of the Hyuga clan. And soft boxing has gradually become the signature physical skill of the Hyuga clan. Speaking of Soft Fist, the first thing ninjas think of is the wealthy Hinata.

Standing under the corridor of the eaves, Hizuru, who is the head of the clan, only wore a thin coat, holding a light green teacup in his hand, which contained half a cup of hot tea, emitting white steam.

He stared unblinkingly at the large and small figures on the training ground not far away.

Hinata Hanabi, and a special jonin from the Hinata branch.

Looking at the two silhouettes whose bodies were staggering back and forth in the arena, Hizuru's eyes showed approval, and the occasional nodding gestures represented that he was very approving of the growth of the second daughter Hanabi, and he was not dissatisfied.

"Master Nizuzu."

A relatively immature voice came from beside my ear.

Rizu turned his head, and a thirteen or fourteen-year-old white-eyed boy stood in front of him and bowed respectfully to him. It was his nephew Hinata Ningji.

As a well-known genius of the branch family generation, he has shown a talent that many clan ninjas have envied since he was a child. If he hadn't grown up in the branch family, perhaps a very remarkable ninja would have appeared in the Hyuga clan.

But since he is a member of the branch family, no matter how outstanding his talent is, no matter how much he regrets the ability of the other party, he can only be locked in a birdcage by the clan and bound by the iron law of the clan.

"You're here, Neji."

"Yes. I don't know if Nizuzu-sama came to me. Do you have any orders?"

Ningji looked at Nizuzu with a trace of complexity in his eyes, but quickly disappeared, lowering his head, avoiding being seen by Nizuzu.

As he grows older, Neji's cognition of the worldview becomes more and more mature, and the more he grows up, the more Neji can feel the restrictions and restraints imposed on him by his family.

This kind of restraint is not only the usual code of conduct, but also the priority of the clan in everything, even if the strength wants to go further, it is also suppressed.

Because in the Hyuga clan, only the main family is qualified to learn advanced soft boxing skills, and the branch family wants to learn, but it needs extremely strict conditions, and only the main family's consent is required to learn.

This is to prevent the division of the family from mastering too much power, thus threatening the benign rule of a family. Because only the clan occupies an absolute dominant position, the Hyuga clan can continue in a stable manner.

However, the main family often asks the branch family for protection, and does not grant more powerful soft fist techniques, but instead restricts the growth of the branch family ninjas everywhere... Then what is the point of such protection?

For Neji, the longer he stays in this family, the more he can feel the strangeness of his family.

Not only the rules of the family, but also the members of the family, and every existence in the family that has a 'history' seems extremely absurd and strange.

But his father told him to learn to 'forbear', learn to hide his true emotions, and not to show hatred and dissatisfaction with everything about the Zong family.

Because you will die if you resist.

Betrayed will die.

Ningci thought of the 'caged bird' planted on his forehead when he was young. Even in the face of a relative like Hizuru, on the one hand, he wanted to get close, but on the other hand, he felt that such a relative was too strange and distant.

Because we are in two worlds.

There is a division of 'personality level' between them.

Not only Nizuzu, but even the cousins Hinata and Hanabi who were very fond of when they were young, after graduating from the ninja school, Neji also felt strange.

What is my cousin in their eyes?

tool? Guard? Or relatives?

"You should know about the joint Chunin exam soon."

Although Nizuzu was wondering, he was sure that Neji knew about it.

Ningji also put his mind away from his wild thoughts, nodded, and replied: "Yes, Mr. Nizuzu, Teacher Kai has already told us about this matter."

"Kai Jonin? He is an excellent Jonin."

Rizu showed admiration.

Nizutsu's admiration, Neji also agrees.

His mentor, Jonin Maitkai, is indeed a powerful Jnin.

Although he is good at soft fist which is the opposite of rigid fist, in many cases, it can also give him a lot of inspiration in soft fist.

After all, the Soft Fist and the Hard Fist are similar in some places, but the way of exerting power is somewhat different.

"For this joint Chunin exam, the elite ninja from the six major countries will gather together. As for the family, it is decided that you and Hinata will take part."

Rizu stared in the direction of the training ground and said calmly.

"Miss Hinata?"

Ning Ci's face moved slightly.

"Any questions?"

"With all due respect, Miss Hinata... is not suitable for such an exam."

Ningji hesitated for a while, and finally said this sentence.

Whether it's because of the idea of a 'master' towards Hinata, or because of the family affection that hasn't deteriorated in childhood, based on emotion and reason, Neji feels that a gentle lady like Hinata is not suitable for a cruel knockout competition like the Chunin Exam.

