Riyue Became Famous

Nichigetsu could not care less about what the higher-ups thought. He was currently elated that he had shattered Kakashi's record of becoming a Chunin at age six. After all, the Hyuga clan's advantages during the Genin and Chunin stages were far too obvious. How could a Genin or Chunin without high-level ninjutsu possibly withstand the storm-like onslaught of Gentle Fist? A single Rotation was enough to leave a large crowd dumbfounded; even Naruto had only managed to defeat Neji by activating the "Nine-Tails Chakra cheat."

Nichigetsu called over his friends—Kushina and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio—to celebrate. Everyone already knew about him becoming a Chunin, so they gathered at his home for a feast.

Nichigetsu set up an open-air Teppanyaki party in his small courtyard. Faint wisps of smoke curled around the iron griddle, the constant sizzling of oil and meat filling the air with an intoxicating aroma. With practiced movements, Nichigetsu used a spatula to flip slices of meat, eggs, squid, and fresh vegetables on the hot plate. He had three Shadow Clones helping: one responsible for chopping vegetables, one for marinating the ingredients, and one standing by to assist with the stir-frying.

Choza, a lover of grilled meat, was naturally thrilled by the Teppanyaki, his appetite piqued. He ate until his mouth was slick with oil, nodding as he chewed and exclaiming that Teppanyaki and charcoal-grilled meat each had their own unique charms. He insisted he would have to eat this more often, already booking the next Teppanyaki session with Nichigetsu before he had even finished his first plate. Shikaku and Inoichi also enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Nichigetsu mused that Teppanyaki was clearly a hit, though it was a pity that Japanese-style Teppanyaki had yet to appear in the ninja world.

The Teppanyaki steak also delighted Inuzuka Tsume and her dog, Kuromaru. Nichigetsu had briefly considered frying up a couple of grasshoppers, but upon looking up and seeing the melancholic gaze of Aburame Shibi—which even his dark sunglasses couldn't hide—he decided to abandon the idea.

Kushina was genuinely happy that her good friend Nichigetsu had become a Chunin so quickly. She was the most energetic person at the table, teasing Nichigetsu while she ate, though she secretly resolved to work even harder herself.

At this moment, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi arrived, chatting with everyone. Nichigetsu let his Shadow Clones continue with the cooking while he joined the others to eat, sipping juice and enjoying the succulent, juicy meat with his friends.

Hiashi leaned in close and said to Nichigetsu, "Nichigetsu, Grandfather asked me to tell you that if you wish to learn the Gentle Fist, he will instruct you personally. You may also practice the main branch's secret techniques; Grandfather has decided to teach you everything he knows. The clan will focus on nurturing you, and from now on, you can train with my brother and me."

Nichigetsu smiled. "My thanks to the Clan Head. I will go, but I must first head to the front lines to receive instruction from Lady Tsunade, as that was the agreement made with the Hokage."

Hiashi looked slightly disappointed but nodded in acceptance; after all, Nichigetsu was already a disciple of one of the Sannin. Regardless, Nichigetsu remained a member of the Hyuga clan, and that would never change.

Hiashi produced a scroll and handed it to Nichigetsu. "These are some insights and experiences regarding the Gentle Fist. The Clan Head ordered me to give them to you, hoping they will be of help."

Nichigetsu took the scroll and tucked it away. "Thank you, Brother Hiashi."

Hizashi thought to himself, That scroll represents the lifeblood of our Hyuga clan, passed down through generations of the main branch. Without their permission, I hope you do not show it to others, Nichigetsu, and do not spread the secret techniques within it. These moves were never meant for the branch family. You must work hard, Nichigetsu. Do not let Father down.

Hizashi patted Nichigetsu on the shoulder and fired off a barrage of questions: "Nichigetsu, how do you train your Gentle Fist? Is there a special trick to it? Doesn't Gentle Fist acupuncture usually just seal the opponent's chakra points? Why do your strikes have such peculiar effects? And the points you strike are so unique. Also, how did you manage to severely injure Hyuga Hiroshi without using chakra? Can you really damage an opponent's chakra network just by the physical force of your fingertips? Oh, and it seems you can see through an opponent's movements in advance—what's that about?" Hiashi, standing nearby, pricked up his ears, eager to hear the secrets as well.

Nichigetsu gave a meaningful smile. Facing the rapid-fire questions, he leaned in and whispered mysteriously into Hizashi's ear, "Brother Hizashi, my Gentle Fist is self-created. I've added many unique ideas to it. The trick is—it's a secret!"

The Hyuga brothers were stunned on the spot. Nichigetsu laughed heartily, stood up, and went to get more juice with the others. As he left, he called back, "Some of my ideas are still in the experimental phase. The techniques are quite immature and not suitable for general use, lest everyone go down the wrong path. I'll tell you both later, Brother Hizashi!"

Hizashi smiled helplessly, and Hiashi shook his head. However, they knew that if Nichigetsu said he would tell them, he certainly would.

That night, Nichigetsu opened the scroll and saw that it contained not only various applications of the Gentle Fist and a wealth of insights and experience, but also... "[Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm]? [Eight Trigrams Palms: Rotation]? [Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms]?" Nichigetsu gasped in surprise.

"It seems these are the secret techniques the main branch doesn't share," Nichigetsu nodded. The contents were incredibly useful to him.

"My greatest weakness is long-range combat capability; I'll start by practicing the Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm. So, this is about gathering chakra in the palm and releasing it to create a shockwave..." Nichigetsu immediately began his training. These legendary techniques of the Hyuga clan were rare treasures.

