The Assessment

Hyuga Hiashi's examiner was named Sakata. He was not particularly strong, but he was quick-witted. Otherwise, he would never have earned a promotion to Chunin through his battlefield achievements.

As the next head of the Hyuga, Hyuga Hiashi was undoubtedly coached and sparred with by the clan's strongest members every day.

Sakata knew he was no match for him. Judging by Hiashi's faintly arrogant expression and eager gaze, the boy probably intended to use this assessment to show off his skills.

As an examiner, Sakata had no desire to become a student's stepping stone and lose face before the assembled Konoha shinobi. He would rather preserve some dignity.

Hatake Sakumo walked over to them and called, "Begin."

Sakata threw two kunai in quick succession. Hiashi made no attempt to block them. He spun rapidly, chakra rising across the surface of his body.

This was Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven, a secret technique of the Hyuga Main Family. Within the clan, only Main Family members and Branch Family members who had rendered great service were taught it.

For Hiashi to have learned Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven at his age, he was undoubtedly a Hyuga prodigy.

Sakata threw two more kunai, and both bounced off the spinning chakra. The instant the technique ended, he rushed forward. After a brief exchange, the two separated.

Sakata's attack had given Hiashi the chance to show off his talent for Gentle Fist, just as he wanted, while letting Sakata save face before the watching shinobi.

Fugaku, who had seen it all, gave a faint chuckle. Hiashi still carried the pride and arrogance of a child from a great clan.

But Fugaku saw nothing particularly difficult about learning Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven through clan instruction at eleven. Later, Hizashi's son Neji would grasp it on