An Invitation from a Classmate

"Is that boy Dongyi alright? I heard he was injured by someone from the Uchiha clan."

As the routine meeting concluded, Hyuga Hiashi immediately asked.

"He's fine, just some superficial wounds. Still, the Uchiha are truly going too far; an adult actually laying hands on a small child."

Hyuga Kamen was filled with indignation regarding the matter.

"Have you clarified the cause of the incident?"

Hyuga Kamen then recounted the entire sequence of events to Hyuga Hiashi.

"The Uchiha are truly overbearing. Clan Leader, we must demand an explanation from them. The Hyuga are not to be trifled with."

One of the men, having heard Kamen's description, could not help but speak up as well.

"According to what you said, it was an Uchiha who eventually intervened and sent Dongyi to the hospital?"

"Yes, it was Fugaku's eldest son who happened to pass by, saw what was happening, and ordered the Uchiha to stop. He was the one who took Dongyi to the hospital."

Speaking of Uchiha Itachi, Hyuga Kamen still felt quite grateful toward him.

"I see. Fugaku has certainly raised a fine son."

Hyuga Hiashi seemed somewhat envious.

"Indeed. I hear his eldest son, Itachi, is performing exceptionally well at the academy, ranking first in his grade in every aspect. Some even say his talent rivals or perhaps even exceeds that of Uchiha Shisui."

Hyuga Kamen emphasized his praise for Uchiha Itachi, his well-intentioned efforts to vent frustration on behalf of his grandson clearly visible.

"Is that so?"

Hyuga Hiashi could not help but frown. Thinking of the dwindling talent within the Hyuga clan while the Uchiha clan produced geniuses one after another, he could not help but worry about the future of the Hyuga.

Seeing this expression on Hyuga Hiashi, Hyuga Kamen knew there was a chance; the matter was already eighty percent settled.

"Alright, I understand. Let's end the meeting here for today."

After a moment of contemplation, Hyuga Hiashi dismissed the meeting.

Not long after the meeting ended, Hyuga Hiashi paid a visit to the Hokage's office, though what exactly was said remained unknown.

All that was known was that from then on, the collection of protection money was almost never seen again, and the Uchiha who had struck the boy received the punishment he deserved.

Time flew like an arrow, and the summer vacation drew to a close.

In a small courtyard, an old man and a young boy were sparring—though, naturally, the young one was doing the practicing, while the old man served as an intelligent training dummy.

"That move is decent, but it could be sharper."

Despite his words, Hyuga Kamen was growing increasingly astonished inside.

When he first started helping Hyuga Gen practice the Gentle Fist, he hadn't thought much of it. But after less than two months, he found himself barely able to keep up.

Am I getting old?

Hyuga Kamen pondered, but unexpectedly, his lapse in concentration allowed Hyuga Gen to spot an opening and strike directly.

"Oh no."

In that instant, Hyuga Kamen instinctively flared his chakra. As a result, Hyuga Gen naturally missed, his strike hitting nothing but air.

"Old man, you're cheating! We agreed to use only techniques."

Hyuga Gen grumbled with some dissatisfaction.

"Hmph! Who are you calling an old man? Have some respect. Besides, if you encountered an enemy, would you tell them not to use chakra? This is called 'all is fair in war,' learn from it, kid."

With that, he walked away with a swagger and sat down next to Hyuga Hui to drink tea.

Forget it. Hyuga Gen didn't press the issue; he couldn't leave the man with no face, after all, he was his grandfather by convenience.

Hyuga Hui watched the grandfather and grandson with a smile, finding the scene quite amusing. Seeing Hyuga Gen walk over, she handed him a cup of freshly brewed tea.

"Thank you, Aunt Hui."

Hyuga Gen held a great deal of respect for Hyuga Hui. His grandmother had passed away early—he hadn't even met her—and Hyuga Hui had effectively filled that role.

Sometimes, Hyuga Gen envied Hyuga Kamen. To have someone so young, gentle, and beautiful serving an old man like him—it was simply a waste.

Then again, the Hyuga clan's genetics were truly potent; there was hardly an ugly person among them. Their skin was fair, the women appeared even younger and more beautiful, though the men were a different story.

