Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine, it belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
The Chuunin exam changed me. Changed my view of life, changed my view of the Hyuuga. I no longer believed that destiny was controlled. I started living my life like I actually controlled what path I took.
My fight with Kidoumaru, I saw that Lee was right. I may have been called the genius of the Hyuuga, but compared to him; I really was a trash character. But Lee was right. A dropout can surpass a genius with hard work. I defeated him--but not without risking myself.
Before the Chuunin exam, I would have killed Kidoumaru to complete the mission. I defeated him in the actual fight to save Sasuke from the darkness. I may not have worn my heart on my sleeve then, but that is probably as close as I'll ever get to it.
I was the top-ranked rookie in my year. my physical ability was probably on par with a Chuunin's by the time I graduated from the academy. The Byakugan, after all, is the strongest Kekkai Genkai in Konoha, and most likely in all of Fire Country. I was good at academics, too. I wrote down the right answers. What I did not know, my tracking abilities helped me collect. I was perfect. Gai-sensei was overjoyed with my youth--until he found Lee.
But I know better. In all aspects that the public can see, this is true. But why, then am I always wrong? Naruto was right, he saved me from the darkness. Lee was right, he helped me defeat he who was so much stronger than I. Why does it seem that I, who used to be right, am now wrong? Why is it that I can't show my heart? The way of the Hyuuga, I know, is strict. No love, and if any emotion need be shown, only hate.
But the way, the destiny of the Shinobi is even stronger. I may not have the crystal ball of the Hokage, but I know that while my destiny I can control, the destiny of my shinobi life, Hyuuga Neji, Jounin, Konohagakure, is sealed.
Am I destined to die early?
Am I destined to carry this caged bird seal forever?
That I do not know, but I cannot change it.
But everything else in my life, everything I can control, I will.
I wasted 13 years of my life just hating the Hyuuga, hating Hiashi-sama, and believing that destiny shaped everything.
I need to make up for it.
A/N: Please Review! My first Fanfic in a long, long time.