Anyone Can Rub It, Except You, Hiashi

At the Hyuga clan leader's mansion,

Inside the dojo built specifically for training, Hyuga Tenyo, the former head of the Hyuga Clan, sat cross-legged as he watched his two eldest grandsons spar in their monthly evaluation.

In the arena, the current clan head, Hyuga Hiten, nodded expressionlessly at his two sons.

"Hiashi, Hizashi, come at me together."

"Yes, Father." *2

The brothers looked at their stern father with slight apprehension. In perfect sync, they reached toward their lower backs, their tense little faces carrying a barely noticeable hint of excitement.

"Hmm?"

Seeing that movement, Hyuga Hiten frowned slightly.

The Hyuga Clan was renowned for its Gentle Fist. The brothers' usual instruction focused mostly on this secret clan art; becoming obsessed with other unorthodox techniques would only tarnish the Hyuga's orthodoxy.

"You two—"

"Hiten."

"Father?"

Turning to look at his father, who had interrupted his reprimand, Hyuga Hiten's cold face showed a faint trace of confusion.

"Since it's a spar, don't be so bound by form."

Hyuga Tenyo stroked his snowy white goatee, looking quite interested.

In past spars, these two boys had always followed every move to the letter. There wasn't an ounce of their own will in their techniques, as though they were merely tools made to punch.

But this time was different. For the first time, he saw fighting spirit on his two grandsons' faces.

There wasn't much of it, but it was precious nonetheless.

"Understood."

Since his father had spoken, Hyuga Hiten naturally obeyed. He then nodded at the brothers across from him.

"Whatever moves you have, use them freely. But let me warn you in advance: all attacks are futile before the Gentle Fist."

As he spoke, he raised a hand into the classic opening stance of the Gentle Fist. Facing two young children, there wasn't