The dojo.
The thuds of Gentle Fist exchanges rang out without pause. Hiashi and Hizashi frowned as they watched the figures in the dojo.
Even together, the older Hinata and Neji could not overpower Hanabi. It made the two men wonder whether Hinata and Neji had been slacking off in their daily training.
Yet they had witnessed Hinata and Neji's hard work themselves. Both children were among the best in their respective years.
The only explanation was that Hanabi was simply too strong. Her fundamentals might not have been solid enough, but her physical abilities were monstrous. She overwhelmed her older sister and cousin through sheer strength and speed.
All of this was thanks to natural energy, a power greater than chakra.
Hiashi and Hizashi had also wanted to train in natural energy, but they had been turned down because they were too old. It was not just a matter of talent; their clan duties also left them unable to devote themselves to training.
In fact, once ninja passed forty, even maintaining their strength became extremely difficult.
After driving Neji and Hinata back once again, Hanabi raised her chin and made a provocative gesture. "Big Brother Neji, Big Sister Hinata, you've gotten weaker. Has studying at the Ninja Academy been getting in the way of your training?"
Hanabi's words stung a little. Hinata and Neji exchanged a glance, panting heavily.
Although Neji had lost the right to inherit a place in the Main Family, they both understood that their everyday matches would determine the clan's future leadership. Only the strongest could become part of the Main Family and protect the entire Hyuga Clan.
They extended their fingers, set their palms, and charged toward Hanabi.
Hanabi stood her ground with her hands on her hips. Only when Hinata and Neji drew