Especially this joint Chunin Exam was not held by the Konoha family, which also means that the death rate of this Chunin Exam is much higher than previous ones.

As a member of the main family, it is too risky for Hinata to take such an exam. If the other party made a mistake, Neji felt that he couldn't bear such responsibility.

"...Actually, this is Hinata's own request."

Rizu was silent for a while, took a sip of tea from the teacup, and said slowly.

Ning Ci raised his head slightly, with surprise and incomprehension flowing in his eyes.

Miss Hinata... her own will?

"I watched Hinata grow up. I know her character very well. Sometimes she is weak, but sometimes she is stubborn and troublesome."

Rizu smiled wryly.

"But"

"That's why I called you here, I hope you can help me take care of Hinata during the exam. It doesn't need her to pass the Chunin exam, as long as she is safe."

Nichizu said so.

"Yes, I see."

In fact, Neji has no right to refuse.

Rizu is not only his elder, but also the head of the clan. This is not only the request of the elders, but also an order.

Just like Hinata's dual identity, she is both his 'master' and his sister.

The purpose of the existence of the branch family is to protect the clan. This rule, even in this era, must still be firmly implemented.

"In addition, there is one more thing. This time, Hanabi will represent me and visit the kingdom of ghosts during the Chunin exam period."

Hizuru remembered something, and then said to Neji.

Ning Ci's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Visiting the Oni Country? Why does Miss Hanabi want to..."

Not only Hinata, but also Hanabi, the second daughter, has to leave Konoha during the Chunin exam period. Isn't the main family worried about the safety of these two?

"Before that, I want to ask a question."

Hizuru turned his head to stare at Neji's shocked face.

"question?"

"Do you know Hinata Ayane?"

Ningji frowned, thinking hard in his mind, and found that he didn't have any memories of 'Hyuga Ayane' in his mind, so he shook his head.

For people of your generation, it's normal not to know.

Hizu sighed lightly.

Not only the Konoha executives blocked the news, but also within the Hyuga clan, any members of the Hyuga clan were prohibited from discussing the name "Hyuga Ayane" in private.

It seems that if you erase the name, you can pretend that nothing happened.

But unfortunately, even if the scars are hidden, sooner or later there will be a day when the truth will be revealed.

"she is"

"The Hyuga family is a rebellious sinner. But since you don't know, then forget it. Anyway, after you go to the kingdom of ghosts, you will understand everything. I will make arrangements for Hanabi, and Hinata's side. Please. If it can't be done, then destroy Hinata's eyes."

When Neji heard Nizuzu's words, his body froze, he slowly raised his head, and what he saw was Nizuzu's indifferent and calm face, his heart felt cold.

"yes."

There was a burst of heartache for no reason, Neji didn't know what this feeling was.

But for the first time, he felt extremely disgusted with the family, which made him not want to stay by Hizuru's side any longer.

"Father."

"What?"

At the dinner table, hearing Ning Ci's call, Rizai raised his head slightly and looked at his son.

"What is the significance of the existence of the main family and the branch family?"

When Ning Ci asked this sentence, confusion appeared in his eyes for the first time.

After returning from the Zong family, he fell into this kind of confusion.

In the past, he would never ask these topics that had nothing to do with cultivation.

Nizai noticed that something was wrong with Neji's mood, and knew that something happened to him that he didn't know.

"Tell me, what did you hear?"

As a person who has been there, Nisai is very clear that Neji is aware of some "dirtyness" in the family. Although this awareness was awakened very late, Nisai hopes that Neji will not think about such things.

Because the more I understand, the more I can feel how depressed and confused I am as a member of a separated family every day.

"Master Nizuzu asked me to protect Miss Hinata during the Chunin exam."

"anything else?"

"If it really doesn't work, let me destroy Miss Hinata's eyes."

Ning Ci told the truth, because his father was the only person he could confide in his distress. He also hopes to get an answer from his father's day difference.

After hearing this, the errand fell silent for a while.

"...Did he say it himself?"

"Yes."

"This is the 'love' of the Zong family for their children."

Nichiza replied in this way.

"like?"

"In order to avoid losing eyes, this is the only way. It's like... the curse seal engraved on our foreheads by the Zong family. Now it's just showing the way of engraving the curse seal on the Zong family's own people in another form."

Risai sighed.

If you want to live in the Hyuga Clan, you must suppress your feelings. Especially between the main family and the branch family, the existence of family, friendship, and love that transcends "levels" means the birth of tragedy.

When one party's life is completely in the hands of the other party, even if the leading party gives kindness, in the eyes of the dominated party, this is nothing more than a hypocritical charity from the other party.

