Neji was born the son of Hizashi Hyūga, placing him in one of the Hyūga clan's branch houses. When the heiress of the main house, Hinata, turned three years old, Neji's forehead was branded with the customary cursed seal by his uncle, Hiashi. He  was a gifted shinobi who perfected many advanced Jutsu. Neji Hyuga was considered one of Konoha's prodigies in Naruto. After graduating the ninja academy, Neji joined Team 9 and trained alongside Rock Lee and Tenten.