Neji Hyuga

The Branch House prodigy who chose to protect his family with his life.

Neji Hyuga is a fictional character from the Naruto manga and anime series, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is the cousin of Hinata Hyuga and a member of the Hyuga clan's Branch House. A member of Team Guy and a prodigy of the clan's Gentle Fist style, he sacrifices himself during the Fourth Great Ninja War to protect Naruto and Hinata. His death is a key moment in the final arc, conceived by Kishimoto to allow Hinata to offer support to Naruto while being protected by Neji before his death.

Quick Facts

Clan: 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.

Reader's Guide

Neji Hyuga is a Branch House member of the Hyuga clan and the cousin of Hinata Hyuga. In the Chunin Exams of Part I he fights and nearly kills Hinata, and in the final round he is defeated by Naruto, after which he abandons his fatalistic belief that destiny cannot be escaped. 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. 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.