Hinata's Training

"Hinata, what I'm going to teach you today is very simple: tree climbing!" Uchiha Ao led Hinata to a large tree, patted its thick trunk, and turned to the nervous and shy girl beside him.

Hyuga Hinata, standing to the side, couldn't help but wonder if there was something wrong with her ears.

Tree climbing? Did that really require special practice? she muttered to herself.

Yet, she soon sighed silently in her heart. Oh well, if it's tree climbing, so be it. Since Ao-kun saved me, surely everything he says must have its reasons.

Seeing the rich variety of expressions flickering across Hinata's small face, Uchiha Ao couldn't help but chuckle.

He knew perfectly well what was going on inside the little one's head.

He spoke in a gentle voice, "Hinata, the tree climbing I'm talking about isn't the kind where you use your hands and feet like you're used to seeing. It's like this."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Uchiha Ao began channeling a steady stream of chakra into the soles of his feet. He then slowly lifted his foot and planted it firmly against the trunk.

His movements were fluid and natural. Without relying on any other support, he began to walk straight up, each step incredibly steady, as if he were walking on flat ground rather than a vertical tree trunk.

Chakra acted like invisible yet tenacious glue, binding his soles tightly to the rough bark.

Below, Hyuga Hinata's small mouth parted slightly, and she let out a soft "Ah" of surprise. The nervousness and shyness on her face were instantly replaced by curiosity and awe.

Hyuga Hinata lived a sheltered life and spent most of her time at home.

Although her father would send people to guide her training, they mostly taught her the basics of the Hyuga clan's taijutsu. They rarely mentioned special techniques involving chakra manipulation like this.

Therefore, the scene before her was filled with novelty and shock.

In the blink of an eye, Uchiha Ao was standing on a thick branch.

Then, with a flash, he leaped down from the tree with grace, landing steadily in front of Hinata. "Hinata, now try it yourself, following the method I just showed you," he said patiently.

Hinata took a deep breath, trying hard to calm her nerves. She mimicked Uchiha Ao, slowly closing her eyes to focus her mind. She carefully channeled the chakra within her, guiding it to gather at the soles of her feet.

When she finally felt the faint warmth of chakra flowing into her feet, she opened her eyes. With a hint of trepidation, she cautiously lifted her foot and attempted to step onto the trunk.

However, the moment her foot touched the bark, her body swayed uncontrollably. Panicked, she reached out to grab the trunk, her face flushing bright red as tiny beads of sweat instantly broke out on her forehead.

"Don't be nervous, Hinata. Relax your body and try to feel the chakra adhering to the tree," Uchiha Ao coached softly from the side.

Hiashi Hyuga had always subjected Hinata to high-pressure education. No matter how much effort she put in or how much she improved, she was met only with her father's harsh scrutiny and higher demands. From childhood to now, no one had ever encouraged her with such gentleness and patience.

What he needed to do was provide Hinata with more encouragement at the right moments, helping her gradually build self-confidence and unearth the immense energy hidden within her.

Hearing Ao's gentle encouragement, Hinata took a deep breath and forced herself to steady her mind, repeatedly recalling Uchiha Ao's movements and his way of utilizing chakra.

She tried moving her feet again. This time, although still slow, it was much steadier than before. One step, two steps—Hinata gritted her teeth and climbed several steps upward.

"Hinata, you're doing great! Keep it up and focus on your chakra control," Uchiha Ao's voice came at just the right moment, acting like a shot of adrenaline for her.

Hinata gritted her teeth and adjusted her chakra output again, trying to stand more firmly.

She slowly inched upward, but just then, the chakra at the soles of her feet became erratic. She instantly lost her balance and began to fall straight down.

Just as Hinata thought she was about to land in a heap, Uchiha Ao moved with lightning speed, stepping forward to catch her firmly.

Hinata patted her chest, still shaken, her face full of self-reproach. "I'm sorry, Ao-kun. I... I'm still not good enough."

"It's alright, Hinata," Uchiha Ao said with a gentle smile as he set her down. "This was only your first attempt; failure is perfectly normal. Let's try again. I believe you can do it."

Encouraged by Uchiha Ao, Hinata regained her resolve.

After a hard afternoon of practice, sweat had long since soaked through her clothes, which now clung tightly to her body.

Her arms and knees were scraped and bleeding from repeated falls, but she didn't feel the pain at all.

Because she had finally succeeded in climbing higher than before, Hinata hugged the tree trunk tightly, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Hinata, you did a great job." Uchiha Ao offered his affirmation at the right time.

Hearing Uchiha Ao's words, Hyuga Hinata's eyes turned slightly red, and a warm current surged through her heart. This simple praise was incredibly precious to her.

She had grown up under her father's stern gaze; no matter how hard she tried, she received only criticism and reprimands. Deep down, she had a desperate longing to be acknowledged.

At this moment, Uchiha Ao's affirmation was like the warm sun in winter, dispelling the long-standing gloom in her heart.

"Ao-kun, what should we practice next?" Hyuga Hinata now felt a sense of anticipation for the training.

In the past, she had always thought about how to avoid it.

Uchiha Ao looked at the change in Hinata's eyes, his heart filled with satisfaction.

He smiled and said, "No rush. It's getting dark, so let's continue the training tomorrow. Besides, after training for so long, you must be starving, Hinata."

As if in response to his words, Hinata's stomach let out a timely growl.

A flash of embarrassment crossed Hinata's face, and her cheeks turned bright red instantly.

She lowered her head in shame, subconsciously covering her stomach with her hands, as if that could make the awkward sound disappear.

Uchiha Ao laughed heartily. "Let's go, Hinata, I'll take you to eat." With that, he gently patted Hinata's head and led her toward the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

Soon, they arrived at the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

Uncle Ichiraku, the owner, greeted them warmly with a simple, honest smile. "Welcome! What would you two young guests like to have?"

Uchiha Ao smiled in response. "Uncle Ichiraku, I'll have a bowl of the signature soy sauce ramen. What about you, Hinata?"

Hinata looked at the menu shyly, her slender fingers tracing over it. After a moment of hesitation, she whispered, "I... I would like the tonkotsu ramen, and an order of pan-fried dumplings."

Uncle Ichiraku responded with a hearty laugh, and before he could even turn to head into the kitchen, Uchiha Ao quickly added, "Uncle Ichiraku, make it ten more bowls of Miso Egg Bamboo Shoot Ramen!"

Uncle Ichiraku raised an eyebrow in surprise, his eyes filled with astonishment. "That many?"

"Uncle Ichiraku, I'm a ninja, and ninjas are generally big eaters," Uchiha Ao explained with a smile.

Hearing this, Uncle Ichiraku burst into a hearty laugh. "Haha, is that so? Alright then, just wait a moment; I guarantee you'll be satisfied!" With that, he turned nimbly and headed into the kitchen to get to work.

While they waited, Hinata looked at Uchiha Ao with a puzzled expression. "Ao-kun, will you be able to finish all that?" Uchiha Ao offered a mysterious smile. "Don't worry, you'll see in a moment."