Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

After activating Byakugan, Neji sees things differently from others, he was able to see beyond the surface and directly into the Chakra within Naruto.

Normally, a person's Chakra originates from the belly and then flows into different pathways only when used.

However, Naruto's chakra is completely different.

First, its color. While typical Chakra was blue, Naruto's was a fiery red.

Then, there was the Chakra's distribution. Although it did originate in the belly area, Naruto's entire body was filled with Chakra. This wasn't a mere trickling stream, but more like an ocean, unfathomably vast and turbulent. It wasn't an exaggeration to say it was a Chakra Sea.

And most shockingly, the Chakra condensed around Naruto's body, forming an almost armor-like layer of burning red.

At his stomach, there was even the distinct image of a menacing creature's face, resembling a fox, bared teeth and all.

Neji had never seen anything like this

It was terrifying.

'Is this guy really a human?'

Neji swallowed hard, trying to move, only to find his entire body locked in place.

'Am I paralyzed?'

Neji felt a wave of bitterness, disbelief, and a torrent of complex emotions.

'Is this truly the top graduate of this year? His strength is outrageous!'

"What's the matter, little girl? Are you speechless because big brother here has charmed you?"

Naruto teased with a smile on his face.

To others, Naruto was just powerful. Even Sasuke sensed that Naruto was extraordinary, yet only the Byakugan could reveal the monstrous nature of the Kyubi's Chakra within him.

With Chakra as boundless as a vast ocean, who could possibly compare?

To put it bluntly, Naruto's Chakra is more than the total Chakra of everyone present.

Not to mention, the Kyubi's Chakra had the ability to absorb Natural Energy and replenish itself, turning Naruto into something akin to a living perpetual motion machine.

"Neji, are you alright?"

Tenten patted Neji on the shoulder, her voice full of concern.

Normally, no matter the situation, Neji would remain composed, so Tenten wondered what on earth had shaken him so much.

"I'm fine," Neji replied.

The veins at the corners of Neji's eyes shrank as he stopped using the Byakugan.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Only when the terrifying Chakra vanished from his view did Neji feel somewhat normal again.

"Who… exactly are you?" Neji asked Naruto with a grave expression.

"Little girl, I've told you multiple times, no need to be so impatient. Or is it that you actually like big brother here?"

Naruto continued to grin mischievously, "But before you ask for someone's name, shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"

Neji took a deep breath, calming himself.

He knew there is no need to be angry with Naruto. And even if he is angry, he is no match for Naruto anyway.

After steadying himself, Neji responded, "I'm not a little girl, I'm Hyuga Neji, a year ahead of you!"

"Ohhh, a senior. I thought you were a little girl because of the long hair."

Naruto chuckled and said, "Why didn't you say so sooner? Our classmate Hinata's the same way. Every time I talk to her, she gets all shy. Is that, like, a rule in the Hyuga Clan?"

Hearing Hinata's name, Neji's face suddenly darkened and he frowned, "Don't mention her. I'm nothing like her. I've introduced myself, now it's your turn."

'Sure enough, bringing up Hinata affected Neji much like mentioning Itachi would affect Sasuke, triggering an almost immediate reaction.'

But Naruto didn't mind. He intended to get under Neji's skin and keep him off-balance.

It wasn't out of malice or a grudge against Neji, as Naruto simply wanted to tease him.

Because years of being part of the Hyuga Clan's branch family had left Neji's heart closed off. Naruto believed that to help him truly open up, the best approach was to push him past his breaking point.

Breaking free from old constraints and dismantling psychological defenses is often the only way to truly receive new perspectives.

Naruto's eyes lit up in mock surprise, " Oh, it's my turn now? I just wanted you to go first, but I actually have no obligation to answer you, right?"

"What!?"

Neji was taken aback, as he had never expected this answer.

However, there was no way he could win in a fight, so he had no choice but to swallow the frustration.

"Naruto, we're running out of time, let's go report first." Sakura reminded.

Hearing this, Naruto nodded and turned to head up to the third floor.

He figured he'd given Neji enough to think about for one day. There was no need to keep pushing.

With Neji's personality, it wouldn't be a quick change, and if Naruto overdid it, it might mess Neji up permanently, pushing him down a dangerous path. That would go against Naruto's original intention.

As Naruto's group walked away, Tenten mumbled, "What a cute guy."

"Cute? What's cute about that? That guy is dangerous!" Neji scowled.

Meanwhile, Lee, who had recovered his usual demeanor, approached Neji and said, "You two go ahead. I have something I need to take care of."

"What could you possibly need to do? Going after that pink-haired girl? Get your mind back on the exam, Lee! That blond guy is incredibly dangerous. Until the exam begins, no wandering off!"

After saying that, Neji turned and walked away.

Tenten and Lee exchanged glances. They'd been Neji's teammates for more than a year now, but this was the first time they'd seen him so unnerved.

'It seems that we have really encountered a strong enemy.'

"Tenten, you think Neji's going to be okay?" Lee asked, looking concerned.

Tenten waved her hand and said, "Oh, he'll be fine. Neji's always so icy, no matter what Guy-sensei says. Now that someone's finally given him a dose of his own medicine, it's probably good for him, and for all of us, really. Don't worry, let's go check in."

She pulled along a hesitant Lee, following Neji.

On the other side, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had reached the third floor.

Noticing Sasuke's pensive look, Naruto asked in confusion: "Sasuke, what's wrong with you?"

"The Chunin Exams is indeed a gathering of monsters!" Sasuke exclaimed.

"Monsters? Gathering? Is this your idea of a new joke?" Naruto clicked his tongue.

"No, I'm not..."

Sasuke started, but seeing Naruto's amused expression, he couldn't help but laugh too.

'Naruto is right, it was a pretty lame joke.'

The term, 'gathering of monsters' is indeed funny. After all, all beings are equal under Naruto.

Among all the Shinobi joining this Chunin Exams, Naruto is undoubtedly the biggest monster!

Since Sasuke trains with Naruto every day, why should he worry about those so-called monsters?

Wasn't he also a monster in the eyes of others?

"Good, now that you understand, don't get so hung up on small setbacks. Winning or losing here doesn't matter, and what matters is getting stronger over time."

Naruto said, giving Sasuke a friendly pat on the shoulder before leading the way forward.

At the end of the corridor, there is a door with 301 written on it, which is the designated location for the Chunin Exams registration.

Waiting by the door was none other than Kakashi.

"Sakura, you're here too," Kakashi said, sounding pleased.

Sakura immediately felt a twinge of irritation and said: "Kakashi-sensei, do you also think I am not good enough?"

Kakashi shook his head and explained, "In fact, this exam was always meant to be taken in a three-person team. Only by working together can you participate."

Sakura looked even more puzzled, "But you said taking the exam was a personal choice. Isn't it up to each of us whether to enter?"

Kakashi continued to explain, "I lied to you. If I'd said you had to enter as a three-man team, Naruto and Sasuke might've forced you to join even if you didn't want to, and that's not what I wanted."

"But now, all of you are here of your own will, and I'm proud of each of you. You make up a team I'm honored to lead!"

"Now, let's officially apply for the Chunin Exams!"