Byakugan Purity

Although Naruto Uzumaki acted as if he didn't care at all, the look in Hinata's eyes shifted slightly.

In that moment, Hinata understood a great deal, realizing how difficult things had been for Naruto Uzumaki.

Her gaze toward Naruto Uzumaki was filled with heartache.

Naruto Uzumaki felt completely uncomfortable under her stare.

"Alright, aren't you here with me? Compared to that guy just now, I'm much luckier. If you keep looking at me like that, I'll have to punish you."

Naruto Uzumaki was speechless. As he spoke, he gave Hinata's little nose a playful flick.

In the middle of the public street, Hinata blushed instantly.

Her aura of pity and affection vanished in a flash.

Naruto Uzumaki breathed a sigh of relief.

The two arrived at Ichiraku Ramen.

They ordered several bowls of ramen. Seeing Naruto Uzumaki arrive, Uncle Ichiraku was quite enthusiastic, adding extra portions to every bowl.

After finishing their meal and thanking Uncle Ichiraku for his hospitality, Naruto Uzumaki led Hinata to his home.

Although Hinata didn't say anything, as this was her first mission outside the village and she felt her performance had been lackluster, she naturally wasn't in the best of spirits.

Naruto Uzumaki could sense this, so he helplessly prepared to teach Hinata a few things, taking the opportunity to reveal some information so she could be prepared in advance.

Before, they were too young, and it wouldn't have been appropriate to do anything.

Now that they were twelve, they were considered adults in the Ninja World with mature minds, so some things could finally be disclosed.

Things like his eyes, and other matters.

Meanwhile, Kakashi had finished submitting his mission report and was meeting with the Hokage.

"How is it? Do you feel those three kids are ready to participate in the Chunin Exams?"

Tsunade asked.

"Although they are still green, their strength is sufficient." Kakashi nodded.

He was quite satisfied with the strength of the three, and while they lacked some combat experience, that didn't matter; it could be accumulated slowly.

"I've read the report on this mission. Isn't Naruto Uzumaki's strength a bit too overwhelming?"

Tsunade's focus on Naruto Uzumaki was no secret; people like Kakashi understood exactly what that meant.

"Yes, his strength exceeded my expectations."

As Kakashi said this, he thought of Naruto Uzumaki's mastery of the Flying Thunder God, which already possessed three-tenths of his teacher's skill.

Tsunade frowned. She didn't know how many times she had reviewed Naruto Uzumaki's file.

It was incredibly simple—suspiciously simple.

Yet, Naruto Uzumaki's strength was unexpectedly formidable, and this power was completely unreasonable.

There were two known opportunities, or perhaps one: the Third Hokage had severely damaged the Nine-Tails' soul, which led to Naruto Uzumaki gaining the Nine-Tails' chakra, as well as the memories of the Fourth and his wife.

He had learned the Sealing Jutsu and the Flying Thunder God.

But what remained puzzling was how, without anyone to teach him, Naruto Uzumaki's strength had grown to such an exaggerated degree.

Tsunade and the others didn't exactly harbor suspicions, but they were concerned.

A child holding a gun could easily lose their way and head down a crooked path.

Coupled with the fact that Naruto Uzumaki's history showed he had been quite withdrawn since childhood, it was even more worrying.

If not for the bond he shared with Hinata, Tsunade and the others would have been even more anxious.

Although Tsunade detested her teacher's style, she had to admit that the brainwashing of the Will of Fire was truly effective; this could be seen in the cases of Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha.

"Rest assured, Lady Hokage, the boy Naruto Uzumaki does not lack a kind heart."

Thinking of how Naruto Uzumaki had stepped forward to help Kazahana Koyuki during this mission, it was clear that his heart wasn't truly cold. This was why Kakashi trusted him.

With Hinata by his side, the boy wouldn't stray from the right path.

"Hmm. As his teacher, you must keep a close watch on him."

Tsunade couldn't help but urge him.

The next day, Kakashi delivered the registration forms, explicitly stating that the three of them must participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams.

None of the three objected; they signed up and waited for the exams to begin.

In the following days, the genin ceased their missions and began preparing for the Chunin Exams.

Naruto Uzumaki spent these days teaching Hinata.

In the backyard of Naruto Uzumaki's home, he had set up numerous Sealing Jutsu and barriers.

"With your current strength, you are actually well-equipped, but what you need to do now is build a solid foundation."

Before starting, Naruto Uzumaki didn't teach her techniques, but instead began to explain the fundamentals to Hinata.

The physical body is the foundation of everything. Originally, the plan was to use the chakra of the Nine-Tails to strengthen Hinata's body, and once she grew up, to then focus on her chakra. Whether it was merging with the chakra of others or seizing ocular powers from the heavens, it would allow Hinata's strength to undergo a qualitative change in an instant.

However, Hinata's confidence had been dealt a blow during this mission. The young girl already lacked self-assurance, and if she were to be discouraged further, her personality might revert to how it once was.

Therefore, Naruto Uzumaki had no choice but to forcibly boost her strength.

"I don't want to be a burden."

Hinata stared straight at Naruto Uzumaki.

Her gaze was filled with determination and persistence.

Within their team, Naruto Uzumaki relied on his own immense power, while Sasuke had the Uchiha Clan as his backing and currently possessed decent strength as well.

Only Hinata, whose natural talent was not particularly high to begin with, had also abandoned the Eight Trigrams Palms of the Hyuga Clan because of Naruto Uzumaki.

Seeing both of them making progress while she remained stagnant, how could Hinata not be worried?

Although Naruto Uzumaki didn't quite understand, since she wanted it, he would give it to her. Increasing her combat power in the short term would not affect his original plans.

"Your current offensive methods are already quite strong. There are two ways to increase your combat power in a short period."

"The first is to start with your eyes, and the second is to start with your chakra."

Naruto Uzumaki provided two answers.

Hinata, mostly ignorant of these matters, looked at Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto Uzumaki fell into deep thought.

After considering it, he decided to start with her eyes.

"I don't know if you've heard of the abilities of the Sharingan, but I will tell you about them today."

"After the Uchiha Clan awakens their eyes, they are divided into One-Tomoe, Two-Tomoe, and Three-Tomoe Sharingan."

At this stage, the Sharingan has not yet undergone a qualitative change; although powerful, it is still inferior to the Byakugan by comparison.

Hinata nodded subconsciously. During this period, the Byakugan held the advantage in basic abilities.

"Next is the qualitatively changed Mangekyo Sharingan. Its abilities are not only more powerful, but it also forms special ocular techniques."

Naruto Uzumaki explained, and Hinata nodded. She knew about the former, but as for the latter, the Mangekyo Sharingan, she had only heard of it.

After all, no one would ever talk to her about it.

Yet, Naruto Uzumaki's understanding of the Sharingan was at least far superior to everyone else in Konoha.

Subsequently, Naruto Uzumaki explained the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan in detail, even listing the existing Mangekyo and their respective abilities one by one.

As for why Naruto Uzumaki knew so much, Hinata did not ask, and Naruto Uzumaki did not explain.

Hinata had known for a long time that Naruto Uzumaki had secrets.

"The method to upgrade the Sharingan is through mental stimulation."

Naruto Uzumaki said this and looked at Hinata.

"If the Byakugan wants to evolve further, it can only increase its purity."

Although the Hyuga Clan knew that the purity of the Byakugan was related to its power, purity was something innate. As for improving it after birth, no one had ever considered it because there was no way to start.

However, for Naruto Uzumaki, this was very simple—or rather, for the Twin Palms, it was very simple.