Clan Tournament (I)

After several days of trying, Hyuga Iwa had formed a preliminary training plan for chakra.

As for developing the Byakugan, Hyuga Iwa had temporarily given up on it. Although he knew the Byakugan's potential was immense, the requirements for developing it were simply too demanding.

The Hyuga Clan had specialized taijutsu training methods, but after trying them, Hyuga Iwa felt that if he trained according to the clan's methods, his future achievements would definitely be limited.

Still, they could serve as a way to build a foundation at this stage.

After practicing the Hyuga Fist several times, Hyuga Iwa let out a breath.

Because Hyuga Iwa possessed an adult's way of thinking, he summarized the results of each day's training.

Unfortunately, reality dealt Hyuga Iwa a mild blow.

It was not that the past few days of training had been ineffective, but the results were far from impressive.

Still, Hyuga Iwa knew that towering buildings rose from level ground. Without a solid foundation, he could forget about greater achievements.

These past few days of training had also made Hyuga Iwa realize something: the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist was very similar to the Tai Chi of his previous life, or at least to the Tai Chi as he understood it.

However, in his previous life, he had only been an ordinary office worker grinding away from nine to nine, six days a week. His understanding of Tai Chi came from the internet, novels, and even film and television. How could he possibly have any real experience? Moreover, perhaps because he had an adult's mindset, Hyuga Iwa always felt awkward when learning the Gentle Fist.

Hyuga Iwa thought for a long time but could not figure out what to do. Still, he knew that persistence was essential in all things. He would take it slowly; he had plenty of time.

Hyuga Iwa quietly comforted himself.

As for chakra training, Hyuga Iwa had gained some rather good insights.

After several days of Meditation, Hyuga Iwa's chakra control had improved considerably. It was not yet at the point where he could control it as he pleased, but he could at least somewhat guide the flow of chakra.

The sensation was wonderful, as though a warm current was slowly flowing through his body, making him feel comfortable. Hyuga Iwa also discovered that chakra seemed capable of amplifying his senses. Through chakra, he could vaguely sense people within a certain range, as if indistinct human silhouettes were moving within his perception, their movements stirring ripples.

It felt like someone was stirring a still pool with their hand, sending ripples through an invisible space with every movement.

So this was chakra perception! Was this what those sensory ninjas felt as well?!

Hyuga Iwa suddenly realized that focusing on perception at this stage might be a good choice.

Hmm, for the future, there was one more thing he needed to start learning now—Medical Ninjutsu.

According to what Hyuga Iwa had learned, mastering Medical Ninjutsu required mastery of Yang Release Chakra.

Unlike the other five chakra natures, Yang Release Chakra was a form of chakra represented by one's own physical energy. Typical examples included the Akimichi Clan's Expansion Jutsu and the Mystical Palm Technique of Medical Ninjutsu.

Opposite Yang Release Chakra was Yin Release Chakra, which represented spiritual energy. One represented the body, while the other represented the spirit. According to the information the Sage of Six Paths had left on the Uchiha Clan's stone tablet, when ultimate Yin Release and ultimate Yang Release were combined, one could master Yin–Yang Release!

Pulling his thoughts back, Hyuga Iwa took out paper and pen and recorded what he had just considered.

Come to think of it, there was simply too much to learn. Hyuga Iwa had recently found himself unconsciously letting his thoughts wander. All sorts of plans, schemes, and learning directions flashed through his mind; some were accepted, while others were discarded.

However, whenever he had a good idea, whether it was useful for the moment or not, Hyuga Iwa recorded it first. On one hand, it would give him something to refer to later, in case he forgot. On the other, he hoped the notes would make it easier for him to summarize and refine his ideas.

As for Medical Ninjutsu, Leaf Village had an ideal target: Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin.

Hyuga Iwa thought about it, wondering whether he might have a chance to become Tsunade's disciple in the future. Perhaps he could ask Hyuga Hiashi to put in a good word for him?

