Chapter 145: Naruto Obtains C-Rank Ninjutsu, and Hinata Also Upgrades?
Uchiha Clan, 7th Training Ground.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Naruto panted heavily, sweat dripping from his forehead like a stream. In front of him, rows of wooden stakes were already riddled with dents, some even showing cracks. "No… it's still not enough!" Naruto gritted his teeth and once again assumed his stance.
In his mind, his teacher's words echoed. "Your mission is to take first place in next week's first combat test. Become the top student of your class!"
Top student! The only top student! Just thinking about Sasuke's shocked expression when he saw his name at the top of the list filled Naruto with strength. "I must do it! I'm going to be a man who surpasses all previous Hokage!" He roared and charged towards the wooden stakes again. Fists, knees, elbows. Every part of his body became a weapon. Bang! Bang! Bang! Dull thudding sounds echoed continuously throughout the training ground.
Not far away, Hinata sat quietly, holding a clean towel and a water bottle. She watched the figure drenched in sweat, her fair face filled with distress. But Hinata did not disturb him. Naruto-kun was working hard for an important goal. All she could do was silently support him.
Just then, Uchiha Akira's figure appeared on the training ground. Hinata's eyes lit up, and she quickly stood up, bowing respectfully.
"Teacher."
Uchiha Akira nodded at her, his gaze falling upon Naruto, who was still training frantically. A hint of approval flashed in his eyes. Effort and sweat never lie.
"Naruto." He spoke indifferently.
"Ah? Teacher!" Naruto heard the voice, his movements suddenly stopped, and he turned around in surprise. "Why are you here!" He wiped the sweat from his face, chuckling.
"To check on your training progress." Uchiha Akira walked in front of Naruto. "Your taijutsu has improved quickly, but brute force alone is not enough. In battles between ninja, taijutsu is just one aspect."
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly. "Hehe, I understand, Teacher."
"Your chakra nature is Wind," Uchiha Akira continued. "Wind Release, with its ultimate cutting power, is one of the most offensive natures. It suits you well." He extended his hand, and 2 scrolls appeared in his palm. "Here are 2 Wind Release Ninjutsu."
Naruto's eyes instantly lit up, like 2 small suns. Ninjutsu! Teacher is going to teach me new Ninjutsu! He rubbed his hands excitedly, almost jumping up and down. "Thank you, Teacher! What kind of powerful Ninjutsu is it?"
"What are you thinking?" Uchiha Akira flicked his finger against his forehead. "With your current chakra control and understanding of ninjutsu, even if I gave you advanced ninjutsu, you wouldn't be able to learn it. You eat one bite at a time, and you walk one step at a time. Inside these are 2 C-rank Wind Release Ninjutsu."
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough." "Wind Release: Wind Blade."
"C-rank, huh…" When Naruto heard it was only C-rank, the excitement that had just ignited immediately diminished by half, and he muttered softly.
Uchiha Akira glanced at him. "What, looking down on C-rank ninjutsu?"
"No… no!" Naruto quickly shook his head like a rattle-drum.
"Hmph." Uchiha Akira snorted softly. "Any ninjutsu, in the hands of different people, can unleash vastly different power. A truly powerful ninja can even make a simple E-rank Clone Jutsu perform wonders. When you can master these 2 C-rank ninjutsu to perfection, then come talk to me about advanced ninjutsu."
"Yes! Teacher! I understand!" Naruto immediately answered loudly, his fighting spirit reignited. That's right! Teacher is right! Even if it's just C-rank ninjutsu, I will train it to be the strongest!
Naruto took the scrolls, holding them carefully in his arms as if they were invaluable treasures.
"Train hard." Uchiha Akira left a remark and turned to leave. He had more important matters to attend to.
"Um… Teacher!" Naruto suddenly called out to Uchiha Akira.
"Hm?" Naruto, somewhat awkwardly, pointed at Hinata beside them. "Hinata, she… is also very hardworking! You… you wouldn't happen to…" He wanted to secure some benefits for his senior disciple.
When Hinata heard Naruto mention her, her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and she nervously waved her hands. "No… no need, Naruto-kun! I…"
Uchiha Akira's footsteps stopped. He turned back and glanced at the girl who was so shy she almost buried her head in her chest. His gaze lingered on Hinata for a moment. Indeed, it was time to upgrade Hinata as well.
Naruto still had a carefree demeanor; he felt that since his senior disciple was so hardworking, the teacher's guidance shouldn't be biased. This was a simple desire for his companions to also improve. Hinata, however, was so nervous she could barely breathe.
Uchiha Akira slowly walked in front of Hinata. The girl's body instantly stiffened, her slender shoulders trembling slightly, not daring to look up. A large, warm hand gently rested on her head. Hinata's body trembled violently. An indescribable warm current flowed from the top of her head, instantly spreading throughout her limbs and bones.
In Uchiha Akira's consciousness, the cold system prompt sounded.
[Hyūga Hinata]
[Current Potential Rating: S]
[Byakugan Purity: 92%]
[Do you want to consume Honor Points to increase potential?]
"Increase." Uchiha Akira's intention was without the slightest hesitation.
[Consumed 50,000 Honor Points]
[Disciple Hyūga Hinata, Potential Rating increased to: S+]
[Byakugan Purity increased to: 95%]
Hinata subconsciously opened her eyes. "Byakugan!"
Buzz— Veins bulged at the corners of her fair eyes. This time, activating the Byakugan seemed much smoother than before. Her vision was also clearer and wider than ever before. This… is this the power of Teacher Akira?
Just for a moment… Hinata slowly deactivated her Byakugan, and the veins at the corners of her eyes receded. She took a step back and bowed deeply, a 90-degree bow, to Uchiha Akira.
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