Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 239 appears

"Whoosh!" The tree branch suddenly shot towards Hyuga Neji's back.

With his Byakugan activated, Hyuga Neji could easily observe the opponent's attack, but since he hadn't even regained his footing yet, he had no way to dodge the attack by moving.

"Damn it!" Hyuga Neji cursed under his breath, as countless energies instantly appeared around his body, and he also began to spin.

"Gentle Fist - Reversal of Heaven!"

Just as the rapidly approaching tree branch was about to touch his body, Hyuga Neji instantly began to spin. At the same time, the energy attached to his body supported a dark blue light shield, forming a semi-circle that completely enveloped Hyuga Neji's body.

The shooting tree branch was deflected, and the black-robed man's next attack was interrupted by Hyuga Neji's move.

The man in black knew that now was not the best time. If he forced an attack, he would only expose his strength, which would be counterproductive. Therefore, he decided to temporarily abandon his idea of ​​taking down Hyuga Neji in one fell swoop and choose to wait for a better opportunity.

Neji Hyuga was far from relaxed. He was panting heavily, his face showing exhaustion. While the defensive power of the Rotation Technique was indeed formidable, it also meant immense consumption. The previous continuous attacks, coupled with the recent use of the Rotation Technique, had depleted nearly half of his stamina and internal energy. Moreover, he knew that with his current strength, he was no match for his opponent. Most importantly, the opponent's techniques were too peculiar, making it impossible to launch a surprise attack and create an opportunity for escape.

"Huff..." Hyuga Neji, panting heavily, had beads of sweat on his forehead. He clearly realized that he was truly in deep trouble this time. The strength displayed by the mysterious person before him was far beyond what he could currently contend with, and judging from the other party's playful, cat-and-mouse attitude, even escaping seemed like a pipe dream. However, as the disciple of Hyuga Kanan, a powerful figure renowned throughout the ninja world, Hyuga Neji knew that even in the face of dire straits, even at the cost of his life, he had to cause trouble for his opponent.

In the intense exchange just now, Hyuga Neji keenly sensed a subtle clue in his opponent's techniques. When he launched his attack, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't touch his opponent's physical form, as if they existed in different dimensions. However, whenever his opponent launched an attack, he could clearly feel the presence of his opponent's body. So, he would risk his life to create an opportunity to severely injure his opponent.

Hyuga Neji's resolve was absolute. Although he didn't want to die so easily, and even felt a pang of regret for his training trip down the mountain, he quickly banished these thoughts. After all, he was Hyuga Kanan's only disciple! How could he, who yearned to become strong, be so afraid of death as to cower like a cowardly fledgling eagle, forever hiding in his warm nest, abandoning the freedom of the vast sky? At this moment, Hyuga Neji seemed to have undergone a spiritual baptism, becoming even stronger, his very aura surging. His only thought was to sacrifice his own life to create an opportunity to severely injure his opponent, to make his enemy understand that as Hyuga Kanan's disciple, he was not a harmless little mouse to be bullied!

The black-robed man opposite him sensed Hyuga Neji's aura rapidly growing stronger and sneered inwardly. "This kid's really tenacious," he thought, "even now he's still not giving up. Does he really think he can contend with me with his meager strength? What a fool!" A slight smirk played on the black-robed man's lips, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. He found Hyuga Neji's overestimation of his abilities utterly laughable. He was prepared to face Hyuga Neji's desperate attack at any moment. However, he wasn't worried about being harmed, as he was absolutely confident he could easily handle Hyuga Neji's attack. After all, the difference in their strength was insurmountable; no matter how Hyuga Neji struggled, it would be futile. If he wanted to gather information about Hyuga Kanan, he wouldn't give Hyuga Neji any chance to resist; he would have already killed him through a sneak attack. But judging from the other man's appearance, even if he captured him, he wouldn't be able to obtain any information; the other man would definitely fight to the death.

"Give up the resistance! You're well aware of the difference in strength between us," the black-robed man said calmly, looking at Hyuga Neji. His gaze was icy, exuding an invisible pressure. He was trying to instill despair in Hyuga Neji, forcing him to give up. He believed that once Hyuga Neji abandoned his resistance, he could easily extract information about Hyuga Kanan from him.

