The next day, at the Hyuga Clan's secret training ground.
Son Goten yawned, still biting into the rice ball Ayame had insisted on stuffing into his hands before he left.
Not far behind him, three women each occupied a corner of the training ground, keeping their distance.
Three silent volcanoes, their oppressive presence leaving the surrounding Hyuga Clan Members afraid to breathe too loudly.
"Unauthorized personnel aren't allowed inside..."
A branch-family guard steeled himself and approached.
Ino struck first, pulling out a document and waving it before his eyes.
"I'm the Hyuga Clan's flower supplier. I'm here to inspect the courtyard plants. Is there a problem?"
The guard was speechless.
Sakura came over too, displaying her medical ninja credentials.
"I'm a medical ninja. I'm arranging medical coverage in advance in case the trials cause any unexpected casualties. Any objections?"
The guard began to sweat.
Temari said nothing. She merely opened her eyes and touched the Iron Fan on her back.
The guard shuddered and silently stepped aside.
On the raised platform, Hyuga Hiashi watched the three uninvited women, a vein twitching at his temple.
Just then, a figure emerged from the corridor on the other side.
Hinata had changed into a Gentle Fist training outfit.
Her tight, white short-sleeved top fully revealed the astonishing curves of her upper body.
Her cropped pants clung to her pert backside and long legs.
Goten stopped chewing his rice ball.
He looked her up and down, studying her carefully for two seconds.
A loud whistle shattered the training ground's silence.
Hinata's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and her body went weak. In the corner, Ino muttered a curse.
"Damned pervert."
Sakura remained expressionless as a stone beside her foot silently crumbled to powder.
"Let the trials begin!"
Hyuga Hiashi made the announcement with a grim