The preliminary rounds set cousin against cousin as Neji coldly berates Hinata for her place in their divided clan, and her timid resolve begins to waver until Naruto's angry encouragement pushes her to finally stand her ground.
Main Characters (2)
Summary
As Kiba is carried off for treatment, he begs Hinata to withdraw should she ever face Gaara or Neji. Fate disregards his warning, matching her with Neji for the eighth preliminary bout, and she chooses not to step aside.
Key Events
The pair share blood yet belong to rival branches of the Hyūga family, a split Neji bitterly resents. He tears into Hinata, branding her too weak to deserve her higher standing and demanding she quit. Picking apart every flaw he sees in her, he declares her a hopeless failure, very nearly reducing her to tears.
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Notes
This Chūnin Exams chapter turns on the Hyūga branch rivalry, and it is Naruto, angered by Neji's cruelty, who urges Hinata to fight back and beat him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neji and Hinata's relationship?
Neji and Hinata are cousins who share blood but belong to rival branches of the Hyūga family, the main house and the branch house. In this chapter their preliminary Chūnin Exams match forces that divide into the open.
Why does Kiba warn Hinata about facing Neji?
As Kiba is carried off for treatment after his own fight, he begs Hinata to withdraw should she ever be matched with Gaara or Neji. Fate disregards his warning and pairs her with Neji for the eighth preliminary bout.
Why does Neji resent Hinata so much?
Neji bitterly resents the split between the Hyūga clan's main and branch families, a divide that puts Hinata above him despite their shared blood. He tears into her during their match, branding her too weak to deserve her higher standing.
What does Neji say to Hinata during their fight?
Neji picks apart every flaw he sees in Hinata, demanding she quit and declaring her a hopeless failure. His cruelty very nearly reduces her to tears.
Who encourages Hinata to stand her ground against Neji?
Naruto, angered by Neji's cruelty, urges Hinata to fight back and beat him. His encouragement helps push past her wavering resolve.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Neji and Hinata? The Naruto Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
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.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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