Chapter 15: She Will Try
Chapter 15: She Will Try
This was different from Ryosuke's previous life.
Back then, he would finish school around five in the evening and still have to study at night. But in the Ninja Academy, classes ended early—by three o'clock.
However, that didn't mean the day was over.
Just like in his old world, families who could afford it often enrolled their children in extra tutoring classes after school. The same thing happened here.
So, while school officially ended at three, what followed could be considered either free time—or an extension of learning.
Students who weren't interested in working harder were free to leave. The teachers didn't stop them. But for kids who chose to stay and continue studying, the academy offered additional guidance, tailored to their level.
Teachers gave special attention to hardworking students—or those they were close to.
Because of this, even after school hours, many students remained on campus, training and studying. Hyuga Neji was one of them.
This system wasn't hidden. The village's top brass knew it well but made no move to stop it or level the playing field. That, too, was part of a ninja's education.
There's no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. As a ninja, strength determines everything—and strength is influenced by far more than just talent or effort.
Of course, this kind of favoritism mostly affected ordinary classes.
Elite classes, like the one Hyuga Neji belonged to, were different. Admission was based solely on outstanding entrance scores, and nearly every student came from a prominent family. They didn't need to curry favor with teachers to access resources.
The reason those students stayed behind wasn't for special treatment—it was to train, compete with peers, and gain real combat experience.
It was a bit different from what Ryosuke had known, but not surprising.
In his previous life, he'd lived in a modern, law-bound world without chakra or jutsu. Even so, many people had to grind endlessly just to survive, let alone succeed.
Here, in a harsh ninja society, relaxing could mean death on a mission.
With stakes that high, who could afford to treat being a ninja as a game?
Children in this world matured faster, too. Only those completely isolated from the pressure around them—those who felt no urgency or fear—could afford to be carefree.
After entering the school, Ryosuke and his group didn't have trouble finding Hyuga Neji. He was well-known around campus. All they had to do was ask a passing student.
They spotted him at the edge of the academy's large training ground.
Standing beside him, Hinata's expression was calm and unreadable. She asked in a quiet voice, "Brother Neji, can you tell me who in your class is worth paying attention to?"
She still remembered Ryosuke's advice: if she wanted to be the best in her generation, she had to understand what that meant.
Neji looked surprised—just for a second—at her composed demeanor. Then he nodded respectfully. "Of course, Lady Hinata."
Ryosuke, who'd been scanning the field for a certain yellow-haired boy, gave up the search with a hint of disappointment. Naruto wasn't here.
He had hoped to run into him by chance today.
But it seemed Naruto hadn't enrolled yet. By logic, he should have entered two years earlier, failed twice, and been held back. If he was supposed to graduate alongside Sasuke and Hinata, he should already be here... but apparently, he wasn't.
Neji pointed toward a trio standing at the edge of the training ground.
"Three members of the Uchiha clan," he said.
Ryosuke turned his gaze. Two boys and one girl—all wearing navy-blue tops with the Uchiha clan crest, a round fan symbol, stitched across their backs.
They stood apart from the others, their posture proud, eyes sweeping across the field with cool detachment. Occasionally, their gazes flickered toward Ryosuke's group—more specifically, toward Hyuga Neji.
"In terms of Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu," Neji said with a hint of disdain, "they're highly skilled. Every day after school, they love to beat the constant stream of challengers. It's their way of feeding their fragile egos."
"Have you ever challenged them?" Hinata asked, voice calm but curious.
Though her tone was flat, her question cut straight to the point.
It was clear she had spent a lot of time lately learning how to control her emotions. Since they left the house earlier, she had been imitating her former, gentler self with incredible discipline—except when she spoke with Ryosuke.
"I challenged them?" Neji repeated, as if insulted. His voice rose slightly before he caught himself.
Under the watchful eyes of Ryosuke and the two Hyuga guards, he quickly composed himself.
"They should be the ones challenging me," Neji said with confidence. "I've always ranked first in both practical and written subjects."
"Did you beat them?" Hinata asked again.
"Of course. They're strong, but I'm stronger."
Neji straightened his back with pride, then turned serious.
"Lady Hinata, there's something I must remind you about the Uchiha."
"In previous years, the top classes were always a battleground between our Hyuga clan and the Uchiha. But in my class, we defeated them and took the top spot—upholding the prestige of our clan."
"As the future clan head, you can't afford to lose to any Uchiha in your year. If you do, it'll disgrace not just the Hyuga name but also the main family. Do you understand?"
His voice was firm now. The weight of his words made the two guards shift their attention from Neji to Hinata.
They had once experienced that same rivalry back when they were in school. The pressure was real.
If Hinata couldn't match the Uchiha of her generation, it wouldn't just be a personal failure—it would be a blow to the entire Hyuga clan's reputation.
The calm mask Hinata had worn all day began to crack.
This wasn't a battle of strength, but a flood of expectations crashing down on her. A different kind of pressure—one that pressed on the mind and spirit.
She lowered her head slightly, hands clenched, overwhelmed.
That was when Ryosuke stepped forward and placed himself between her and Neji, shielding her from their stares.
He looked Neji in the eye with a calm smile.
"She will try her best," Ryosuke said.
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