In some ways, Hyūga Shinichi was actually a very unconfident person. Even after defeating Hatake Kakashi at such a young age, there was not much excitement or joy in Shinichi's heart. This was in stark contrast to Hyūga Hiashi, who was currently standing tall, his face radiating pride.
"He... he lost?"
"That Hatake Kakashi actually lost to the Hyūga brat?!"
"Who is that person?"
Hyūga Shinichi and Hatake Kakashi stood facing each other, having completed the Reconciliation Seal. After the battle ended, the surrounding ninjas who had gathered to watch had not dispersed; instead, they began whispering and debating about Hyūga Shinichi. Clearly, the result of this battle was completely beyond everyone's expectations.
Listening to the chatter, Hyūga Hiashi actively walked toward his son. Upon reaching Shinichi, he knelt down and enthusiastically embraced him, laughing happily:
"Worthy of being my son!"
"Worthy of being the future heir of the Hyūga Clan!"
As if afraid others wouldn't notice, Hiashi "naturally" spun a circle after picking up Shinichi, and only then did he carry Shinichi back to Sarutobi Hiruzen. After reluctantly setting his son down, Hiashi bowed slightly to Hiruzen and then asked softly:
"Third Hokage-sama, Shinichi, he should meet the Elders' requirements now, shouldn't he?"
At this moment, Namikaze Minato also returned with Kakashi. Hearing Hiashi's question, Minato glanced at the Elders, whose faces were slightly grim, and interjected:
"Of course, this child, Shinichi, naturally meets the requirements."
"Congratulations, Clan Head Hiashi, for having such an excellent son."
"The Hyūga Clan will surely remain strong under this child's leadership in the future."
Minato offered a subtle compliment, and his words made Hiashi beam with joy. If Minato had only praised and congratulated Hiashi himself, he wouldn't have been so swept away. It was because Minato's words perfectly aligned with his deepest desires that Hiashi's smile was utterly unrestrained.
As the Clan Head of the Hyūga, Hiashi's pressure had always been immense. His two greatest concerns were: first, having an excellent son, and second, ensuring the Hyūga Clan did not decline under his watch. It now appeared that he could accomplish both perfectly, which allowed Hiashi to relax his guard somewhat.
"No wonder the Hyūga Clan set their sights on that technique."
"It turns out the Main Family produced a genius like this! He has already mastered most of their secret arts at such a young age."
"I have no further objections."
Since Hyūga Shinichi defeated Kakashi, Shizura Danzō's gaze had not left Shinichi. The child's excellence had equally surprised him. However, Danzō did not harbor any strange ideas about Hyūga Shinichi as a result.
This was a child of the Hyūga Main Family. Given the Hyūga Clan's emphasis on bloodline inheritance, it would be extremely difficult for an outsider to influence the child's life. Bringing him into Root? Impossible. Danzō was one of Konoha's highest authorities, but even he could not afford to clash with the Hyūga over this.
If he couldn't stop it, he might as well go along with it. For Danzō, Shinichi's excellence would not affect his standing. The age gap was too large, and Shinichi's threat was far less than that of the master-disciple duo, Minato and Kakashi.
Although the current Danzō was still obsessed with the Hokage seat, his obsession was not as deep; after all, Namikaze Minato was a truly outstanding ninja, and even Danzō had to acknowledge his power.
"Everyone disperse! Get back to your duties, no need to crowd around!"
Under Sarutobi Hiruzen's deliberate instruction to disperse, the onlookers began to leave. It was foreseeable that with the result of Hyūga Shinichi's battle against Kakashi spreading, Shinichi's name would soon be known throughout the entire Village.
The ninja world was small. Hatake Kakashi was already Konoha's well-known genius Jōnin, and Hyūga Shinichi, having stepped over Kakashi, would be eagerly talked about by the busybodies in the Village.
...
The Elders, having witnessed Hyūga Shinichi's exceptional talent, also took their leave. Before departing, they naturally didn't forget to show their faces in front of Shinichi and say a few words of encouragement. Since he was an excellent junior of the Village, it was necessary for these "leaders" to put on a show.
Kakashi, who had suffered some injuries during the fight with Shinichi, was quickly taken to the Konoha Hospital with Minato's help. Only the two Hokage and the Hiashi father and son returned to the Hokage's office.
