Things were not looking good for Neji. Naruto had gotten in two lucky hits; one to his arm the other to his leg. They weren't too much in the way of pain or mobility but they really stung his pride.

'Damn him! Does his chakra never run out? Once his clones are out of weapons he just has them henge into one throws them! I know more than one of those clones are also making more clones; how can I counter?'

On the other side of the conflict Naruto was having a similar train of thought.

'Oh come on! How long can this guy dodge me? I've only got in a couple hits; we've been at this forever! I need to think of something else before I can use my new jutsu on him'

Naruto decided to divide his clones; some stayed on artillery others charged Neji directly. Cursing this new ploy of Naruto's Neji was forced to use Kaiten sporadically as the projectile and taijutsu assaults coincided. He was quickly becoming fatigued. One of Naruto's punches landed cleanly, sending the Hyuga reeling. Naruto saw his chance. The real Naruto was catapulted into the air by his clones.

"You're going down now! Kuchiyose: Yatai Kuzushi no jutsu!"

Neji watched in horror as a gigantic frog materialized above him. He scrambled to get out from underneath the amphibian; but to little avail. The crash knocked Neji for a loop, sending him tumbling into the wall. He didn't stir. Genma, now getting down from where he had leapt to safety came over and looked Neji over.

"Lucky kid. Still breathing. Winner: Uzumaki Naruto!"

Naruto happily danced on the frog's head amidst the roaring crowd. He waved enthusiastically at Hinata.

'That's neat! I didn't know they allowed fireworks in the stands'

gggggg

Neji woke in the first aid room. He groggily looked around.

"I see you are awake now"

"Hiashi-sama!?"

"You performed admirably today. There is no shame in your loss. But there is another thing I wish to talk about. The truth of your father's death"

"No! I don't want to hear the Main branch's rationalization of my Father's murder!"

Hiashi let the silence be for a moment. He then pulled a scroll from his robe.

"Then read the words penned by my brother's own hand"

The startled Neji sat up with some difficulty. Hiashi then handed the scroll to him. Neji immediately recognized his father's handwriting.

)My son, I hope that you will be able to understand why I did what I did. The situation was not of my choosing, but the decision was….

Flashback—

"But that's absurd! Threatening war just to cover up their actions!"

The Sandaime sighed. Hiashi was right to be outraged; just hours before his daughter was kidnapped by one of the visiting Kumo nin and now the rest of the (supposedly here for a peace treaty) Kumo nin were saying they would go to war with Konoha. Thankfully young Hinata was safe at home and the kidnapper dead. Unfortunately said kidnapper was one of the highest ranked ninja in Kumogakure and said ninja village representatives were not taking that too kindly.

"They have suggested an even trade. A life for a life. Hiashi's body in exchange for the dead kidnapper"

One of the Hyuga scoffed.

"An obvious ploy to obtain the Byakugan! Backstabbing Kumo-"

"Enough. Though I am head of the Hyuga clan I am still a loyal shinobi of Konoha. If my death can prevent a war then so be it"

For a moment all assembled in the Hyuga clan house tea room were silent. Until one elder Hyuga spoke up.

"It is good that you are so intent on serving our village, but we of the Hyuga clan have other means with which to deal with situations like this"

Hizashi stepped forward.

"No. I will not just kill my-"

"Nii-san"

Hizashi dashed forward, striking Hiashi in the gut. The clan head crashed to the floor, momentarily stunned.

"But why? You have your son…"

"And you your daughter. But do not think of this as me dying by your order; think of it as instead me saving the life of my brother, my family and village. Me choosing my own destiny"

Flashback end –

…. I hope that you can learn from this my son. Even we of the Cadet branch hold our destinies in our hands. Fate is not insurmountable. So choose your own path and remember. I am proud of you Neji(

Hiashi watched as Neji tenderly rolled up the scroll.

"I will forever regret the events of that day. But your father proved that he was a greater man than I"

Neji turned to Hiashi. He was shocked to find him bowing.

"Forgive me for not giving this to you earlier; but I felt you were not yet ready"

"Please, you don't have to bow your head to me"

Hiashi left, leaving Neji to his off a sigh Neji muttered to himself.

"What a day… maybe I should have asked Tenten if she had on her ikusa panti…"

"Neji?"

Snapping bolt upright Neji caught sight of Tenten, standing in the doorway with a healthy blush. Neji sputtered; his redden face unable to form words.

"W-well if you really wanted to see them you could've just asked" 'Alright girl, go for it!'

Tenten eased her fingers into the waistband of her pants, slowly preparing to lower them. She paused to take a few calming breaths. She slowly began… and heard something splatter.

"EEEK! Neji!!"

Out cold with a nosebleed. A nurse rushed in.

"What happened?"

"I don't well I just"

"Why is his nose bleeding?"

"Well he said he wanted to see… my..panties so I ah…"

The nurse looked carefully at Tenten. And her pants.

"You didn't get too far, did you?"

The flustered Tenten's only response was to blush deeper.

"Relax. This kinda thing happens. Judging by the amount of blood I'd say you have quite an effect on him"

"Y-you think he likes me?"

"He certainly finds you sexually attractive. Now I need to go get a mop" 'Damn teenagers'

Tenten just basked in her newfound knowledge.

"He likes me!"

She skipped back to the waiting area, smile plastered on her face. Shikamaru was totally creeped out.

'Oh great. And our fight is next. Man this sucks… I should forfeit as soon as possible'