Chapter 7: Exhaustion

Chapter 7: Exhaustion

As Hinata Hyuga dodged another punch from Neji Hyuga, a sudden realization struck her.

A fight isn't just about defense and evasion—it's also about attacking!

In this battle, Hinata had the advantage of foreseeing Neji's moves. After predicting and dodging his attacks, she found herself waiting for the next one to come. But there was a time lag between them.

For instance, if Hinata could anticipate Neji's move a second in advance, she would have half a second to react and dodge, despite the difference in their skill levels. Once she evaded the first strike, the rest of his attacks would become predictable and easier to avoid.

However, a problem emerged. If she kept dodging and letting Neji attack continuously, she would remain at a disadvantage, even though she had technically taken control of the rhythm of the fight. She should be in a position of strength, but by constantly evading, she ended up on the defensive. 

What was missing was the decisive element that could secure her advantage—attack.

Earlier, she had anticipated Neji's strike and dodged it. This time, she realized she could use the remaining half-second to counterattack and seize control of the fight!

With this new understanding, Hinata smiled. She formed her fingers into the shape of a sword and thrust them forward, aiming for the shadow of Neji's arm.

"What?!" Neji's eyes widened. Ever since the fight began, he had felt as though he was moving through thick mud. His punches seemed slow, as if she could see through him completely.

Now, when Hinata launched a gentle fist strike along his predicted attack path, it was as if he was walking straight into her blow. He felt like he was delivering himself to be hit.

The sudden turn of events left him stunned. He couldn't understand how she was able to do this! What technique was she using?

Crack!

Hiss!

In a flash, Neji's arm took a direct hit. His mind suddenly cleared, and he realized he couldn't stay close to her any longer—he had to create some distance!

Neji quickly dodged Hinata's next strike and retreated several steps, trying to widen the gap between them. His wrist throbbed with a numbness that left it limp and unresponsive. As the numbness faded, sharp pain followed, indicating that the chakra from her gentle fist had begun to damage his cells and meridians.

He was finally gaining some distance, which brought him a glimmer of hope. But in the next moment, Hinata quickly synchronized with his movements, preparing to attack again!

It was as if she already knew how he would react! Neji realized that although her body couldn't keep up with him, her instincts allowed her to anticipate his moves, creating the illusion that they were moving in sync.

"Opponent's muscle reactions successfully predicted."

"Database processing in progress."

Hinata, meanwhile, was overjoyed. She had just discovered a new function of her system and couldn't be more thrilled!

His movements weren't unchangeable. If she made the right adjustments, she could disrupt his natural flow and throw off his trajectory.

A battle is never static. It is dynamic and ever-changing. She had only just taken the first step, but she was no longer a mere punching bag—now she could fight back!

She had Neji's every move in her grasp.

"Take this!" Hinata launched another strike, targeting the exact spot where Neji was retreating.

"Damn it!" Neji growled, forced to dodge again. His body instinctively countered with an attack. Yes, she could predict his movements, but the gap in their abilities wasn't so easily bridged!

"Damn!" Hinata cursed inwardly as the virtual image in front of her shifted. According to the terminal's display, if she forced her next attack, she would be hit by Neji's counterstrike. Even if she managed to anticipate his movements, she still couldn't overcome the difference in their strength. Hinata sighed, a bitter smile on her face.

Neji was slowly bridging the gap through sheer talent and power.

Hinata quickly retracted her fist and abandoned her attack before Neji could strike.

"Not again!" Neji fumed as his frustration mounted. He couldn't control his body, and with no target to hit, he was left with only one option: to continue attacking. It felt like she was manipulating him with invisible strings, like a puppet, unable to break free.

Every time he tried to strike, he was overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. His fists felt heavy and sluggish. He couldn't land a single hit.

The girl who once got knocked down by his punches, only to get back up days later to be knocked down again—she had grown to this level?!

Maybe... maybe she was the real genius.

Neji's punches became mechanical, while Hinata gracefully dodged them, slipping away each time. After a barrage of attacks, Neji felt a deep sense of exhaustion—both physical and psychological.

He had thrown punches wildly, but gained nothing from it. His strength was dwindling, and the sluggishness of the fight only fed his irritation. No matter what he did, he couldn't land a hit. It was like she was toying with him. It was infuriating!

Neji was frustrated beyond words.

After another punch, he retreated again. Hinata dodged and closed in, ready to strike.

"Huff…"

Neji took a deep breath, and it was only then that he realized just how tired he was. Was it from throwing too many punches? Or was it the mental exhaustion from this kind of battle? Perhaps both?

He was so tired that he could barely stand. As his vision darkened, his last thought before losing consciousness was, So tired… can't go on…

Hinata continued to fight methodically, her punches growing more precise as the battle progressed. Neji, meanwhile, could barely stay on his feet. Even though he kept dodging, his movements were slowing down. 

No matter how determined he was, he was still just a child. After such reckless fighting, his energy was completely drained. He had reached his limit.

But Hinata wasn't faring much better. Her lungs felt like they were on fire. Every breath was painful, her mouth dry, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. She was on the verge of collapse.

I'll probably still lose to him, Hinata thought with a bitter smile, shrugging helplessly. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed completely, drained of all energy.

She didn't even notice the terminal's transmission, nor did she realize that Neji had stopped attacking.

Thud!

With a dull thud, Neji hit the ground first, unconscious, his head slamming against the floor.

Hinata didn't fare much better. She lay flat on the ground, staring at the ceiling, her eyes unfocused.

It's finally over…

Just give me a little more time, and I'll crush him!