Disclaimer: Neji doesn't like me, and therefore, he cannot be mine ;

MASK.

Neji.

I never believed in fate.

How could I believe in fate if I always thought I would defeat Hinata? If fate were real, I would be destined to always be weaker than her.

I never believed she would surpass me, therefore I could not have believed in fate.

It was all a lie. A trick, if you will. A deceitful mask used to hide my true intentions. To hide how powerful I know I am.

I never believed I would be the best. That would be too arrogant of me. No, I just knew I could defeat those who were not as strong as I was.

I never thought Naruto could beat me, so when he did, I was amazed. He was the first person to truly crack my mask, make me realize that it wasn't a good mask to have.

For one who wears a mask that suggests he believes in fate, and then to have that mask wrenched off by someone who doesn't believe you—it's shocking.

I never would've imagined Naruto to have that kind of insight.

Then again, he may not have noticed it was a mask at all. He may have just decided he didn't like the way I was and wished to change me.

I want to change, but I cannot.

I must continue to pretend I believe in fate.

I can change my view on fate, but I cannot say it no longer exists, even though I never believed in it in the first place.

I had to change my view, mostly because I was acknowledged.

My uncle realized I was a true genius.

But I'm not a genius, not really.

You see, that's another mask I wear.

If I believe I'm a genius, then others believe it, too. Even if it's a lie.

A true genius is one who will not admit defeat, no matter what.

Someone who knows he is outnumbered. Knows he is not strong enough. Knows there is no possible way for him to win. Yet—he keeps fighting.

That is a true genius.

Gai-sensei often calls Lee a genius of hard work.

Naruto isn't even labelled a genius, but to me, I regard him as a genius of strength. A genius of stamina.

Those who do not give up no matter the odds are the ones who are truly geniuses.

Just once—I'd like to strip off this fake mask that labels me a genius. The fake mask that insists I believe in fate.

Just once...

I would like to be...

Neji.

Just Neji.

Hyuuga Neji.

A genius of spotting other geniuses.

A/N: Wow... Neji is REALLY hard... The others were coming along really easily, but him... yikes!