Chapter 81: Hinata's Grueling Training Journey Begins - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

Chapter 81: Hinata's Grueling Training Journey Begins "Uh... so..." Hinata scratched her head, finally deciding to speak the truth: "Father, have you ever seen this move?" As she spoke, Hinata stuck out her little tongue and made a circle with it. Hiashi Hyuga: "..." With a sincere and serious expression, yet in a somewhat urgent tone, Hinata said, "I’m telling you, that person is incredibly strong. His aura alone is several times more intimidating than both Zabuza and Kakashi. If I hadn’t run quickly enough at the time, I’d have been dead for sure!" Hiashi Hyuga exchanged a glance with the Elder, then said to Hinata, "I think I know who you're referring to. You did well!" The Elder also praised, "Keen insight and an instinctive sense of danger are indispensable qualities for becoming an outstanding ninja." Hinata blushed slightly. "You're both praising me so much, I'm getting embarrassed!" "Ahem!" The Elder cleared his throat, saying calmly, "There’s only one month left until the third test, where distinguished guests from all nations will be watching. Hinata, as the heir of the Hyuga main family, you must perform well and take the top spot in the Chunin Exams." Hinata showed a trace of difficulty and said tentatively, "But... with my current skills, even without extensive training, they aren’t my match! I think maybe... maybe I can skip the training?" Hiashi Hyuga's expression hardened, replying sternly, "You absolutely must not slack off this time. Either the Elder or I will be supervising your training." That was really something Hinata couldn't get out of. With her first plan thwarted, Hinata concocted another idea: "But, I also wanted to create a new special move within this month!" Hiashi replied, "With your talent, I believe you can succeed." Hinata was about to show a hint of joy, but then heard Hiashi continue, "However, creating a new technique isn’t something accomplished overnight. You can ponder it slowly alongside your training." Hinata took a deep breath and said, "I..." Hiashi interrupted, "I know your little thoughts, but in this month, there will be no leniency." Hinata asked tentatively, "Only this month?" "...." ‘Slap! Slap! Slap...’ Realizing resistance was futile, Hinata resignedly began training with Hiashi. Hiashi, aware of Hinata's potential, also sparred with her using the full capability of his Gentle Fist style. Though Hinata was pushed into a disadvantage, she showed no sign of defeat. Hinata had already mastered most of the main family’s Gentle Fist techniques; the remaining ones were optional. Training in the Gentle Fist is a process of starting from the simple, becoming complicated, and then returning to simplicity. At the level Hinata and Hiashi had reached, aside from powerful secret techniques, continuous practice of the basic Gentle Fist and training from the fundamental essence of chakra was the path to improvement. Hinata had speculated before that to evolve the Byakugan, natural talent alone was not enough; relentless training was also necessary. Perhaps many Hyuga ninjas in history, upon reaching Hiashi's or a Kage level, found their progress stalled or halted, and thus abandoned further training, maintaining their existing level of power. This is why, over the centuries, no one in the Hyuga clan had been able to advance the Byakugan further. The sparring between Hinata and Hiashi was not only a profound study of the Gentle Fist but during the duel, both activated their Byakugan. The faster their sparring speed, the more effectively it honed the Byakugan. The evolution of the Byakugan was unlike the Sharingan, which had distinct levels such as one tomoe, two tomoe, and three tomoe. At the beginning, activating the Byakugan only required gathering enough chakra. With power increasing, the Byakugan could see farther, more clearly, and consumed more chakra. But ultimately, it would still hit a limit. Once the Byakugan’s limit was reached, what it needed was a transformation from the very essence of chakra. And this transformation, for Hyuga ninjas, required relentless practice of the Gentle Fist. Neither Hinata nor Hiashi used the Gentle Fist’s secret techniques, only engaged in battle with the most basic moves. Seeing his daughter’s growth, Hiashi was genuinely gratified. Time flew by so quickly; just a few years ago, Hinata didn't even reach Hiashi's waist. When training began, Hinata was not yet five years old and could barely reach Hiashi’s thigh with a strike. In the blink of an eye, Hinata could now spar with Hiashi and remain undefeated. Moments later, Hiashi pushed Hinata back gently and said, "Alright, take a break now, reflect on what you learned from the fight, then continue training!" Hinata sneaked a glance at Hiashi and, noticing something, said enthusiastically, "It's okay, Father, I’m not tired at all. Let’s keep training!" With that, Hinata launched another move, leaving Hiashi no choice but to defend. Though it was rare for his daughter to be eager to train, Hiashi should have felt reassured. But if her eagerness was driven by a desire to pummel her father, all Hiashi felt was a sense of helplessness and fatigue. Hiashi was also startled to find that Hinata’s chakra reserves were enormous. A little over a year ago, they were only slightly more than his, but now they exceeded his by several folds. The Hyuga clan already had chakra reserves far greater than ordinary ninjas, yet Hinata’s surpassed even them. “What exactly is going on?” Chakra is the foundation for ninjas. Those with high chakra reserves aren't necessarily strong, but strong individuals invariably have high chakra reserves. Hiashi recalled oddities about Hinata. Apart from her personality, Hinata's appetite was far greater than others... Hiashi was from the same era as Minato Namikaze and naturally had met his wife, Kushina Uzumaki. The Uzumaki clan, known for longevity and expertise in sealing techniques, had a defining trait: extraordinarily large chakra reserves. Hiashi analyzed thoroughly: chakra was a combination of spiritual and physical energy, and both Kushina Uzumaki’s and Naruto Uzumaki’s personalities... Was it possible that peculiar personalities lead to higher chakra reserves? That seemed somewhat plausible! Moreover, with such a huge appetite, where did all that food go for Hinata? Enhancing the body through eating and... uhm, strengthening mental energy with unusual thought patterns—was this the real reason behind Hinata’s immense chakra reserves? Hiashi pondered, “Should I try this for myself?” Imagining himself doodling recklessly on the Hokage Monument like Naruto or devouring food like Hinata... Hiashi shuddered, deciding he’d rather not become strong if it meant being like them! Hinata seized an opening and struck towards Hiashi's abdomen. Seeing that he wouldn't be able to defend in time, Hinata pulled back her chakra, only using the strength of her arm to push Hiashi back. Sigh! After all, he was her biological father—attacking the kidneys didn’t seem quite right! All for the sake of my mom!