Hinata's Stubbornness

"Finally!"

[Host]: Su Bai

[Fused Character]: Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto

[Zanpakuto]: Ryujin Jakka

[Current Fusion Rate]: 10% (72000/90000000)

[Shikai]: Reduce All Creation to Ash—Ryujin Jakka!

[Bankai]: None

[Hakuda]: Shin'ō Academy Intermediate Hakuda

[Kido]: Way of Destruction No. 4, "White Lightning" (usable without incantation); Way of Binding No. 21, "Red Smoke Escape"

[Movement Technique]: Shin'ō Academy Intermediate Flash Step

[Swordsmanship]: Shin'ō Academy Intermediate Zanjutsu

Su Bai felt a scorching energy surge within his body.

His consciousness seemed to be drawn into a world made of flames, surrounded by rolling heatwaves and dancing tongues of fire.

At the center of that sea of flames, a massive tachi floated in the air.

The blade was crimson from end to end, radiating a heart-palpitating heat.

Su Bai reached out and gripped the hilt, instantly feeling a vast power flood through his entire body.

"Ryujin Jakka..." Su Bai murmured, a flicker of awe flashing through his eyes.

This Zanpakuto was not merely a weapon. It was the embodiment of fire itself.

It could control every flame around it and could even reduce the entire world to ashes.

Su Bai knew that with a single command from him, everything within several hundred meters would be devoured by blazing flames.

With a gentle wave of his arm, he could seemingly hear the air being scorched.

No matter how powerful a Water Release ninjutsu was, it would turn to steam before Ryujin Jakka.

"Reduce all creation to ash."

Su Bai silently recited the Shikai release command and felt the power within him surge once more.

He knew that if he wished, he could unleash heat comparable to a volcanic eruption in an instant and burn every obstacle to ash.

Yet Su Bai was not blinded by this power.

Now wasn't the time to reveal all of his strength.

He took a deep breath and temporarily suppressed the surging power.

But he knew that from this moment onward—

Whether he was protecting his companions or facing powerful enemies, Ryujin Jakka would become his most dependable trump card.

Standing in a corner, Su Bai coldly swept his gaze over the other contestants in the arena, taking stock of his own strength.

Ryujin Jakka could finally use its Shikai, bringing his strength up to the level of a jonin.

With Ryujin Jakka's Shikai enhancing him, even against that jonin from Sunagakure, he was completely confident he could defeat him.

However, Su Bai did not focus too much on the upcoming exam.

A trace of concern flickered through his cold eyes as his thoughts turned to something far more important—changing his uncle Hayate Gekko's fate.

According to the original story, after the preliminary matches ended, there would be one month of preparation time, followed by the official tournament watched by daimyo and nobles from various countries.

He clearly remembered that according to the original course of events, Hayate would meet with misfortune on one night during that month and die at the hands of a Sunagakure jonin.

Su Bai's brows furrowed slightly, and determination flashed in his eyes.

No matter what, he had to prevent that tragedy.

Su Bai stood quietly in a corner, a sharp glint flashing through his deep eyes as he began making plans.

Should he find an opportunity after the preliminaries to get rid of that Sunagakure jonin?

But he soon realized that this plan had far too many flaws.

Without precise information on the timing, he could not accurately grasp the other party's movements,

and prolonged surveillance could leave him exhausted or cause him to lose the target.

Su Bai frowned slightly and continued considering countermeasures.

Asking the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, or Danzo of the ANBU for information seemed like an option.

But given his current status, rashly inquiring about such a classified mission was clearly inappropriate.

Directly warning Hayate that he would be in danger soon would not work either.

For a ninja, disobeying a superior's orders was an absolute taboo.

He calmly analyzed every option, then rejected them one by one.

Su Bai continued thinking.

Finally, a definite and feasible plan took shape in his mind.

During the month of free time between the preliminaries and the main tournament, he decided to stay by Hayate's side at all times.

That way, he could act openly while also ensuring his uncle's safety.

Su Bai could rest during the day, while at night he would devote his full attention to guarding and following him.

Having come up with a solution, Su Bai temporarily let out a sigh of relief.

He looked toward where that Sunagakure jonin stood, a chilling killing intent flashing through his eyes.

"As for you, sorry, but I have to split you alive! There's no other choice!"

The jonin's entire body shuddered as he sensed the killing intent.

He turned his head and met Su Bai's gaze.

Su Bai made no attempt to conceal it. Instead, a hint of provocation appeared on his face.

Their gazes clashed in the air, like a silent declaration of war.

While Su Bai was lost in thought, the eighth match was underway.

The two opponents were Hinata Hyuga and Neji Hyuga.

As the match went on, the atmosphere in the arena became increasingly tense.

Hinata Hyuga's body swayed on the stage. Her breathing was rapid and heavy, and wounds of all sizes covered her body.

Every movement pulled at the pain throughout her body, yet she remained standing, her eyes gleaming with unyielding resolve.

Su Bai had been immersed in his thoughts, but he suddenly came back to himself.

His gaze locked onto the stage. His brows were tightly furrowed, and rare concern showed on his face.

Su Bai knew that Hinata was no match for Neji.

They were not even on the same level.

"Hinata, stop fighting! There's no shame in losing to him!"

"Don't force yourself!"

Su Bai shouted down from the viewing platform.

Su Bai's advice echoed in Hinata's ears, but her consciousness seemed to have drifted somewhere else.

The scene before her gradually blurred, replaced by images from not long ago.

She saw Sakura, the usually gentle pink-haired girl, erupt with astonishing fighting spirit in her match against Ino.

Sakura's fists carried howling gusts as they struck at Ino again and again. Even covered in injuries herself, she never retreated.

Hinata could seemingly hear Sakura's thoughts: I want Su Bai to see how much I've grown!

She could hear Ino shouting in her heart: I absolutely can't show weakness in front of Su Bai!

Those two girls had fought until they lost consciousness just to prove their worth and keep from disappointing Su Bai.

Their resolve and courage deeply moved Hinata's heart.

Sakura and Ino are both fighting so desperately for Su Bai, Hinata silently said to herself. Her voice was soft, yet it carried a determination unlike anything before. How can I give up so easily? I... I am too...

Her gaze suddenly hardened, as if flames were burning in her pupils.

"I want to prove my worth too!"

That thought was like a bolt of lightning, instantly illuminating her entire body.

Hinata took a deep breath and assumed the Hyuga Clan's distinctive Gentle Fist stance.

Though her body trembled and her legs could barely support her, her gaze was firmer than ever.

Neji Hyuga watched Hinata, a complex look flashing through his eyes.

As a genius of the branch family, he harbored indescribable feelings toward the main family.

There was resentment, but also a bond he could not sever.

But at this moment, in battle, all those complicated feelings were suppressed.

He would not show mercy just because Hinata belonged to the main family!