Then, after a slightly anxious wait by Hyūga Shinichi, Namikaze Minato activated a seal in the office and retrieved the Forbidden Scroll of Seals from a hidden compartment, handing it to Hyūga Shinichi.
"As per the agreement, Shinichi, you have one week to peruse this scroll."
"I will be here in this office every morning at 7:00 AM sharp, attending to my duties, until 6:00 PM, when I will leave."
"You may come and read the scroll at any time during this period."
"The Forbidden Scroll is not allowed to leave this office, and you are not allowed to copy its contents—you can only read."
"I know you are interested in the Flying Thunder God. Should you encounter any problems, you can ask me at any time, and I will answer them one by one."
"It doesn't matter even if you fail to master the Flying Thunder God Technique within one week."
"You have already proven your talent. If you wish, after this week, I can personally teach you this technique."
"I know a genius ninja like you wouldn't only be interested in the Flying Thunder God."
"However, I must tell you this in advance: the reason Forbidden Jutsu are forbidden is due to their risk and power."
"Do not attempt to practice techniques you don't fully understand. It will only harm yourself and others."
In the office, Minato advised Shinichi earnestly after handing over the scroll, his expression extremely serious, completely devoid of his usual gentleness.
Shinichi naturally understood Minato's meaning. He nodded solemnly, then couldn't wait to unroll the scroll.
It was at this moment that Hiashi gently placed a hand on Shinichi's shoulder, stood up, and said:
"Shinichi, I will head back for now. I will come back to pick you up in the evening!"
Hiashi was tactful, and this tact made both the Third and Fourth Hokage secretly relieved. If Hiashi had been less considerate, they would have had to ask him to leave, which could sour relations. This was perfect: the opponent was polite and respectful, and they were not put in an awkward position.
"Hiashi, don't worry."
"Minato has official duties to attend to, but I, the old man, have nothing urgent. I will help keep an eye on things."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and patted Hiashi's shoulder reassuringly as Hiashi prepared to leave.
These words... actually carried two meanings. Hiashi understood them, and the young Hyūga Shinichi understood them too.
As expected... The Third Hokage ultimately did not feel comfortable letting a child of Shinichi's age peruse the Forbidden Scroll alone. The purpose of his words was also to remind Shinichi that he would be watching which forbidden techniques Shinichi was reviewing.
However, Shinichi was not bothered by this. He didn't know exactly how many formidable forbidden techniques the Forbidden Scroll contained; his goal had always been clear.
After Hiashi left, Hyūga Shinichi, accompanied by Sarutobi Hiruzen, finally unrolled the scroll.
The first technique... Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu (Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu).Hmm... this is a good Ninjutsu. With my massive chakra reserves, I can use it well for training and combat! Note it down! Note it down!
...
Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei)?This technique is a bit cruel in its execution, and the version recorded in the scroll is not yet mature.
Mastering this technique would require extensive experimentation. Huh? Sarutobi Hiruzen is watching me... skip, skip! But just quickly jotting down the hand seal sequence should be fine. I heard that reversing the hand seals can break the Impure World Reincarnation? I hope I never have to use it...
...
Eight Gates (Hachimon Tonkō)?I didn't expect this technique to be recorded in the Forbidden Scroll. The ultimate Forbidden Jutsu for unlocking the body's major gates and releasing physical limits.
I wonder if using the Gentle Fist techniques could help me master this forbidden technique better? No, I'm still too young, and my body hasn't fully grown yet. I'll note it down first and try it once my body is fully developed.
Note it down! Note it down!
...
Throughout the entire day, Hyūga Shinichi, aside from joining the two Hokage-samas for lunch, spent the rest of the time on the sofa perusing the Forbidden Scroll of Seals, memorizing the few techniques he found useful.
In this whole day, he never once reached the Flying Thunder God Technique. Instead, his gaze was drawn to several other useful Forbidden Jutsu. Naturally, Sarutobi Hiruzen was present the entire time and knew exactly which Ninjutsu Hyūga Shinichi was focusing on.
Hiruzen said nothing about it, simply staying quietly by Shinichi's side, like a protective elder watching a child look at a picture book.
If you want to read more, join my Patreon/kazama677
120+ advanced chapters available