Why would he? Hyuga Hiashi did not have any special relationship with him, and he was the clan head besides. That was unrealistic.

Then his only choice was to work hard on his own first and use his strength to make Tsunade accept him as a disciple!

Right, now that he thought about it, there was another possibility: Orochimaru, also one of the Legendary Sannin. But that man was far too dangerous. Given his obsession with Kekkei Genkai, would approaching him not be like delivering himself to the doorstep as a fat sheep?

Still, once he had a certain degree of strength, he could try working with him. After all, Uncle Snake's research abilities were pretty good.

At that thought, Hyuga Iwa felt that if Uncle Snake could conduct research according to his requirements, Uncle Snake might actually be the better option. Unfortunately, the man was a bona fide Shadow Level powerhouse and Leaf Village's commander. They were neither family nor friends, so why would he follow Hyuga Iwa's demands?

But it did not matter. Having no opportunity now did not mean there would be none in the future. Hyuga Iwa was not prejudiced in his dealings with people. As long as it benefited him, anyone could be a partner—of course, provided his own safety was guaranteed.

Back to the point, Hyuga Iwa realized that he could simply go to Leaf Hospital to learn medical techniques. Right, after entering the Ninja Academy in the future, there should be Medical Ninjutsu classes as well. Would it not be fine to learn it then?

Time rushed by without the slightest pause.

The Hyuga Clan's monthly minor clan assembly was held as scheduled.

It was called a "minor" clan assembly because only ninjas and prospective ninjas could attend, unlike major clan assemblies, which required every clan member to be present.

In truth, the Hyuga Clan generally only held minor clan assemblies. A major clan assembly involving everyone might not be held even once in several years. After all, many important matters were discussed at clan assemblies, and there was no need for ordinary civilians who were not ninjas to participate.

Hyuga Iwa sat with several children his age, cross-legged behind the adults. As usual, the ancestral hall was solemn and oppressive.

The Hyuga Branch Family and the Hyuga Main Family remained clearly divided as they sat on opposite sides. Among the Hyuga Branch Family, Hyuga Iwa occasionally heard clan members voicing their dissatisfaction with the Hyuga Main Family.

However, Hizashi Hyuga had now become the leader of the Hyuga Branch Family. Since Hizashi Hyuga was the clan head's younger brother, the conflict between the branch and main families had eased considerably for the time being.

No important matters were discussed at this clan assembly. However, at the end, Hyuga Hiashi announced that a clan tournament would be held the next day, causing quite a stir within the clan.

What made Hyuga Iwa somewhat excited was that this clan tournament would include even children like him, who had only recently learned chakra!

I can openly steal their techniques now! Hyuga Iwa thought smugly.

Soon, the next day arrived as scheduled.

A crowd of pale-eyed people had gathered early at the clan training grounds. The Hyuga Main Family and Hyuga Branch Family still stood distinctly apart on the two sides of the grounds, leaving an open space in the middle that could serve as an arena.

Hyuga Iwa looked around. Five of the eight elders of the Hyuga Main Family had come, as had all the important figures of the Hyuga Branch Family.

After counting them, Hyuga Iwa found more than a dozen Jonin between the main and branch families, along with thirty or forty Chunin and another thirty or forty Genin.

Hyuga Iwa guessed that there were probably others absent due to missions, since he noticed that one ninja he had seen before was not present.

Hyuga Hiashi walked between the two groups, accompanied by his younger brother, Hizashi Hyuga.

The clan members present watched Hyuga Hiashi in the center with excited expressions, waiting for him to announce the start of the clan tournament.

The Hyuga Main Family was excited because they could once again teach the Hyuga Branch Family a lesson openly. The branch family members were excited because they seemed to have prepared some kind of "trump card" for the main family and were ready to vent their frustrations during this tournament.

When Hyuga Iwa heard this, he thought happily, Fight. The harder you fight, the better.