Chapter 11 - serious! Ready to do it"Step aside!"

Shino quickly stepped to the front.

"You all move aside; I'm the strongest here, and I'll handle him! The ninja from the Rain Shinobi Village is a different challenge compared to those from the Grass Village."

Hinata and Kiba understood Shino's intent and stepped back.

Neji, however, sighed internally. His companions' presence prevented him from fighting freely. He debated whether to step in, knowing that doing so would attract attention, something he didn't particularly want.

"Oh? So, you know about our Rain Shinobi Village?" Oz, the Rain Shinobi ninja, responded smugly, not taking them seriously.

"Yes, your village has been closed off for years, and your former leader, Hanzō of the Salamander, was a legend—called a demigod during the Second Shinobi World War. It's surprising that Rain Shinobi Village is even participating in the Chūnin Exams," Shino explained, showing some knowledge of the history of the ninja world. Hinata and Kiba had heard of this history too.

Exhausted from their earlier battles, they realized this lone Rain Shinobi was likely quite powerful.

"Rain Shinobi Village? Is Hanzō still leading your village?" Neji asked, suddenly surprised.

"Did I say something wrong?" he inquired.

"You..." Oz seemed taken aback. The fact that Neji knew Hanzō was dead was supposed to be a secret. How did a Genin from Konoha Village know this?

Realizing his mistake, Neji quickly played it off. "Ah, I was just guessing!"

Oz sneered, "You've piqued my interest!"

Suddenly, Oz's figure flickered, disappearing, and reappearing behind Neji. The original form he had been standing in dissolved into water, scattering into hundreds of sharp needles aimed at the group.

"Bug Wall!" Shino summoned a swarm of insects to form a protective barrier, blocking the attack.

Neji, realizing the Rain ninja's skill level was close to that of a Chūnin, readied himself to activate his Byakugan and finish the battle quickly.

But just as Neji prepared to engage, a familiar voice boomed across the battlefield.

"Watch me, Leaf Great Whirlwind!" It was Rock Lee, arriving just in time and delivering a powerful kick that knocked the Rain ninja backward.

"Secret Technique: Heavenly Lock!" Tenten followed up with an attack, launching a chain-like weapon that swiftly bound Oz's body. She landed beside them, demanding, "If you don't want to get hurt, hand over the scroll!"

Oz laughed, turning into water again and vanishing into the ground.

"Did he escape?" Lee asked, disappointed.

Neji shrugged. "Looks like it. No point chasing him now."

Tenten glared at Neji. "And why are you wandering around here, Neji? You're supposed to be gathering scrolls!"

Neji smiled sheepishly. "Well, I did help them out. We were attacked by Grass ninjas, and I saved them."

"Really?" Lee inquired.

Tenten didn't seem convinced. "Do you believe that? Neji saving them? That doesn't sound right."

Kiba, eager to back Neji, chimed in, "It's true! He used his Revolving Heaven technique to protect us from the Grass ninja's attacks. Ask Hinata!"

As the group bickered, Neji sighed. This whole mess started because of Kiba, and now they were all stuck in it.

After some more conversation, Tenten handed Neji one of the scrolls. "Since you've been labeled the weakest, let's have you carry the scroll. That way, no one will suspect we gave it to you."

Lee agreed. "Tenten's idea is brilliant!"

Neji, not too thrilled with the idea but seeing no harm, accepted the scroll. Still, he had a feeling it wasn't the most reliable plan.

That night, they all took turns keeping watch, wary of more enemy encounters. Exhausted from the day's events, Neji eventually dozed off.

When he awoke, it was already morning. Tenten and Lee were smiling at him.

"Neji, give me the scroll. We'll split up today. You and Lee are the strongest, so you'll fight while I keep the scroll safe," Tenten said, holding out her hand.

Still groggy, Neji reached into his clothes. But instead of the scroll, he pulled out a kunai.

"Neji, what are you doing?" Tenten asked, dodging the weapon just in time as Lee looked on, confused.

Neji remained silent, quickly forming hand seals. "Byakugan! Illusion Release!"

Suddenly, the true surroundings were revealed. Lee and Tenten were tied up under a tree, unconscious.

Before Neji stood three ninjas from the Rain Shinobi Village, including Oz from the day before.

"Hmm, no wonder they gave you the scroll. You're capable of breaking out of our illusion," Oz smirked, sizing up Neji.

The other two Rain ninja were silent, moving like zombies as they prepared for battle.

Neji assessed the situation, seeing that his teammates were incapacitated and realizing he was outnumbered. However, his Byakugan gave him an advantage, showing him everything happening around him in a 360-degree view.

Oz grinned. "I didn't get the chance to fight you yesterday. Today, I'll show you what the ninjas of Rain Village are truly capable of!"

Neji simply took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in focus. The chakra in his body started circulating faster, preparing for battle.

With a calm, controlled voice, Neji spoke. "If you're not from Konoha Village, then it's fair game. I can take you down, right?"

The Rain ninjas were caught off guard by Neji's confidence. One of them snarled, "You cocky kid, don't bluff!"

"Eight Trigrams: Empty Palm!" Neji called out as he launched his attack.