When Did Naruto Call Neji a Genius in the 4th Shinobi War?

The term 'genius' in the world of Naruto is not often used lightly. The majority of the time, it is reserved for those who display an exceptional level of talent and intellect in the realm of shinobi combat. One notable instance is when Naruto, during the Fourth Shinobi War, refers to Neji as a genius. This moment holds significant weight within the series and is an essential part of the narrative's emotional and tactical development.

The Context of the Battle

The events of the moment are set against the backdrop of the Fourth Shinobi War, a time of crisis where all shinobi across the countries of the Hidden Villages join forces to combat a massive threat to the leaf village. In this struggle, Neji, a prodigious young shinobi from the Hyuga clan and a member of the Village Hidden in the Mist forces, faces-off against Kidomaru, a member of the Akatsuki.

The Battle in Question

Neji and Kidomaru are engaged in a fierce battle. Despite the far distance and the conditions of the fight, Neji manages to hear or sense what Naruto says, thanks to his Byakugan activated. Naruto, seeing the intense nature of the battle, articulates his admiration for Neji's talent and skill, referring to him as a 'genius'. This is a pivotal moment as Neji is so closely focused on the battle that he even seems to perceive Naruto’s distant words without any difficulty.

The Significance of the Moment

This reference to Neji as a 'genius' during his confrontation with Kidomaru is crucial for several reasons:

Highlighting Neji's Abilities: It underscores the exceptional nature of Neji's prowess, demonstrating his capacity for strategic thinking and combat skills that surpass those of even seasoned and highly skilled shinobi. Moment of Recogniton: It represents a recognition by Naruto, who often grapples with how to motivate and relate to his peers, especially geniuses like Neji who aren't easily impressed. Impact on Neji’s Perfomance: This moment serves as a motivating factor for Neji, encouraging him to push his limits and respond to this unexpected praise, contributing to the intensity and outcome of their battle.

The Consequence of the Battle

Following this battle, the narrative moves towards a tragic yet profound moment. Neji is injured critically when a tree branch is driven through his body. The wound is severe, but as shown in later scenes, he persists in his battle, driven by the binding affinity (Blood Relationship Ninken Technique) with his teammate Tenten. Naruto's words play a significant role here as Neji mentions them to explain his determination.

Naruto, both in his instincts and in the moment, understood the importance of his words. He recognized that calling Neji a 'genius' was a way to resonate with the Hyuga prodigy, who values intelligence and prowess so highly.

These interactions between Naruto and Neji during the Fourth Shinobi War showcase the complex characters and the deep bonds between them as they navigate challenging battles and personal growth.

Key Takeaways: The phrase 'genius' is pivotal in Naruto's relationship with Neji. Neji's exceptional skills make his recognition by Naruto significant. The mention of Neji as a 'genius' motivates and influences their actions in battle.

The battle with Kidomaru and the subsequent injury of Neji are highlighted, with a focus on how Naruto's words impacted Neji's mindset and performance throughout the 4th Shinobi War. This moment not only advances the plot but also illustrates the deep emotional and strategic significance in the world of Naruto.