Of course, it wasn't that they weren't handsome, but the Byakugan combined with their naturally rigid and serious demeanor made them look somewhat aged.

Robbing the cradle. You're nearly twenty years older than her, how could you even do it?

Hyuga Gen sourly despised Hyuga Kamen in his heart.

"Is that boy talking bad about me?"

Hyuga Kamen seemed to sense something and cast a suspicious glance at his grandson.

"No, absolutely not."

Damn, he's sharp, Hyuga Gen thought, feeling a bit guilty as he looked at Hyuga Kamen.

To change the subject, Hyuga Gen quickly asked a few questions regarding the Gentle Fist, and once Hyuga Natsu came to find him, he left with her.

"That child Dongyi has changed so much, I almost don't recognize him anymore. But it's a good change."

Hyuga Hui watched the young couple depart and said with a smile, though this was not the first time she had said it.

"Indeed!"

Hyuga Kamen echoed with a sigh.

"You have changed a bit, too."

"Me? How have I changed?"

Kamen asked, puzzled. Hyuga Hui merely looked at Hyuga Kamen with a gentle smile and did not answer.

"Change is good, too."

Hyuga Kamen seemed to think of something and muttered to himself.

Hyuga Natsu and Hyuga Gen arrived at the small river together. It had to be said that the environment here was truly excellent; the water in the stream was crystal clear, and the air was fresh.

Speaking of the five great ninja villages, Konoha undoubtedly possessed the most superior geographical location. It was situated in a hilly region with lush, dense vegetation and thriving forests.

In contrast, the other major ninja villages did not enjoy such favorable environments compared to Konoha. Sunagakure was filled with endless yellow sand, Kumogakure was surrounded by towering mountains, Kirigakure was shrouded in perpetual thick fog, and Iwagakure was defined by jagged, craggy rocks.

Because of its superior geographical environment, the Land of Fire was the wealthiest and possessed the greatest strength.

Of course, this was because the Uchiha clan had not yet been wiped out; the Land of Fire's status as the strongest was beyond doubt. After the Uchiha massacre, however, it would be hard to say.

Regarding the Uchiha clan, Hyuga Gen had nothing to say. As for whether they would be wiped out, he did not care much; the only one he cared about was Uchiha Izumi.

"Brother Dongyi, you said you were going to teach me something new today. What is it?" Hyuga Natsu asked, full of curiosity.

"Xia, do you remember that you have already awakened your Byakugan?"

"I awakened my Byakugan? No way. Mother says that one usually awakens the Byakugan around the age of twelve."

Hyuga Natsu looked puzzled.

As expected, she had not realized that the last time she had awakened it due to anger, it had only lasted for a fleeting moment. Although it was only for an instant, Hyuga Gen had seen it clearly.

Thinking of this, Hyuga Gen dismissed the idea of teaching her how to awaken the Byakugan. Using the Byakugan for the first time consumed a significant amount of chakra. Although Xia could barely manage it now, it was better to let it happen naturally; there was no need to rush.

"Uh, Auntie is right. Today, I will teach you how to use the Gentle Fist."

"Haven't we learned that before?"

Hyuga Natsu blinked her large eyes as she looked at Hyuga Gen.

"Today is different. I am going to teach you a special technique."

Hyuga Gen appeared very calm.

"Watch closely."

With that, Hyuga Gen assumed the starting stance of Taijiquan. Indeed, when it came to overcoming hardness with softness, how could one leave out Taijiquan?

And so, by the side of the small river, the young man taught with great focus, and the young girl learned with equal dedication.

"Oh, that's right, Brother Dongyi. There is something I almost forgot to mention. Zhihui and the others said they want to thank you in person and hope you have time to visit their home in the next few days," Hyuga Natsu said suddenly.

"Zhihui?"

"Yes, my classmate from before. Zhihui has been talking about it for a long time and begged me to make sure I invite you to their house. You wouldn't refuse, would you?"

As she spoke, Hyuga Natsu grabbed Hyuga Gen's arm with both hands, preparing to launch her offensive.

Seeing Hyuga Natsu like this, Hyuga Gen had no choice but to nod helplessly.