However, Hyuga Neji was not intimidated by the black-robed man's words. His expression remained resolute, his eyes filled with determination and courage. Facing the impending threat of death, he answered without fear or hesitation, "Whatever you want from me, it's absolutely impossible. I will not reveal any information about Lord Kanan to you bastards!" Hyuga Neji's voice was firm and powerful, demonstrating his contempt for the enemy and his determination to protect his comrades.

Upon hearing this, the man in black robes was furious. He had been hoping to easily extract information from Hyuga Neji, but now it seemed all his hopes had been dashed. He decided to stop arguing with Neji and instead strike with deadly force. "What a stubborn fool! Since that's how it is, then don't blame me for being impolite!" A fierce glint flashed in the man's eyes as he rapidly formed hand seals, preparing to deliver a fatal blow. With his movements, a powerful aura gradually enveloped him, emanating an irresistible pressure.

His figure then moved instantly, attacking Hyuga Neji. Another branch shot out from his palm, and his figure vanished in a flash.

Just then, Hyuga Neji saw the tree branch hurtling towards him and could only sigh helplessly. He then used a large amount of chakra to perform the Rotation Technique to defend against the attack. However, just as his Rotation Technique ended, a figure suddenly appeared behind him, reaching out to grab his neck. At this moment, Hyuga Neji had just finished using the Rotation Technique, his body was still unstable, and his chakra had not yet been readjusted. Faced with such a sudden attack, he could only watch helplessly as the hand reached for his neck.

Despite this, Hyuga Neji still attempted a final resistance. He struggled to raise his arm, using it to block the attack. However, the attack did not stop. With a dull thud, the opponent's palm slammed into Hyuga Neji's defensive arm.

Instantly, a powerful impact erupted, sending Hyuga Neji flying. He spat out a mouthful of blood in mid-air before crashing heavily into the trunk of a large tree. Due to the immense force of the impact, his body became embedded in the tree trunk, unable to move further.

At this moment, Hyuga Neji's defensive arm was broken, the bone completely shattered, and his internal organs were severely damaged. He felt excruciating pain all over his body, as if every muscle and bone was burning. This intense pain almost made him lose consciousness, and he even lost the strength to stand up again.

Hyuga Neji could only watch helplessly as his opponent approached him step by step, his body paralyzed and utterly powerless to fight back. Yet, despite this, his eyes remained resolute, showing not a trace of the submission one would expect in the face of death.

Seeing this, the man in black robes no longer hesitated and swiftly launched an attack on Hyuga Neji. Hyuga Neji could only watch silently as the deadly attack drew closer and closer, as if time itself had stood still at that moment.

In that brief yet seemingly endless moment, memories of his past with his father and teachers flooded back to Neji Hyuga. Those beautiful recollections surged through him like a tide, filling him with overwhelming emotion.

At this moment, his heart was filled with guilt towards his father and teacher. He knew he had failed to meet their expectations, but he also understood that some things were beyond human control. In these final moments of his life, Hyuga Neji silently apologized to them and hoped they could forgive him.

As the black-robed man's attack drew ever closer, Hyuga Neji prepared himself for death. He quietly closed his eyes, awaiting his fate.

A crisp "snap!" shattered the silence as a sharp attack, like lightning, hurtled towards Hyuga Neji, only to be easily deflected by a sudden figure. At the same time, this mysterious figure swiftly appeared before Hyuga Neji, his gaze fixed on the figure opposite him like a sharp sword, radiating an unparalleled aura of majesty, like an unshakeable mountain.

Hyuga Neji quietly closed his eyes, awaiting the attack. However, after a while, he felt no pain or impact. He slowly opened his eyes, and the scene before him shocked and horrified him. There stood that all-too-familiar figure, steady before him, like a guardian angel.

His eyes widened, his mouth slightly open, as if he wanted to say something, but didn't know how to express his feelings. His eyes were filled with surprise and gratitude, because he knew that if this person hadn't appeared in time, he might have suffered serious injury or even lost his life.

Hyuga Neji took a deep breath, trying to calm his excitement. He gazed at the figure ahead, his eyes shining with determination. He knew that no matter how great the difficulties and challenges, as long as this person was by his side, he would not be alone, nor would he be afraid.

At that moment, the mysterious figure still stood there quietly, his tall and upright back giving off an immense sense of security. His presence seemed to be telling Hyuga Neji: Don't worry, I will always protect you.