Toru Kujyo chuckled and finally put away his fishing rod, then picked up the grilled fish beside him and handed it to Hanabi. The fish was crisp on the outside and tender within, its aroma mouthwatering.
"Easy, little girl." Toru Kujyo watched Hanabi take the grilled fish and dig in with relish before saying leisurely, "He had to crawl out of hell. You, on the other hand, won't have to go through that kind of suffering to surpass Hinata at age ten in every respect. Provided you do as you're told, of course."
Hanabi stopped chewing, her eyes widening further. Surpass my sister at age ten in every respect? Doesn't that mean I'll be stronger than Hinata is now? She's already so amazing!
"Really?!" Hanabi nearly swallowed a fish bone in her excitement, her voice cracking. "Even stronger than Hinata?"
"Of course." Toru Kujyo nodded, his tone certain. "Your sister's constitution and talent are what they are. Her ceiling is already set. But you're different. You still have plenty of room to grow."
A brilliant smile immediately spread across Hanabi's face, as though she had been filled with boundless motivation. She tilted her head, then suddenly leaned closer to Toru Kujyo and asked quietly, "Then... does 'in every respect' also include... that?" She gestured at her still-undeveloped chest, then stole a glance at Hinata, who was preparing the tableware nearby.
Toru Kujyo froze, nearly dropping the fishing rod in his hand. He cleared his throat, a rare hint of embarrassment crossing his face. Is there anything this little girl won't ask?
"Ahem, well... Hanabi, the weather's lovely today. Perfect for watching an intense fight." Toru Kujyo swiftly changed the subject, turning toward the river and calling to Hinata and Sasuke nearby, "Hinata, Sasuke, are you ready? Special training starts now!"