Digging into the Shinobi World, Hinata Is Kidnapped

Chen Feng's expression was extremely serious. This was a non-negotiable condition: anyone who wished to join the Dao Sect had to give up their identity as a ninja. The two could not coexist.

The reason he required such a choice was not only to test whether their heart for the Dao was firm, but more importantly, to contend for faith.

According to the system's instructions, his ultimate goal was to help the Dao Sect flourish in this world.

But this was a world ruled by ninjas. If he wanted the Dao Sect to truly rise, it would not be enough to simply establish a powerful force. He had to shatter the existing system at its roots.

In other words, Taoist methods had to replace ninjutsu and become the mainstream power of this world!

And to achieve that goal, he needed to teach more than just techniques. The most crucial thing was the spread of faith.

Not only Hinata, but anyone who wanted to join the Dao Sect in the future would have to make this choice.

Only then could it truly be considered flourishing!

Thus, this test for Hinata was not about competing with the Hyuga Clan or Konoha for people. He was digging into the foundations of the entire Shinobi World!

Seeing Hinata's deeply conflicted expression, Chen Feng said, "I'll give you one day to think it over. Give me your answer tomorrow. If you can't accept it, you may leave whenever you wish."

As he spoke, he turned to leave.

But at that moment, Hinata suddenly called out to him, "Sir!"

Chen Feng turned around and asked, "Is there something else?"

Hinata clenched her fists. A flicker of struggle passed through her eyes before they hardened with resolve. In that instant, she made up her mind.

She slowly raised her hand, removed the ninja forehead protector hanging around her neck, and placed it on the ground.

Then she lifted her head and looked at him with utter seriousness, her young face filled with determination.

Her choice was obvious.

Chen Feng smiled when he saw this and asked, "What made you come to this decision?"

Hinata responded, "I... I don't like being a ninja..."

Ever since she had become aware of the world, she had done everything she could to become an outstanding ninja. But deep down, she had never liked that kind of life.

To her, fighting solely for the sake of killing was simply too cruel. This world ought to be more harmonious, more beautiful.

She had buried those words in her heart for many years. Only now did she dare to say them aloud, and she felt much lighter afterward.

Hinata naturally understood what it meant to give up her identity as a ninja.

Her father's disappointment and the responsibilities of her clan—these were all things she did not wish to face.

Yet she still made this choice.

Because she knew clearly that this was the only chance in her life to change her fate. If she gave it up, she might never have another chance for the rest of her life.

Come to think of it, that decision really was bold...

Hearing her answer, Chen Feng nodded. "Very good. Being able to follow your own heart means you have already set foot upon the path of seeking the Dao.

"If you are willing, you may become my disciple now."

Hinata's heart leaped with joy. Without the slightest hesitation, she dropped to her knees, bowed down, and respectfully said, "This disciple, Hyuga Hinata, pays respects to Master!"

"Rise. From this day onward, you are my first disciple."

As he spoke, Chen Feng raised his hand slightly, and an invisible force helped her to her feet.

A smile bloomed on Hinata's face after successfully becoming his disciple. She was clearly overjoyed, and then she asked, "Then, Master, what are we learning today?"

She could not wait to learn about the Dao School's mysterious inheritance.

Chen Feng reached out and ruffled her hair, smiling. "Don't rush. I'll give you the day off first. Starting tomorrow, I'll formally teach you the methods of cultivation."

"That... is allowed?"

Hinata blinked. She had not expected her very first day to be a holiday. When she had been a ninja, she might not have gotten a single day of rest all year.

"If I say it's allowed, then it's allowed. Go have fun without worry. Do whatever you want to do."

Chen Feng spoke gently.

"Mm!"

Hinata nodded happily, cupped her hands in a polite salute, and then ran out the door...

In the blink of an eye, more than half the day had passed. As evening approached, the sky gradually darkened, yet Hinata still had not returned.

Xiao Meng appeared, her brows slightly furrowed. "That child is not one to indulge in play. It is already this late, and she has yet to return. Could something have happened?"

Chen Feng asked, "Could she have gone home?"

Xiao Meng said, "Given her temperament, even if she had gone home, she would have told us beforehand. She would never leave without a word."

Chen Feng nodded slightly. "That makes sense. I'll go look for her."

"I'll come too."

As she spoke, Xiao Meng followed him.

Chen Feng nodded. She rarely showed such initiative in caring about someone, so naturally he would not refuse.

The two left the courtyard and searched outside. On a patch of grass, they discovered a torn piece of cloth that appeared to have fallen from Hinata's clothes.

Clearly, something had happened to her.

Xiao Meng's expression changed, and a frigid aura spread from her.

Chen Feng said, "There are no bloodstains or signs of a struggle here. She must have torn this off herself to leave us a message. Hinata was most likely kidnapped, but her life should not be in immediate danger."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Meng's expression eased somewhat, though the chill in her eyes did not fade.

Although she had only just met Hinata, the two had gotten along surprisingly well. Now that the little girl had been kidnapped, killing intent had already arisen in Xiao Meng's heart.

Immediately afterward, a jade tablet appeared in her hand. With a slight burst of true qi, she shattered it directly.

At the same time, a streak of azure light shot forth, pointing straight north.

Xiao Meng said, "I left a mark on that little girl earlier. It has come in handy now."

Chen Feng's expression shifted as he thought, North... that is the direction of Otogakure. Could it be...

A guess arose in his mind, and he immediately said, "Hinata is safe for now. Let's catch up quickly."

As soon as he finished speaking, the two activated their movement techniques and turned into afterimages, racing north...

Before they knew it, the sky had darkened, and night slowly descended.

In a forest dozens of miles from Konoha Village, several figures were sprinting swiftly. Two of them carried wooden barrels engraved with runes.

Kidomaru said, "This operation went even more smoothly than expected. Not only did we successfully bring Sasuke back, we also picked up a Byakugan along the way."

Tayuya laughed. "And they call Konoha the number one ninja village? It seems like nothing special. We succeeded so easily, and there isn't even anyone chasing us."

The others could not help but sneer in mockery as well.

But just then, a cold voice rang out without warning. "You lot... where do you think you're taking my little disciple..."