Guy left the training grounds and arrived at the dojo inside the Hyuga clan compound.
Neji was attempting to incorporate chakra natures into Rotation.
Neji's chakra nature was water-based. When he tried adding water chakra into Rotation, it immediately disrupted the technique's balance, forcing him to interrupt the move. The chaotic chakra also ended up injuring himself.
Unwilling to concede defeat, Neji prepared to try again. Guy spoke out to stop him, saying, "Stop already. If you keep forcing it, you won't accomplish anything but hurt yourself."
Lowering his head, Neji wore an expression full of frustration. "Even Hinata managed it! Why am I not able to?!"
Guy said sternly, "Neji, you're talented, that much is true, but you're too proud. Don't dismiss Hinata just because you think her talent is inferior to yours. Right now, you're upset because Hinata broke through your prized Rotation, so you're rushing to prove yourself, but this will only backfire."
At that moment, Hizashi Hyuga also appeared at the dojo and spoke, "Neji, you now believe fate can be changed—we changed our own fates, and Hinata has changed hers as well. So why can't you accept this? Your current mindset is wrong. You must learn to see yourself and Hinata as equals.
So, if you truly want to learn how to incorporate chakra natures into Rotation, I can go find Shindai and ask him to teach you."
Guy shook his head. "I already approached Shindai before coming here. He flatly refused to teach Neji. However, if Hinata is willing to forgive Neji and teach him herself, he won't stand in your way."
Neji clenched his fists tightly. "I won't apologize to her! I can do this on my own!"
Guy looked at Neji helplessly—he had known from the start getting Neji to apologize voluntarily would be extremely difficult.
The next day,
Neji was alone in the training field inside the clan compound, trying various methods to infuse his Rotation with a chakra nature.
Just as he failed again, Hinata's voice rang out sharply, "It's not about directly adding elemental chakra. Adding elemental chakra directly disrupts Rotation's balance. Instead, once Rotation is initiated, you channel your chakra nature afterward—maintaining Rotation's momentum using nature-infused chakra. That way, you won't destroy Rotation's balance."
Neji turned around to face Hinata, frowning. "What are you doing here? I never said I wanted to apologize to you!"
Hinata answered, "I know. My master mentioned that if I'm willing to teach you, he won't stop me."
Neji asked in surprise, "You're really willing to teach me? Without needing me to apologize first?"
Hinata nodded. "I understand why you dislike me, Neji-niisan. It might be because I was once part of the Main family, or because I was weak, or perhaps something about my personality displeases you. But I don't dislike you, Neji-niisan."
"Neji looked at Hinata with confusion. 'During the last exam, I nearly killed you. Why don't you hate me?'
Hinata smiled brightly. 'Because there's someone who warms me like the sun. He hopes to gain everyone's recognition—even from those who dislike him, he still wants their approval. So… I also hope to earn your recognition, Neji-onii-san.'
Upon hearing Hinata's response, the first person Neji thought of was the foolish Naruto.
Since Hinata had been closest to Naruto recently, it could only be referring to him.
Hinata said to Neji, 'I still have training with my teacher. Bye, Neji-onii-san.'
Hinata turned to leave.
Neji lowered his head, speaking softly. 'I don't hate you either. Perhaps... it was just resentment acting up.'
Hinata stopped in her tracks, looking at Neji in surprise.
'Ever since childhood, I've been taught that I must protect members of the Main family. Back then, my father pointed at you and told me, this person will be the one I must protect. But I resented it—I wanted to protect people I genuinely wished to protect rather than being told to give my life for someone I never chose.'
This feeling has persisted until now. Even though the Hyuga clan has changed, this emotion hasn't disappeared...'
Neji began expressing his feelings, then raised his head to meet Hinata's gaze directly. 'You didn't do anything wrong. I took out my frustrations on you—that was my mistake. I'm sorry, Hinata. Thank you for being willing to teach me.'
Hinata stood frozen for a moment, then smiled. 'It's okay, Neji-onii-san. I'll go ahead then—if you have any questions, feel free to ask me!'
With light steps, Hinata left the Hyuga clan compound.
Neji stood silently for a long time. Now that everything was said, his heart felt lighter—as if he had finally untied a knot.
Behind a tree outside the training ground, Hizashi Hyuga wore a pleased smile on his face and quietly walked away.
Time passed swiftly. Two and a half years flew by in the blink of an eye.
Naruto left Konoha with Jiraiya and hadn't returned in over two years.
Sasuke trained under Orochimaru to learn Ninjutsu. Shindai, whom Sasuke once considered unreliable, proved to be dependable this time.
Orochimaru possessed vast knowledge and exceptional teaching skills. Training under him proved to be the right choice—Sasuke not only mastered the power of the Cursed Seal, but also learned the Summoning Jutsu from Ryuchi Cave, studied various Ninjutsu techniques, and even received the Sword of Kusanagi from Orochimaru.
Sakura trained under Tsunade to master Medical Ninjutsu, learned the Summoning Jutsu of Shikkotsu Forest, and mastered Tsunade's S-ranked medical Sealing Technique: Yin Seal.
During those two and a half years, Hinata mastered the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms and, with assistance from Shindai, Pakura, and Hikaku Uchiha, developed a new technique called [Guardian Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms].
[Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven]—this was Hinata's own absolute defense technique. Hinata swiftly waved her hands, gathering chakra into her palms and then refining it outward into needle-shaped projections. Anything that approached her during the technique would be completely shattered—it was indeed an absolute defense.
Hinata had also mastered many techniques of the gentle fist style, integrating her own lightning and fire chakra attributes into them.
Kakashi and Obito had also grown significantly in power over these past two and a half years.
Building upon his Lightning Cutter, Kakashi had developed a new Lightning Release technique called [Violet Lightning], which could be activated without performing hand seals. It surpassed the Lightning Cutter in both power and effectiveness.
Obito had also learned the Fire Release techniques passed down by clan leader Hikaku Uchiha to the Uchiha clan.
As for Shindai, his method of learning was unorthodox—he never focused on researching how to gain an advantage by facing enemies head-on in battle. Instead, he always aimed to secure an advantage or even achieve victory before the fight even began.
After two and a half years of effort, Shindai gazed at the newly refined Kannazuki and the helmet resting on the table, feeling deeply satisfied.
Every achievement from the past two and a half years stood here before him!
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