Chapter 43: This is a Transaction
Not knowing how much time had passed, Hyuga Hinata sat quietly in her room's corner. Her eyes gradually became clear and resolute.
"I've already successfully changed the Hyuga clan's fate once. This time... I'll definitely succeed too."
She took a deep breath, preparing to close the notebook and put it away. Just then, new text suddenly appeared on the page.
[Detecting...]
[Life Simulator function upgrade complete. New function added—Simulation Rewards]
"Simulation rewards?"
Her gaze locked tightly on the page, afraid to miss a single word.
[Based on this simulation's comprehensive evaluation, the host may choose one reward from the following two options]
[Option One: Obtain all understanding of Gentle Fist that your simulated self possesses three years later]
[Option Two: Inherit the cultivation progress in Gentle Fist that your simulated self achieved three years later]
[Please choose carefully. Only one reward may be selected per simulation]
Hinata's breathing nearly stopped. So... the simulator not only revealed the future and provided possibilities for change, but could also grant her tangible power?
If this was true, then... changing the Hyuga clan's fate would...
Hinata wasn't stupid. She knew the more excellent her performance, the more likely she'd gain Father's support. The more she resembled a qualified main family heir, the more clan members would trust her.
And right now, this heaven-sent power was precisely the assistance she most needed.
These two options each had advantages and disadvantages.
The first option meant she could more quickly master techniques and essence—equivalent to compensating for talent shortcomings. But if her body's cultivation progress couldn't match this understanding, she'd feel powerless in actual combat.
Choosing the second would be equivalent to skipping the arduous cultivation process, directly reaching results. But knowledge learned by rote, though usable, was difficult to apply flexibly.
"What exactly... am I lacking?"
She recalled practicing day after day since memory began. Regardless of cold or heat, under Father's disappointed gaze, no matter how many times she fell, she'd struggle to rise.
"I think... I don't lack effort."
Hinata's fingertip pressed toward the first option.
Instantly, warmth surged from the page into her palm, flowing along both hands straight to her mind. After brief swelling pain receded, an indescribable clarity came rushing forth.
Hinata opened her eyes, feeling suddenly enlightened. "So that's where I went wrong sparring with Father today. If I improve it, I only need to..."
Gentle Fist is actually this simple?!
Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms can be used like this too?!
So this... is the world Neji sees!
Excitement gleamed in Hinata's eyes, but soon new text slowly appeared on the page, cooling her excitement.
[Important Notice: Life Simulator mechanism improved—simulation duration and cooldown time are positively correlated]
[This simulation duration: three years]
[Corresponding cooldown time: thirty days]
"One month?"
Hinata froze briefly before feeling relieved. If every simulation could grant such powerful strength, then a month's cooldown was understandable.
"I'm no longer my former self."
Hinata closed the notebook and put it away, taking out paper and pen to make a simple plan.
"When encountering problems, I can't just sit and wait for death. Just like Kiyonari taught me—first determine the goal... change the Hyuga clan's predetermined fate."
"Next is determining direction. Hmm... investigate the border's truth. Break the large goal into small goals, starting from accessible points. The border is Lady Tsunade's responsibility, so..."
"I still need to find Kiyonari."
...
On the other side, Hyuga Kiyonari opened his eyes, a satisfied smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.
"Finally... took the bait."
Actually, he'd wanted to add the reward function to Hinata's Life Simulator long ago but had been delayed due to insufficient correction points.
As for why?
Because in any world, accomplishing something required power.
Ideals were beautiful, plans were thorough, but without sufficient power to execute them, everything was castles in the air.
For Hinata, power wasn't merely capital for battle—it was a catalyst for her heart, confidence for action.
A child denied and ignored since childhood needed not others' encouragement but achievements she could actually show. Only when she truly became strong, truly gained recognition, would those inferiorities and doubts in her heart gradually dissipate.
Moreover, Kiyonari knew clearly that if he wanted to continue hiding backstage, merely talking wasn't enough.
He could provide Hinata direction, help her avoid mistakes, let her see future possibilities. But the one truly standing on the front stage, truly facing those challenges—that would always be Hinata herself.
Rather than making Hinata a puppet who only acted according to his instructions, better to truly cultivate her, let her possess the ability to stand independently.
Only when she truly became powerful, when she had sufficient confidence and conviction, could she become the key figure changing the Hyuga clan—even changing the entire shinobi world.
And he only needed to push at critical moments, point toward a clear path. That was enough.
Though this road would be extremely difficult, Hinata would also harvest a brand-new self through this script.
She would become the person she wanted to be.
This was Hyuga Kiyonari's promise to her. And behind the stage curtain, he would also harvest the self he wanted to become.
This was a fair transaction.
"Next, let's see your performance."
Hinata...
Kiyonari closed the system interface, lying back on the bed, closing his eyes in the night.
The next morning, he was awakened by a pleasant, crisp bell sound.
When he opened his eyes, his head felt somewhat groggy. He turned over, squinting toward the window. Dawn had just broken. The sun was just peeking over the horizon. The entire Konoha Village was still shrouded in morning mist.
This early? Who would come at this time? Hinata?
Kiyonari yawned, casually grabbing clothes from the bedside to put on, walking barefoot to the washroom.
The instant cold water splashed on his face, drowsiness scattered by half. After simple tidying, the person in the mirror immediately looked much neater.
Kiyonari walked toward the door. He pulled it open. The person standing outside made him slightly freeze.
It was Hyuga Hinata.
But... she wore a light purple hoodie. Her fair face looked especially clear and bright in the morning light. Most eye-catching was the smile on her face—bright, radiant, carrying a relaxed feeling as if victory was assured.
"Kiyonari, good morning."
Hinata's voice was gentle, carrying more vitality than usual.
"Good morning, Hinata."
Kiyonari responded, his mind rapidly thinking.
He'd envisioned seeing various versions of Hinata—nervous, sad, or immediately seeking his help upon meeting... But regardless, he'd never imagined this scene.
No way—my script!
Hinata lifted her head. That face usually prone to shy blushing now appeared extraordinarily composed.
"Can you take a walk with me?"