Naruto: The New Beginning

57. Hinata's Strength

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Sakura felt as if her entire body had been struck with countless small hammers, leaving her powerless to fight back.

When Hinata finally stopped her assault, Sakura's strength gave out, and she collapsed to the ground. The chakra she usually controlled with ease now refused to respond.

What's going on? Hinata, a girl who is usually so quiet and reserved, has become so strong!

"I lost," Sakura admitted, barely managing to prop herself up as she sat on the ground, her voice filled with disappointment.

Hinata quickly trotted over, offering her hand to help Sakura up. "I'm sorry, Sakura! Are you alright?" she asked softly.

"It's alright, Hinata. You're amazing. What was that just now? I feel completely drained."

"Ah, yes," Hinata explained shyly, "It's the Gentle Fist technique of the Hyuga Clan. It disrupts the flow of chakra by targeting specific tenketsu points. I just sealed 32 of your chakra points, but I'll unlock them for you right away!"

Hinata, who had just been precise and decisive in battle, reverted to her usual timid demeanour as she began unsealing Sakura's chakra points.

Naruto, watching from the sidelines, was amazed. In terms of coolness, the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist is definitely among the best.

When Hinata was using the Gentle Fist, each move was so fluid and elegant—it looked especially graceful.

Compared to the slow-motion martial arts films that have been popular in the last few years, this was far more impressive.

The graceful young warrior look that Hinata displayed was miles above what anyone would expect.

Even Sasuke was taken aback. Is this the Gentle Fist of the Hyuga Clan? Sakura couldn't even put up a fight.

Sasuke had always thought of Hinata as just a shy girl who barely made her presence known.

Kakashi, however, wasn't particularly surprised. He had seen the Gentle Fist many times before.

Hinata's level is decent among her peers. He couldn't help but wonder how she would measure up against Neji Hyuga, whom Gai often praised.

As Hinata helped Sakura off the stage, Kiba rushed forward to praise her, with Akamaru barking excitedly at his side.

Hinata felt embarrassed by the praise and occasionally stole glances at Naruto to gauge his reaction.

Sakura noticed Hinata's shy looks and smiled knowingly, like an aunt who just figured something out.

"Alright, the third match next is Shino Aburame versus Sasuke Uchiha!"

The next battle was incredibly intense, though Naruto couldn't remember much about it afterwards.

No one seemed to remember who won.

When Naruto later asked Sasuke about it, Sasuke just grumbled, "It's none of your business. I didn't lose, alright?"

Oddly enough, no one thought to ask Shino, who was also in the battle... but why not?

After the three matches were over, Naruto slyly suggested, "How about a battle between the teachers?"

Kushina cracked her knuckles and smiled. "I wouldn't mind."

Kakashi immediately raised his hands in surrender. Why does this kid always try to get me in trouble?

"I'll pass. I have some training to do," he said, slipping away into an inconspicuous corner.

Naruto wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that the area where Kakashi was "training" looked much brighter than usual.