Hinata's Ninja Grades Were Less Than Ideal

After some pleasantries, Uchiha Itachi suddenly said, "Since Denji-kun has been taken as a disciple by Lady Tsunade and shares a bond of camaraderie with Sasuke, I would like to request that you train with Sasuke regularly."

"Do I really need to train with him?"

Uchiha Sasuke, wearing his hair in a topknot, spoke up with a hint of defiance.

Akimichi Denji pondered for a moment: "What could I possibly help Sasuke with?"

"Sasuke has begun learning ninjutsu. Although his learning speed will increase significantly once he awakens the Sharingan, his control over chakra is still somewhat lacking."

"I heard you used the Strength of a Hundred during your spar with Sasuke. I am aware of the chakra requirements for that technique, so Denji-kun's level of chakra control must be quite impressive. I spend most of my time training in the Anbu and have little time to guide Sasuke, so I make this request presumptuously—it is merely the selfish wish of an elder brother."

Akimichi Denji contemplated this, finding no real objection; offering some guidance wouldn't be much trouble.

Besides, if he could siphon off a bit of chakra using the Taotie Technique while helping Sasuke train, that wouldn't be going too far, would it?

"Furthermore, having you as a benchmark to strive for will surely give Sasuke more motivation," Uchiha Itachi added slowly.

"Who wants to use him as a benchmark?" Uchiha Sasuke muttered with some dissatisfaction.

Uchiha Itachi tapped Sasuke on his topknot, and Sasuke shut his mouth with a look of reluctance.

"Of course, there will be compensation provided afterward." Uchiha Itachi pulled a thick envelope from his robes.

It had to be said, this future Great Love Immortal Venerable of the Uchiha was not as extreme as he had imagined; when it came to his younger brother Sasuke, his every word and action was beyond reproach.

After a moment of reflection, Akimichi Denji nodded: "Sasuke is my friend, and helping a friend is the honor of the Akimichi clan."

He flashed a smile and accepted the envelope.

Uchiha Itachi nodded.

Both host and guest were satisfied.

He knew that Uchiha Itachi's request wasn't just about guidance; there was likely a consideration regarding his status as Tsunade's disciple.

For a dove like him, having the opportunity to get closer to the Hokage's faction offered significant benefits.

If Sasuke and the Hokage's disciple were friends who trained together, a little maneuvering might even improve the Uchiha clan's reputation.

Uchiha Itachi had the heart to emulate Kagami Uchiha and deepen his ties with the Hokage. Even if he wasn't the Hokage's direct disciple, establishing a connection with the Hokage's faction was an excellent move.

At the very least...

Uchiha Itachi's gaze turned complex.

When that day finally arrived, at least Sasuke might be spared from the catastrophe.

Ding! Uchiha Itachi's wish [This is a small step for Sasuke, but a giant leap for the Uchiha] has been completed. Wish Point +1.

Akimichi Denji looked at the panel and smiled even more warmly.

Of course, Uchiha Sasuke knew nothing of this; he only secretly vowed to master ninjutsu as soon as possible to surpass Akimichi Denji and slap the faces of everyone who looked down on him.

He would make everyone who had ever looked down on him look up in awe.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Akimichi Denji opened it to find Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hinata standing there.

Akimichi Denji sized up the man before him; this was his first time meeting Hyuga Hiashi.

The head of the Hyuga clan was dressed somewhat conservatively, his expression rigid.

Hyuga Hinata followed behind him, carrying a bag of gifts, looking timid and withdrawn.

"You must be the student Akimichi Denji!" Hyuga Hiashi recognized the boy.

In an Akimichi clan district where everyone had a Ryoko-like build, Akimichi Denji was very easy to identify: a lean, slender boy with short red hair.

"Hello," Akimichi Denji greeted him politely.

"I am the head of the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hiashi," Hyuga Hiashi said, hesitating for a moment as if worried Akimichi Denji wouldn't know who he was.

He added, "And I am Hyuga Hinata's father."

"Clan Head Hyuga, hello!" Akimichi Denji invited them inside.

The initial "Clan Head Hyuga" seemed to please Hyuga Hiashi, who smiled with satisfaction.

As Hyuga Hiashi entered the room, he discovered there were already guests: Uchiha Itachi, the genius ninja of the Uchiha, and a small child he didn't recognize beside him.

This one's reputation in the village was significant; Hiashi even suspected his strength was nearing his own.

Had he been beaten to the punch? And by the Uchiha clan, no less.

The Uchiha and the Hyuga were often mentioned together in the village.

Both possessed top-tier Kekkei Genkai, which gave them a somewhat unique status in the village.

The Uchiha were viewed as a destructive force by the village due to a series of historical reasons and the Nine-Tails Incident.

The Hyuga, on the other hand, kept to themselves because their Byakugan was coveted by others, rarely interacting with the village except to provide Byakugan talent. Their relationship with the village was also quite distant.

This was the reason both families had come to offer their congratulations.

"Itachi-kun is here as well?" Hyuga Hiashi greeted him.

"Greetings, Clan Head Hyuga," Itachi replied. "Since Denji-kun has guests, we shall not intrude any further."

The objective for today had been achieved, so Uchiha Itachi pulled Uchiha Sasuke along and took his leave.

"I leave Sasuke in your care, Denji-kun."

"Is the Akimichi Clan Head not here today?" Hyuga Hiashi frowned.

"Father has yet to return."

Upon hearing this, Hyuga Hiashi said nothing more and simply nodded.

He glanced at the table; what was this?

Chakra metal? And that book there, was it a ninjutsu manual?

The Uchiha were going to such great lengths?!

Hyuga Hiashi looked at the gifts he had prepared—merely some ordinary Shuriken, ninja tools, monetary offerings, and expensive cuts of meat. Sending food to the Akimichi clan was a choice that could never go wrong.

He had originally thought his preparations were thorough, but now...

Hyuga Hiashi felt a bit embarrassed.

However, Hyuga Hinata had already handed her gift to Akimichi Denji.

"This is a gift my father prepared specifically after hearing that you were taken in as a disciple by Lady Tsunade. I hope you like it."

Akimichi Denji accepted it with a cheerful grin.

Hyuga Hiashi cleared his throat and said with a serious expression, "Just some small tokens. The Akimichi Clan Head and I have always been on good terms; if there is anything you like, Denji, you can tell me. I will arrange it."

Akimichi Denji replied politely, not taking it to heart, "It is enough that you were thoughtful, Clan Head Hyuga."

If he were to say he wanted to learn the Gentle Fist to expand his taijutsu repertoire, Hyuga Hiashi would likely kill him on the spot.

"Did Uchiha Itachi have any other requests for you just now?" Hyuga Hiashi voiced his confusion. "When he left, he said, 'I leave Sasuke in your care.'"

Akimichi Denji did not hide anything. "Itachi-kun thinks my strength is good and asked me to train Sasuke."

Once these words were spoken, they were said without intent, but heard with interest.

Hyuga Hinata, who had been keeping her head down, felt a stir in her heart.

To be guided by Denji.

Would that mean she could spend more time with him?

Without that girl from the Yamanaka clan getting in the way...

Thinking this, a blush crept across Hyuga Hinata's face.

The expression of the Hyuga ninja also shifted.

Even Uchiha Itachi had to entrust someone to Denji?

He cast a sidelong glance at Hyuga Hinata.

Hinata's ninja grades were far from ideal...

She was timid and hesitant whenever she had to strike during combat.

If possible, would it be feasible to ask Akimichi Denji, a peer of hers, to guide Hinata as well?

It would also help foster the relationship between the Hyuga, the Akimichi, and even the Hokage's faction.