"I will not bring shame to the Hyuga clan."

News always traveled fast. Nichigetsu's performance in the Chunin exams had made him famous. Within a single day, every ninja in Konoha Village knew that a five-year-old child from the Hyuga clan named Hyuga Nichigetsu had become a Chunin—the youngest in history.

Everyone was digging for information on Nichigetsu. Many knew some of the inside stories, such as how Nichigetsu had used a self-created technique to severely injure an elite Chunin, who would likely never be a ninja again. Others noted that he had only graduated from the academy a few months prior and had been taken on as a disciple by Lady Tsunade. Still others mentioned his love for grilled meat, causing the BBQ Q restaurant to enjoy a small surge in popularity.

The people of Konoha were all discussing the news.

"I heard one of the Sannin, Lady Tsunade, only took him as a disciple because she recognized his strength."

"That makes sense. A five-year-old Chunin—that's a genius among geniuses."

"The Hyuga clan has finally one-upped the Uchiha this time. The Uchiha haven't produced a genius like that."

"Now, whenever people from the Hyuga clan run into Uchiha, they walk with their heads held high."

"The Hyuga clan is going to focus on training him, right?"

"That's for sure, though he has to go see Lady Tsunade first."

"We need to train harder too. The younger generation is truly formidable."

"Indeed. I suspect that in ten years, Konoha will have another great figure like the Sannin."

Nichigetsu didn't care about what others were saying. He was currently walking down the street, wanting to buy himself a new outfit. His Chunin certification had been handed over, his file had been updated, and he had been issued the green Chunin tactical vest. He had taken his photo again, much to the photographer's bewildered gaze. He had even worn the vest and held his certificate for a full-body portrait to commemorate the occasion.

What frustrated Nichigetsu was that even the smallest size vest was too big for his five-year-old frame. Wearing it, he looked like he was carrying a giant turtle shell. Speechless, he had been forced to use the Transformation Technique to create a vest that fit for the photo. The staff at the Hokage's office promised to have a custom-made small vest for him, but it would take half a month.

Nichigetsu walked into a Konoha clothing store. The owner was kind and didn't look down on him for being a child. Since he was still growing, Nichigetsu didn't buy many clothes: just a black, high-collared long-sleeved jacket with the Hyuga clan's flame-style crest stitched onto the back, a pair of white trousers, some ninja pants, and a few tight-fitting training shirts.

Hand-tailored clothes were certainly of higher quality. Nichigetsu zipped up the black jacket; it fit snugly, and paired with the white trousers, it looked simple, elegant, and sharp. The white ninja shorts were also a good choice, and he wrapped bandages around his legs to prevent injury during exercise.

Nichigetsu also commissioned the owner to make a few sets of Hanfu. Since Hanfu was the ancestor of the kimono, the styles were similar, and the owner quickly understood the design. The owner agreed to make three sets and even expressed interest in making more for others to try.

Nichigetsu walked down the street in his new clothes, his ninja headband on his forehead. He had no intention of wearing that oversized green vest; he looked like a green turtle carrying a shell. Many passersby watched the five-year-old Chunin kid. Some were envious, some jealous, some admiring, and some indifferent. The members of the Uchiha Police Force, however, clearly looked at him with annoyance, as if Nichigetsu owed their family money.

"Sigh, the 'greatest in the universe' Uchiha," Nichigetsu muttered, ignoring their gazes and continuing his shopping.

"It's been a while since I've had dumplings. Time for some dumplings."

"Boss, give me ten dumplings!" Nichigetsu said to the vendor.

"Coming right up!" The vendor glanced at Nichigetsu, paused, and asked, "Little one, is your name Hyuga Nichigetsu?"

Nichigetsu nodded. "That's me."

The vendor asked excitedly, "You're the five-year-old Chunin, Lady Tsunade's disciple?"

"Uh... I suppose so." Nichigetsu scratched his head. How did news travel this fast?

"Here you go, ten dumplings. I'll give you a twenty percent discount," the vendor said with a smile.

"Thank you very much. Here is the money."

"Good luck, you're going to be a powerful ninja!" the shopkeeper said, raising his hand.

Riyue sat down to eat, while the people nearby watched him and whispered among themselves.

"That kid is the youngest Chunin, you know."

"Oh? He looks so young, quite the little heartthrob."

"Don't underestimate him; he's a formidable one, a disciple of Lady Tsunade."

At this moment, Riyue finally understood how Naruto and Sasuke felt. There was one downside to the people in the Hokage world: they were far too gossipy and loose-lipped. It would be one thing to just stare at someone, but they loved to talk behind your back, and they always made sure their voices carried right to your ears.

"That kid is a monster, he's the demon fox that attacked the village." "That's the genius of the Uchiha Clan. So handsome." "Wow, that's the orphan of the Uchiha Clan, how pitiful; his whole clan was wiped out by his brother." "Look, is that the hero who defeated Pain—Naruto? He's amazing!" "Wow! Look! That's Senior Naruto, the one who saved the ninja world. I'm going to go get his autograph and a photo!"...

Once you became famous, there would always be commoners in the Hokage world who would stare at you with curious eyes and gossip about you, buzzing around you like flies, completely indifferent to your feelings. They even insisted on saying it loud enough for you to hear, not even bothering to be properly discreet. It was just like the gossiping aunties and paparazzi from his past life.

"Sigh." Riyue let out a breath and muttered to himself, It seems fame isn't necessarily a good thing. Keep a low profile in life, high profile in work. Keep a low profile in life, high profile in work...