When emotions need pity and charity, it means injustice, and it also means that such emotional concepts are gradually distorted during the growth process.

That is not 'love', but the desire to dominate.

Even if the intention is not this way, such dominance will eventually be formed.

Ningci had mixed feelings in his heart for a while.

"Ningji, don't have the so-called brother-sister relationship with Hinata and Hanabi in the future. Treat them as 'superiors', so that you can live a little easier. The main family has the way of the main family, and the division of the family also has the way of life of the division. Although they are of the same clan, they are also enemies."

Risashi warned Neji like this, biting heavily on the word 'enemy'.

Ning Ci ate the rice, feeling as uncomfortable as chewing wax.

"Father... accept all this?"

Ning Ci asked a little unwillingly.

Risai sighed, took a bite of his meal, and said with a smile: "everyone who was separated once wanted to rebel against this world, but was changed by this world in the end. We are not losers, we are just born that way."

"Then, if you get the right to speak in the village..."

"Do you think that a person whose life is controlled by others is qualified to be the decision-maker of the village? From the beginning, ninjas who are separated do not enjoy the power that normal ninjas should have."

Daily difference without hesitation to deny.

"However, the family separation has made a lot of contributions to the village over the years. If the village is willing to intervene..."

Looking at Neji, who was getting more and more excited as he talked, Nizashi still had a calm face, and asked Neji:

"Ningji, do you think... our branch family really loves this village?"

"What's the meaning?"

Ning Ci looked at the strange father, and his breathing was a little suffocated.

"Just as the village doesn't care about us, the ninjas of the branch family will not have any sense of identity with the village. The branch family is only subject to the order of the clan to perform tasks for the village. You have to make it clear that the will of fire is something the clan may believe in, but our branch family is not qualified to believe in the will of fire."

You don't even have human rights, how can you have the qualifications and time to believe in the will of fire.

The branch family only needs to follow behind the main family.

For example, it is impossible for a separated family to enjoy the opportunity to make decisions in the village, so naturally, the will of fire has nothing to do with the separated family.

The reason why the branch family fights for Konoha is only because of the main family.

The branch family relies on the main family to exist, and the main family relies on Konoha to exist, but it does not mean that the branch family belongs to Konoha. The branch family is only the private property of the main family, and has nothing to do with Konoha.

Ningci felt that his original value of the three outlooks was trampled on under his feet, and then he picked it up again, shaping a new outlook on life.

But because this new outlook on life is too rough and straightforward, it makes him feel a little unreal now.

Looking at the father who fights **** for the village on weekdays, fighting on the front line, in fact, the true feelings hidden in his heart are complete indifference and disregard for the village.

Only a fledgling like him who can't see the truth will be complacent there, try to integrate into this village, and build a good relationship with his companions.

And there are probably many such split ninjas.

If most of the separated ninjas are superficially enthusiastic about the village, but inwardly indifferent, Neji shudders when he thinks about it.

"If you want to deceive the enemy, you must first deceive yourself, Neji... I don't want to interfere too much with your path, but I hope you can live well."

For Nichiza who has become numb to the future, the only hope of motivation to live is the child Neji.

In the past, he also hoped for brotherly love and father-son love, but in the end he got an extremely hopeless fact.

That's why he hopes that Neji will cut off his brother-sister relationship with Hinata and Hanabi as soon as possible, and regard them as his "superior", and it is the best choice for himself and them.

"I see, father, I will seriously consider it."

Ning Ci put down the dishes, left the dining table, and walked into his room.

The day messenger looked at the leftover food at Neji's place, sighed again, and didn't say anything, but hoped that Neji could recognize his position in the family as soon as possible and do what he should do.

Whether it's the village or the companions, those who are separated can only hug each other to keep warm.

Because only from here, the separated people can find a trace of warmth that belongs to the world, and prove the fact that they are still alive.

September 11, morning.

Four days before the opening of the joint Chunin exam.

Although there are still four days before the official start of the joint chunin exam, the junin from various countries who participated in this joint chunin exam have already prepared in advance.

The first exam will be held in Konoha, in other words, you have to arrive at Konoha before September 15th.

Ninjas from countries far away from Konoha, the Land of Fire, either started their journey yesterday or today, and arrived at Konoha Ninja Village the day before or two days before the exam to take the first exam of the joint Zhongnin exam.

Because it is a joint exam of various countries, the ninja who participated are very excited. For those ninjas who are confident in their strength, they can't wait to fly to Konoha immediately to show off their powerful strength and win glory for their ninja village.

The situation in the country of ghosts is similar.

