The formidable Shikotsumyaku

When Hyuga Masato refused to give his name, Nobunaga Kaguya burst out laughing. Then his expression turned cold. "This is why I hate people like you. No wonder you associate with those Taketori cowards."

Before he had finished speaking, Nobunaga Kaguya charged forward, thrusting his bone blade at Hyuga Masato again and again. Despite his powerful build, his swordplay was remarkably light and fluid, each movement flowing into the next like a dance.

Hyuga Masato's expression grew grave. He might disdain the Kaguya clan's barbarism, but he would never underestimate Shikotsumyaku. Even his father had to take this kekkei genkai seriously. Its reputation as the bane of taijutsu practitioners was no mere rumor in the shinobi world.

Hyuga Masato dodged every thrust Nobunaga Kaguya made. As the distance between them closed, he swiftly struck his palm toward Nobunaga Kaguya's body. Nobunaga Kaguya had no time to stop him, yet just before the blow landed, Hyuga Masato abruptly withdrew his hand. Nobunaga Kaguya seized the opening and forced him back instead.

Nobunaga Kaguya looked curious. "Why did you suddenly give up your attack?"

Hyuga Masato said nothing. He took the initiative instead, directing his Gentle Fist strikes at Nobunaga Kaguya's acupoints. Seeing this, Nobunaga Kaguya abandoned his questions and met Hyuga Masato's attack.

The Hyuga Clan's fighting style was called Gentle Fist because it excelled in softness. Their chakra could penetrate an opponent's body, and with the Byakugan, they could directly damage the opponent's chakra meridians, indirectly injuring the internal organs. As a result, Gentle Fist movements were more complex than the straightforward movements of Strong Fist.

For taijutsu practitioners, training in Strong Fist was seven parts strength and three parts technique, while Gentle Fist was seven parts technique and three parts strength.

Hyuga Masato either evaded Nobunaga Kaguya's thrusts or