Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 48: Academy Days VII - Shinobi Union 3

ACADEMY DAYS VII - SHINOBI UNION 3

Hyuga household

Hanabi is sitting seiza-style in her family personal training ground, her feet tucked in under her butt, her hands placed on her knees. She remains motionless. Calm. Alert.

Despite her eyes themselves being closed, the popping veins around her eyes suggest more to her than her demeanor might have one believe.

A feather, as fast as a kunai, flies directly at her head.

She emits a light burst of chakra that knocks the feather mid-air, causing it to lose all of its momentum and slowly sway to the ground, among dozens of other feathers.

"Oh wow." Kotori watches in awe. "She just keeps knocking them down! How?"

Hiashi calmly sips his tea, sitting in the same seiza style as Hanabi. "That is the way of the Hyuga. We've perfected our control of chakra moreso than any other. With the aid of the Byakugan we've been able to study the flow of chakra to a greater degree than anyone and have used that knowledge to-" She stops, seeing that Kotori has stopped paying attention and has continued throwing feathers at Hanabi, which all get deflected. He sighs, exasperated.

Hinata chuckles and pats her father on the back. "I believe you'll find Kotori similar to Naruto in many regards."

"I'm beginning to notice." He says in a tired voice.

"So this is something only the Hyuga can do?" Kotori asks, not having stopped listening as Hiashi may have thought. "You need the Byakugan for it?"

"Technically speaking, no." Hiashi answers, slightly impressed that she's taking such a great interest. "We're able to use it more easily because we can see the flow of chakra so we can easily adjust our output. Anyone can learn the skill; they simply have to rely on their instincts. However, that has led to many permanently damaging their chakra system."

Kotori gulps. "Sooo best not to do that."

"Unsupervised, no." Hiashi corrects her. "If you can find a Hyuga willing to help you learn, then..."

Kotori smiles widely looking between him and Hinata. "So, you mean I can...?"

Hinata raises a brow. "Do you mean you're allowing Kotori to learn the Hyuga clan's secrets?"

Hiashi delays his response with another sip of tea. He's definitely doing this on purpose. "She is your daughter, is she not? It is your duty to teach her and pass down your knowledge."

He almost spills his tea when Kotori abruptly hugs him. "Thanks, grandpa!"

Hiashi does his utmost to keep a straight face. He utilizes the many years of being head of the most prestigious clan, years of service on the battlefield. However, even his once cold demeanor can't hold back the smile that creeps across his face. Him trying to fight that smile only makes his face funnier.

Hinata giggles. "Father..."

In contrast to her sister, from her spot in the yard, Hanabi begins laughing uncontrollably.

Hiashi grabs the plate his cup had been resting on and flings it at Hanabi like a shuriken. The young heiress grabs it, rather than repelling, and opens the eyes, some tears of laughter flowing down her cheeks. He stands up and wipes her eyes, composing herself.

Kotori only now lets go of her adoptive grandfather. "You won't regret it, grandpa! I'll train super hard, harder than Jiriki!" She declares.

Hiashi coughs, trying to compose himself, as well. "Since you're part of the family, you must refer to me as Grandfather when others are around."