At the train platform in Ziyuan City, the capital city, there are already huge crowds of people, and there are scenes of saying goodbye everywhere.

Parents who are worried about their children traveling to other countries say goodbye to their children here on the platform.

In such an atmosphere, even powerful ninjas such as Shiraishi, Ruri, and Ayane, who are famous all over the world, are just ordinary parents who come to see off their children.

"Remember, both of you, although the first test of the Chunin Exam is a written test, it is usually not difficult, but if you are not careful, you will fall into someone else's trap."

Looking at Asuka and Cai standing in front of him, Bai Shiyu said earnestly.

Although he is very confident in his child's strength, at this moment, Baishi, like an ordinary father, is beginning to worry about gains and losses.

The mentality of not being afraid of ten thousand but just in case is fully exposed.

It also makes sense for Shiraishi, who is used to planning before doing anything.

"I see, Dad, you have been saying this sentence since last night. Cai and I have already remembered it."

Asuka sighed.

This is the first time I have seen such a father who is concerned about gain and loss.

Obviously, as the parties involved, they didn't feel nervous, but as the elders who were outsiders, they became worried instead.

A few days ago, they experienced outside training, and they returned to the kingdom of ghosts, and they had already adjusted their state to a perfect level.

Even if I go to a strange country to take the exam, my heart is still unwavering.

No matter how difficult the exam is, it will definitely not be as difficult as their previous experience of fighting two ninjas to the death.

"After all, the old man is also old. It is inevitable that he likes to look forward and backward when doing things these years. Don't worry about it."

Ichihime said in a blunt tone.

Baishi stared over dissatisfied.

But Kazuki ignored her. She continued to tell Asuka and Cai: "I will go to the Land of Winds to pick you up before the third exam. If you are eliminated in the first or second exam, don't blame me for writing the word 'miscellaneous fish' on both sides of your face with an oil-based pen for everyone to see."

Whether it was Asuka or Cai, they couldn't help but shudder when they heard Ichihime's words.

They know that Yi Ji is the kind of person who absolutely walks the talk.

That is to say, if the two of them are eliminated in the first and second exams, the other party will definitely write the word "bad fish" on both of their faces.

"Oh, it looks like a lot of fun. Then, I will punish you too. If you fail in the first two exams, you can also write some interesting words on your foreheads."

Ayane walked over with a smile, as if she didn't think the matter was a big deal.

"Don't come here to join in the fun, Aunt Ayane."

Asuka got a headache.

"Don't listen to them, you two just do your best."

Liuli said something at this time.

Before Asuka and Cai were moved, Liuli said again:

"If you lose, your personal account will be frozen."

Asuka and Caishen began to tremble with fear.

Compared to getting some strange words written on the face, no matter how you look at the punishment of freezing your personal account, it can be called a devilish act.

Asuka and Cai looked at each other, and both could see the seriousness in each other's eyes.

In order not to freeze the personal account in the bank, it is not enough to give 100% of the money. You must show 1000% enthusiasm to take this Chunin exam seriously!

"Then I Cai and I will leave first, and it's almost time for the departure."

Asuka looked at the time, it was time for the train to leave.

"Go, be careful in the second exam. If you can pass it, kill it. Don't leave any hidden dangers. If you can't beat it, just run away. Don't feel ashamed."

Baishi finally made a request.

As the original sponsor of the United Chunin Exam, he naturally knows the specific content of the three exams.

Compared to the written part of the first round, the second exam is a real knockout round. The process of elimination is bound to be accompanied by fighting and death.

Just because of the rules, he couldn't tell Asuka and Cai the specific exam content, so he could only tell them to be careful.

"yes."

Asuka and Caizheng nodded, and under the watchful eyes of Baishi and others, they slowly boarded the carriage with their travel bags on their backs.

"Then, it's time for me to leave for the Land of Winds. At that time, the handover work before the third exam must be done well."

Although he was not the chief examiner of the third exam, Kazuhime was also responsible for the extradition task in the third exam.

Candidates who pass the first and second exams will gather in the Land of Winds, and then transfer from the Land of Winds to the Land of Ghosts. At that time, Kazuhime will be responsible for the extradition of candidates on behalf of the Kingdom of Ghosts.

The three of Shiraishi didn't say anything about being careful. With Yiji's already formed strength, as long as they don't encounter some special situations, they basically won't encounter any danger.

After saying goodbye to the three of them, Ichihime and Shiraishi walked towards another train, where there were already several ninjas from the kingdom of ghosts waiting for her to act together and go to the kingdom of wind.

(PS: I made a mistake before the Chunin exam time, it should be September, not October, change it here)

(end of this chapter)