Returning to the Clan

Time flew by, and several days later, the two were still diligently training in front of the waterfall.

There was little left that Namikaze Minato could teach him about ninjutsu. He only had to show him a scroll containing a technique, and before long, he could nearly perform it himself.

The remaining challenge was learning how to combine different types of chakra and seeing whether that could awaken a Kekkei Genkai. Progress on this front was slow; so far, they still hadn't found the key.

Ultimately, combination ninjutsu merely combined two complementary nature transformations to increase a technique's power. Trying to use it to touch the threshold of a Kekkei Genkai was simply too difficult.

As for the Flying Thunder God Formula, it gave them an even bigger headache. Despite several days of painstaking study, they had only grasped a little of its theory.

And that was merely the tip of the iceberg when it came to the contents of the scroll.

However, whenever Hyuga Shinichi and Namikaze Minato finished studying the instructions in the scroll, Minato would suddenly turn it over, as though struck by a thought, and search for notes about the development of the Flying Thunder God Formula.

He would then wear an enlightened expression, clearly having grasped something important.

Shinichi still had no idea what Minato had understood. When he asked what he'd discovered, Minato said he wasn't sure how to explain it either, and that he might understand once he'd finished researching the Flying Thunder God Formula.

Shinichi couldn't help thinking that Minato really did have remarkable talent—perhaps even greater than his own.

By comparison, he owed his reputation as a "genius" to little more than the mature mind he'd gained from being reincarnated, his nearly flawless Byakugan, his vast reserves of Wind Release chakra, and his diligent training.

Countless people in this world trained desperately, hoping to surpass themselves and reach the pinnacle.

Yet only a handful ever achieved anything significant through their efforts.

He studied the Flying Thunder God Formula scroll with Minato for a while, but even after a long time, he still hadn't gained much insight.

So Shinichi decided to get up and practice his swordsmanship. After all, even while teaching Minato, he couldn't neglect his own training.

With a few light leaps, he reached the top of the waterfall. Chakra gathered beneath his feet, allowing him to stand firmly on the water's surface amid the rushing current.

Upstream from the waterfall, the water raced by with tremendous force, making it an ideal place to hone his control over chakra.

He lightly drew the Listen-to-Wind Sword from his back, then began practicing the Taiji Sword.

This method of training demanded precise chakra control beneath his feet so he could remain in place without being swept away. He also had to focus completely on every sword form, paying attention to details such as how each part of his body generated force.

When Shinichi practiced the Taiji Sword, he relaxed his whole body and paid close attention to rhythm. He moved slowly when the form called for slowness and quickly when it called for speed. The same went for the force behind his movements.

The rushing water surged like a wild horse, but the violent current didn't disturb Shinichi in the slightest.

When the waves rose, his whole body rose with them. Even when he balanced on one foot, the water never threw him off balance.

Before long, Shinichi finished the sword routine, lowered his sword, and turned to look at Minato on the bank.

He'd noticed Minato quietly watching him from the shore partway through his practice, but he hadn't let himself get distracted. He'd remained fully focused on his training.

Now that he'd finished his practice, he walked slowly across the rushing water. Near the bank, he leaped ashore and landed steadily beside Minato.

"What's up, Minato? Have you made any progress?"

Shinichi asked, a hint of concern in his eyes.

Minato smiled faintly and replied,

"Nothing. I just wanted to watch you practice, Zhenyi."

Shinichi had once tried to teach Minato swordsmanship, but Minato didn't seem to have much talent for it.

After giving it a try, Minato realized he was better suited to using short weapons like kunai.

So Shinichi stopped pushing him and switched to teaching him some close-combat techniques he could use when fighting with a kunai.

Even so, Minato remained deeply interested in swordsmanship. Whenever Shinichi practiced, Minato would watch quietly.

Afterward, he would say he'd learned a lot from it. Perhaps it was Minato's constant desire to learn that had helped him grow and improve.

Shinichi sat on a log by the riverbank to rest. Seeing Minato still studying the Flying Thunder God Formula nearby, he wondered if he'd forgotten something.

Oh, right! He'd promised Hiashi and Hizashi he'd visit the Hyuga Clan compound. He'd been so busy helping Minato train lately that he'd forgotten.

"Minato, will you be all right training here on your own?"

"Hm? Yeah, I'll be fine. Is something up, Zhenyi?"

"Actually, yes. Do you remember the two Hyuga Clan brothers we met when we went to the bathhouse and soaked in the hot springs?"

"Yeah, I remember. I just recalled—they said you should come back to the compound for a visit, right?"

Shinichi nodded. Seeing this, Minato smiled and said,

"Don't worry about me, Zhenyi. I'm studying the Flying Thunder God Formula now, so you don't need to stay and watch over me."

"All right. We've been training for so many days, so you should take a break too, Minato. Let's rest for two days and start training again the afternoon after tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good."

After making plans with Minato, Shinichi set off for the Hyuga Clan compound. Minato, meanwhile, packed up the Flying Thunder God Formula scroll and prepared to head home.

After a long journey, Shinichi finally reached his destination: the Hyuga Clan compound.

Standing at the entrance, he looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar scene before him. Inside the outer walls, the clan members went about their busy lives in an orderly fashion. They helped and supported one another, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

"Phew, it's been a long time since I last came back..."

Shinichi murmured, his eyes filled with affection for his clan.

The Hyuga guards at the gate recognized him and smiled as they let him in. He passed quite a few clan members along the way, and they all greeted him warmly.

Shinichi nodded to them in return, feeling a deep warmth in his heart.

Just then, a child's voice rang out.

"Is that you, Big Brother Shinichi?"

He turned and saw a little girl who looked just over three. She rested her right index finger against her chin and tilted her head as she looked at him. When she realized that he was the person she'd called out to, she squealed with excitement.

"Ah! Ah! Ah! It's Big Brother Shinichi!"

She ran straight toward him. Shinichi crouched to catch her, then stood and lifted her high above his head, making her giggle with delight.

After lifting her up and down a few times, he gathered her in his arms and asked with a smile,

"Kaede, did you miss me?"