At the Hyuga estate, located in the heart of Konoha Village.
Because of the attacks elsewhere, the members of the Hyuga Clan stationed here had long since gone to provide support.
The already tranquil courtyard suddenly became even quieter.
Like a ghost, Hanabi Hyuga leaped down before the main gate. Before she could reach out and push it open, a figure silently appeared behind her.
Chakra wrapped around his right hand as he struck fiercely at Hanabi's back.
The sudden attack made Hanabi freeze for a moment before her nerves instantly tensed. Her body spun rapidly like a top.
"Eight Trigrams Rotation!"
Bang!
Fists and feet collided, and a dull impact echoed through the courtyard.
Hanabi Hyuga staggered back two steps and crashed into the tightly shut gate.
The figure who had launched the sneak attack was also forced back four or five steps before steadying himself.
"Dad, you're still the same, always attacking from behind." The tension on Hanabi Hyuga's pretty face eased at once. Looking at Hyuga Hiashi in combat gear, she paused. "Dad, are you planning to join the battle? Your body..."
As the next head of the family, Hanabi Hyuga knew very well about her elderly father's condition.
Especially that unusually weathered, pale hair—it told of how Hyuga Hiashi, who had not yet entered old age, was clearly suffering from some physical problem. This aged appearance was far from normal.
"Hanabi, you worry too much. Dad's still in great shape. Forget one black-clad attacker—even if a whole group came, I could take them on!" Hyuga Hiashi said with a smile, assuming a stance.
"Cough, cough!"
However, the recent clash had clearly taken its toll on him. After only two sentences, he began coughing violently.
"Dad, are you all right?" Hanabi Hyuga hurried forward and patted his