Why Neji Did Not Use the 128 Palms Again: An Analysis of Character Development and Battle Dynamics in Naruto

In the renowned anime and manga series Naruto, Neji Hyuga's 64-Palms of the Hand is a powerful taijutsu technique that focuses on targeting and blocking chakra points on an opponent's body. Despite its impressive effectiveness, Neji seldom used his 128 Palms of the Hand again after the pivotal events of the story. Let's delve into why this was the case.

Character Development and Tactical Shifts

Neji's character evolved significantly throughout the series. By the time he faced the formidable challenges of the Fourth Great Ninja War, he was portrayed as a more mature individual, valuing teamwork and the protection of his friends over individual prowess. This development influenced his tactical choices during the war and beyond. As a result, Neji prioritized techniques that aligned more closely with these new values, making him less likely to rely on 128 Palms unless absolutely necessary.

Additionally, the series often highlighted different abilities and techniques based on the context of the battle. As the story progressed, the nature of battles became more complex, requiring a broader range of skills from all participants. Neji might have opted for more versatile and adaptive techniques that could better suit the dynamic and multifaceted challenges he faced.

Physical and Mental Toll of Battle

The physical and mental strain of prolonged battles can severely limit the use of such high-level techniques as 128 Palms. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Neji encountered numerous powerful opponents, each of whom subjected him to intense physical and mental duress. The battle's duration and intensity would have significantly depleted his chakra, making it difficult to execute a technique that requires such extensive chakra control.

Furthermore, the sheer fatigue that characterized the latter parts of the war would have hindered Neji's ability to maintain the precise movements and concentration required for the 128 Palms. As a result, he was left with no choice but to rely on other, more sustainable techniques to combat his adversaries.

Plot Development and Battle Context

The narrative of the series also plays a crucial role in the infrequent use of 128 Palms by Neji. After his tragic death in the war, the focus shifted to other characters and their respective abilities, limiting the opportunity to revisit Neji's techniques. This change meant that readers and viewers had less opportunity to witness Neji employ his signature move again.

Moreover, the battle situations that Neji often encountered were not optimal for the 128 Palms. A notable example is the "Sasuke Rescue Arc," where Neji attempted to use the 128 Palms several times to neutralize Kidomaru but succumbed to the attack himself. This incident further underscores the challenges and risks associated with the technique. Neji's byakugan weakness, which exposes a blind spot on the back of his neck, made the 128 Palms inherently risky. Even if the technique could be used to hit a large number of targets at once, it demanded exceptional chakra control, and Neji could not overcome his weaknesses in a conventional manner.

Conditional Use and Strategic Considerations

In situations where an enemy utilized poison as a form of combat, the risk of exploiting Neji's chakra control weaknesses could be even greater. If an opponent could strike him at his blind spot, Neji's ability to control his chakra would be severely compromised. To avoid this, Neji would likely need a team of supportive allies to provide cover and distract the enemy, ensuring that his blind spot remained unexploited.

Had there been more fight scenes featuring Neji during the Fourth Shinobi War, it's possible that he would have used the 128 Palms again, provided the necessary conditions were favorable. Given the complex and intricate nature of battles in the later arcs, it's understandable why this did not occur more frequently.