
Chapter 98 of Naruto opens the day of the Chūnin Exams finals with a quiet talk between an anxious Naruto and Hinata, whose encouragement steadies him before his match with Neji.
With the Chūnin Exams finals finally arriving, Naruto stews over the coming duel against Neji and drifts off his path to the arena. On the way he stumbles upon Hinata training by herself and pauses to speak with her. He shares his worries, fearing that as a supposed washout he has little hope against a prodigy of Neji's caliber.
Hinata answers that his lack of inborn genius is the very reason he will come out on top, since he never ceases striving to better himself, a trait she finds deeply inspiring. Thankful for her words, Naruto asks her to come and see him defeat Neji. He then arrives at the stadium and takes his place among the seven other finalists before the assembled spectators.

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Chapter 98 of Naruto opens on the day of the Chunin Exams finals, showing Naruto's anxiety before his match with Neji and a quiet talk with Hinata that helps steady his nerves before he steps into the arena.
Hinata tells Naruto that his lack of inborn genius is exactly why he will come out on top, since he never stops striving to better himself, a trait she finds deeply inspiring.
Naruto stews over the coming duel because he sees himself as a supposed washout with little hope against a prodigy of Neji's caliber, which makes him drift off his path to the arena.
Grateful for her encouragement, Naruto asks Hinata to come and watch him defeat Neji before he heads to the stadium.
Chapter 98, "A Proud Failure!!", is part of the Chunin Exams arc and is collected in volume 11 of the manga.
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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