Enter: Rock Lee.

After taking care of the good for nothings Neji scanned for a seat. It was not difficult locating one as all others were avoiding a certain student and his bench was free. Neji recognized him.

Neji walks towards him and asks" hey there can i sit here?"

That student was happy that someone was willing to sit together with him and nodded his head. Just as Neji took his seat the home room teacher entered. All students rose up to greet their teacher.

Neji had lucked out as the person who was their homeroom teacher was Ebisu. He would be promoted to tokubetsu jonin(special jonin) in a few years and later act as Konohamaru's teacher.

The reason Neji chose Ebisu to help him train was because of two reasons

1. Even though he may not look like it he was a expert trainer of basics and advanced techniques. Sandaime had himself appointed him to tutor Konohamaru and Sandaime was no fool. Neji's ninjutsu were self taught and even though he was a genius his foundation was not as strong as he wished it was and his byakugan couldn't match against the uchihas genjutsu. And besides he was still a no body, who couldn't just walk over to other jonins like Kakashi for training. Ebisu was his best bet as he was a elite trainer and could be easily manipulated into helping him.

2. His connection to a certain ninja who had what Neji needed. You see Ebisu's old team mates were Might Guy and Genma Shiranui. Genma was an elite bodyguard of the late yondaime. Neji remembered that Minato had imparted the hiraijin no jutsu to his bodyguards. So Neji had a shot at obtaining the technique that Sandaime had refused him. It would make his life much easier.

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Ebisu entered his designated classroom and was greeted by a chorus of students.

Ebisu was feeling good today and was in cheerful mood. He raised his sunglasses over his nose and addressed the class.

" My name is Ebisu, i have trained a lot of ninjas who had become elites. the shortest path to become an elite is by following my instructions. In order to know your own potential i will be conducting a series of tests and then will decide on the method in which i will teach you. Before going outside introduce yourselves so that i know who you are." finished Ebisu.

All the students except Neji were very hyped at the possibility of becoming an elite in the shortest possible time. All the students began to introduce themselves enthusiastically. Neji heard a girl with twin bun hairstyle introduce herself, she was none other TenTen. She would at the end of the 4th ninja war be in possession of 3 of the 5 treasured tools of the Rikkudo sennin.

Neji's intro was simple as he only said his name. The kid sitting next to Neji stood up and introduced himself in a very energetic manner

" Nice to meet everyone , my name is Rock Lee, even though i can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu i will become a ninja who specializes in taijutsu." said he.

Every one burst into laughing and hurled abuses at the hot blooded idiot as they had never heard something like this. Neji activated his byakugan and the resulting pressure from his gaze froze everyone's laugh. They had all seen how he beat the bullies so they didn't want to get on his bad side. After everyone went quiet Neji said

" One of Konoha's most powerful jonin only specializes in taijutsu. Just because someone is different you musn't laugh at them."

Ebisu was shocked at how domineering the Hyuga kid was . But he knew who he was talking about and being his old team mate Ebisu knew of Gai's problems. Ebisu had personally witnessed how Gai transformed from a trash to one of most powerful jonins of konoha. The only rival of Kakashi of Sharingan.

Ebisu always favored people with great lineage. He wouldn't change that attitude till he would meet Naruto in the future. But he now felt respect for both Neji and Lee.

After the rest had introduced themselves all the students were brought outside for testing. Lee was moved by Neji's support and came up to him and said "Thanks for sticking up for me."

Neji just smiled and said " i was only speaking the truth, no need to thank me. Nice to meet you Rock Lee. How about we become friends". Neji extend his hands. Lee was very happy after a long time and was moved to tears as he he held onto Neji's hands. TenTen watched from a distance, she felt that the tattoo kid was cool and kind and she blushed. But she made no attempt to speak to him.

The tests were simple , it consisted of 100 m dash, sparring and shuriken throwing. Naturally Neji came first and Lee was at the rock bottom. This time no one laughed at Lee as they were afraid of Neji. After collecting the details from their performances Ebisu gave pointers to everyone except Neji whom he just praised lightly.

The classes got over and everyone started to disperse. Lee said his goodbye and left for his home.Lee was deeply moved by Neji's strength and made up his mind to make him his rival. Neji who saw the determination in Lee's face felt relieved as he didn't want to change Lee's personality. Just as Neji was thinking of an excuse to approach Ebisu, he was called over by Ebisu himself. Neji was happy that he had now got the attention of Ebisu.

Neji greeted Ebisu as he entered the teacher's lounge. Ebisu straightforwardly spoke " Neji- kun you are extremely talented and if my guess is correct you are already qualified to be a genin why not apply for an early graduation."

Neji politely replied " My ninjutsu and genjutsu foundations are weak that is why i came to the academy if Ebisu sensei can help me hone my skills i will be much obliged."

Ebisu was impressed with Neji's answer and decided to help him. But inorder to be fair to other students he couldn't personally train him so he thought of someone who could.

" You must forgive me Neji-kun , inorder to be fair i cannot personally mentor you, you will have to learn with everyone else i guess." said Ebisu. He was apparently testing him.

"Then i will do as i am told" Neji politely responded and bowed slightly and left.

" I wonder if he would be willing to help" thought Ebisu.

Neji was not daunted by his failure as he would surely manage to arrange something else. Only death could stop him. But the world would latter come know that even death wouldn't be able to stop Hyuga Neji.