Neji Hyuga

Lore & Background

Neji Hyuga is introduced as Hinata Hyuga's cousin. He is forced to fight her during the Chunin Exams in Part I of the series, nearly killing her in combat. This event prompts Naruto Uzumaki to avenge her. Later, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Neji is placed in the same division as Hinata. He sacrifices himself to protect Naruto and Hinata from the Ten-Tails. Kishimoto conceived the idea of killing Neji in order for Hinata to offer support to Naruto while being protected by Neji before his death. After Neji's death, Hinata slaps Naruto to calm him following the loss. Neji's funeral is attended by Hinata, Naruto, and the rest of the Konohagakure shinobi.

In Their Own Story

Neji Hyuga is Hinata's cousin. In Part I of the Naruto manga, during the Chunin Exams, Hinata is forced to fight Neji. Despite her fears, Naruto encourages her to battle him. Neji nearly kills Hinata in combat, and Naruto decides to avenge her. In Part II, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Neji is placed in the same division as Hinata. He joins Naruto in the battle against the Ten-Tails after his cousin sacrifices himself to protect them. Neji's death is a key event: Kishimoto conceived the idea of killing Neji in order for Hinata to offer support to Naruto while being protected by Neji before his death. Following Neji's death, Hinata slaps Naruto to calm him. Later, Hinata, Naruto, and the rest of the Konohagakure shinobi attend Neji's funeral.

Reader's Guide

Neji Hyuga is a Branch House member of the Hyuga clan and the cousin of Hinata Hyuga. His most notable appearance in the source is during the Chunin Exams in Part I, where he fights and nearly kills Hinata. This event is a turning point that leads Naruto to avenge her. In the final arc of the series, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, Neji is placed in the same division as Hinata. He sacrifices himself to protect Naruto and Hinata from the Ten-Tails. Kishimoto specifically conceived Neji's death to allow Hinata to offer support to Naruto while being protected by Neji. After his death, Hinata slaps Naruto to calm him following the loss. Neji's funeral is attended by Hinata, Naruto, and the other Konohagakure shinobi.

Did You Know?

• Neji is Hinata Hyuga's cousin, as stated in the source.
• Kishimoto conceived the idea of killing Neji so that Hinata could offer support to Naruto while being protected by Neji before his death.
• Neji nearly kills Hinata during their fight in the Chunin Exams in Part I.
• After Neji's death, Hinata slaps Naruto to calm him following the loss.
• Neji's funeral is attended by Hinata, Naruto, and the rest of the Konohagakure shinobi.